Use of Viral Microneedling Serum, This is What the Doctor Says

Illustration of microneedling serum. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Every time there are often viral facial treatment methods on social media. Like the latest viral use of microneedling serum, one of the skin treatments commonly done at beauty clinics.

Microneedling treatments are generally done to smooth the texture of the skin, disguise pores, and help skin care products absorb better.

The way microneedling works is by creating small wounds on the skin using mini needles, to stimulate the natural healing process. During the healing process, the production of collagen and elastin will increase.

Now, microneedling serums are popular on social media, especially TikTok. This product is claimed to have effects and results equivalent to microneedling procedures performed at beauty clinics.

"Spikula (the material for making microneedle serum) feels like it's stabbing the skin on your face because it helps the active ingredients in the serum absorb deeper and work more effectively," said chemist Ginger King, quoted from Allure, on Monday, March 16, 2026.

However, dermatologist Melanie Palm says that microneedling serum is actually more similar to exfoliating products like scrubs, it just doesn't need to be rinsed off.

"Spikula will last quite a while on the skin before it dissolves, so it needs to be applied regularly," said Palm.

Palm admitted that he was not sure that the results of the microneedling serum could be the same as the microneedling treatment performed at the clinic.

"The length of the spikes on the microneedling serum is not enough for ideal penetration into the skin," added Palm.

Another dermatologist, Margarita Lolis, added that the use of microneedling serum actually has the potential to cause more side effects. The way it works by peeling the epidermis without expert supervision can damage the skin's protective layer.

"Excessive use can even trigger eczema, rosacea, to severe acne," said Margarita.

Therefore, it is recommended not to use microneedling serums whose effectiveness is not certain. Experts recommend having microneedling treatments at beauty clinics so that the procedure is safe and handled by experts.