Take your at-home microneedling to the next level

Why not infuse your skin with extra exfoliating and barrier-strengthening ingredients as you poke microscopic holes in it?

I am all for at-home microneedling, derma-rolling or whatever you prefer to call it. Every time I (remember to) do it, I’m pleasantly pleased with the instant skin-plumping and fresh-faced flush. I always follow or combine my “rolling” with some sort of highly-active product, whether a retinol, exfoliating or other multitasking rejuvenating serum—but this tool saves you the extra step so you can get even more out of your DIY treatment.

There’s nothing wrong with a manual microneedling “rolling” tool, but we can all agree that a power-driven device that lets you choose from four levels of intensity is even better. FaceGym’s FaceShot provides this extra “oomph” while infusing your skin with a serum that features exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid and barrier-reinforcing vitamin F at the same time. This means you get the immediate post-microneedling glow, the longer-term collagen boost associated with delivering micro-injuries to your skin and the benefits of deeper exfoliation. If you’re willing to invest $250 and actually use it, you can expect to see improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and uneven skin tone, and just overall smoother skin with lit-from-within radiance.

This kit includes the device, a USB charger, three microneedling heads (because they don’t last forever) and three glycolic acid ampoules that pop directly into the tool to deliver extra exfoliation-inducing and barrier-strengthening ingredients with every treatment. FaceGym recommends using it every two days as a “bootcamp” followed by once-a-week treatments for maintenance once your skin gets to where you want it to be.

Just keep in mind that this isn’t exactly a lightweight treatment—and that FaceGym suggests waiting at least 30 minutes before applying makeup and skipping any strenuous activity for 24 hours after each use. It goes without saying that a high level of broad-spectrum sun protection is imperative while using this tool, so be sure to screen up, even if you’re just doing your daily drop-off, pick-up, errand thing.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t note that this tool may not be the best option if you have sensitive skin or are struggling with a skin condition such as active acne, eczema or psoriasis. And it’s with noting that the “needles” are made of stainless steel, but if you know you’re allergic to nickel, the Hyaluronic Roller may be a safer choice.

Even though my body hasn’t stepped foot into a gym or any organized exercise class in more than two years thanks to Covid, I’m totally on-board with getting my skin back into a fitness routine.

P.S. SkinGym helped get Kirsten Dunst and Venus Williams red carpet-ready for last night’s Critics’ Choice Awards!