By Entela Çeliku, PhD Chemist & Natural Product Expert
I often say that I treat my skin the way I would treat a precious silk scarf delicate yet resilient, protective yet vulnerable. And if I wouldn’t poke holes in that silk to make it “tighter,” why would I ever do that to my skin?
That question has stayed with me as I’ve watched the rise and growing concerns around RF microneedling risks, one of the most talked-about beauty procedures worldwide. On social media and in clinics, it’s praised as the ultimate rejuvenation treatment, the secret behind smooth, glowing, ageless faces. But beneath the marketing, there’s a growing body of scientific evidence warning that RF microneedling may not be as harmless as it seems.
Understanding RF Microneedling
RF microneedling combines two interventions. The first, microneedling, uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-punctures that stimulate collagen production and healing. The second, radiofrequency energy, sends heat through those same needles into deeper layers of the skin to contract and “tighten” tissue. The problem is that this process affects more than the surface. Depending on the settings used, the heat can reach layers where nerves and fat cells reside. When that energy is not precisely calibrated, the treatment can move from regenerative to destructive.
In October 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Communication after multiple reports of serious injuries from RF microneedling devices. The complications included burns, scarring, fat loss that caused hollowing and sagging, nerve damage, and in some cases the need for surgical repair. These are not minor reactions, they are life-altering outcomes.
Although the warning came from the United States, it is equally relevant in Europe. Here, RF microneedling devices fall under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) and require CE certification (Conformité Européenne) to be legally sold. But a CE mark confirms only that the device meets minimum safety standards; it does not guarantee that every model performs safely in real-world use.
Why the Risks Are Real
Microneedling by itself can be safe when performed by trained professionals using sterile equipment. It works by initiating a controlled wound-healing response that strengthens collagen and elastin. But when radiofrequency heat is added, the risk changes dramatically. Too much heat can denature proteins, melt subcutaneous fat, and damage nerve endings.
Scientific reviews highlight this delicate balance. A 2021 analysis in the Dermatologic Surgery reported that while RF microneedling can improve mild scarring and laxity under expert supervision, complications increase sharply when parameters such as depth and temperature are poorly controlled. It also warns that patients with darker skin types face a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and prolonged inflammation. The conclusion was clear: outcomes depend far more on the operator’s knowledge than on the technology itself.
The Temptation of Trends
The emotional pull of rejuvenation is powerful. When a new device promises a youthful glow, it’s easy to believe the hype. But the beauty industry often moves faster than science. I’ve seen it happen: a machine launches, is labeled revolutionary, clinics rush to buy it, and soon after, patients begin reporting complications.
The problem is not just technology, it’s the culture of immediacy. We want fast, dramatic change, forgetting that skin is not a surface to be reshaped but a living organ that protects us. Once its structure is harmed, repair is slow and rarely complete.
Why At-Home Dermarollers Are Not the Answer
In recent years, many people have turned to at-home dermarollers, small handheld microneedling tools, hoping for professional results without clinic costs. As a chemist, my answer is simple: absolutely not.
Most home rollers are unregulated and made with low-quality metals that can harbor bacteria or create irregular tears instead of precise punctures. Without medical-grade sterilization, they can introduce infection deep into the skin. Even at short needle lengths, repeated use can lead to chronic irritation, scarring, and barrier damage. When followed by active ingredients like acids or vitamin C, they may cause inflammation or allergic reactions.
The European Society for Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD) and other professional organizations have repeatedly warned against home microneedling. These are medical procedures, not beauty routines. They should only be performed in controlled, sterile environments by trained clinicians.
Choosing Safety and Science
If you are considering any collagen-stimulating treatment, approach it as you would a medical decision. Only licensed dermatologists or cosmetic physicians should perform RF microneedling. Ask exactly which device will be used, whether it is CE-certified under the current MDR, and what clinical data support its use. Legitimate clinics will answer clearly and show proof of training.
Just as important is what not to use. After any procedure and especially while your skin barrier is healing cosmetics should be alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and devoid of essential oils. These substances can sting, dehydrate, and disrupt recovery. The skin in this phase needs calm and protection, not stimulation.
Before applying any new product, take a moment to scan it with the Kungul App. The scan gives you a full overview of the ingredient list and its safety score, helping you confirm that what you’re using truly supports healing rather than hindering it.
Once the barrier is fully restored, usually after 24–48 hours, daily use of a mineral sunscreen SPF 30+ formulated with zinc oxide, remains the most scientifically validated form of anti-aging. Combined with mindful, non-toxic skincare choices, this routine strengthens your skin’s natural intelligence and keeps it radiant for years to come.
A Final Reflection
Our skin is a record of our lives, every smile, every season, every lesson. It doesn’t need to be erased; it needs to be cared for. Just as with dermal fillers, true rejuvenation doesn’t come from piercing or pressure, but from restoring harmony and respect within the skin.
So before letting anyone use heat and needles on your face, ask yourself:
Would I ever make holes in something as precious as silk?
Let your choices honor that same softness. Because real beauty and real science begin with respect.
At Kungul, this belief is our compass. We built it to help you see beyond trends and choose what truly supports your well-being. And through KungulApproved, we bring you gentle, transparent, and safe formulas that care for your skin, and for the world it touches.
In the end, caring for your skin consciously is not vanity. It’s self-respect and the beginning of a healthier, more honest kind of beauty.
