Is Micro-Infusion the New Microneedling for Wrinkles?

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets, micro-infusion refers to the use of microneedles that create temporary micro-channels in the skin, bypassing the skin’s outermost layer to deliver liquids or active ingredients more effectively. “Technically, true micro-infusion uses hollow microneedles that infuse fluid, while many consumer devices use solid needles and rely on passive absorption through the channels created in the skin,” she explains.

Dr. Kobets adds that both micro-infusion and microneedling can stimulate collagen through controlled micro-injury to the superficial dermis, while also enhancing the penetration of topical ingredients. (spicules skin care follows a similar approach.) “Micro-infusion and microneedling, even on their own, can stimulate collagen through controlled micro-injury to the superficial dermis, and additionally can enhance penetration of topical ingredients, which theoretically can improve skin texture, hydration, fine lines, and tone, with less downtime and risk than more potentially aggressive resurfacing treatments.”

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth expands on how that delivery mechanism works in practice: Instead of relying on the skin to absorb products after the fact, micro-infusion deposits ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, or brighteners into the superficial dermis at the same time the micro-injuries are created. “From a dermatologist’s perspective, this dual action stimulates the skin’s natural repair process and improves the bioavailability of the ingredients being used.”

Taken together, the benefits of micro-infusion center on glow, texture, and early antiaging. “Patients can see smoother skin, improved hydration, more even tone, and a subtle plumping effect because collagen signaling is triggered while hydrating and brightening ingredients are delivered more efficiently,” says Dr. Ruth. With consistent use over time, micro-infusion is said to help soften fine lines, improve dullness, and support overall skin quality. She emphasizes that it’s not meant to replace in-office procedures, but rather serves as a meaningful step up from topical skin care alone.

As with most things in beauty, the answer is nuanced. According to Dr. Ruth, when done correctly, micro-infusion is generally safe, but the difference between at-home and in-office treatments matters. “In-office micro-infusion is performed with medical-grade devices, deeper needle penetration, and often customized serums or biologics under strict sterility, which allows for more dramatic results and treatment of more advanced concerns,” she explains.

At-home micro-infusion, by contrast, uses shorter needles and pre-formulated serums designed for safety rather than intensity. Because treatments are limited to the most superficial layers of the skin, the risk profile is significantly lower. Dr. Kobets adds that risk increases when non-sterile techniques or inappropriate products are introduced into the skin. She notes that at-home devices typically use needles around 0.5 mm and cosmetic-grade ingredients, making them best suited for ongoing maintenance. In-office systems penetrate deeper and can safely deliver treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or neuromodulators under medical supervision.

So, does it work? Yes, within reason. At-home micro-infusion can improve hydration, radiance, and skin texture, but expectations should be tempered. “It’s about consistency and skin maintenance, not dramatic transformation,” says Dr. Ruth. Think of it as a complementary treatment rather than a replacement for professional procedures.

The Qure Micro-Infusion Facial System is an at-home stamping device that uses solid microneedles of approximately 0.5 mm in length to create uniform micro-channels and deliver serums into the superficial dermis, explains Dr. Kobets. Compared to derma rollers, which many consumers may already be familiar with, stamping creates 90-degree channels with less shear injury, improving both safety and consistency.

Dr. Ruth adds that as the device is pressed onto the skin, micro-channels are created while the serum is simultaneously infused into the upper layers. From a dermatologic standpoint, she notes, this is a smart design because it minimizes user error, limits needle depth, and reduces contamination risk. “When used as directed on healthy skin, it is considered safe for most skin types and well suited for people looking to boost glow, hydration, and early signs of aging at home.”

The system’s formulations include humectants, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, peptides, and growth-factor-based ingredients, which may be beneficial when delivered superficially. However, Dr. Kobets cautions that sensitive or eczema- and rosacea-prone skin types should be aware that the formulas also contain botanicals such as resurrection plant extract and rose flower water, which carry a generally low but non-zero allergenic potential. “Stamping devices like Qure are safer and more controlled than derma rollers, which create angled, uneven channels and can increase irritation, tearing, and pigmentation.”

As the old advertising adage goes, a message needs to be seen at least three times before it truly registers. In the case of micro-infusion, it crossed my desk, showed up on my TikTok FYP, and finally landed in an email from my editor asking whether I’d be open to trying it. My initial reaction was an immediate no, but after speaking with dermatologists about why the technology is actually quite safe, I decided to take a stab at it (are puns corny now? Have they always been corny? I am who I am).

Originally, I had micro-infusion confused with derma rollers, which I wanted to stay far away from after trying an at-home version once that was less than satisfactory. Unlike derma rollers, which can become unhygienic and dull over time, Qure uses a fresh head with each treatment. Each head contains multiple 24k-gold-plated, EO-sterilized needles, which I paired with the wrinkle serum, since I’m trying to stave off Botox for as long as possible.

The first step, as with most things, is to patch test. I don’t always do this with skin care, but I went into this a little nervous and wanted to make sure I wouldn’t react. I also followed the brand’s recommendation to use the tool at night. From there, I applied it to clean skin, double cleansing beforehand with an oil cleanser, followed by a traditional cleanser.

My biggest concern going in was pain. I’d only done microneedling once before, in-office in Seoul, where my face was fully numbed, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn’t really hurt at all. You start at the center of the face and work outward, covering the entire face. The first pass is barely perceptible, and while there’s a bit of sensitivity during the second pass, it’s nothing I’d describe as ouch.

There’s enough serum for up to three passes, but I like to focus on the areas I’m most concerned with, like crow’s feet, smile lines, and my forehead. I then press whatever serum remains into my skin, being careful not to waste a single pricey drop. My skin looked slightly red afterward, which is to be expected, but it fades within a few hours. Since I do it before bed, I don’t really mind. The entire process takes about five minutes, which I appreciate, especially compared to other at-home devices that feel like a full-time job with no overtime pay.

The brand recommends using the tool every two weeks, so results are gradual, but I actually prefer that pace. Slow and steady wins the race, and I like not having another nightly step to keep up with. In between treatments, my skin looks hydrated, dewy, and like I exclusively consume whole foods and get eight hours of rest.

After a few uses, those subtler benefits start to add up. My skin looks more even-toned and balanced overall, which matters to me deeply, as winter has completely drained my life force and left me looking like a dry ghoul. That said, it’s important to be realistic. Unlike in-office microneedling or customized injectables like PRP, at-home micro-infusion isn’t meant to be a replacement. It’s a maintenance tool, not a miracle, and when you approach it that way, it does exactly what it promises.

• Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, NY.
• Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.