I Tested This At-Home Micro-Needling System—Now, My Go-To Concealers Are Gathering Dust.

      I have dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and a mild case of rosacea, which means my skin is not exactly flawless. While I occasionally treat myself to in-office procedures (like infrequent facials and a bit of Botox between my brows), I favor at-home solutions because they tend to be more affordable and accessible. Therefore, I've put together a straightforward yet effective skincare routine that includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. I've also purchased an LED light mask, and more recently, I've tried an at-home micro-needling system.

      This micro-needling system is not just any device. It's a hygienic, safe, and expert-recommended option that claims to provide noticeable improvements in the skin with each treatment. I discovered it during an interview with Iván Pol, one of Hollywood's sought-after facialists known for his work on The Beauty Sandwich, while on The Who What Wear Podcast. He treats celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Emma Stone, and Sabrina Carpenter, and mentioned using it to achieve a "dewy, delicious, glowing complexion" for his clients, particularly before significant events like the Met Gala. "I use it on all my famous faces," he stated.

      It’s important to note that I value Pol’s advice highly, so I eagerly awaited the chance to obtain the specific at-home micro-needling system he recommended. Here’s a little spoiler: I did manage to get it, and even though I’ve only completed one treatment so far, I’m genuinely impressed with the outcome. My skin appears plump and smooth, and most impressively, my dark circles have vanished. Seriously, I no longer require concealer. Further ahead, you can find more information about this at-home micro-needling system along with my initial before-and-after results.

      Here’s what my skin looked like (without makeup or editing) after using the Qure Micro-Infusion System.

      First, what exactly is micro-needling? Luke Maxfield, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that micro-needling involves using tiny needles to penetrate the skin. "The intentional mechanical trauma can be helpful by directly initiating healing and repair processes in our skin and by enhancing absorption and the effect of other topical ingredients," he states.

      Micro-needling offers numerous benefits for the skin. Primarily, it stimulates collagen production, giving the skin a firmer, plumper, and more youthful look. It also minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can improve sun damage, enlarged pores, and acne scarring.

      In-Office vs. At-Home Micro-Needling

      Most micro-needling procedures are typically conducted in-office under the supervision of a dermatologist or esthetician. "In-office micro-needling uses a Dermapen or an electronic mechanical device that rapidly creates hundreds to thousands of holes in the skin," Maxfield notes. "This device employs sterile single-use tips with various depth settings, which can be adjusted to suit each specific location and patient needs. Micro-needling can also be combined with other technologies, like radio frequency, for enhanced benefits."

      At-home micro-needling has gained a negative reputation, largely because of derma-rollers—popular tools that feature a rolling head covered in micro-needles. Maxfield indicates they can potentially cause more harm than good. "While this device can create holes, it also drags across the skin," he explains. "It can tear the skin's surface during use, leading to unnecessary trauma, hyperpigmentation, or even scarring. Furthermore, as this device lacks single-use tips, the burden of sterility and infection risks falls on the user. The needle lengths on derma-rollers vary greatly, and any accompanying products may not be formulated effectively to penetrate deeply into the skin through the channels created by needling. All of this raises safety concerns."

      Maxfield mentions that at-home Dermapens are quite different: "These are very similar or nearly identical to what you would find in a medical setting. However, they may have different needle sizes, and the intensity of treatments is often not safe for non-professionals to handle."

      The Qure Micro-Infusion System

      The Qure Micro-Infusion System utilizes "micro-stamping," which is a safer, hygienic, and expert-endorsed alternative. This method involves gently stamping needles into the skin—rather than rolling them—minimizing the risk of skin tearing and trauma. "Micro-stamping, or systems like the Qure Micro-Infusion, provides a balance of effectiveness and safety," Maxfield asserts. "This system features 24-karat gold-plated, sterile, single-use needle tips, which greatly reduce the risk of infection. The needles are specifically designed to maintain efficacy while being safe for all skin types, including sensitive areas like around the eyes and mouth. Additionally, Qure offers serums meant to complement the device