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At Skin Rocks we were alarmed to witness the Isamaya ffrench DIY microneedling reel released yesterday on her Instagram platform. With a following of almost half a million beauty-loving fans, we wanted to respond swiftly to what we believe is an irresponsible and potentially dangerous video.
So, what did it show, and why do we feel the need to respond?
Isamaya’s reel showed the famous make-up artist and brand founder using a SkinPen microneedling tool on her face – her complexion inflamed, sensitised and heavily spattered with blood. Accompanied by a one-line throwaway comment of "casual" the content was not only glibly lacking in education or context, but also attracted over 3,000 likes. We want to address the dangers inherent to this type of invasive DIY treatment, the conditions and expertise required to undertake them, and the safety concerns this raises.
Please do NOT do this at home
There is much debate about whether microneedling can be performed at home, and an increasing number of D2C brands catering to those wanting to experience its transformative effects on the skin. However, invasive skincare treatments that resurface the skin with specialist tools – and intentionally damage the skin barrier – are procedures that should be conducted by specialist aestheticians. Under no circumstances should this procedure cause the amount of bleeding this video suggests, and to conduct this at home under conditions that are neither sterile nor controlled invites infection and permanent skin damage. It is primarily a clinical procedure for trained experts who would skilfully look for a steady erythema to indicate a wound-healing response, and small areas of pinpoint bleeding. Not, we repeat, a face covered with blood and visibly raw.
Caroline Says
We strongly advise seeking professional in-clinic treatment or performing microneedling at home only under the guidance of experienced facialists or dermatologists. In the words of our Founder, Caroline Hirons:
"I cannot stress enough that this video is not an accurate or acceptable representation of microneedling. It is abhorrent to see influential people in the beauty industry spread content of such a disturbing nature”.
Caroline Hirons, Skin Rocks Founder and CEO
Know the Risks
Home microneedling carries very real risks and potential complications include infection, prolonged redness, bruising, scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (particularly in darker skin tones), and worsening or spreading of existing skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or cold sores. Risks increase with deeper needle lengths, repeated treatments over the same area, or the use of unsuitable skincare products immediately afterwards.
Professional clinics reduce these risks through:
- Patient assessment to identify contraindications and determine suitability.
- Robust infection control, including sterile single-use needle cartridges and clinical hygiene protocols.
- Appropriate needle selection and technique, with depth tailored to the treatment area and skin type.
- Evidence-based aftercare to support healing and reduce complications.
- Recognition and management of adverse events, should they occur.
As a result, professional microneedling can safely achieve more intensive treatments and safer, more consistent results. However, as microneedling is currently undergoing major regulatory changes in the UK, there is currently no overarching statutory law that governs it — with many local authorities setting their own licensing standards by region. As such, please conduct thorough research on your desired practitioner before starting treatment to ensure the best qualifications and fit.
Words by Nicky Connors – Team Skin Rocks
Qualifications – BA (Hons) English | Beauty Industry Professional, 25 Years | Beauty Writer | Copy Editor | HND Specialist Makeup
