Are at home-microneedling devices like GlowPRO worth the splurge?
When it first lunched on the Home Shopping Network in 2016, GlowPRO sold out in less than 13 minutes! Makes you wonder what you’re missing out on, doesn’t it?
Nothing special if you ask me. Just because you can microneedle at home, doesn’t mean you should do it. Here’s why:
P.S. Before we get started, everything in this article applies to ALL at home micro-needling devices. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking yours is different because it has one more shiny button.
What Is GlowPRO?
GloPRO MicroStimulation Facial Tool is a patented microneedling device you can use at home.
The device features a LED light and 540 stainless steel needles to create tiny holes in the surface of your skin.
The idea behind it is simple: when you injure skin, you stimulate the production of collagen. More collagen = firmer skin + fewer wrinkles.
According to a study funded by the company, using GlowPRO for just one minute three times a week is enough to renew skin and fade away wrinkles.
Sounds too good to be true? Let’s find out if it lives up to the hype:
Related: 8 Science-Backed Ways To Replenish Lost Collagen
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a technique that uses tiny needles to prick skin and trick it into acting like it’s been injured.
When your skin is injured, your body increases the production of collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep it firm and elastic) to fix the damage. All this extra collagen:
- Firms skin and prevents sagging
- Reduces wrinkles
- Makes scars less noticeable
- Improves the appearance of stretch marks
As microneedling hacks into your body’s own healing mechanism, you can have it done more often than other collagen-boosting treatments like chemical peels and lasers.
When done by a doctor, research shows that microneedling can improve the texture of your skin and the appearance of your wrinkles.
But do at-home microneedling devices like GrowPRO work just as well?
Related: All You Need To Know About Microneedling
Does GlowPRo (And Other At-Home Microneedling Devices) Work?
When it comes to microneedling, size matters.
A 2009 study found that microneedling improved the appearance of acne scars. The catch?
The patients who saw the biggest improvements used 3mm needles. Those who used 1.5mm saw an improvement, too – just not as dramatic.
Compare that to GlowPRO needles. They’re 0.3mm. You know what this means?
It’s unlikely that GlowPRO needles penetrate deep enough into the skin to reach the collagen-producing layers.
That’s not to say the device is completely useless. It’s still microneedling, so it will do something. But you’ll get much better results if you have it done by a doctor.
FYI, some experts believe the results of GlowPRO aren’t due to its collagen boosting properties. Dr. Mathew Avram, director of the Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, told the New York Times:
“When you roll something on your skin that creates little holes, you may get a little bit of swelling, which would give you a bit of plumping and make you think you look better temporarily. There’s a real need for data to justify the excitement.”
P.S. All at-home microneedling devices have the same needle issues. It’s a safety thing. You can’t put deep needles in the hands of everyone who’s willing to pay. If they don’t know what they’re doing, they could seriously harm their skin.
How Do You Use GloPRO?
GlowPRO is super easy to use. Here’s a short step-by-step tutorial:
- Plug GlowPRO into an electrical outlet before use (batteries are included in case you don’t have an outlet nearby).
- Clean and dry your skin.
- Roll GlowPRO across your face between 4 and 10 times using moderate pressure. You can fill the Sterilizing Spritzer bottle (it’s included with the device) with alcohol to clean the needles after each pass.
- Apply your grace serum or moisturizer.
P.S. GlowPRO comes with a MicroTip head attachment for the body, too. Just in case you want to take it all the way.
Does GlowPro Has Any Side Effects?
Just because at-home microneedling isn’t as powerful, it doesn’t mean it has no side effects. Here’s what you should be aware of:
- Infections: If you roll GlowPRO over an infected hair follicle or you share it with other people, there’s a small chance you may develop an infection. Disinfect well after EVERY use.
- Negative reactions: When you create tiny holes in your skin, you make it easier for serums to penetrate through. In theory, this makes active ingredients (like antioxidants) work better. In practice, retinol, AHAs and other harsh actives become MORE irritating. Plus, NOT all ingredients are meant to penetrate your skin. You don’t want preservatives or other stuff into your skin.
Related: Does Your Skin Really Absorb 60% Of What You Put On It?
How Much Does GlowPRO Cost?
GlowPRO will set you back $199.00. You can also get the heads separately. When it’s time to replace them, you’ll pay $35.00 for the face head and $45.00 for the body head.
Is GlowPRO Worth The Splurge?
For me, no. I don’t do at-home microneedling and have no intention of starting soon. I prefer to invest my money in dermatological treatments that really work than skimp and get an at-home device that delivers only so-so results.
I’d only recommend GlowPRO to women with money to spare. If you can afford to spend $199.00 to see what the hype is about and only expect to see a small improvement in your skin’s texture, go for it. If it doesn’t work, you can always return it (check the store policy first, just to be sure).
Love your “no-nonsense” reviews Gio! Would be interested to know what you think of the Nuface microcurrent device? Quite mixed reviews around and is quite an investment.
Yes, I am very curious about the Nuface too.
LMG and Margaret, the same thing applies. These devices do 1/10 of what the same treatment at the dermatologist does. Don’t waste your money!
Coming from someone who uses this product I have seen amazing results. My fine lines have faded away. The texture of my skin has become more even. My pores have also decreased. My skin has a supple and radiant glow that it had not had. I highly recommend the Beauty Bio Micro Needling system.