By now, you've probably heard of microneedling — a process in which a specialized device is used to create microscopic holes in the skin — and its potential skin-smoothing, scar-reducing, and pigment-fading benefits. And while the treatment has become a highly popular request at the dermatologist's office, many are seeking ways to perform the treatment in the comfort of their own homes, too. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration might soon be stepping in. The agency recently announced it wants to begin regulating the use of at-home microneedling devices due to perceived risks — here's what you need to know.

Within the last couple of years, microneedling has become readily available for at-home use via handheld devices, but dermatologists aren't too keen on the whole DIY movement, which, when performed by a medical professional, punctures microscopic holes in the skin, creating, "micro-injury that stimulates new collagen, resulting in improvement of skin texture, fine lines, pigmentation and scar remolding," says Patricia Wexler, a New York City dermatologist. "Home devices do not give the same degree of sterility, or uniformity of application."
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