The Trinny London Plump Up Microneedle Tool has had somewhat of a controversial, but successful launch. I’m honestly not surprised that Trinny decided to launch her own microneedle to go alongside her successful range of skincare and makeup.
If you’ve followed Trinny for a long time, you will know she’s a big fan of microneedling. I distinctly remember her talking about microneedling endlessly in her infamous bathroom lives, way back to 2014 before she even launched Trinny London.
What is it?
The Trinny London Plump Up Microneedle Tool is an at home skincare tool, which can help promote collagen for a healthier, younger looking skin . The barrel contains 540 stainless steel 0.5mm needles, which prick the skin to create microchannels. This allows serums applied afterwards to penetrate deeper and it creates microchannels on the skin which encourages the skin’s natural healing process. This helps minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture and enlarged pores.
What is the controversy?
In essence, the controversy is that the needle length for this 0.5mm, which some people feel is too long a needle length for safe microneedling at home. There are arguments that treatments like this should be performed by a professional in a clinical environment by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Another issue is that Trinny London say this can be used up to three times a week on non-consecutive nights, which some experts say is too much.
What do I think?
I think the opinions from skin experts are welcome and should be noted and thought about before you purchase this.
However, some of the content I saw relating to the launch seemed more like an excuse to attack the brand and Trinny herself under the guise of offering educational content. There was no need for comments about the quality of her skin, or her career background. It doesn’t add anything to the conversation and is just mean.
It’s quite funny, really. Prior to this launch, you could easily pop into TKMaxx or log on to Amazon and purchase a microneedle cheaply with no instructions or educational content on how to use it. No one ever mentioned how bad microneedling was and how those tools shouldn’t exist. There were no lives or blog posts telling you not to buy them, or how bad and irresponsible it was to bring a microneedle for home-use to market.
Microneedles have been available to purchase for home use for years. When Trinny London launched these, they did so with a big educational campaign. Aside from clear instructions being provided on the purchase page and with the needle itself, there were videos, Instagram & Facebook Lives, Zoom meetings, blog posts and emails that demonstrated how the microneedle should and shouldn’t be used.
At the end of the day, this isn’t a new tool, just Trinny London’s own version of a microneedle tool. People have been microneedling at home for years. And lets not forget, not everyone can afford in clinic treatments.
With all that said, it’s your own personal choice as to whether or not you purchase this. If you do end up purchasing then it’s important you follow the instructions stated by the brand.
My Review
How I use it
I’ve been using this microneedle and I thought I’d share my experience. Firstly, I do not do what the brand suggests to do and use it three times a week. I just know that would be too much for my skin and I’d be entering damage territory. Instead, I opt to use this every 4 weeks. I only use this in the evening – I would never microneedle in the morning.
When using the tool, I use the method demonstrated in the video on this page of the Trinny London site. I’m extremely light-handed when I use it and make sure I do not apply too much pressure. You should never draw blood when microneedling. I use it all over my face and neck, but avoid the eye area. It doesn’t hurt – it simply feels a little bit prickly.
After I’ve used it, I only use the Plump Up Serum and Bounce Back Moisturiser from Trinny London. They have only tested this microneedle with their own products, so I feel safer using their products. There’s an element of risk using another brands products, since they have not been tested with this tool, and they may contain ingredients you don’t want penetrating further into your skin.
I’d also avoid Acids & Retinoids on the day I use this.
What do I think of the kit?
The kit for the Trinny London Plump Up Microneedle Tool is nice and well made. You get the Microneedle tool, plus a cleaning spray for keeping it clean. There are also kits available that include the Plump Up serum.
The handle of the microneedle has been shaped so it’s comfortable to use, but also to ensure you do not apply to much pressure when using it.
The head of the microneedle tool is replaceable, and replacement heads are available to buy. You should replace the head after 24 uses, because by that point the needles will start to blunt, and you do not want to use blunt needles on your skin.
The cleaning spray is very small (8ml) and barely lasts a few uses if you’re as fanatic as me with wanting to make sure the tool is clean. You need the tool to be disinfected after each use, to prevent any bacteria lurking on the needle. The cleaning spray is available to buy separately, so if you order the kit, buy a couple more of the cleaning spray to keep you stocked up. Some personal feedback for Trinny London would be to make the cleaning spray bigger and cheaper to ensure people use it.
There is a very helpful manual included in the box which explains:-
- What the microneedle is
- How to microneedle
- How to clean your microneedle
- Need to Knows/Contradictions
What results have I seen?
Immediately after using this, my skin goes a tiny bit pink, but this disappears after half-an-hour or so.
The next day, my skin has a smoothness and bounciness to it. It also appears incredibly ‘glowy’ and healthy. These results continue on over the next couple of weeks for me.
As more time since I used this passes, I really do notice a more youthful skin. Some prominent fine lines I had on my forehead are looked reduced and so I’ve been impressed with the results.
Things you should consider before purchasing the Trinny London Plump Up Microneedle Tool
Before purchasing, you should consider the following.
- If you have any skin conditions (active acne, eczema, rosacea etc) you should not use this.
- Consider whether you actually need it. If you’re in your teens or early 20’s where your collagen is at its best, you do not need this.
- If you are allergic to nickel, then do not buy this because the stainless steel needles contain nickel.
- Consider purchasing the Plump Up serum to use with this. As mentioned above, it’s been tested for use alongside this microneedle.
Things you should consider or do before and when using Trinny London Plump Up Microneedle Tool
If you’re going to buy it or you’ve got it, consider the following before and when using.
- Please read the instruction manual provided with the kit. There are also loads of helpful videos and guidance on the Trinny London website.
- Ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and your hands are washed. Use it in a clean area.
- Make sure you replace the head after 24 uses.
- DO make sure you clean the microneedle using the cleaning spray after use.
- Following on from the above DO NOT use it when it’s not clean or you haven’t been able to disinfect it.
- Do not share the microneedle with anyone else. Seriously, just don’t.
- Consider using this less frequently than the brand suggests. It’s always better to err on the side of caution than go in all guns blazing and ruin your skin.
- Do not use with retinoids or acids or Vitamin C
- Do make sure you wear sunscreen every day.
