No qualifications are needed to offer Microneedling treatments in the UK. Health Education England recommends a Level 4 qualification for up to 0.5mm, Level 5 qualification for up to 1.0mm, and a Level 6 qualification for up to 1.5mm. This gets even more stringent for a power-assisted needle device, with a Level 6 recommended for 1.0mm.
You’re probably not surprised to hear that no training is required to offer Microneedling treatments in the UK. There are no laws in the UK to control who can perform these treatments, absolutely anybody can purchase a Microneedling machine or pen and start offering skin treatments with it. Does that mean you should – we say NO! So, let’s explore what training and qualifications are available and which ones might best suit you.
What is Microneedling?
Either a roller or a pen-like device is used to insert tiny microneedles into the upper layers of the skin to create microchannels, resulting in a controlled wound. This triggers the wound healing response that stimulates collagen production – otherwise known as Collagen Induction Therapy or ‘CIT’. Most Microneedling devices offer a range of needle depths, from very shallow needles at 0.25mm to very deep needles at 2.0mm. The deeper the microneedle depth the more skin rejuvenation will be achieved, giving better results for the skin. Deeper needles also present higher risks, so the deeper you want to operate, the more likely you are to need a qualification to get insurance.
Why is Microneedle depth important for qualifications?
Although there aren’t any regulations around who can use Microneedling devices, you must ensure you’ve got adequate public liability insurance to cover you when performing these treatments. The deeper the microneedles you use, the more likely it is your insurer will require more advanced qualifications. In a review of six UK insurance providers (conducted in January 2021), we found most required a Level 2 or 3 beauty qualification combined with manufacturer training when using a needle depth of up to 2mm.
When using needle depths over 2mm (usually only reserved for body treatments) insurance providers typically required either a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Microneedling or supervision by a registered healthcare professional.
With the industry as a whole focussing more and more on qualifications and training it’s worth considering what industry advisory bodies recommend. Health Education England recommends a Level 4 qualification for anything up to 0.5mm, Level 5 qualification for up to 1.0mm, and a Level 6 qualification for up to 1.5mm. It’s worth noting this gets even more stringent for a power-assisted needle device, with a Level 6 recommended for 1.0mm. See our Microneedling Training Courses.
What else should you be aware of?
Your local council may require you to have a special treatments license in place so make sure you give them a call to check before you introduce Microneedling. Always choose a reputable supplier, who offers not just initial, but free of charge ongoing clinical support and training.
Is Microneedling worth it?
Oh, my goodness yes! Microneedling can significantly improve the appearance of a range of skin concerns, which is not only great for your customers but great for your business revenue as well. With such a wide array of skin concerns to improve it’s very easy to make a fast and reliable return on your investment. What’s more, the downtime and discomfort is very minimal. CIT can reduce open pores, smooth out scarring and reduce lines and wrinkles all in all creating smoother, younger, healthy skin.
Conclusion
You can get the insurance cover you need to introduce Microneedling with a Level 2 beauty qualification but having a Level 3 will offer you more choice in insurance providers. Having a Level 4 or above is the best practice. (See our Level 3 and 4 aesthetics training courses). Make sure you check with your council to find out about any local rules.
At the Lynton Training Academy, we offer microneedling courses for both new and experienced practitioners.
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