As someone who has experienced microneedling in office multiple times, I can confirm that it’s an amazing treatment for overall skin rejuvenation, collagen production, and improving skin laxity. I’ve gotten several treatments spaced a few weeks apart and noticed a nice difference in my skin’s overall appearance and vibrancy. It’s also one of those treatments that looks a lot more intimidating than it actually is.

So what is microneedling?

Microneedling is a skin care procedure that creates small punctures in the skin, which triggers its healing process. Your body sends extra resources to rejuvenate the skin with new cells. Essentially, you’re helping to speed up the normal skin cycle. Microneedling the skin can help even skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and fade acne scars.

Basically, the tiny little needle pokes trick your skin into producing more collagen to repair. The end result? Plumper, glowier skin (it can also help improve the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles).

Microneedling is something I do regularly because I love the results. It enhances skin naturally – improving overall  overall skin health. 

My skin goals

My main skincare goals are maintaining what I am already working with and repairing any damage so it can function at its best, making microneedling a great addition,

In my case, adding microneedling into the mix has been the right answer.

I’d always been curious about what microneedling at home could do for my routine, and I finally decided to research an at home tool, my main goal was to help even the texture I was struggling with on my face, as well as some darkscars that had popped up after cystic pimples healed. After seeing it all over social media, I turned to The Banisher 2.0 for the job.

Enter The Banisher

This is different from other beauty treatments because it’s a very natural and regenerative process, plus you get a nice long-term, cummulative glow.

At $69, the Banisher 3.0 is relatively affordable compared to other skin care tools, and I felt it fit my needs well. It features 24K Gold plated titanium bristles that are antibacterial (yes please) and instead of rolling the needles– which has been the most common way to microneedle– it utilizes a pushing motion for a more even application pressure and less irritation.

How to use

The brand describes the feeling of microneedling similar to pushing the scratchy side of velcro into the skin– and I’d agree. It’s prickly, maybe a bit shocking the first time, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s a sensation you get used to quickly, and keep in mind the needles are very short. 

You press the Banisher down 4-5 times on each treatment area, and I do find my skin to become slightly red and warm during the routine, but not uncomfortably so. It’s recommended to do the routine about once a week, and shouldn’t be performed over active acne or skin conditions.

Here’s the thing, though: you can absolutely use the Banisher 3.0 in conjunction with your own favorite skin care products and still see great results. Particularly for acne scars, using it alongside enzymes, AHAs, and Vitamin C would be best– no matter what brand. Moving forward I think the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask will be a splurge that I keep around, but I will fill in the rest of my routine with my go-to favorites.

My review

After using the Banisher and the brand’s skin care 1-2x for four weeks, I’d say that I can see and feel a difference. If you look closely you can see some major fading of hyperpigmentation on both sides of my chin, and on my forehead. A few stubborn and old spots on my cheeks have faded, as well, and continue to do so. 

One of the biggest differences, though, has been the texture in my skin. I had a lot of smaller bumps that weren’t necessarily red or inflamed but became very obvious under makeup. 

My skin is so much smoother now, which makes for an easier makeup routine overall. 

I’m also finding new breakouts to clear more quickly and leave less of a scar (if any) than what I experienced pre-Banish, so new pimples aren’t as daunting because I know that once they’re gone, they’ll be gone. (Side note: a fun little perimenopause side effect is acne)!

I see The Banisher as a good supplement to what I was already doing in my routine in order to maximize results. At this point, I am going to continue with my microneedling routine at least once a week because I truly see a it helping to improve texture.

Banish Kit 3.0 comes with 2 replaceable heads made with gold plated titanium bristles and a free Banish Vitamin C,E, Ferulic Serum. 

How many treatments does it provide?  It includes two replaceable heads, each lasting eight treatments, for a total of 16 treatments. This makes it much more affordable compared to in-clinic treatments.

Why It’s A Great Deal: Up to 16 microneedling sessions at under $7 a session! Includes complimentary vitamin c serum – and the great thing about the Banisher is you can use your own serum too! 

“It’s so much better than derma rolling because you can get a uniform depth by stamping into the skin”

– Dr. Nicole James, Licensed in Advanced AestheticsMore on Banish

Banish also sells their own skin care to complete your skin care routine, which I tried out as well.The full Banish routine looked like this:

1. Cleanser (from a different brand)
2. Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
3. Microneedling with the Banisher 2.0
4. The Banish Oil
5. Fighter Gel
6. Vitamin C Creme

If I were to recommend any of the Banish skin care products aside from the tool, it would be the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. It’s one of very few face masks that made a noticeable difference in my skin after one use. The formula contains pumpkin enzymes and glycolic acid to help exfoliate, clear pores and even tone.

I used the mask in between microneedling sessions to keep up with my progress and speed it along, and it seriously helped give me a glow while reducing some of my smaller breakouts overnight. This product really stood out to me among the rest as something my current skin care collection was missing.

Incorporating microneedling into my routine has helped with my ultimate goal of maintaining healthy skin. Everybody has skin concerns. And those concerns change; it can be taxing and emotional for people who just can’t find the right answer. This is an at home tool that is easy to incorporate and you can stick to!

Use my special discount: HEATHER05 ($5 off for $50 minimum spend)