Micro-needling is a technique that involves micro-perforating the skin with fine needles to naturally stimulate skin regeneration. It’s performed using devices like dermarollers or electric pens, aiming to improve texture, scars, wrinkles, or discolorations. This mechanical stimulation activates the skin’s natural renewal processes in the epidermis and superficial dermis, boosting blood flow, oxygenation, and collagen production.

Micro-needling is a treatment involving devices equipped with needles that penetrate the skin, carrying risks of bleeding and affecting deeper skin layers. For this reason, micro-needling is classified as a medical procedure and may only be performed by a doctor, even if there are no obvious skin conditions. Its performance by non-medical personnel is prohibited, as it may pose health risks and does not meet the required safety standards. [1] [3]

No, currently micro-needling is not legally permitted in beauty salons in Italy. There is no regulation including it among the aesthetic treatments allowed for beauticians. The use of needles, potential bleeding, and penetration beyond the skin surface classify this procedure as aesthetic medicine, which is reserved exclusively for doctors. [1] [3]

Italian law (Law No. 1 of January 4, 1990, and Interministerial Decree No. 206 of October 15, 2015) limits the beautician's activities to superficial, non-invasive treatments performed on the surface of the human body. Micro-needling, by causing micro-injuries, skin penetration, and bleeding, exceeds these limits and may constitute the illegal practice of medicine, punishable under Article 348 of the Criminal Code. [1] [2] [3]

Traditional micro-needling, performed with needles that pierce the skin, carries several risks if done by non-medical personnel:

• Skin infections: due to needle penetration without proper sterile protocols.
• Scarring and thickening: improper or overly aggressive stimulation can leave permanent marks.
• Discoloration: pigmentation changes, especially in darker skin types.
• Adverse reactions: pain, prolonged redness, swelling, and skin irritation.
• Medical complications: risk of affecting deeper skin layers with unpredictable consequences.

The main legal and professional risks for a beautician practicing micro-needling are:

• Criminal risk: illegal practice of medicine. [2]
• Civil liability: damages to the client (e.g., infections, scars, skin complications). [3]
• Administrative sanctions: hygiene and health violations detected by local authorities. [3]
• Insurance exclusion: many professional liability policies do not cover treatments not expressly allowed by law. [4]

No. Since micro-needling is not recognized under current regulations as a cosmetic treatment, many professional insurance policies do not cover damages resulting from its practice. In case of complications, the operator may be personally liable for any claims for compensation. [4]

Yes: bioengineered spicules are a safe and regulation-compliant cosmetic alternative. They don’t involve needles, don’t pierce the skin, cause no bleeding, and fully respect the legal limits imposed on beautician activities. They carry no hygienic or sanitary risks and do not expose the practitioner to criminal or insurance liabilities. [1]

The Research spicules represent the safest and most legal choice for both the beautician and the end client. Benefits include that, for the same results:

• Are non-invasive.
• Do not cause bleeding.
• Comply with the legal limits of professional aesthetics.
• Do not entail insurance or criminal risks for the beautician.
• Naturally stimulate skin renewal. [1]