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Microneedling FAQs

General Questions

Each Dr Pen device has a cartridge with tiny needles attached. When you turn your device on and place it the area you wish to treat, the cartridge needles will pulsate and glide along the skin to penetrate the upper layers of your skin to create deliberate trauma and micro-wounds. These wounds trigger a healing response from the body, which responds by producing collagen and elastin fibers. Over time, the skin becomes rejuvenated and reduces the appearance of fine lines, scarring, hyperpigmentation, loose skin and will brighten and improve your overall texture and tone. Read more about how microneedling works here.

Microneedling can treat a range of conditions, with some of the most common including; mild to moderate acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven skin tone (hyperpigmentation), uneven skin texture, dullness and stretch marks.

You will experience some redness, tightness and mild swelling for 24-48 hours post-treatment. It’s also normal to see small pinpoint bleeding and mild bruising. After a few days your skin will be a little dry and flakey, which will gradually disappear within one week.

The level of discomfort you experience will depend on the needle length you choose to use, as well as whether you apply a numbing cream. The shorter the needle length, the less discomfort you will experience. Applying a numbing cream pre-needling is advisable for lengths longer than 1mm. Applying a serum such as hyaluronic acid will also help lubricate your skin and may alleviate some discomfort during the microneedling process. Using a device with a finer needle gauge (such as the M8 and A7), as well as a higher speed level, may also alleviate some discomfort.

Microneedling can safely be performed every 4-6 weeks. For collagen induction you will require at least 3 treatments. Scar reduction requires between 3 and 6. 4-6 weeks should pass between one treatment and the next.

Nano-needling can be performed once per week.

The needle length you choose to use depends on the kind of results you are wishing to achieve. 1mm and below will help even out skin texture and hyperpigmentation, but won’t be as effective for reducing scarring. This length is also perfect for those who wish to improve the efficacy of their serums as the ingredients will penetrate deeper into the skin. The deeper a product can get into your skin, the more effective it will be at targeting your skincare concerns. 1mm – 2.5mm is recommended for those wishing to improve the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and stretch marks, as well as anti-aging concerns. Remember multiple treatments are required for improvement in the appearance of these issues, performed every 4 weeks. It’s advisable you consult with your doctor prior to performing at home microneedling treatments and for any skincare concerns.

You can use the Dr Pen microneedle on your whole body. Popular areas include face, neck, decolletage and hips (for stretch marks).

Nano-needling is an amazing treatment for product absorption, improving the efficacy of targeted skincare ingredients by up to 97%! By nano-needling once per week, you will see a major improvement in your overall skin texture and tone through this improved absorption rate. This means those serums infused with vitamins A, C, E, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides (to name a few) will be able to do their job more effectively and treat concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, dryness, fine lines, scarring and sun damage much more efficiently! We recommend our vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid serum from our online store as great nano-needling products.

Nano-needling cartridges don’t actually pierce the skin, making it a non-invasive treatment. For this reason, you can perform nano-needling once per week. There are no needles in the nano-needle cartridges, instead there are tiny pyramid shapes in the form of silicon, titanium or stainless steel which essentially push your product deeper into the skin. We still recommend using a new cartridge for every treatment.

If your skin care concerns are for deeper wrinkles, deep acne scarring, stretch marks, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation and overall improved appearance of texture and tone, then microneedling would be a more effective treatment for you.

What are the results of Nano-Needling? 

  • Increased smoothness and hydration
  • Increased nutrient absorption
  • Firmer looking skin
  • Improved texture and tone

We have put together a Dr Pen Comparison guide to help you choose the microneedling pen that suits your needs. We also have a blog post and YouTube video created to help guide you in your decision-making process.

All our devices are great home microneedling devices, so choosing the device for you ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, packaging appearance, and functionality.

Your skincare results will depend on the needle depth you use, the severity of your skin care concern, and the products you use on a daily basis. You will also need to be microneedling consistently to see results. One session won’t be enough. For more info on needle depth, check our depth chart here.

The functionality will depend on your individual preferences. For example, if you require a device which can be used cordlessly, you will opt for the X5, A6 or M8. If you find microneedling uncomfortable and want to minimise any discomfort, you may like to choose the A7 or M8, both of which have the finest needle gauge cartridges which may assist in minimising any pain from the needling. If budget is your main concern, the M5 device is our most affordable pen which also has an attractive rose gold exterior.

Our devices are all fantastic for microneedling and nano-needling, however, there are slight differences between each of the models.

Please read the product descriptions very carefully to see the difference between them. For example, the X5, Hydra Pro and M8 are the only devices with an LED speed display screen, and the Hydra Pro is the only pen which has an in-built capsule inside the device. These are the types of differences you will need to take in consideration when purchasing a device, as you may find some models are more compatible for you than others.

Aside from the Hydra Pro, every Dr Pen device has an adjustable dial for needle depth ranging from 0mm – 2.5mm.

All you need to do is rotate this dial and set it to the depth you need for the skincare concerns you’re aiming to treat. For example, for fine lines you would set your devices needle depth to 0.5mm.

If you are unsure which needle depth you require, please have a read of our needle depth chart here, which provides a full breakdown of depths and skin care concerns.

Microneedling helps improve the appearance of the following skincare concerns: 

  • Fine lines 
  • Wrinkles 
  • Acne scarring 
  • General scarring 
  • Stretch marks 
  • Hyperpigmentation 
  • Alopecia 
  • Uneven skin tone 
  • Poor  or uneven skin texture 
  • Dull skin
  • Loose skin & elasticity

Micro-needling is an amazing, scientifically backed skincare treatment. For improvement in the appearance of fine lines, loose skin from a loss of elasticity, sun damage, hyper-pigmentation, dull skin and your overall complexion, micro-needling is highly effective. Especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and high quality skin care products. It’s important to perform your microneedling treatments once per month for continued improvement, and you will need at least 3 treatments before you will see more obvious results.

We ship from across the continental United States. We also have agreements with shipping companies globally including USPS, UPS, Fed Ex, Canada Post and DHL to name a few. Reach out to us if you need a more specific shipping option.

How it Works

Dr. Pen Canada is proud to present the new Dr. Pen Microneedling system by Dr. Pen. Based on the latest research in skincare, microneedling is a revolutionary technology that provides a wide range of benefits offering rejuvenated skin for all improved outcomes.

This includes softening and resolving deep acne scars, fine wrinkles and lines around the eyes and mouth including crows feet and frown lines. It will resolve stretch marks anywhere on the body and it has even been proven to support in thickening hair, improving hairlines and reduce hair loss. End chronic dry, flaky imperfect patches and ACTUALLY improve the longevity of your skin by stimulating and rejuvenating your skin.

Dr. Pen’s Microneedling system works by dramatically improving your body’s ability to produce the antiaging and recovery boosting compounds in your skin through a process called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT)

As we grow older, the cycle of new skin growth slows and less collagen and elastin are produced. This results in fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots (pigmentation). Applying creams and serums on your face may succeed to moisturise the outer layer of dead skin, but no penetration takes place to the living part of the skin. The active molecules are simply too big to pass through the ultra protective epidermis layer. Dr Pen creates “micro-channels” which allow for deeper penetration of serums and ingredients results in higher efficacy, meaning you get more out of your serums than usual.

When you move Dr Pen over the skin, it creates a “micro-channel” which is why it’s recommended you use it with a serum of your choice such as hyaluronic acid or EGF.

These micro injuries also trigger the body’s natural healing process to create the appearance of fresher, newer looking skin.

Micro-needling is a process called collagen induction therapy (CIT). CIT is the skin’s own ability to repair itself. By using Dr Pen, you are treating yourself to CIT and creating controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair process by making deliberate micro injuries to the skin. This then creates and triggers the release of growth factors for the production of new collagen and elastin, which what we lose as we age.

Dr Pen Auto Microneedle System is a non-invasive treatment which gives your skin that glow you’re looking for. Micro-needling targets fine lines, wrinkles, texture, stretch marks, loss of tone and elasticity, enlarged pores, acne scarring and pigmentation.

How To Use
Dr Pen Microneedling Pens

It is very important that in the days before your treatment that you stop using any vitamin A/Retinol type creams for 3-5 days before use to prevent irritation or unnecessary stress to your skin. It’s also best if you avoid fish oil or any anti-inflammatory type tablets 3-5 days before as well as this increases your risk of bleeding.

Ensure your skin is clean using an alcohol solution or a cleanser and dried before applying a numbing cream. You should clean your needle cartridges and the area of your skin being treated with the alcohol solution before and after each use.

Apply numbing cream (recommended). You can buy a numbing cream over the counter at the pharmacy and apply according to their directions. For more information see our Dr. Pen Instruction Guide in our Guides list.

It is highly recommended during your treatment to also use a strong moisturizing agent like Hyaluronic Acid on the surface of your skin during and after your session. This will make it far easier for the pen to glide across your skin minimizing the risk of any tears and ensuring a more comfortable experience. It will also be extremely beneficial for your skin as these powerful moisturizing agents will be able to permeate deep into your skin using the microchannels created by your pen.

To ensure the proper healing environment, please following the information below.

Do not use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) or anything perceived as ‘active’ skincare for 48 hours post-treatment.
Avoid extended periods in the sun and apply an SPF when you leave the house
Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
No exercising or strenuous activity for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments are harmful, rife with bacteria, and may cause adverse reactions

There is some pain associated with microneedling, however, using a numbing cream will be extremely helpful. The amount of pain will also depend on the length of the needle you choose to use. We recommend that you try it with the cream, without, with a Hyaluronic acid and see which you are best able to tolerate.

The first day or two after your treatment you will experience redness and your skin will flake. Avoid using Dr Pen if you wish to attend an event within 48 – 72 hours post-treatment. Please also continue to avoid creams with strong acids and ALWAYS ENSURE you wear Sunscreen when out during the day. Your skin will be very sensitive as it begins the healing process, be kind to your skin, keep moisturizing, apply sunscreen and let your skin rest.

Disclaimer:
With all before and after images shown on the site, no claims are made that results are guaranteed to be exactly the same. Results will vary by each individual. Images of actual customers are shown for informational purposes only and are provided with patient consent for use by Dr Pen only.

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