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Microneedling has become a popular skincare treatment over the years; it involves the use of tiny needles to prick the face, thus encouraging the production of collagen and elastin to help your skin look plumper, younger, and more rejuvenated. The Dermaroller was the first instrument to be developed for microneedling procedures. However, a newer, more efficient instrument was developed, the Dermapen, aka microneedling pen.
Today, microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is no longer administered by dermatologists only, thanks to the invention of handheld microneedling devices for at-home use.
In this article, we have carefully picked the best microneedling pens to help you choose the right at-home device for your skin.
A dermapen is a cordless, handheld device used to improve the texture and tone of the skin.
The pen comes in handy when microneedling, as it helps create trauma to the skin.
Even a minor injury tricks the skin into thinking it is traumatized enough to trigger collagen production. This helps reduce enlarged pores, remove hyperpigmentation, scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The pen has short, fine needles at the tip which create trauma on the epidermis and the dermis of the skin. The effectiveness of dermapen depends on the skin’s natural regeneration process, hence the need for a few treatments to obtain all its benefits.
A series of treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart provides ample time for the skin cells to heal and produce adequate collagen for skin regeneration.
Dermapens are primarily used on the face, but they can be used to treat any part of the body, including the chest, neck, thighs, and stomach.
What Are The Best Microneedling Pens For Home Use?
Dr. Pen Ultima A6 Microneedling Pen
Most Popular Dermapen
The Dr. Pen Ultima A6 Microneedling Pen is the most popular dermapen for home use; it is extremely effective on fine lines and wrinkles, scars and acne scarring, sagging skin, open pores, stretch marks, hair growth, and more.
Besides providing excellent results in a short period of time, it is also easy to use, safe, comfortable, and hygienic as the cartridges are disinfected, individually-sealed, single-use, and disposable.
This dermapen is equipped with 10 cartridges of 12-pin (you can buy additional 12-pin cartridges or 36-pin cartridges separately). In addition, rechargeable batteries are included, so you can use it either corded or cordless.
Its ergonomic shape fits comfortably in your hand. Besides, the needles are designed to provide smooth, radiant, and glowing skin.
The pen has an adjustable length of between 0.25 and 2.5 mm. You can adjust the needle depth using a rotary dial. It also comes with a variety of five different speed levels to choose from. You can adjust the speed by pressing the button fitted in the body of the pen.
The only downside is that there is no digital display to show the speed. It instead has a flashing light on the button that indicates the speed. Every time you increase the speed, the light will flash faster.
The Dr. Pen Ultima A6S Microneedling Pen is an updated version of the Dr.Pen A6. This device is our absolute favorite dermapen for home use for so many reasons!
This microneedling pen is easy to use, safe, comfortable, and hygienic, and will help you in achieving healthy and glowing skin. It is excellent for wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, stretch marks, and hair growth, and it also aids in the absorption of skincare products.
This version comes with an LCD digital display that shows the speed level. It features six speed levels. In addition, it has higher capacity batteries.
It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, both with a digital display, and can be used either corded or cordless.
The Dr. Pen Ultima A6S comes equipped with six cartridges, of which three are 16-pin and three are 36-pin (you can buy additional cartridges separately). It has a rotary dial that enables you to adjust the needle length between 0.25 and 2.5 mm.
Pros
LCD digital display that shows the speed.
Lightweight.
Easy to use and effective.
Needle adjustment from 0.25-2.5 mm.
Has three notches to secure the cartridges firmly.
The Dr. Pen Ultima M8 micro-needling pen is an amazing microneedling pen for personal use. It is a great ally when it comes to achieving healthy, glowing, and plumped skin.
It comes with a built-in battery, so you can charge the whole unit by plugging it directly into the source of power, and you can use it corded or cordless.
Furthermore, the pen has six levels of speed and a digital LED display to show the speed. The pen also has three slots to help secure the cartridges firmly in position.
The Dr. Pen Ultima M8 comes with five cartridges, of which two are 16-pin and three are 36-pin (you can buy additional cartridges separately). In addition, it comes with a rotary dial that allows you to adjust the length of the needles between 0.25 and 2.5 mm.
The cartridges are hygienic, disposable and one-time use.
This dermapen does it all: it helps boost collagen production, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, treat acne scars, even out the skin’s tone and texture, stimulate hair growth, treat stretch marks, minimize pores, and more.
Thanks to its ultra-fine needles (the finest on the market), Dr. Pen M8 offers intense treatments with less discomfort, which means that it is more effective than the other pens when it comes to treating deep scars and wrinkles.
Pros
Comes with a digital LED display that shows the speed.
Lightweight.
Easy to use, hygienic, and effective.
Needle adjustment from 0.25-2.5 mm.
Has three notches to secure the cartridges firmly.
The Dr. Pen Ultima A7 Professional Microneedling Pen is known for its ability to provide quick results; it has the most powerful motor with up to 18000 RPM, which means that it is very efficient and guarantees excellent results.
The device’s design is very elegant. Additionally, it has five levels of adjustable speed. Unlike other devices that have a button that allows you to change the speed, this device enables you to adjust the speed via a mechanical ring.
The A7 is a wired-only model. This means that it should always be plugged in while in use, but this also means a stable power source. It comes with a two-meter cord.
Furthermore, this device provides you with the option of adjusting the needle up to two and a half millimeters. You will also discover that this micro-needling pen has admirable precision and stability.
This device comes with fine needles that are more effective in triggering collagen production, thus treating a wide variety of conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, acne scars, open pores, hair loss, as well as boosting the absorption of skincare products.
Dr. Pen Ultima A7 comes with 5 cartridges, of which two are 12-pin and three are 36-pin. You can order more 12-pin cartridges, 36-pin cartridges, and nano cartridges separately.
The Dr. Pen Ultima N2 Microneedling Pen is a multipurpose microneedling kit. It comes with 22 cartridges, of which 12 are 12-pin and 10 are 36-pin. The cartridges are sterile, individually-sealed, and disposable.
With regular use of this Dermapen, you will achieve vibrant and healthy skin at a fraction of the cost of spa treatments. The device does not require special skills to operate, making it an excellent at-home microneedling device.
This Dr. Pen model has a built-in lithium battery, and it works in both wired and wireless modes. It is a great tool for wrinkles and fine lines, scars, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and more.
The product has an adjustable dial that allows you to adjust the length of the needles according to your specific needs; the depth of the needles can go up to 2.5 mm.
The Dr. Pen Ultima N2 has 5 speeds to choose from. You can adjust the speed using an all-in-one button that also turns the device on; the button has a light that indicates the speed; every time you increase the speed, the light will turn into a different color.
Pros
Lightweight.
Easy to use, hygienic, and effective.
Needle adjustment from 0.25 to 2.5 mm.
Can be used corded or cordless.
Five speed levels.
Cons
Has a plastic body.
The motor is not as powerful as the other models reviewed.
The Angel Kiss NEWEST Derma Auto Pen is a good option for home use; it can be used to treat different areas of the face and body, such as the chin, neck, nose, scalp, forehead, abdomen, and more.
It is ideal for performing different treatments like promoting hair growth, removing wrinkles and fine lines, acne scars, age spots, and crow’s feet.
The device comes with disposable cartridges; it works cordlessly with two lithium-rechargeable batteries; in addition, the speed of the pen can be adjusted to up to 5 settings.
It also comes with 5 cartridges of 12-pin. Its microneedles can be adjusted from 0.25-3 mm in depth depending on the area to be treated.
Angel Kiss Dr A9 is easy to use, convenient, and hygienic.
Here are the steps to a successful dermapen session:
Prepare your kit
Your Dermapen.
Alcohol pads with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. For an alcohol-free alternative, try BeautyBio’s sterilizing peptide pads. They are specifically designed for use before microneedling and are infused with a variety of healing ingredients.
5% Lidocaine numbing cream. We recommand this one.
Sheet mask to use after the procedure. Avène is our favorite brand of soothing sheet masks. You can try Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Sheet Mask Set for maximum hydration and soothing.
Procedure
Remove makeup, wash your face using a cleanser, and pat your face dry. It helps get rid of grime, dirt, and makeup.
To minimize pain during treatment, first apply the numbing cream over the area to be treated 20 minutes before the procedure. Afterwards, remove the numbing cream using a clean wet cloth and disinfect your face and your hands using the alcohol pads.
Apply the hyaluronic acid serum to the skin to allow smooth gliding of the pen (you can reapply the serum during the procedure if needed).
Remove the needle tip from the packaging and connect it to the pen.
Adjust the needle depth depending on the concern being treated (refer to the table below).
Adjust the needle speed. It is recommended to start with the lowest speed and work your way up to higher speeds once you get comfortable with the procedure.
Switch on the device.
Divide the area to be treated into small sections and gently glide the Dermapen over the first section in horizontal strokes, then glide it over the same section using vertical strokes and then diagonal strokes. Repeat the same process for the other sections until you treat the entire area. Do not apply any pressure while treating.
Lift the pen momentarily while changing directions.
Follow up with the hydrating sheet mask.
Safety tips
It is very important to wear a high SPF sunscreen after the procedure if it is performed during the day, and also for the following seven days. Also, please keep in mind to stay away from chemical sunscreens and only use mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).
Our favorite mineral sunscreen is the EltaMD UV Physical Face Sunscreen SPF 41, which is chemical-free, non-greasy, non-comedogenic; and specifically designed for post-procedure skin.
Lastly, as a word of caution, don’t apply any pressure while using the device to avoid scratching your skin; it is best to perform the procedure just before bedtime as the skin regenerates during the night and also to avoid sun damage; avoid washing your face for 6-8 hours after treatment; do not wear make-up for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
In this video, you will learn how to microneedle at home safely using a dermapen and see before and after results photos right after the treatment and in the days following.
What Are The Benefits Of The Microneedling Pen?
Dermapens provide a variety of benefits and can help with everything from lines and wrinkles to scarring tissue and so much more. Below, we’ll talk about a few of those benefits.
Boosts Collagen Production
As we grow old, the collagen in our skin depletes, causing the skin to sag and lose firmness. The Dermapen stimulates the production of new collagen by creating minor injuries to the skin.
People who have gone through this procedure have experienced an improvement in skin suppleness and elasticity.
Eliminates Acne Scars
When a pimple heals, it leaves a deep fissure that develops a dark scar on the skin.
The new collagen produced acts as a filler for facial wrinkles and lines, resulting in smoother and younger-looking skin.
Combats Hair Loss
The dermapen also stimulates the production of stem cell growth factors that promote hair growth. Two depths may be used: one of 0.25-0.3 mm to boost efficacy and absorption of topical treatments, and the other (1.5 mm depth) to stimulate endothelial growth factor.
Improves Stretch Marks
Dermapen is an effective treatment for stretch marks. By boosting collagen and elastin production in the skin, it helps improve the texture, tone, and elasticity of the skin, thus reducing stretch marks and other types of scars.
Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
An uneven skin tone, called hyperpigmentation, refers to an uneven darkening of the skin. Dermapens can help with this condition by giving you the perfect skin tone and reducing the appearance of pigmentation areas.
Uneven Skin Texture
The texture of your skin refers to its smoothness. If your skin has different levels of smoothness and even some unevenness to it, dermapens can be a big help thanks to the collagen that is produced, which makes the skin even, smooth, and healthy.
Dull Skin
Dull skin is lifeless skin that lacks radiance, and since a good dermapen will boost your skin’s production of collagen and elastin, a new layer of skin will appear that is plump and glowing.
Criteria to Consider Before Buying A Microneedling Pen
With the numerous microneedling pens on the market, it can be difficult to find the ideal device for at-home microneedling sessions. Here are some features to look at:
Speed: It determines the effectiveness of the microneedling device and its adaptability to different treatment areas. A microneedling pen equipped with three speeds is ideal.
Depth of penetration: The equipment should have different penetration depths (up to 2 mm) to perform an effective treatment. Also, the depth of penetration determines the areas of the body you can use the microneedling pen. Here’s a table that summarizes the lengths required depending on what you are treating.
Skin Condition
Needle Length
Deep acne scars
1.5 mm
Shallow acne scars
1.0 mm
Skin discoloration
0.25-1.0 mm
Fine lines and wrinkles
0.5-1.5 mm
Uneven skin tone and texture
0.5-1.0 mm
Sagging skin and sun damage
0.5-1.5 mm
Stretch marks
1.5-2.0 mm
Power: Look for devices powered by electricity and batteries as well. Autonomous batteries enhance mobility, especially when microneedling at home.
Availability of cartridges: Make sure that the cartridges for the dermapen are available so that you can easily order them if you need to.
Which Needle Length Do I Need for Microneedling?
Just like the number of pins per cartridge, the needles themselves are different sizes. The three most popular sizes are 0.25, 0.5, and 1 millimeter.
Once again, it’s good to start with the smaller needle lengths if you’re a beginner and work your way up to the longer needles.
That being said, many users do not feel the need to upgrade to a bigger needle at any point. Instead, when they find a size that works for them and produces the results they were hoping for, they stick with that needle size.
What you do to your own skin is up to you, but you can start by keeping in mind that there are several different needle sizes to choose from.
To get an idea of what every needle length will help you achieve, refer to the table above.
Microneedling Needle Depth Guide
Most dermapen devices come with a needle depth that ranges from 0 to 2.5 mm. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to adjust the needle depth depending on the area of the face to be treated (different thicknesses and textures).
Dermapen Depth Chart
Note, however, that if you have thicker skin, such as mature skin, you might need to use a slightly deeper needle depth.
Microneedling Pen At Home vs Professional
At home treatment cuts the cost by a significant amount, but it is more effective when used along with serums. The Dermapen is ideal for allowing the skin to absorb the active ingredients in the serum while also stimulating collagen production.
Professional microneedling is ideal when you want deep skincare treatment or want to remove deep facial lines. Pros use larger needles (0.5 mm or bigger) to stimulate greater collagen production, hence the need for a numbing agent to reduce pain.
Medical professionals recommend spacing the treatments between 4 and 8 weeks. The procedure costs between $100 and $700, with an average of $300 for each treatment, and it is advised to undergo 4 to 6 treatments depending on your skin condition and age.
12-Pin vs. 16-Pin vs. 36-Pin vs. Nano-Needle Cartridges
The tiny needles used in dermapens come in various pin options, with a nano-needle cartridge having a few pins and the 36-pin cartridge having the most. When you’re a beginner, it’s good to start with fewer needles.
The nano-needle cartridge, for example, stimulates the skin and gives it a special glow, but is perfect for beginners because it doesn’t poke and prod the skin like a 36-pin cartridge would. The nano-needling cartridges make superficial pokes into the skin but are essentially painless. This cartridge is good for skincare product absorption, fine lines, skin rejuvenation, and texture and tone smoothing.
The 12- and 16-pin cartridges are good for wrinkles and fine lines, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, whereas the 36-pin cartridge does best for the various areas of the body, such as discoloration, tattoo removal, stretch marks, and even large pores.
When you’re new to dermapen, it’s best to start with the smaller cartridges and work your way up to the 36-pin needles. This way, your skin can get used to the pen gradually and you won’t experience as many side effects.
Dermapen Vs Dermaroller – Which Is Better?
A dermaroller is a handheld device equipped with a rolling drum lined with thin needles. When a doctor uses the device for microneedling, he or she rolls it on the skin so that the needles can poke holes in the skin.
The skin develops injuries as a result and stimulates the natural healing process of the skin. Dermarolling is considered a minimally invasive microneedling procedure with minimal downtime. Of course, the recovery time depends on the length of the needles and the depth of the wound inflicted.
On the other hand, dermapens provide an advanced microneedling mechanism compared to using the more traditional dermaroller. Here are some notable differences:
Pain and Downtime
Dermapens are less painful and less traumatic than dermarollers. This is because dermarollers are designed to insert the needles at a 45-degree angle, which creates tearing wounds as the drum rolls across the skin.
Dermapens, on the other hand, penetrate the skin vertically to create a puncture wound that heals fast.
Hygiene
Microneedling pens are equipped with disposable needles, providing a more hygienic alternative compared to dermarollers.
Precision
Dermapens make it easy to treat hard-to-reach areas, such as around the nose, eyes, and upper lip. Dermarollers, on the other hand, are more difficult to use in these areas.
Adjustability
With the micro-needling pen, it’s easy to adjust the needle depth to ensure the desired penetration into the skin. Also, depth adjustability allows you to meet the varying depth requirements for the face.
It is especially important when treating skin conditions like scarring.
Comfort
Dermapen’s motorized system enables you or your practitioner to make accurate penetrations into the skin.
The pen can penetrate the skin 100 times a second thanks to its adjustable speed.
In comparison, the speed of the dermarollers depends on the handler’s technique. The ability to adjust speed reduces skin damage, pain, and downtime.
Microneedling Pen Side Effects
Dermapen does not have negative side effects. Out of the 150,000 procedures that have been performed worldwide, none have reported negative side effects.
However, while the procedure is safe and side effects are rare and minimal, there are still people who sometimes have reactions when utilizing microneedling treatments. Some of these side effects include:
Temporary redness, swelling, and tightness in the treated area.
Allergic reactions, including itching and redness.
Infection occurs when needles are reused and/or not adequately sterilized.
Delayed wound healing (mostly in diabetics).
A few other side effects are also popular, but these are associated with people who are taking certain medications or have medical conditions and shouldn’t be using the treatment in the first place. As long as your dermatologist has ruled the treatment safe in your case, you can feel confident about getting it.
Microneedling Pen Contraindications
Dermapens are great for taking care of a variety of skin problems, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is a good candidate for the treatment. If you are in any of the following categories, you shouldn’t consider a dermapen treatment:
If you have diabetes.
During pregnancy.
You are taking anticoagulant medication.
Having a history of allergies.
You have nodular or pustular rosacea.
In the case of active acne.
If you have open wounds.
In fact, if you take prescriptions or have any type of medical condition, regardless of how minor you feel it is, you should talk to your doctor before doing microneedling at home. In most cases, you will get approval to go ahead with the treatment, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
FAQ About Microneedling Pen
Does Microneedling at Home Really Work?
While the benefits may not be the same, microneedling does work at home, as long as you find the right product. Before purchasing a dermapen, make sure to compare the different models to ensure you’re getting the best dermapen for your needs.
How Long Does It Take To See Results After Dermapen Treatment?
According to clinical evidence, patients exhibit visible results after three treatments within a 6–8 week interval. Patients may see results six weeks after treatment, but after the third treatment, they will see the best results.
How Long Do Dermapen Results Last?
The effects of the dermapen can last for several years, and most people see results in four to eight weeks. After your series of treatments is complete, you can count on enjoying the results for many years.
Is It Safe to Use a Dermapen at Home?
While microneedling at home has some risks, it can also be a safe and efficient treatment when done properly. Reusing needles and using unsterilized ones increases the danger of infection, which you can avoid by buying your device from a trusted manufacturer.
The safety of your microneedling treatment is also directly related to the quality of the device used, so it’s critical to choose a high-quality one.
To be on the safe side when using dermapen at home, talk to your doctor before starting the procedure.
Is Dermapen Painful?
Due to the fact that the needles are not angled, the Dermapen is much less painful than the Dermaroller, with less downtime and better tolerated by patients.
How Often Will I Need To Use The Dermapen?
The frequency of use of your dermapen depends on the depth of the needle. If you’re using a 0.2-0.25mm needle, then you can perform the treatment two to three times a week, but these depths are generally only enough to enhance skincare products absorption.
If you’re using 0.5 to 1.5 mm, then it is recommended to perform the treatment every 4 to 6 weeks to allow the synthesis of new collagen.
A minimum of three treatments are required for adequate collagen production. The number of treatments depends on the extent of skin damage, the individual’s response to treatment, and the area being treated.
Is Dermapen Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Unlike many other products for improving the look of your skin, the dermapen is indeed safe for sensitive skin and any skin type. If you have a specific skin condition, however, it’s best to talk to your doctor about the treatment before you get started.
Can I Reuse Dermapen Needles?
No, it is not recommended to reuse dermapen needles. This can cause a host of problems, including infection.
What Is Nano-Needling Good For?
Nano-needling can treat fine lines and wrinkles, reduce any swelling or bagginess, firm up loose skin, increase skin care product absorption, and give skin a very smooth appearance. Just because nano-needling can only penetrate the upper layer of the skin doesn’t mean the benefits aren’t amazing.
Can You Use LED Light After Microneedling?
You can indeed use a good LED light therapy device, preferably a handheld LED device, after you have had a microneedling treatment. In fact, some types of LED lighting are often used in conjunction with microneedling to produce even better results than microneedling alone.
Can I Use Niacinamide After Dermapen?
Yes, you can. Niacinamide has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help the skin experience less swelling after a treatment. This is why many of the products that doctors recommend after the treatments contain niacinamide.
Many skin remedies have been developed over the years, but the dermapen presents a lot of awesome features.
This small device not only eliminates bad skin conditions but also rejuvenates the skin. It works very well to get rid of acne, wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, and many other skin problems.
We hope that this guide has helped you find a suitable tool for at-home microneedling and learn the steps to follow to safely perform the procedure.
I’m a passionate skincare specialist and writer. I have more than 7 years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor, and I’m extremely passionate about what I do.
