Microneedling 101

What is a Microneedling Dermapen?

A Dermapen is a revolutionary skincare device which delivers advanced and innovative micro-needling technology.  It is an automated, non-invasive microneedling device designed for use at-home or in- clinic. The process involves a dermapen affixed with a cartridge of micro-needles to create tiny wounds.

Microneedling improves the appearance of the facial and body areas. The treatments can be performed on any area of the face, neck, neckline, stomach, thighs, buttocks or scalp.

Microneedling is considered to be one of the safest skin treatment procedures.  Unlike chemical peels, and laser treatments, this cosmetic procedure causes minimal damage to the skin.

How does micro needling work?

Micro needling involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilised micro needles creating “micro channels”, which allow for deeper penetration of serums and ingredients. This results in higher efficacy, meaning you get more out of your serums than usual. These tiny micro-channels also trigger the body’s natural healing process to create more collagen and elastin, which helps to fill and smooth out the wrinkles, resulting in the the appearance of fresher, newer looking skin. You might have also heard microneedling being called collagen induction therapy (CIT)

Microneedling helps improve the appearance of:
  • Acne Scars
  • Surgical Scars
  • Burn Scars
  • Wrinkles & Fine Lines
  • Enlarged pores
  • Hair growth
  • Stretch Marks
  • Pigmentation and Melasma
  • Sun damage
  • Rosacea
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Loose skin
  • Dull/dehydrated skin
Choosing the best microneedling treatment for your skin

Cosmetic Micro Needling and Nano Needling Infusion have their place in skin rejuvenation for almost everyone, they treat many of the same skin conditions.

Either modality will have a positive effect in reducing the appearance of fine lines, improving skin tone and texture, shrinking pore size, reducing pigmentation or helping to clear acne and acne scars.

When it comes to deeper acne scars and wrinkles, hair regrowth, stretch marks and pigmentation, the deeper micro channels associated with Collagen Induction Therapy would be the best choice.

With the goal to provide the best outcome for you all treatments can be used to advance the results for many skin conditions. 

Nano Needling
  • Cosmetic facial
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Improves overall skin tone and texture
  • Nano channels increase the absorption and effectiveness of serums ingredients into the epidermis (surface layer)
  • No numbing, no downtime and completely painless
  • Nano cartridges composed of microscopic pyramid shaped filaments (needless) 
  • Cartridge depth 0.25mm
  • Treatment as often as weekly
Cosmetic Micro Needling
  • Cosmetic facial
  • Creates micro injuries through the epidermis and into the upper dermis (surface skin layers)
  • stimulates the wound healing response
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves overall skin tone and texture
  • Needle depth 0.05mm
  • Needle cartridges, either 12/16/36/42
  • No numbing or downtime, virtually painless 
  • Treatment once every one to two weeks
Collagen Induction Therapy 
  • Create micro-injuries for wound healing response
  • Stimulates the deeper dermis (skins deeper layers)
  • Induces collagen and remodelling
  • Target deeper acne scars, stretch marks, fibrous scars, and hair regrowth
  • Needle depth adjusted from 0.50 to 1.00mm or up to 2.5mm for targeted areas
  • Needle cartridges, either 11/12/16
  • Numbing cream may be required
  • 12-24 hour downtime, does cause some inflammation
  • Treatment once every 4-6 weeks
Choosing the best Microneedling Kit for you
All of our microneedling kits are great microneedling devices, so choosing the device for you ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, packaging appearance, and functionality.
All kits are easy to use, safe, comfortable, hygienic, and will help you achieve a healthy, radiant skin; great for wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, stretch marks, hair growth, plus, they helps boost the absorption of your favourite skincare products.
Ultima X5 is an excellent micro needling pen for beginners to professionals, its an affordable tool to treat yourself at home. Dr. Pen X5 has a digital LED screen to display the speed (5 levels) and is super easy to use, can be used wireless or with the cord. It has a LED Speed Display / 5 Speed control and a secured screw cartridge for maximum control and precision.
Ultima A6 treats all skin concerns for home or professional use, from gentle nano needling to deeper collagen induction therapy, providing excellent results in a short period of time. It's a workhorse and comes with 2 high capacity rechargeable batteries, battery power can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. Can be used wired or wireless.
Ultima M8 is a bestseller and a customer favourite for professional or personal use, it is unrivalled when it comes to achieving a healthy, glowing, and plumped skin with minimal downtime. It has special cartridges with 0.18 ultra thin needle diameter, it's the finest needle cartridges on the market to penetrate ultra fine microscopic channels which causes less trauma, less pain and faster recovery.  It has the convenience of a built in battery that lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge in wireless mode, and a digital display.

Ultima A6S is 2021 latest model, it is the newest technology. It is the ultimate in microneedling for home or professional use for many reasons. Like the M8 the A6S has the 0.18 ultra thin needle diameter, less trauma, less pain, faster healing. It comes with digital display, powerful motor and 2 x high capacity rechargeable batteries for wireless use, plus a 2 year warranty!

Choosing Cartridges, Needle Lengths & Speed

Which type of cartridge should I be using?

We have several types of replacement cartridges. You should choose microneedling cartridges which will be suitable according to its purpose of treatment before use. 

Cartridges with needles are used in microneedling treatments. The needles involve pricking the skin to create micro channels, a controlled injury just beneath the skin's surface to stimulate the production of collagen in the treated area.  

The greater the needle count, the less the penetration. The fewer needle count, offers greater penetration (due to the Fakir effect).

11/12/16/18 needle cartridges are the most versatile and suit all applications and are best suited for the deeper needling of Collagen Induction Therapy. Specifically treating targeted areas such as deep wrinkles, stretch marks, surgical scars, deep acne scars, anti ageing, skin texture and for the treatment of hair loss. 

36 needle cartridge offers more distributed micro channels for a cosmetic treatment. They are versatile for face and body and will specifically treat larger and more sensitive areas for added comfort. 36 needles are best suited for the gentle stimulation of Cosmetic Needling. 

Nano cartridges are designed to use for nano infusion. Made of pyramid tipped filaments that push ingredients into the epidermis without puncturing the skin. Infusing active ingredients into the skin up to 97% better. Effective and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Nano cartridge improves serum absorption, brightening, pigmentation, hydration, shrinking pores and smoothing texture. Nano infusions require no numbing cream and is completely painless. 

Which needle length should I be using?

You should choose the microneedle length which will be suitable according to its purpose of treatment before operation. By adjusting the dial on the device you adjust the depth. Nano infusion is set at 0.25, Cosmetic Needling is set no more than 0.50mm. Here are an example of needle length choices for Collagen Induction Therapy below:

 Region Depth
Forehead 0.25 - 0.5 mm
Between Eyebrows 0.25 - 0.5 mm
Nose 0.25 - 0.5 mm
Eye Area 0.25 mm
Cheek Bone 0.5 mm
Cheek 0.5 - 1.0 mm
Around Lips 0.25 mm
Chin 0.5 - 1.0 mm
Neck 0.5 mm
Scar Mark 1.0 mm
Stretch Mark 1.0 mm
What speed settings should I use on my dermapen?

Use what you find is comfortable for you. I always recommended starting with the settings in the speed setting guide, however you may find working at maximum speed setting more comfortable

Depth Speed
Under 0.5 mm Speed 1-2 
Depth 0.5 - 0.75 mm Speed 2-3
Depth 0.75 - 1.00 Speed 3-4