What Is the Best At-Home Microneedling Pen?

Microneedling procedures are becoming more popular as people are learning of its benefits. Compared to other cosmetic procedures and products in the market that are more expensive or less effective, microneedling (or as it’s formally known in aesthetic practices – Collagen Induction Therapy) is based on science and can work for all regardless of skin type, skin tone, skin condition, and other varying factors. Through pricking your skin, you can naturally increase your body’s production of collagen. This makes it easier to shed dead skin cells and replace dull skin with youthful-looking healthy skin.

Initially, microneedling was only available at aesthetic clinics and dermatological practices and performed by doctors, aestheticians, and nurses. However, do-it-yourself versions of microneedling tools were recently introduced to the public and are now available for women and men who want the convenience of microneedling at home. For those who’d like to try microneedling in the comfort of their own home, here are the best at-home microneedling pens to work with for a safe and effective experience.

The Best At-Home Microneedling Pens

You’ll find many microneedling pens sold online, in cosmetics stores, and possibly from your own aesthetic center. Here are our top picks you should consider.

What to Look for in an At-Home Microneedling Pen

From looking at our list alone, you can tell that not all microneedling pens are alike. It’s important to consider several factors when comparing microneedling pens, including:

Needle Length

Microneedling pens offer various needle lengths which are best for certain purposes. Deeper needle penetration is used for skin problems that go beyond the superficial layer, while smaller needles are for skin concerns that don’t run too deep.

We recommend beginners start with smaller needles and only go for longer needles if necessary. Use this table as a guide when choosing your microneedling pen.

Skin concerns Needle length in millimeters (mm)
Acne scarring 1.0 – 1.5 mm (use shorter needles for superficial scars and longer needles for deeper scars)
Blemishes and dark spots 0.25 – 0.5 mm
Pores 0.25 – 0.5 mm
Sagging or loose skin 0.5 – 1.5 mm
Skin discoloration 0.25 – 1 mm
Stretch marks 1.5 mm
Sun-damaged skin 0.5 – 1.5 mm
Uneven skin tone or uneven skin texture 0.5 mm

As much as possible, avoid using 2-millimeter needles. These provide deeper needle penetration but are best handled by professionals as these can be risky for untrained users. Needle size also determines how often you should practice microneedling: smaller needles can be used more frequently, while larger needles should be used more sparingly to reduce long-term skin damage.

Needle length in millimeters (mm) Frequency of microneedling
0.25 mm Every other day
0.5 mm Start with one session per week and gradually use it more often up to three times per week.
1 mm Every two weeks
1.5 mm Once a month
2 mm (not recommended for at-home microneedling) Every six weeks
Stainless Steel vs. Titanium Needles

Microneedling pen needles are available in stainless steel or titanium. While they both give roughly the same results on your skin, the difference between the two is their durability.

Stainless Steel Needles Titanium Needles
Weaker than titanium and becomes blunt fasterMore sterile than titanium, which is why it’s the choice of medical professionals Cheaper option A stronger alloy than stainless steel, thus more durable and will last longerNeedles will stay sharp and not go blunt quicklyMore expensive but has no difference on your skin compared to stainless steel needles
Needle Cartridges

Unlike dermarollers, microneedling pens require needle cartridges to use for the session. On the lower end is the nano-needle cartridge and the 12-pin cartridge, while the highest is the 36-pin cartridge.

Nano-needle cartridges are best used for beginners who may not be used to the piercing feeling of microneedling. This is enough to stimulate the skin on a superficial level while helping with skin problems like fine lines and textured skin. 36-pin needle cartridges, on the other hand, are for more heavy-duty skin concerns like facial wrinkles, stretch marks, and discoloration.

Device Power
Devices can be chargeable or require additional batteries to function. Though the differences are negligible, consider the practical side of how frequently you’ll be using your microneedling pen. For those using their microneedling pen multiple times per week, there isn’t much of a difference. But for those using longer needles and using their pens less frequently, it might be more practical to get a chargeable device and charge as needed.

Speed Levels
For certain areas of your face (as well as for beginners adjusting to the sensation of microneedling), having different speeds can help your skin adapt to the microneedling process. Ideally, your microneedling pen should come in at least three speeds.

How to Use a Microneedling Pen

If you’re new to microneedling, it might be best to first try out the experience at your local aesthetic clinic. Once you’re used to the sensation, you can start browsing around for at-home microneedling pens. Be sure to read up on how to properly use a micropen before using it on yourself.

Disinfect your microneedling pen. Wash your roller according to its user manual instructions. Disinfect your pen and needle cartridges in isopropyl alcohol.
Prep your skin. Wash your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser to remove any dirt particles. If you’ll be using a needle cartridge longer than 0.5 millimeters, wipe your face with isopropyl alcohol to sanitize.

If you’re using needles shorter than one millimeter and have a fairly good pain tolerance, you can proceed with the microneedling process. If you have a low pain tolerance or will be using needles longer than a millimeter, apply numbing cream to your face. Using needles longer than a millimeter will most likely result in bleeding, which is normal for the process. Wait for a few minutes or as instructed by your numbing cream’s packaging.
Start the microneedling process. Begin the microneedling process in the affected area. A good tip to microneedling is to divide your face into sections and work in one direction. Avoid the eye area and adjust your process according to your pain tolerance and skin sensitivity.

Wash your face and proceed with your regular beauty routine. After the procedure, rinse your face with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Proceed with your daily skincare routine, but avoid chemical exfoliates or active ingredients like salicylic acid or benozoyl peroxide, as these can be harsh towards your sensitive skin.
Disinfect your microneedling pen before storage. Start by washing off the blood and skin tissue on your pen with dishwashing soap (or any similar detergent that can dissolve proteins found in your skin). Next, let it soak in isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes. Let your unit dry completely before putting it away.

You may have sensitive skin in the treated areas for the next few days. While there is no downtime or recovery time necessary, it’s best to take steps to protect your skin like avoiding prolonged sun exposure. After a few days, you may feel noticeably softer skin and a reduced appearance of scars or other skin concerns.

Microneedling is a must-try procedure for people who want to harness their body’s natural collagen production for skin rejuvenation. We recommend getting your first-time microneedling experience from an aesthetician clinic then, once you’ve gotten used to the pricking feeling, trying it yourself at home.

For microneedling devices and other microneedling tools and supplies, Vaney Beauty provides quality products at competitive prices, such as our DP14 Microneedling Pen. We provide alternative choices to the more expensive options in the market so that practices can get more for less without trading quality and safety for price. Shop at Vaney Beauty today.