Micro-infusion vs microneedling – what is the difference?

Micro-infusion and microneedling are both used in skincare routines where small needles come into contact with the skin, but the methods do not work in exactly the same way. The clearest difference lies in how the needles work, how the needle depth is controlled, and how serum is applied.

In this guide, we compare micro-infusion vs microneedling and explain the differences in a simple way. By micro-infusion here, we primarily mean manual systems such as Dr. Pen MIS20, where a serum ampoule is connected directly to a microneedle stamp head. By microneedling, we primarily mean traditional electric microneedling pens with adjustable needle depth.

If you want to start with the basics, you can read our guide on what microneedling is and how it works.

What is micro-infusion?

Micro-infusion is a superficial treatment where a needle-equipped stamp head is combined with serum application. In a system such as Dr. Pen MIS20, the serum ampoule is connected directly to the stamp head. When the stamp is used on the skin, the small needles come into contact with the skin while the serum is distributed over the treatment area.

MIS20 uses 20 microneedles with a fixed length of 0.25 mm. Unlike an electric microneedling pen, there is no motor or adjustable needle depth setting. The treatment is performed manually by gently and evenly pressing the stamp head against the skin.

The system is developed for home use and is delivered as a complete treatment program with serum ampoules, disposable stamps, and moisturizing face masks.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a broader term for treatments where small needles create controlled microchannels in the skin. The method can be performed with, for example, an electric microneedling pen, dermaroller, or dermastamp.

A traditional microneedling pen works with motorized needle movements where the needles move rapidly up and down. On many models, both needle depth and speed can be adjusted, providing greater ability to adapt the treatment to the area, the skin's sensitivity, and the intended use.

If you want to compare different tools, you can find microneedling pens, dermarollers, and other alternatives in our microneedling category.

Micro-infusion vs microneedling – quick comparison

Feature	Micro-infusion with MIS20	Traditional microneedling pen
Technique	Manual stamping	Motorized needle movements
Needle depth	Fixed 0.25 mm	Adjustable on many models
Serum	Serum ampoule connects directly to the stamp head	Normally applied separately in traditional pen treatment
Number of needles	20 microneedles per stamp	Varies depending on needle cartridge and model
Operation	Manual – no charging required	Electric
Treatment depth	Superficial and predetermined	Can be adjusted within the model's setting range
Consumable part	New disposable stamp for each treatment	New disposable cartridge for each treatment

What are the biggest differences?

1. Micro-infusion combines stamping and serum application

The most distinctive difference is how the serum is used. With MIS20, a serum ampoule is connected directly to the stamp head, and the serum is distributed at the same time as you work across the skin.

With traditional microneedling using a Dr. Pen, skincare products are normally applied separately. However, there are also other types of microneedling devices, for example certain Hydra Pen models, that also have an integrated liquid reservoir. The difference should therefore be seen as a comparison between micro-infusion with MIS20 and traditional pen-based microneedling, not as a rule that applies to every microneedling product.

2. MIS20 has a fixed needle depth of 0.25 mm

Micro-infusion with MIS20 is performed with 0.25 mm long microneedles. The needle depth is fixed and does not need to be set by the user.

A microneedling pen, on the other hand, normally allows the needle depth to be adjusted. This makes the pen more flexible, but also means that the user needs to understand which setting is appropriate. A greater needle depth is not automatically better, and deeper treatment means greater impact on the skin.

If you want to understand the differences between various depths, you can read our guide to needle depth in microneedling.

3. Micro-infusion is manual – the microneedling pen is electric

MIS20 requires no motor, charging, or speed setting. The treatment is performed by moving the stamp head across the face with controlled, vertical pressure.

A microneedling pen instead uses a motor to move the needles up and down at high speed. This makes it possible to treat an area with many rapid needle movements and, on many models, also choose between several speed levels.

4. The Microneedling pen offers greater ability to customize

The fixed needle length in MIS20 makes the system simple and consistent. An electric pen, on the other hand, offers greater control over both needle depth and often speed.

This does not mean that one method is always better than the other. They are developed for different types of routines. Micro-infusion with MIS20 is a superficial, predetermined treatment with integrated serum application, while a microneedling pen is a more adjustable tool.

What does Dr. Pen MIS20 contain?

Dr. Pen MIS20 is designed as a treatment program with materials for four micro-infusion treatments. The package contains:

• 2 × Anti-Aging Serum, 5 ml
• 2 × Brightening Serum, 5 ml
• 4 × microneedle stamps with 20 needles
• 5 × moisturizing face masks
• 1 × manual
• 1 × storage box

Each stamp is intended for single use and should be discarded after the treatment. The serum types are used alternately according to the product's recommended two-month program.

What is micro-infusion good for?

Micro-infusion with MIS20 is developed for a skincare routine focusing on, among other things, radiance, skin texture, hydration, fine lines, and a more even skin tone. The two included serum types have different focuses: Brightening Serum focuses on radiance and skin tone, while Anti-Aging Serum is developed with a focus on fine lines and the skin's elasticity.

Because the treatment is superficial, it should not be equated with deeper microneedling. What changes one experiences also varies between individuals and is influenced by, among other things, the skin's starting condition, routine, and how the skin reacts.

What is microneedling good for?

Traditional microneedling is used in skincare routines focusing on, for example, skin texture, radiance, fine lines, and various types of unevenness. Because the needle depth on many pens can be adjusted, the same tool can be used in different ways depending on the area and level of experience.

However, deeper treatment is not something one should strive for solely to try to achieve faster or clearer results. The greater the impact on the skin, the greater the demands on correct technique, hygiene, and recovery.

Which method is best suited for beginners?

For a beginner who wants a simple and predetermined routine, micro-infusion may be easier to understand. MIS20 has a fixed needle depth of 0.25 mm and requires neither speed adjustment nor needle depth adjustment.

A microneedling pen provides greater flexibility but also involves more choices. Among other things, you need to choose the right needle cartridge, set an appropriate needle depth, and use the correct technique.

The most important thing is therefore not to choose the most advanced method, but to choose a tool whose instructions and use you feel comfortable with.

Can you use any serum with micro-infusion?

No, you should not assume that a regular cosmetic serum is automatically suitable for use directly in connection with a treatment that creates microchannels in the skin.

Always follow the instructions for the system you are using and use only products that are explicitly intended for the specific treatment. MIS20 is delivered with serums that are included in the system's treatment program.

The same caution applies to microneedling. Products that work well in a regular skincare routine are not necessarily suitable during or immediately after the treatment. Feel free to read more about which serums to avoid after microneedling.

How often do you do micro-infusion compared with microneedling?

For Dr. Pen MIS20, the product's treatment program recommends one treatment every other week for a total of two months. The package's four serum ampoules and four disposable stamps correspond to four treatment sessions.

For traditional microneedling, there is no single interval that suits everyone. How long the skin needs to recover depends on, among other things, needle depth, area, and how the skin reacts. The skin should be recovered before the next treatment.

For a more detailed review, you can read how long you should wait between microneedling treatments at home.

Is aftercare important with both methods?

Yes. Both micro-infusion and microneedling affect the skin barrier, although the depth and intensity may differ. The skin may therefore be more sensitive after the treatment.

Good hygiene, gentle aftercare, and sun protection are important. Avoid experimenting with strong active ingredients immediately after treatment and always follow the instructions for the product you are using.

If you want to learn more about aftercare, you can read our guide on what you should not do after microneedling.

Micro-infusion or microneedling – what should you choose?

Micro-infusion with MIS20 may suit you if you:

• want a superficial treatment with fixed needle depth
• prefer a manual system without a motor or settings
• want to combine stamping and serum application in the same routine
• want a ready-made treatment program with serum and a subsequent face mask
• prioritize simplicity over many adjustment options

Traditional microneedling with a pen may suit you if you:

• want to be able to adjust the needle depth
• want to choose between different needle cartridges
• prefer motorized needle movements
• want to be able to adapt the treatment to different areas
• are prepared to familiarize yourself with more settings and treatment parameters

The choice is therefore mainly about what type of control and treatment routine you want. Micro-infusion with MIS20 offers a simple system with a fixed 0.25 mm needle depth and integrated serum application, while a traditional microneedling pen provides greater ability to control the treatment.

Frequently asked questions about micro-infusion and microneedling

Is micro-infusion the same thing as microneedling?

Not exactly. The methods are closely related because both use small needles on the skin, but micro-infusion with MIS20 combines a manual microneedle stamp with direct serum application. Traditional microneedling with a pen instead uses motorized needle movements and often has adjustable needle depth.

What is the difference between Dr. Pen MIS20 and a Dr. Pen microneedling pen?

MIS20 is a manual micro-infusion system with 20 microneedles of 0.25 mm and a serum ampoule that connects directly to the stamp head. A traditional Dr. Pen is electric and on many models offers adjustable needle depth, multiple speeds, and interchangeable needle cartridges.

How long are the needles on Dr. Pen MIS20?

The needles are 0.25 mm long. Each disposable stamp contains 20 microneedles.

Is serum applied at the same time during micro-infusion?

Yes. With MIS20, the serum ampoule is connected directly to the stamp head so that the serum is distributed over the treatment area at the same time as the stamp is used on the skin.

Can a MIS20 stamp head be reused?

No. Each microneedle stamp is intended for one treatment and should be discarded after use.

How often is Dr. Pen MIS20 used?

The recommended treatment program consists of four treatments over two months, with one treatment every other week.

Summary

Micro-infusion and traditional microneedling are based on closely related principles but differ clearly in how the treatment is performed. Micro-infusion with MIS20 uses a manual stamp with fixed 0.25 mm microneedles and serum application in the same system, while traditional microneedling with a pen uses motorized needles and provides greater ability to customize needle depth and other settings.

For those who want a simple, superficial, and predetermined routine, micro-infusion is an interesting alternative. If instead you want greater control over treatment depth and needle choice, an electric microneedling pen offers more possibilities.

Regardless of the method, correct use, clean disposable needles, and gentle aftercare are crucial parts of the routine.