Nanoneedling – what is it and what is the difference compared to microneedling?

Nanoneedling has become an increasingly common term in skincare and among users of microneedling pens. Despite the name, nanoneedling is not the same thing as traditional microneedling. The most important difference lies in how the skin is treated and what type of cartridge is used.

In traditional microneedling, real needles are used that penetrate the skin. In nanoneedling, a nano cartridge with very small tips or cones is used instead, working much more superficially. This makes nanoneedling an option for those who primarily want to focus on the skin’s surface, radiance, and the application of skincare products.

What is nanoneedling?

Nanoneedling, sometimes called nano needling or nano infusion, is a superficial skin treatment in which a pen is fitted with a nano cartridge instead of a traditional needle cartridge.

The nano cartridge usually consists of a large number of very small tips. Depending on the cartridge’s design, these may be made of, for example, silicone or metal, but they do not work in the same way as traditional microneedling needles.

The purpose is primarily to work with the outermost layer of the skin and create superficial mechanical stimulation. Nanoneedling is therefore often associated with:

• a more even feel on the skin’s surface
• more radiance
• mild exfoliation
• superficial skincare and product application
• less impact on the skin than traditional microneedling

What is the difference between nanoneedling and microneedling?

The fundamental difference is that microneedling uses needles that penetrate the skin, while nanoneedling works much more superficially.

Traditional microneedling creates controlled microchannels by having thin needles enter the skin. The treatment is used to stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes and may, depending on the treatment depth, involve more redness and longer recovery.

Nanoneedling instead focuses on the skin’s surface and should not be equated with a deeper microneedling treatment.

Nanoneedling	Microneedling
Works very superficially	Needles penetrate the skin
Uses a nano cartridge	Uses a needle cartridge
Focus on the skin’s surface and radiance	Focus on controlled needle stimulation
Usually less skin reaction	May cause more noticeable redness and recovery
Not traditional microneedling	Traditional microneedling

Are nano cartridges real needles?

Not in the same sense as regular microneedling cartridges.

A cartridge with, for example, 12, 18, or 36 needles uses thin needles that can penetrate the skin. Nano cartridges instead use closely spaced small tips and are developed for much more superficial treatment.

It is therefore misleading to think of a nano cartridge as a regular microneedling cartridge with extra-short needles.

If you want to compare the cartridges in more detail, you can read our guide on the difference between 12-pin, 36-pin, and nano needles.

What is nanoneedling used for?

Nanoneedling is primarily used when the goal is a milder and more superficial skin treatment.

It may, for example, be relevant for someone who wants to work on the skin’s feel and appearance without the same degree of skin impact as with traditional microneedling.

Common goals of the treatment are improved radiance, a more even feel to the skin, and a lightly exfoliating effect.

However, nanoneedling should not be seen as a direct replacement for deeper microneedling when the goal is to treat, for example, more pronounced skin texture or scars.

Does nanoneedling stimulate collagen?

Here it is important to distinguish between nanoneedling and traditional microneedling.

The established principle behind microneedling is based on needles creating controlled microscopic injuries in the skin and thereby activating a healing process. Nano cartridges work much more superficially and should therefore not be attributed the same mechanism or the same expected effect.

Claims that nanoneedling would provide the same collagen stimulation as deeper microneedling should therefore be treated with caution.

Does nanoneedling hurt?

Because the nano cartridge works superficially, nanoneedling is usually experienced as significantly gentler than traditional microneedling.

The treatment may feel like vibration, light friction, or a gentle prickling sensation against the skin’s surface. However, the experience varies from person to person and may also be affected by which pen and nano cartridge are used.

Does the skin become red after nanoneedling?

Light and temporary redness may occur after mechanical treatment of the skin, but the skin reaction is normally milder than after traditional microneedling.

How the skin reacts depends, among other things, on skin type, how long the area is treated, and how much pressure is used.

If the skin becomes severely irritated, it is a sign that the treatment should be stopped and the skin allowed to recover.

Nanoneedling at home – what should you keep in mind?

Even though nanoneedling is more superficial than microneedling, hygiene and correct use are still important.

• Cleanse the skin before the treatment.
• Use a clean cartridge that is compatible with your pen.
• Avoid pressing hard against the skin.
• Do not treat skin with open wounds or an ongoing infection.
• Stop the treatment if the skin reacts strongly.
• Follow the instructions for the pen and cartridge you use.

A more intensive treatment is not automatically a better treatment. With nanoneedling, the point is precisely to work superficially.

Can you use serum during nanoneedling?

Nanoneedling is often used together with skincare products, but that does not mean all serums are automatically suitable for use during the treatment.

Products that work well on completely intact skin can cause irritation when the skin is treated mechanically and its outermost barrier is temporarily affected.

Therefore, be especially cautious with strong acids, retinoids, fragranced products, and other potentially irritating ingredients.

If you want to understand the difference between different products, you can read our guide on which serum can be used during microneedling. At the same time, keep in mind that nanoneedling and traditional microneedling are not the same treatment.

How often can you do nanoneedling?

There is no universal interval that suits all nano cartridges, products, and skin types.

Because the treatment is more superficial, the skin can normally recover faster than after traditional microneedling. However, that does not mean the skin should be treated as often as possible.

Let the skin return to its normal state and follow the recommendations for the specific equipment. If the skin is still irritated, dry, or sensitive, the next treatment should wait.

Can you use the same pen for nanoneedling and microneedling?

Many microneedling pens can use both traditional needle cartridges and nano cartridges, but compatibility varies between different models.

A Dr. Pen model may, for example, use a completely different cartridge type than another model. Therefore, always check which cartridge series is intended for your specific pen.

At Drpen you will find needle and nano cartridges for different Dr. Pen models. Check the model’s compatibility before ordering.

Nanoneedling or microneedling – which should you choose?

That depends mainly on what you want to get out of the treatment.

Nanoneedling may be relevant if you:

• want a very superficial treatment
• primarily focus on radiance and the skin’s surface
• want to avoid the greater skin impact that traditional microneedling involves
• want to use a nano cartridge together with a compatible pen

Microneedling may be more relevant if you:

• are specifically looking for a treatment in which needles penetrate the skin
• want to work more actively with the skin’s structure
• are prepared for greater skin impact and more aftercare

The methods therefore overlap partly in how the equipment looks, but the depth and purpose of the treatment differ clearly.

Is nanoneedling the same thing as nano infusion?

The terms are often used for the same or very similar treatments.

Nano infusion usually emphasizes the use of a nano cartridge together with skincare products, while nanoneedling is a broader name for the treatment method itself.

However, the terms are not used entirely consistently between different manufacturers and practitioners. It is therefore better to look at what type of cartridge is used and how it works against the skin than to rely solely on the treatment name.

Summary – what is nanoneedling?

Nanoneedling is a superficial skin treatment that uses a nano cartridge instead of traditional microneedling needles. It mainly works with the outermost layer of the skin and is associated with radiance, superficial texture, and skincare routines rather than the deeper needle stimulation that characterizes microneedling.

The most important difference is therefore simple: nanoneedling and microneedling are not the same treatment. The nano cartridge works much more superficially, while traditional microneedling cartridges use needles that penetrate the skin.

Frequently asked questions about nanoneedling

What is nanoneedling?

Nanoneedling is a superficial skin treatment in which a pen is used together with a nano cartridge. The nano cartridge works with the outermost layer of the skin and should not be equated with traditional microneedling needles.

What is the difference between nanoneedling and microneedling?

Microneedling uses real needles that penetrate the skin, while nanoneedling uses very small tips that work much more superficially. Nanoneedling therefore normally causes less skin impact and shorter recovery.

Is nanoneedling the same thing as nano infusion?

The terms are often used for the same or similar treatments. Nano infusion usually places greater focus on the use of skincare products during the superficial treatment.

Can you do nanoneedling at home?

There are nano cartridges and compatible pens intended for home use. It is still important to follow the product's instructions, work hygienically, and avoid damaged or infected skin.

Are nano cartridges real microneedling needles?

No, nano cartridges should not be equated with regular microneedling cartridges. They use closely spaced small tips and work much more superficially than traditional needle cartridges.

Can you use serum with nanoneedling?

Nanoneedling is often used together with skincare products, but not all serums are automatically suitable. Be especially careful with potentially irritating ingredients and follow the instructions for both the product and the equipment.