Which needles should be used with Dr. Pen?

Here is a quick overview of what needle depth is typically used for different skin problems:

Quick Guide – what needle depth should be used for microneedling with Dr. Pen?

• 0.5 mm: Skin rejuvenation and glow in the face
• 0.5–1.0 mm: Fine lines and superficial wrinkles
• 0.5–1.5 mm: Acne scars
• 1.5–2.5 mm: Stretch marks and deeper scars (professional level)

When wondering which needles to use with Dr. Pen for microneedling, it's about matching two things: needle depth and needle cartridge. The needle depth determines how deep the microchannels are created, while the number of needles in the cartridge affects how intense the treatment becomes, how large an area you cover per pass, and how the treatment usually feels.

In this guide, you get a safe, clear, and practical walkthrough of needle depth for microneedling, common needle types for Dr. Pen and how to choose the right one based on goals, area, and experience. You also get short, concrete answers to questions that often arise before microneedling at home or in a clinical environment.

What needles should be used with Dr. Pen?

The choice of needles for Dr. Pen depends on skin problems, treatment area, and desired effect. When talking about “which needles” for Dr. Pen, it practically means two choices:

• Needle depth (mm) – how far the needles work down into the skin during the treatment.
• Needle type / number of needles in the cartridge – for example, 12-pins, 16–24-pins, 36–42-pins, or nano.

Different combinations suit different needs. As a rule of thumb: lower depth + more needles are often used for more superficial improvement (e.g., texture and glow), while higher depth + fewer needles are more often used when more targeted and powerful stimulation is desired on more difficult areas.

Important: Depth over 1.5 mm should only be used by trained personnel as recovery often becomes longer and the risk of side effects increases.

Recommended needle depths for your skin problems

The right choice of needle depth can be used for several goals – from skin rejuvenation and uneven skin texture to scars and stretch marks. Below are typical depths that are often used in practice. Always adapt according to area, skin sensitivity, and experience level.

• General skin rejuvenation (face): approximately 0.5 mm
• Fine lines and superficial wrinkles: approximately 0.5 mm, up to around 1.0 mm for deeper wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation: 0.5–1.0 mm
• Acne scars: 0.5–1.5 mm (more severe scars may require deeper, which should be done professionally)
• Dark circles under the eyes: 0.25–0.5 mm – read more about microneedling under the eyes
• Scalp for hair loss: around 1.5 mm – read more about microneedling for hair loss
• Stretch marks (body): 1.5–2.5 mm (professional level)
• Surgical or traumatic scars: 1.5–2.5 mm (professional level)

Remember that the skin on the face is often treated shallower than the thicker skin on the body, and that thin areas (such as around the eyes) require extra low settings.

What happens in the skin during microneedling?

Microneedling creates small, controlled microchannels in the skin. This triggers the skin's natural healing process, which over time can contribute to improved skin texture and an increased sense of firmness.

The number of needles in the cartridge affects how the pressure is distributed with each pass:

• Fewer needles provide higher pressure per needle and are often perceived as more intense.
• More needles distribute the pressure, may feel milder, and cover larger areas faster.

Nano-cartridges are intended for more superficial treatment and focus on product application, rather than working deep into the skin.

The difference between 12-, 16–24-, and 36–42-pin needles

Here is a practical overview of common Dr. Pen needle cartridges and what they are typically used for.

• 12-pin (low needle count): More concentrated treatment often chosen for more severe skin conditions like deeper scars, stretch marks, and pronounced wrinkles. Can be perceived as more intense and takes longer on larger areas.
• 16–24-pin (medium level): A balanced all-round choice often used for wrinkles, fine lines, moderate scars, uneven skin tone, and general skin improvement. Usually perceived as more comfortable than 12-needle but can still provide a noticeable effect.
• 36–42-pin (high needle count): Often chosen for larger or more sensitive areas and more superficial improvements like texture, radiance, pores, and superficial marks. Often feels milder, but is usually not the first choice for very deep scars.
• Nano: Intended for very superficial treatment and product focus. The advantage is low irritation and minimal recovery, but it is not meant for deep scars or deeper wrinkles.

Step-by-step: choose the right needles for your Dr. Pen

To choose the right needles and get a safe, reasonable level, you can think in three simple steps: area, goal, and comfort.

• Step 1 – choose depth by area: Thin areas require lower depth. The skin on the body is often thicker than on the face.
• Step 2 – choose depth by goal: Superficial goals (texture, radiance, mild tone) are often achieved at lower depths than severe scars and stretch marks.
• Step 3 – choose cartridge by comfort and precision: More needles can feel milder and cover larger areas faster. Fewer needles can provide more targeted stimulation but are often perceived as more intense.

Also check that the cartridges are compatible with your Dr. Pen model. Older and newer models may have different fittings, and cartridges are not always interchangeable between generations. The right fit reduces the risk of issues and provides a smoother treatment.

Safety, risks, and hygiene

Microneedling is an active treatment that requires respect for both depth and hygiene. The basic rule is that greater depth provides more impact and thus greater demands on correct technique and recovery.

• Depth over 1.5 mm: should only be performed by trained personal.
• Recovery: Deeper treatment often involves longer recovery than superficial.
• Cartridge choice: More needles can feel milder, fewer needles more intense.
• Aftercare: Choose a gentle, moisturizing, and barrier-supporting routine after treatment and avoid irritating substances early in the healing phase.

The thickness of the skin varies between different areas of the face and body, which means that needle depth should always be adjusted individually.

Common questions about needles for Dr. Pen

What needle depth should one start with for microneedling with Dr. Pen?

For facial treatment and general skin improvement, approximately 0.5 mm is a common and safe starting point. Thin areas such as around the eyes are often treated with 0.25–0.5 mm. Deeper treatment should only be done when one has experience or is trained.

What needle depth is best for acne scars?

For milder acne scars, 0.5–1.0 mm is often used. Deeper or more fibrotic scars may require 1.0–1.5 mm or more, which should normally be performed by a professional practitioner as recovery and risk levels increase with depth.

Can 36–42-pin needles be used on the face?

Yes, 36–42-pin cartridges are often used for more superficial treatment of larger areas on the face, for example, for texture, radiance, and pores. They cover a larger area per pass and are often perceived as milder than cartridges with fewer needles.

What is the difference between 12-pin and 36-pin needles?

12-pin provides more concentrated and targeted stimulation as the pressure is distributed over fewer needles. 36-pin distributes the pressure over more needles, covers a larger area faster, and is often used for more superficial improvement.

How often can microneedling be done at home?

The frequency depends on needle depth and skin recovery. More superficial treatments can be done more often than deeper ones. As the depth increases, longer breaks should be taken to give the skin time to recover properly.

Is microneedling under the eyes safe?

The area under the eyes is thin and requires low needle depth, often 0.25–0.5 mm. Incorrect depth or technique can increase the risk of irritation, so it is extra important to adjust the settings carefully.

What needle depth is used for hair loss?

For scalp treatment, around 1.5 mm is often used, but the depth can vary depending on the individual and goals. The scalp is thicker than facial skin and therefore requires a different setting.

Can the same needle depth be used on the entire face?

No, the thickness of the skin varies between the forehead, cheeks, nose, and the area around the eyes. Needle depth should always be adjusted according to the area to reduce risk and optimize results.

What is the difference between dermaroller and Dr. Pen?

A dermaroller is a manual tool with a fixed needle depth, while a Dr. Pen is motorized and has adjustable needle depth. This allows the treatment to be more precisely tailored to the area and skin problem.

Which needle cartridge is most Gentle?

Cartridges with more needles, such as 36-42 pins or nano, are often perceived as milder because the pressure is distributed over more contact points. They are usually used for more superficial treatment.

Common mistakes and misunderstandings

• Too deep, too soon: increasing the depth before knowing how the skin reacts.
• Wrong cartridge for the goal: choosing nano for deep scars or selecting a high needle count when more precision is needed.
• Same depth everywhere: not adjusting for areas where the skin is thinner and more sensitive.
• Missed compatibility: purchasing needle cartridges not intended for one's own Dr. Pen model.

Summary

Which needles to use with Dr. Pen depends on skin goals, treatment area, and experience level. By choosing the right needle depth and the right needle cartridge, you increase both safety and effectiveness.

If you want a safe start: choose a moderate depth for the face, use extra low around the eyes, and select a cartridge based on whether you prioritize comfort (more needles) or precision (fewer needles).

Want to delve into microneedling and find the right model? Explore all Dr. Pen devices here.