Difference between 12-pin, 36-pin, and nano-needles

The difference between 12-pin, 36-pin, and nano-needles mainly concerns depth, purpose, and the type of result you want to achieve. 12-pin and 36-pin are “real” microneedling-needles that can work in the skin and stimulate collagen over time, while nano-needles (nano-cartridges) are practically a surface treatment for texture, glow, and product absorption – with significantly lower impact and shorter recovery.

Quick answer: what suits what?

• 12-pin: More “focus and pressure” per needle → good when you want to work more targeted and effectively (e.g., texture, pores, fine lines, certain types of scars – with the right technique and needle depth).
• 36-pin: More needles → often perceived as smoother and more gentle per pass → good for larger areas and general skin improvement (radiance, texture, pores) with a controlled feel.
• Nano-needles: Superficial “polish” → best for glow, outer texture, and product absorption, especially if you want minimal downtime.

Do you want to start from scratch first? Read the main guide: What is microneedling? Effect, usage, and safety.

What does “pin” mean in 12-pin and 36-pin?

“Pin” means number of needles in the cartridge. A 12-pin has 12 needles, a 36-pin has 36 needles. More needles can provide a more even feel over the skin, while fewer needles can be perceived as more “intense” because the pressure is distributed over fewer points.

12-pin – when and why?

12-pin is often used when you want more control and more “effect” per needle. It may suit you if you want to work more focused on the skin's structure and stimulation.

• Often suitable for: uneven texture, pores, fine lines, and more “target areas”.
• Feel: can be perceived as more intense than 36-pin at the same needle depth.
• Practical: good when you want to work methodically and not rush over large areas.

If you want to read about how painful it can feel: Does microneedling hurt?

36-pin – when and why?

36-pin has more needles and can therefore be perceived as smoother and sometimes “gentler” per pass (the pressure is distributed over more points). This makes it popular for general skin improvement over larger areas.

• Often suitable for: general improvement of skin texture, radiance, and pores over larger areas.
• Feel: often smoother, especially on cheeks and forehead.
• Practical: effective for covering larger areas without “over-needling” a small area.

Nano-needles – what are they really?

Nano-needles are not the same as traditional microneedling. Nano-cartridges work very superficially on the skin's surface (more like a micro-exfoliation/microchanneling on the surface level). The goal is usually:

• Glow and smoother surface
• Optimized product absorption (with mild, suitable products)
• Minimal downtime compared to deeper needling

Do you want to understand healing and recovery better? How long does it take for microneedling to heal?

Which one should you choose at home?

For home use, the choice is about goal + tolerance + how strict you are with hygiene and interval.

• Do you want minimal risk and most “glow”: choose nano.
• Do you want to work with texture/pores and have a good routine: 36-pin is often a good “all-round” choice.
• Do you want to work more targeted and are experienced: 12-pin may suit – but requires extra control on technique and recovery.

For home treatment in general: What needle depth is safe for home use?

What should be avoided regardless of cartridge?

The most common mistakes are not “wrong pin”, but wrong timing and aftercare.

• Do not microneedle on active acne, infection, open wounds or inflamed skin.
• Avoid too frequent treatments – the skin needs time to stabilize.
• Avoid strong active ingredients too early after the treatment if the skin is sensitive.
• Prioritize gentle hydration and sunscreen when the skin is calm.

Further reading: What should you not do after microneedling? and Are there risks with microneedling?.

Summary – difference between 12-pin, 36-pin and nano-needles

12-pin and 36-pin are classic microneedling cartridges that can work in the skin (depending on needle depth) and stimulate collagen over time. 12-pin can feel more intense and is often suitable for more targeted work, while 36-pin often provides a smoother “all-round” feel on larger areas. Nano-needles are a surface treatment focusing on glow, smoother surface, and product absorption – with minimal recovery compared to deeper needling.

Do you want to understand depth, safety, and interval even clearer: Microneedling needle depth – complete guide (0.25–2.0 mm).