The Truth About Microneedling Pain
We often get asked the same questions over and over. Does skin needling hurt? Does microneedling hurt? Today, we dive into this question in detail so you can see the truth about microneedling pain.
Does Skin Needling Hurt?
No, but it depends. The pain from microneedling treatment depends on the size of the needle that is being used. The following needling sizes will not hurt: 0.25mm, 0.50mm and 1mm. The sizes where you may experience discomfort are 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm or 3mm.
The bigger you go, the more chance of some pain.
What Does Skin Needling Feel Like?
Microneedling has a variety of feelings that are also dependent on the needle size. In general, you will feel a tingling sensation that isn't uncomfortable. This is the process of blood coming to the skin's surface to repair it - This is where the fantastic skin benefits are happening.
For small sizes such as 0.25mm, this may be the only feeling you get (some people might not feel anything). For large sizes, it will feel more intense and more of a spikey feeling. Everyone is scared of the pain, but when they try it for the first time, they realise the pain is generally non-existent.
Will There Be Any Blood From Microneedling?
In the large majority of people, there will not be any blood. The exception is very large needle sizes used on the body for stretch marks or extremely aggressive electronic needling machines that we do not recommend (more on that later).
Skin Needling Pain - Sorted By Device
Does a Derma Roller Hurt?
A derma roller is the best way to do skin needling treatments if you want to avoid any pain. You can do it yourself in the comfort of your home and don't need to pay hundreds of dollars for a professional to do it for you.
If you're paying for a professional to do a microneedling treatment with a derma roller, make sure you aren't paying too much. Derma Rollers can be re-used multiple times (if they have real titanium needles), so paying hundreds of dollars for one session at a clinic is not worth it financially.
When buying a derma roller, make sure it's an ARTG-registered derma roller. All Essential Derma microneedling products are ARTG registered and safe for use at home.
At Home Electric Microneedling Pen
The pain from at-home electric microneedling pens is higher than that of a manual device such as a derma roller or derma stamp. Electric pens can be adjusted to different needle lengths.
Making mistakes regarding the correct size is very common.
It's very easy for the untrained individual to mix up 0.25mm and 2.5mm. Pick the wrong one, and you can permanently damage your skin.
Out of all the microneedling options available, this method is the one we recommend people stay away from if they want to avoid pain or any problems with their skin.
In Clinic Electric Microneedling Pen
If you want an electric needling treatment, then you should go see a professional at a clinic. The downsides of this are it's very expensive and the most painful option. In a clinic, they will likely use a larger needle size which is unnecessary to get results.
They, of course, want you to feel like it's an extensive cosmetic procedure.
They use this as a selling point, but in reality, it's just a way they can justify charging you $200 a session.
If you feel pain or bleeding, then we often associate that with the reward feeling knowing that it will actually improve our skin. Similar to when you feel sore after a workout.
Experienced microneedling users know you don't need to feel that way to get results.
On top of this, if someone is doing the treatment for you, they don't know what you feel unless you tell them. If you're like us, we sit there and pretend it doesn't hurt, but inside we are dying.
Does a Derma Stamp Hurt?
Derma stamps are manual devices similar to a derma roller that are best used on small, hard-to-reach areas such as the sides of the nose. You will not experience pain from this device if you use it correctly.
The trap people fall into is pushing down hard onto the skin. Doing this goes deeper than it needs to, and it may cause some discomfort.
You should not press down hard to use this type of device properly. Treat it like a derma roller and use it gently so the needles do the work for you.
Does Microneedling Hurt? - Sorted By Needle Size
Does 0.25mm Hurt?
Tiny needles of 0.25mm will not hurt at all. This size is the most gentle, and often you may not feel anything at all (besides an overall improvement in skin texture 😎)
Does 0.30mm Hurt?
Similar to the 0.25mm, the 0.3mm will not hurt even the most sensitive skin types.
Does 0.5mm Hurt?
The 0.5mm does not hurt at all, but you will feel a tingling sensation: the blood underneath the skin's surface rushing to the area. This is not an uncomfortable feeling. The 0.5mm size is the smallest size for collagen production.
Does 1mm Hurt?
The 1mm does not hurt, but you will feel the same tingling sensation that is also present with the 0.5mm needle size. The 1mm is fantastic for deep lines and acne scars.
Does 1.5mm Hurt?
The 1.5mm can hurt some sensitive skin types, but it's not common. This size needle is still minimally invasive and well tolerated by the large majority of people.
Does 2mm Hurt?
The 2mm may cause some slight pain for certain people. It will not be super painful, but you will feel it more than the smaller needle sizes. Bleeding is still uncommon with the 2mm.
Does 2.5mm Hurt?
The 2.5mm can hurt some people, but most people will tolerate it. This needle size should only be used on the body for things such as stretch marks. Skin needling the body only needs to be done once every 8 weeks, so if you experience any pain, you can rest assured it's not very often.
Does 3mm Hurt?
This is the largest needle size on the market and the most painful. This size is not recommended for most people and is generally not necessary. You can get a similar result with the 2mm or 2.5mm and ensure a better experience.
Numbing Cream - Do You Need It?
A numbing or topical anaesthetic cream is an option for people who experience pain from skin needling treatments or have extreme skin sensitivity. It is not needed for smaller needle sizes, but you may wish to use it for a large needle size such as 2.5mm or 3mm.
In general, it's not needed by most people, so don't stress about this and save your money.
Does Microneedling Hurt on The Scalp?
Microneedling the scalp for increased hair growth is not a painful experience. You will use a 1mm or smaller needle size, so you won't feel any pain or discomfort.
What is The Healing Process Like for Skin Needling?
The recovery time and healing process from a skin needling session are almost non-existent. If using a small needle, then you won't feel like you have any recovery time. You can just go about your day as usual.
For larger needle sizes, your skin may feel tender for a day, but you won't feel anything after that. It's important to note that even if you don't feel anything, that doesn't mean your skin is ready for another session.
You must wait the correct time between sessions to get the best results. Not allowing the magic to happen below the skin's surface is your biggest mistake with microneedling.
Check out this article for more information on how to do at-home derma rolling.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed this in-depth article about the truth of skin needling pain. Whether you want to do the skin needling session yourself or go to a clinic, you can rest assured knowing you have nothing to worry about.
Collagen induction therapy is one of the safest at-home cosmetic treatments you can do to improve your overall skin health, reduce acne scarring, improve skin tone, generate new skin cells, improve stretch marks, increase elastin production and work on fine lines.
If you haven't tried it yet, you're in for a treat!