Understanding the correct needle size for your goals is very important. Today we dive into our microneedling depth guide.
This guide has been designed to serve the following 5 main sections:
✔️ Visual microneedling depth charts
✔️ Full microneedling depth guide
✔️ Derma roller sizes
✔️ Microneedling needle sizes based on goal (wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks etc)
✔️ Skin needling depth guide FAQs
Microneedling Depth Chart
Microneedling Depth Guide
Microneedling sizes range from 0.10mm to 3.00mm, and each size serves a different purpose and goal.
Nano Needles - 0.1mm-0.25mm
On the smaller side of things, we have what we call a nanoneedle depth. Nano needles are 0.1mm to 0.25mm and are one of the best sizes to get started with, especially if skin needling from home.
The purpose of this size of needle is to boost the absorption of skincare serums and work on stubborn skin issues like large pores. The tiny microneedles have the added advantage of providing the skin with a fast recovery time - This means you can have a skin needling treatment up to 3 times a week.
Facial Needles - 0.5mm-1mm
The most used facial needle sizes are 0.5mm and 1mm. Both of these sizes are suitable for most areas of the face and can be used for almost any skin issue. Since in-home skin needling began, the robust needle depth of 0.5mm has been the number one selling needle size.
It's important to remember when using microneedling therapy on the face that we don't use vitamin c directly after the treatment as well as making sure to avoid the session if we have moderate sunburn or any active acne.
Large Microneedles - 1.5mm-3mm
Large microneedles are made explicitly for treating extremely deep acne scarring, stretch marks, cellulite and body scarring. Needles of this size are generally far too large for the face (except on very rare cases).
Derma Roller Sizes
Derma Rollers come in various needle sizes, and it’s important to remember that choosing the correct needle size will make or break your results and your experience.
✔️ 0.25mm Derma Roller
✔️ 0.5mm Derma Roller
✔️ 1mm Derma Roller
✔️ 1.5mm Derma Roller
✔️ 2mm Derma Roller
✔️ 2.5mm Derma Roller
Each person is different and has different requirements when using a dermaroller. We have created an interactive tool to choose the perfect derma roller for YOU.
Try The Derma Roller Size Choosing Tool
Micro-needling Needle Sizes - Based on Goal
Microneedling Depth For Collagen Production
Collagen and elastin production, commonly called collagen induction therapy, is triggered using a 1mm or larger derma roller or microneedling device. If anti-aging is your number 1 goal, a 1mm skin needling device should be the product of choice.
Microneedling Depth For Wrinkles
Surface layer fine lines and wrinkles can be improved with a 0.5mm derma roller or microneedling device. For deeper, most established lines or to produce more collagen you should opt for a 1mm device.
Microneedling Depth For Large Pores
Large pore size is a common skin issue that can be improved with a 0.25mm derma roller or microneedling device. The tiny nano-sized needle depth allows you to have up to 3 treatments a week which is very important regarding a skin treatment that needs consistent work to maintain.
Microneedling Depth For Neck
To improve the appearance of the neck, you should opt for a 0.5mm or 1mm microneedling device size. The 0.5mm is generally preferred for surface layer skin issues as there is less downtime between treatments. A 1mm derma roller can be used for deep sagging skin or collagen production.
Microneedling Depth For Acne Scars
To treat acne scars, microneedling with a 0.5mm, 1mm or 1.5mm needle size is the appropriate needle depth. For home treatments, 0.5mm or 1mm is preferred. 1.5mm microneedling devices may be used on the cheeks for clinical treatments or deep scarring.
Microneedling Depth For Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is best improved with microneedle sizes of 0.5mm-1mm. Pigmentation issues are generally close to the surface layer of the skin, so a significant needle depth isn't needed for most people.
Microneedling Depth For Stretch Marks
The correct depth for microneedling stretchmarks is 1.5mm-2.5mm. It's recommended to start with a 1.5mm depth for 3-4 sessions before considering a larger size. Deep dark stretch marks usually take 3-5 sessions of a 2mm+ needle depth to see results.
Microneedling Depth For Cellulite
The treatment of cellulite with microneedling is very difficult and often not recommended. You may get results with a 2.5mm or 3mm needle depth, but this will only be the case for "Grade 1" cellulite.
Microneedling Depth For Scalp Hair Growth
Research shows that microneedling treatment of the scalp with 0.5mm or larger will increase overall growth and thickness. 0.5mm or 1mm works best for hair growth when used on the ideal skin needling schedule.
Check out this article: How Often To Use a Derma Roller.
Microneedling Depth For Beard Growth
Microneedling treatment for beard growth should be treated the same way as scalp hair growth. 0.5mm-1mm is recommended for optimal results.
Skin Needling Depth Guide FAQs
What's the best derma roller starting size?
Most people start with 0.25mm, 0.5mm or 1mm. These sizes are minimally invasive and easy to use, so you should pick the correct size based on your skin goal.
What's the best microneedling chest depth?
When microneedling the chest, you should use a needle depth of 1.5mm or larger. This depends on your goals and if stretch marks are involved.
What's the best derma roller length for the face?
There is no "one size fits all" for the face. Depending on your overall skin goal, you should pick either 0.25mm, 0.5mm, or 1mm.
What's the best derma roller size for the stomach?
Derma rolling the stomach usually involves stretch marks or sagging skin. In this situation, you should go for a 1.5mm derma roller or larger.
What's the best derma roller size for under the eyes?
For boosting serum absorption under the eyes, 0.25mm is the best option. For general anti-aging and fine lines, 0.5mm is the safest option.
What's the official cosmetic needling depth?
For clinics, microneedling treatments can range from 0.10mm-3mm. Clinical treatments can be expensive, so we only recommend them for specialised skin problems such as severely deep acne scarring on the face.
What's the derma roller pin size?
The thickness of the pin (or needle) varies depending on the manufacturer and needle material. Stainless steel and titanium are the 2 commonly used metals when manufacturing a derma roller needle. Contact the business your purchase from directly to find out this information.
What derma roller size is best for general scars?
Scar tissue is best improved with large needle sizes of 1.5mm or larger. The scar's location on the body also influences the correct needle depth. You can contact us here if you have general scarring and require advice.
What microneedling pen depth should I use?
Microneedling pens are electronic devices that can be set to multiple different sizes. These devices can be dangerous to the untrained, so we recommend their usage by trained professionals only.
It's very easy to mix up the difference between 0.25mm and 2.5mm, and doing so could cause permanent damage to your skin if used in the wrong location.
Wound healing response sounds scary; what does that mean?
The wound healing response is just a term for what microneedling treatment does. When we use a dermaroller or microneedling device, we create tiny skin punctures that trigger the body to heal itself. This is where the magic happens. Don't let the lingo scare you!
Do some people have thicker skin than others and require different sizes?
This isn't something most people need to consider. When talking about skin thickness, we often refer to specific body parts like the heel on your foot being thicker than other body parts.
Summary
We hope you enjoyed this needle depth guide. Skin treatments from home can be extremely rewarding when you know how to do them correctly. Knowing how much a slightly deeper microneedling depth can make to your results is incredible.
It doesn't matter if you have mature skin or one of those famous sensitive skin types you often read about in your local skin clinic advertising material. Either way, a microneedling procedure (as scary as that sounds) is a very simple thing you can do from home with minimal stress.
We're all on this skin journey, so let's work together to improve our skin and show the world that microneedling works.
For more interesting information check out this article:
Skin Needling Stretch Marks: The Complete Microneedling Guide