Microneedling FAQs Answered - Your Guide To Common Questions

Microneedling has become a cornerstone treatment in modern aesthetics, offering effective solutions for a range of skin concerns. Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about microneedling to support skincare professionals in optimizing treatment outcomes for their clients.

Q. What does microneedling do?

Microneedling is a cosmeceutical procedure (a procedure that achieves cosmetic results using medical-grade devices). When microneedling, tiny needles from a motorised microneedling pen are used to make microscopic punctures in the skin.

Q. Why is microneedling also called Collagen Induction Therapy?

Microneedling is also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). This is because the microscopic punctures created during the treatment (also known as microchannels) trigger a trauma/healing response in your skin. Your skin perceives that there has been a small injury and as a result, floods the tissue with the signal to naturally produce more collagen and elastin to heal the ‘wound’.

As the skin heals, so too do skin imperfection soften and even disappear completely.

Q. What skin conditions can microneedling help improve?

Q. What is the goal of microneedling?

The goal of microneedling is to open microchannels into the skin to allow for deeper delivery/penetration of skincare products, allowing our skincare to work more effectively to achieve its goals.

Another goal of microneedling is also to trigger the skin’s own healing response to the perceived ‘trauma’ to the skin caused by microneedling, prompting the skin to produce growth factors, turnover skin cells faster and create new collagen and elastin bonds - this, overall, gives the skin a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

Q. Who is microneedling good for?

Microneedling is suitable for most clients seeking rejuvenation, including those wishing to restore vitality, reduce visible signs of ageing, or correct textural irregularities. However, eligibility must be assessed individually to minimize risks.

Microneedling can help achieve the skincare goals, including:

• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Softening the appearance of enlarged pores
• Reducing hyperpigmentation
• Healing acne scarring and other scarring
• Smoothing over stretch marks
• Enhanced hydration and skin elasticity
• Restoring tonal/textural irregularities

Q. Who is suitable to try microneedling?

Microneedling provides outstanding anti-ageing and corrective results when performed appropriately. With proper consultation and screening, clients can safely integrate microneedling into their treatment plan—whether at home with guidance or in a professional setting.

Q. Is microneedling safe?

Yes. Microneedling is generally considered safe for all skin types when performed with sterile technique and appropriate protocols.

Q. Is there anyone that should take special precaution with microneedling?

As with all cosmeceutical treatments, some individuals will need to take greater safety precautions. There are some conditions that will preclude individuals from safely performing microneedling, or will mean that microneedling will need to be cleared by your medical professional first.

Some of these conditions include:

• Active infections (e.g., cold sores, acne, fungal infections, skin rashes)

• Skin cancers or suspicious lesions

• History of keloid scarring

• Recent use of isotretinoin or other photosensitizing medications

• Recent cosmetic treatments (e.g., chemical peels, laser, fillers, Botox)

• Underlying autoimmune disorders or clotting abnormalities

Professionals should always conduct a thorough consultation to recognize potential risks.

Q. What side effects can occur?

Mild and Temporary side effects may include redness, mild swelling, pinpoint bleeding, or bruising—particularly in thinner skin areas such as the periocular or décolleté. These responses typically subside within a few days as part of the natural healing process.

Q. What will the skin feel like after microneedling?

The skin may feel rough to the touch for several days, with visible marks from the microchannels. These are expected side effects of the healing response and will gradually resolve as collagen and elastin production increases.

Q. Are there different depths of microneedling penetration into the skin that achieve different results?

Yes! All Dr. Pen microneedling devices feature adjustable dials for needle depth. Different depths allow professionals to target specific concerns and treatment areas effectively. Lower speeds and shallow depths are recommended for sensitive areas, while higher speeds and deeper settings are more suitable for thicker skin or areas with pronounced scarring.

Q. What speed/depth of microneedling should I start with?

For new users, begin with a lower speed and shallow depth to build control and comfort. Once accustomed, settings may be adjusted based on the treatment area—deeper depths and faster speeds are typically reserved for the body or more severe concerns such as stretch marks, scars or deep wrinkles.

Q. When is it most effective to apply skincare products after microneedling?

The first 24–48 hours post-treatment are optimal for product absorption while microchannels remain open. When choosing skincare products to apply after microneedling, stick to the following guidelines:

• Opt for products with a high purity of ingredients
• Look for low-irritant ingredients and hydrating ingredients (Hyaluronic Acid is amazing)
• Avoid active ingredients (such as AHAs, BHAs, retinols), toners and exfoliants

Microneedling aftercare

• Cleanse with a gentle, non-fragranced cleanser

• Apply a nourishing moisturizer

• Avoid active ingredients, acids, scrubs, and toners until the skin recovers

• Protect the skin with broad-spectrum SPF daily

• Refrain from sweating, makeup, or swimming for 24 hours

• Keep the skin well hydrated to minimize flaking or peeling

By day 7, most clients can safely return to their normal skincare routine.

48 Hours After:

Optional: Begin to gently exfoliate the dry/flaking skin to help speed up the recovery process, and continue to hydrate the skin, morning and night.

Please note that this step is totally optional and if you choose to exfoliate to speed along the process, be sure not to exfoliate with any chemical or physical exfoliants, as both can irritate your skin as it heals

Do not exfoliate if the skin feels sensitive - the flakiness and dryness of the skin will naturally subside.

3-5 Days Post-Treatment:
Continue to apply a high protection sunscreen daily and avoid direct and extended sunlight for up to 1-week post-needling.

The skincare routine should focus on hydrating and moisturising products, continuing to avoid active ingredients, acids, scrubs and toners.

7+ Days Post-Treatment:

Most clients can return to their regular skincare routine.

Beauty professionals should advise clients to seek medical evaluation if post-treatment healing appears delayed or if excessive bleeding or bruising is observed.

Q. Does microneedling hurt? What does microneedling feel like?

The very top layer of the skin doesn’t have many nerve endings, so shallow microneedling and nanoneedling is virtually painless. However the level of discomfort can increase as you go deeper into the skin.

We recommend applying a thin layer of numbing cream (such as Lidocaine, available over the counter) to the facial area approximately 20 minutes before microneedling to reduce any discomfort.

Q. When will I see results from microneedling?

Microneedling will give some instantaneous results, in the form of a ‘glow’. You’ll also notice some redness (as mentioned above) because the skin has been penetrated and blood flow to the skin has increased.

Skin cells take between 4-6 weeks to turn over a full life cycle, and you’ll see results amplifying during this time as your skin heals and new tissues is flooded with collagen and elastin.

Results to expect

Results will vary depending on the issues and areas that you are targeting with the microneedling treatment, please refer to this blog for more information.

Q. How to dispose of a microneedle cartridge safely?

Microneedling cartridges are single-use and should be disposed of safely after each session. We recommend placing the used cartridge in a sharps container or wrapping it securely before disposing it in your premises. If you have access to a medical waste disposal service, that’s even better!

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