Dr. Pen Microneedling Instruction Guide

This guide outlines the recommended steps beauty professionals should follow when performing microneedling with Dr. Pen devices. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure safe, hygienic, and effective treatments while optimizing client comfort and outcomes. Microneedling should only be performed once every 4–6 weeks to allow full skin recovery.

PRE-NEEDLING

Please advise clients to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication, drinking alcohol, or taking fish oil tablets for the three days before their microneedling treatment, as this will help minimize bleeding.

You Will Need:

  • Dr. Pen microneedling device of choice
  • A clean towel
  • A brand new microneedling cartridge (Rx-only)
  • Alcohol solution for sanitizing
  • Cotton pads
  • Serum, hyaluronic acid is recommended
  • Optional - surgical gloves
  • Optional - numbing cream

1. Tie back hair and keep it away from the face. Cleanse the skin twice with a cleanser of choice to remove all traces of makeup and lotions. Any dirt, oil, or stray hairs that touch the face can increase the risk of irritation or infection

2. Optional: apply numbing cream. Numbing cream can be purchased over the counter from the local drugstore. We recommend using numbing creams that have at least 5% Lidocaine.

Apply approximately half of the tube to the area where you will be microneedling and leave it on the skin for 20 - 30 minutes. Then, remove the cream by cleansing thoroughly again. Use 60% alcohol mixed with purified water or 0.1 chlorhexidine to wipe off any remaining numbing cream. Removing the numbing cream ensures it won’t enter the microchannels you create during your treatment.

3. Ensure the device is fully charged or you’re near a power source.

4. Prepare the area, Sterilize the treatment area, device, and surrounding surfaces. If you touch a serum bottle, brush, or anything other than the skin and the device during the treatment, you could be causing cross-contamination.

It is recommended to pour some serum into a bowl and apply it with a brush during the treatment to make it easier and stay hygienic.

    MICRONEEDLING

    5. Apply the hyaluronic acid serum to the area to lubricate the skin. The serum helps the needles to glide over the skin and prevent the pen from dragging.

    We do not recommend Vitamin C, retinol, exfoliants, or other brightening ingredients be used during the treatment as they can cause irritation and reaction.

    6. Ensure the hands are clean; you may wear gloves if you feel safer doing so. Open a new microneedling cartridge (Rx-only) and attach it to the device. Do not touch the tip of the needles.

    7. Choose the desired needle depth by rotating the dial on the pen, click here to see our depth chart.

    8. Work in small sections, applying serum immediately before needling. Move the device in vertical, horizontal, and then diagonal passes while maintaining light, even pressure. Hold the skin taut in treatment areas.

    We recommend working in a grid, so you know exactly where you have and haven’t passed over with the pen. Use light pressure, and use your free hand to hold the skin taut.

    9. For body treatments, avoid bony areas (particularly on the legs).). Ensure only to use 36-42 pin cartridges for microneedling the body. Regarding needle depth, we recommend using 0.5mm for legs and up to 1.5mm for fattier areas.

    POST-NEEDLING

    • If you wish to wash the face after, use tepid water. Immediately apply hyaluronic acid to the area to provide hydration and calm the skin.
    • It’s perfectly normal to experience temporary redness, swelling, and pinpoint bleeding after the microneedling treatment. This is nothing to worry about as this reaction is normal. 
    • Avoid working out/sweating or applying makeup for 24 hours. Use high-protection sunscreen when outdoors.

    • If you have to wear makeup, use a makeup product that is specifically designed for sensitive skin or for post-treatment use to avoid irritation.

    AFTER-CARE

    24 Hours After Microneedling:

    • Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing moisturizer.

    • Avoid products with fragrance, acids (AHA, BHA, lactic), Vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliants.

    • Mild swelling, peeling, or flaking may occur; keep skin moisturized to minimize discomfort.

    • Avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, or makeup. Use a high protection sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

    48 Hours After Microneedling:

    Optional: If there is dry and flaking skin, you can gently exfoliate to speed up recovery. Do not use a chemical or harsh physical exfoliant; opt for a washcloth.

    However if the skin is sensitive, do not exfoliate yet; it will subside soon. Continue to hydrate the skin twice per day.

    3-5 Days After Microneedling:

    Apply high protection sunscreen daily, avoid direct and extended sunlight. Focus on hydrating and moisturizing products and avoiding active ingredients, scrubs, acids, and toners.

    7+ Day After Microneedling:

    Resume the regular skincare routine!