Microneedling Instruction Guide

This guideline is designed by licensed practitioners to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for clients during microneedling procedures. Before we outline the pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment steps, please remember that microneedling should only be performed every 4 to 6 weeks.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Please refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications, consuming alcohol, or using fish oil supplements for three days before their microneedling session. This precaution helps reduce the likelihood of bleeding.

You Will Need

Your preferred Dr. Pen microneedling device
A clean towel
A new microneedling cartridge (prescription only)
Alcohol solution for sanitization
Cotton pads
Recommended serums, preferably hyaluronic acid
Optional: surgical gloves
Optional: numbing cream

Steps to Follow:

1. Prepare Your Hair and Skin
Brush your hair away from your face. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with your preferred cleanser. Do it twice to remove all makeup and lotions. Any residual dirt, oil, or hair can resolve the risk of irritation or infection.

2. Optional: Numbing Cream Application
If desired, apply a numbing cream, which can be found at local pharmacies. We suggest using a cream containing at least 5% Lidocaine. Apply about half the tube to the treatment area and allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the cream and cleanse the area again. Use a mixture of 60% alcohol and purified water or 0.1% chlorhexidine to remove all numbing cream, preventing it from entering the microchannels created during the procedure.

3. Check Device Readiness
Ensure that your microneedling device is fully charged or that you can access a power source.

4. Prepare Your Workspace
Sterilize the microneedling pen and the surface you will be using. Keep the alcohol solution within reach. Be cautious to avoid cross-contamination; touching items such as serum bottles or brushes during the treatment could compromise hygiene. For ease and cleanliness, we recommend pouring the serum into a bowl and applying it with a brush during the procedure.

Microneedling Procedure

5. Apply Serums
To begin the procedure, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to the treatment area. It will lubricate the skin and help the microneedling device glide smoothly, preventing dragging. Avoid using Vitamin C, retinol, exfoliants, or brightening agents during the procedure, as these can cause irritation and adverse reactions.

6. Hand Hygiene
Clean your hands thoroughly. Wear gloves for added safety. Take a new microneedling cartridge (prescription only) and securely attach it to your device, careful not to touch the needle tips.

7. Select Needle Depth
Turn the dial on your device to adjust the needle depth to your desired setting. For guidance, click here to refer to our needle depth chart.

8. Needling Technique
Working in small sections, reapply the serum to the skin right before you begin the needling. The recommended movement pattern for the pen is vertical, horizontal, and then diagonal in both directions. Employ a grid-like method to identify treated areas, ensuring you don't miss any spots. Use light pressure while keeping the skin taut with your free hand.

9. Body Areas Consideration
When performing needling on body parts such as legs or hands, avoid areas over bones (particularly on the legs). For body treatments, use only 36-42 pin cartridges. As for needle depth, we suggest using 0.5 mm for legs and up to 1.5 mm for areas with more adipose tissue.

Post-Needling Care

If you choose to cleanse your face afterward, use lukewarm water. Immediately after the procedure, apply hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate and soothe the skin.
It's normal to experience redness, swelling, and pinpoint bleeding following your microneedling session; these reactions are part of the process and should not cause concern.
Avoid intense physical activity, sweating, or applying makeup for at least 24 hours after the treatment. If you need to go outdoors, make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF protection.
If makeup is necessary, opt for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin or post-treatment use to minimize the risk of irritation.

After-Care Instructions

24 Hours
You may cleanse your face using a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing moisturizer. It's highly recommended to avoid products that contain fragrances, active ingredients (such as vitamin C, vitamin A, or retinol), acids (like AHA, BHA, or lactic acid), physical scrubs, and toners that could irritate the skin.
You might notice mild swelling, peeling, bruising, or flaking during this time. To help minimize these effects, keep your skin well-moisturized, which will also reduce shedding and alleviate any tightness.
Do not exercise, excessively sweat, swim, or apply makeup for at least 24 hours. When going outdoors, be sure to use a high-SPF sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

48 Hours
If you experience dry or flaky skin, you may gently exfoliate to aid recovery. Avoid using chemical or harsh physical exfoliants; instead, consider using a soft washcloth. If your skin feels sensitive, it's best to hold off on exfoliating until the sensitivity subsides. Continue to hydrate your skin twice daily.

3‑5 Days
Make sure to apply high-SPF sunscreen every day and avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure. Focus on using hydrating and moisturizing products while steering clear of active ingredients, scrubs, acids, and toners.

7+ Days
You can gradually return to your regular skincare routine.