What is the difference between 16 and 36 needles for microneedling?

Author: Helene Koepp  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

What are the differences between the 12 pin, 16 pin, 36 pin and nano-needle cartridges? Which one do I need? We recommend the 12 pin and 16 pin (16 pin cartridges only available with the M8 device) for face. The 36 pin is recommended for the body (For stretch marks, for example).

Which is better, 16 or 36 needle microneedling?

Cartridges with 11-16 pins are best suited for targeted applications. Size 36-42 pins are best for larger surface areas and more sensitive skin.

What is the 36-pin microneedle used for?

The 36-pin Microneedle Cartridges for Dr. Pen M8S Microneedling Pen cartridge is perfect for treating scarring. Include the 36-Pin Microneedle Cartridges in your microneedling routine for more skin benefits, such as acne scarring.

What is the best number of needles for microneedling?

Answer: Microneedling I believe it's more important to find a provider that you trust in a reputable clinic. You will find many different pens on the market. We use 36 needles for those with acne scars and 12 needles for those looking to maintain results and stimulate collagen. Best of luck to you.

Should I use 12 or 36 needles for microneedling scalp?

For microneedling on the scalp, it is advised to use a cartridge with more needles: the 24-pin or the 36-pin cartridge. This is to suit the skin of the scalp. For the needle length, it should ideally be between 0.5mm to 1.5mm for scalp treatment.

Which microneedling cartridge should you be using? | How to microneedle safely with face mapping

What length needle for microneedling hair growth?

For scalp microneedling, you often see needle lengths of 0.5mm to 1.5mm, although you should leave the longer lengths to the professionals. 0.5mm is a good starting point for scalp microneedling at home when done carefully.

What happens if you microneedle too deep?

Improper Technique: Applying excessive pressure or using incorrect needle depth can lead to skin trauma, scarring, and permanent damage. Infection Risks: Poor hygiene practices, unsterile equipment, or microneedling over active lesions increase the chances of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

What is the 12 needle microneedling used for?

The 12-pin Microneedle Cartridge needles improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and overall skin texture by stimulating collagen production.

How often should I microneedle my face?

Most people need multiple microneedling treatments, usually about 3 weeks to 8 weeks apart. It can take 3 months to 6 months to see results. Afterward, you might need the procedure once a year for maintenance.

How many needles are in a SkinPen microneedling?

There are 14 precision medical grade needles with no hooks or varying lengths to tear the skin. Around 98,000 micro channels are created per minute. Unlike Dermaroller, the micro channels created by SkinPen cause the right type of injury to the skin.

Do I need numbing cream for microneedling?

We recommend using a numbing cream for every session for the most comfortable experience. Can I get microneedling if I am Pregnant? It is not generally recommended, not because it is not safe, but because there is limited research on the procedure during pregnancy.

Can I microneedle my armpits?

This treatment can be used for acne scarring, aging skin, hyperpigmentation, skin tightening. This can be used on the face, neck, décolletage and now the underarm area. Radiofrequency micro needling is also used to destroy sweat glands that contribute to excessive sweating.

Can you use a 36 pin microneedle on your face?

The 36 pin is recommended for the body (For stretch marks, for example). Which body parts can you microneedle? You can use the Dr Pen microneedle on your whole body. Popular areas include face, neck, decolletage and hips (for stretch marks).

What is 36 needle microneedling for?

36-needle: Coverage and Effectiveness

Greater Coverage: The Microneedling 36-needle cartridge covers a greater surface area faster since it has more needles. For individuals wishing to address general skin tone, texture, and renewal, this is perfect.

What is stronger than microneedling?

Laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic and long lasting results than microneedling treatments. Because lasers deliver heat to the skin we see more side effects (such as temporary darkening or bruising) and longer downtime due to post-treatment swelling and redness.

What is the difference between 16 pin and 36 pin microneedling?

As a general rule, nano pins are best for increasing product absorption, 11-16 pins are best for targeted applications and 36-42 pins are best for larger and more sensitive areas (such as your neck, upper/inner thighs and underarm).

What is the best needle number for microneedling?

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.

What size microneedle do professionals use?

For treating acne and other scars as a routine, a needle length of 1.5–2 mm is usually used. When microneedling is used as a procedure to treat ageing skin and wrinkles, the needle length of 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm is usually recommended.

Which microneedling depth is best?

Suitable depth varies depending on the site.
  • Forehead: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Around the eyes: 0.25 to 1.0 mm.
  • Cheek: 0.25 to 1.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Nose: 0.25-0.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Jaw: 0.25 to 1.0 mm, up to 2.5 mm possible.
  • Body: 0.25 to 3.0 mm.

Can you overdo micro needling?

Even though microneedling benefits the skin, overdoing it can cause serious risks, including skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, leading to discomfort. Overdoing treatments or not allowing ample time between sessions can lead to scarring and even hyperpigmentation.

How deep can estheticians do microneedling?

In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling. This can also be done at home, but products available likely do not go as deep into the skin's surface as those done by a professional.

How hard do you press when microneedling?

Use a light, even pressure. If you have some loose skin, you may need to hold this area taut also.

What is the best microneedling pen?

The best FDA-approved microneedling device is the SkinPen. It's cleared for safety and effectiveness in enhancing skin texture and promoting collagen production, ensuring a reliable and beneficial treatment for your skincare needs.

Is a derma roller or stamp better?

Many people find that a derma stamp is easier to clean than a derma roller. And—for obvious reasons—making sure microneedling tools are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before using them is very important. That said, they are similar in terms of benefits.

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