Treating skin issues at home can be tricky, but thankfully we’ve found some amazing tools that will help you on your way to curing what ails you.
What we’re going to talk about are at-home microneedling pens: these are handheld devices used for inserting needles into areas of the face and body where treatment is needed.
They’re super simple to use and come with different needle sizes depending on what results you’re looking for (smaller needles work best for anti-aging).
We’ve rounded up our favorite picks here, so keep reading if this is something you’d like to try.
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Contents
1. Dr. Pen Ultima A6S – Ideal for Face & Body
Specifications
- 6-speed levels
- LCD Display
- Both wireless and wired
- Speed up to 16000 rpm
- Three-locks bayonet connector
Review
A6S is an upgraded version of the Ultima A6. It features a new LCD digital display, a large capacity battery, and an improved cartridge!
We love this microneedling device’s design, the colors are amazing, and the processing is excellent. A quiet motor makes sure it doesn’t cause any noise when it’s operating.
This dermapen comes with two 16-pin and three 36-pin cartridges. A thin needle can reach a depth of up to 2.5 mm and is less likely to cause damage and reduce healing time.
You can use the device wirelessly (using the rechargeable batteries) or with the cable that is included. You can replace the batteries if they run out.
For controlling speed, the digital display is more intuitive. The display offers six speeds, which gives you more options.
The speed memory function adapts to your usage habits, remembering the last speed you used.
The Ultima A6s is quite sophisticated and performs similarly to pens that are expensive, which makes it a favorite of estheticians.
Who is it best for?
If rejuvenation of both the face and body is what you seek, Dr. Pen Ultima A6S is for you. With the pen, you can minimize scars on the body or reduce fine lines on the face. The pen also boosts the complexion. For best results, use it every four weeks.
Pros
- Attractive color and design
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
- Wireless and wired operation
- Uses 3D technology that provides triple protection for the core components to improve the pen’s stability and durability.
- Smart memory function
Cons
- None
2. Dr. Pen Ultima M8 – Ideal for the Face
Specifications
- Speed of 15000 rpm
- Speed levels 6
- 5 cartridges
- 22000 punctures per minute
- 600 mA battery power
Review
A gorgeous black body makes this at-home microneedling pen lightweight compared to other options.
A new Ultima M8 model boasts 16-pin cartridges for the face, which are more efficient than 36-pin cartridges intended for large areas of the body.
With the 16-pin and 36-pin cartridges included, you can use the 16-pin for the face and use the 36-pin to treat larger areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, and stomach. The rotary dial on this tool allows you to adjust the needle length from 0.25 to 2.5 mm.
Because of the design of this dermapen, it will not accidentally slip from your hands.
You can use it plugged in as well as in wireless mode which makes it convenient to use however you prefer.
With a digital screen, you can see the speed of functioning, and it can be adjusted from 1 to 6, making it very convenient and versatile.
Dr. Pen M8’s ultra-fine needles deliver more effective treatments with less discomfort, which makes it more effective than the other pens when treating deep scars and wrinkles. With this device, you won’t have to go deeper than 0.5 mm in order to stimulate collagen production in your face.
Who is it best for?
Ultima M8 has the finest needles on the market and is perfect for treating deep acne scars and wrinkles. In addition, it makes the skin incredibly smooth.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Long battery life with a rechargeable battery
- Wireless and wired option
- Anti-skid option
- Digital display
- One switch button to control the speed
Cons
- Takes more time to charge
3. Dr. Pen Ultima X5 – Ideal for Better Skin Texture
Specifications
- 16000 rpm speed
- Digital display
- Beautiful design
- Spiral connector for a stable connection
- Both wireless and wired
Review
This device is functional, thanks to its matte purple finish, non-slip design, and easy-to-use dials.
Our first impression was good: we liked the appearance, size, sturdiness, and portability. Dr. Pen Ultima X5 is probably one of the most beautiful models out there!
This is yet another microneedling pen that is rechargeable and can be used wirelessly or wired for convenience.
LED speed display screen allows you to easily change settings. The device has about five levels of speed, and it has an X5 spiral cartridge for efficiency. You just need to choose a speed that you feel most comfortable with, then gently press the pen on your skin.
The device also features a precision calibration loop and a depth adjustment from 0mm to 2.5mm.
This dermapen comes with two 12-pin and three 36-pin cartridges. A 12-needle pin is effective in treating acne, removing acne, eliminating stretch marks, and firming wrinkles. Comparing these finer needles and 36-pin needles, they have the advantage of being effective but can be a little painful.
Who is it best for?
The Dr. Pen Ultima X5 is for those looking to improve the quality of their skin, reduce wrinkles, and eliminate dark circles under their eyes. The good thing about this model is that you can use it even if your skin isn’t “perfect” and has scars or acne spots: just roll over each scar/acne spot a couple of times for 5-10 seconds in order to make them disappear gradually. You will also see an improvement in overall skin texture because the pen increases dermis microcirculation.
Pros
- Affordable
- 12-pin needle cartridges
- LED display
- Wireless option
- X5 spiral cartridge
Cons
- Only 5-speed levels
At-home Microneedling Pens vs Professional
If you choose professional microneedling, the esthetician will numb your skin and perform the procedure. If you prefer at-home microneedling, you will use a device designed specifically to penetrate the skin at home.
A home microneedling device works in the same way as a professional device; however, the needle comes in various diameters and is designed specifically for use at home.
There is no time commitment for at-home microneedling, and the at-home models only take 10 minutes to an hour to complete.
However, the disadvantage of this is that the needles are shorter and finer than the model used by professionals.
It’s worth noting that professional microneedling often involves medical-grade topical treatments such as hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, and other growth factors to improve final results.
What to look for in an ideal microneedling pen?
If you’re looking to buy or upgrade your microneedling pen, there are some key things that you need to consider. Here’s an overview of what to look out for and how to select the best at-home microneedling pen for your needs.
Research
Starting your search by looking at online reviews and comparing them with your own preferences and needs can be a helpful way to begin. If you focus on the highly recommended ones, you will be able to narrow down your choices.
Speed
If you are buying the at-home microneedling pen for use on a variety of body parts, then you should go for the one with a lot of speed adjustments.
Price
Best at-home microneedling pens offer the best value, yet they can be expensive. You can opt to buy a cheaper model if you only need it for minor skin issues or acquire one that falls in the affordable price range.
Warranty
A microneedling device that you use at home should have an extensive warranty period so that you can receive compensation if it’s defective. Check on the manufacturer’s reputation and quality before buying any product; this will give you an idea of the product’s reliability. The ModiX store on Amazon is an authorized worldwide dealer of Dr. Pen kits and accessories.
Results
The next thing to consider is how quickly you want results. Microneedling creates new collagen and elastin, so the treatment can have some immediate effects – new cell growth in your skin occurs within 24-48 hours, while significant improvements usually take around 3-6 months. If you don’t mind waiting for results, then this isn’t so much of an issue.
However, if you want immediate anti-aging results right away, consider other treatments like microneedling with PRP.
PRP is a mixture of your own blood plasma and growth factors, which are injected directly into your skin. The growth factors in PRP trigger faster collagen and elastin production, resulting in much faster anti-aging results than just microneedling alone.
Therefore, it is important to understand the risks and benefits and to use only reputable models, such as the ones recommended here.
How to Use a Microneedling Pen for Home Use
So, how do you use a microneedling pen at home without overusing it and getting the worst side effects? Here is how to avoid making mistakes when using this device.
Step #1 Always sterilize your pen before and after each use
This will make it easier to clean off all residue from the device. Just run it under hot water, and then wipe it with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and a cotton pad or some tissues. If you don’t want to use either of these, you can also use your sterilized toothbrush to clean it.
Step #2 Clean up
Use a pH-balanced face wash. Make sure your skin is at least exfoliated before using this device on any part of your face or body. This will remove dead skin, allowing the tips to penetrate into the dermis layer properly.
Step #3 Optional: use a numbing cream
In case you have less pain tolerance then you might want to consider using a numbing cream so that you do not feel most of the pricks. Let it sit for at least an hour.
Step #4 Turn on the device
Start with an area, finish it and then move on to the next area. Don’t go too fast with your penetration speed; if need be, readjust how deep you are piercing with your needle tips. Use light to moderate pressure. Do not go over the same section of skin too many times in 1 sitting.
Be more gentle around sensitive areas of your face. These areas include around the eye area, mouth, lips, and jawline. If you want to speed things up, put more pressure on these parts than you do on the rest of your skin.
Step #5 Take the best care of your microneedling pen at home
Always disinfect it after each use.
Is it safe for home use?
Online platforms such as Amazon also sell microneedling pens for home use.
If you are considering purchasing a microneedling pen to give yourself some at-home treatments, it is important to be aware of what type of device you are buying. Cheap devices do not follow the necessary safety precautions, leaving consumers vulnerable to infection and injury. By understanding how these devices work you can determine their safety.
At-home microneedling pens are often marketed as being safer than professional devices. However, there have been some cases where the needles on these devices broke off during use. When this occurs, they can cause infections or create scarring similar to that left by professional dermapens.
The jury is still out whether microneedling pens can be safely used for home care, but many experts recommend following the directions from the manufacturer and to avoid doing several treatments in a row or back-to-back. Moreover, it is essential to consider other risks, such as infection if mishandled.
What to Keep in Mind While Microneedling At Home
Ideally, you should first contact your local clinic that offers professional microneedling services before trying it at home. Make sure you ask a lot of questions about how the treatment works. Below are the most important things to keep in mind.
1. Keep your hands away from needles at all times. If you’re using an electric microneedling device then there are chances that the head might have been sterilized already.
2. Always Start with a Lower Needle Depth. Especially if you have sensitive skin, then it is best to start off with a lower needle depth and increase it gradually as your skin gets more adapted to the process. A higher needle depth might damage the skin which would lead to side effects like redness and dryness.
3. Sun Exposure Post-Treatment Is Not Recommended. If you plan on exposing yourself to sunlight immediately after microneedling at home, then you will end up with the side effects of sun exposure such as sunburns and itchiness. It is best to rest for at least two hours after the treatment before you go outside to avoid these issues.
4. Give It at Least Two-Three Weeks to See Results. It takes at least two-three weeks for the skin to heal and regenerate which is important before we can see results from a beauty treatment like microneedling.
5. Diet plays a key role, too. Diet and drinking have a great deal to do with how our skin looks. As such, if you want better skin, make sure you follow a proper diet and avoid processed foods as much as possible.
6. Give Your Skin a Week to Heal Before Applying Makeup. There are chances that you might increase the frequency of your microneedling sessions after a week or so, but it is best to refrain from using makeup products on the skin for at least a week.
7. Results are visible in just a few weeks. Usually, the results after microneedling at home can be seen in just four to six weeks, and you might even start seeing some results within two weeks. So it is best to wait for a few weeks before you decide whether or not the skin treatment has worked on your skin.
How Often Should I microneedle?
How often you should microneedle your skin depends on what kind of microneedling pen you’re using and what type of results you want to achieve. Generally, it’s recommended that you microneedle the skin around every 2 to 4 weeks.
This is largely determined by whether or not your skin responds well to a certain treatment. For example, if you’re trying to stimulate collagen synthesis and your skin is sensitive, it might become inflamed and result in purpura (red or purple marks on the skin).
If your skin responds well to microneedling without showing any signs of inflammation, then once a month should be enough for you. As a result, you can maintain your results and avoid overdoing it.
If you feel that your skin is not responding well to microneedling, then try increasing the interval between treatments or decreasing the frequency of treatments for a while. This can be done by doing once every two weeks instead of once every week, or even just twice a month.
On the other hand, if you feel that your skin is responding well to microneedling and you want to speed up your results, then you can do it twice a week instead of once a week or once every two weeks.
It’s important to note that because we always want our treatments to be risk-free and effective at the same time, it is highly recommended that you periodically do a skin check-up on the areas where you microneedle.
If you’re wondering, not every day! Microneedling increases collagen production which is why it can be helpful for anti-aging. However, collagen production peaks 2 days after the procedure and returns to normal after about 3 months. So there is no point in microneedling your skin more often than once every 2 weeks.
The takeaway
Best at-home microneedling pens are easily accessible, relatively inexpensive, less painful, and come with easy-to-follow directions.
Read our reviews and make a wise choice. We hope you find the perfect device for your needs! If not, let us know what you’re looking for in a microneedling pen so we can help; maybe one of these might be just right.
