Microneedling is a popular treatment for various skin conditions, including wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and atrophic acne scars. Even though microneedling is typically performed in a doctor’s office, kits such as Dr. Pen allow patients to try the procedure at home.
How should you utilize a Dr. Pen for microneedling treatments at home? First, check the microneedling pen’s speed, penetration depth, power, and cartridge availability before purchase. Important steps include cleansing the face before use, working in small treatment areas for better coverage, and avoiding reusing cartridges whenever possible.
GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR DERMAPEN
The Dermapen treatment necessitates using only the finest equipment to provide treatments and outcomes that your patients will adore. Obtain the best Dermapen equipment and more today from MU Creatives.
A Complete Guide to At-Home Microneedling with Dr. Pen
Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure that tightens and improves the skin’s overall appearance. The microneedling device is applied to the skin during treatment to induce micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Additionally, the micro-channels allow skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced rejuvenating effects.
Although in-office microneedling treatments are significantly less expensive than surgical skin procedures, they still cost hundreds of dollars per treatment. Many attempts to save money by purchasing microneedling kits like Dr. Pen. Although these devices do not produce the same results as professional treatments, they are still effective in treating various skin conditions.
If you’re interested in microneedling with Dr. Pen devices but don’t know where to begin, here’s a helpful guide:
What to Consider Before Buying a DermaPen
Because derma pens are available in various styles, it is essential to be familiar with their characteristics to select the ideal device. Therefore, before purchasing a DermaPen or Dr. Pen microneedling for at-home treatments, consider the following:
- Speed refers to the device’s efficiency and adaptability to specific treatment areas. A beginner-friendly microneedling pen should have at least three-speed settings.
- Depth of Penetration – Derma pens has variable penetration depths that reach approximately 2 mm beneath the skin. The recommended needle penetration depth depends on the patient’s skin condition or treatment area. Dr. Pens has a dial that allows users to adjust the needle depth.
- Power – Microneedling pens can be powered by batteries or electricity. Because wireless derma pens are more mobile, most patients prefer them. Always ensure that your dermapen is fully charged or that you are near a power source before treatment.
- Pins Per Cartridge – A microneedling device’s tiny microneedling needles are available in 12-pin, 16-pin, and 36-pin cartridges. Beginners typically begin with fewer needles and progress to 36-pin cartridges. The 12 and 16-pin cartridges are typically utilized for fine lines, wrinkles, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, whereas the 36-pin cartridges are most effective for stretch marks, skin discoloration, and enlarged pores.
- Cartridge Availability – In addition to the cartridge type required, patients should consider its availability. Cartridges are designed for single use to prevent infection, irritation, and other adverse effects. It is essential to be able to order them easily whenever necessary.
- Dr. Pen Ultima A6 Microneedling Pen
This Dr. Pen microneedling device is among the most popular derma pens for home use. Its ergonomic design allows for a smooth glide, while the needles penetrate the skin up to 2.5 mm deep.
Dr. Pen ensures that the Ultima A6 Microneedling Pen produces high-quality results, even though it is an affordable option. Even after using the device for a brief period, patients typically notice significant improvements in their skin.
Pros Cons
The design makes it simple for beginners to begin microneedling at home without difficulty. Unfortunately, the dermapen lacks a digital display for displaying its speed accurately. Instead, the button has a blinking light that increases in frequency as the patient increases the speed.
There are five different speed settings available on the device.
- Dr. Pen Ultima A6S Professional Microneedling Pen
The Dr. Pen Ultima A6S microneedling pen is an improved version of their renowned Ultima A6 microneedling pen. As a result, it is safe to eliminate acne scars, skin discoloration, wrinkles, and stretch marks on the skin.
Patients can utilize the device either with or without a wire. In addition, the Dr. Pen Ultima A6S Microneedling Pen comes with two rechargeable and high-capacity batteries.
Pros Cons
This device offers nearly the same functions as the Ultima A6 Microneedling Pen but is superior due to its six-speed settings and digital speed display. Unfortunately, the microneedling kit only includes a limited quantity of 16- and 36-pin cartridges. Patients who prefer alternative cartridges or require more can order them from a reputable distributor.
GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR DERMAPEN
The Dermapen treatment necessitates using only the finest equipment to provide treatments and outcomes that your patients will adore. Obtain the best Dermapen equipment and more today from MU Creatives.
- Dr. Pen Ultima A7 Professional Microneedling Pen
This microneedling pen is among the most potent models on the market. It is well-known for producing the best results in a short amount of time. The Ultima A7 microneedling pen is only available in a corded model, but the cord extends up to two meters, allowing patients to perform the treatment on various body parts.
The Dr. Pen Ultima A7 Professional Microneedling Pen provides exceptional precision and stability. In addition, its fine needles effectively stimulate the body’s collagen production to treat stretch marks, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and other skin conditions.
Pros Cons
The motor of this microneedling pen can reach up to 18,000 revolutions per minute. This results in a more effective application and outstanding outcomes. However, due to the device’s powerful motor, it is only available in a wired configuration. Therefore, patients should perform microneedling treatments near a reliable power source.
The fine needles in the microneedling kit are ideal for stimulating collagen production and treating various skin conditions.
- Dr. Pen Ultima M8 Professional Microneedling Pen
This individual microneedling kit contains only five cartridges (two 16-pin cartridges and three 36-pin cartridges). However, patients may purchase additional cartridges as necessary due to their one-time use.
The kit contains ultra-fine needles, allowing patients to undergo more intense treatments without experiencing excruciating pain. The only way to charge the microneedling device is to connect the entire unit directly to a power source, as it lacks separate batteries. However, patients can use it with or without a cord.
It has six distinct speed settings and an LED display that precisely indicates the speed.
Preparing the Treatment Areas
- Choose a cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, makeup, or other debris that could cause irritation or infection. To keep the hair out of the face, tie it back.
- The application of numbing cream is optional but helps alleviate discomfort during treatment. Use a numbing cream containing at least 5% lidocaine and leave it on the skin for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the anesthetic cream, then thoroughly cleanse the affected areas again.
- Before gliding the microneedling device across the skin, prepare the hyaluronic acid serum (or other hydrating serum of your choosing) and apply it. This facilitates a smoother movement of the device on the skin and prevents dragging.
- Ensure that the Dr. Pen is fully charged or that there is a nearby power source using a wired model.
How to Perform Microneedling at Home
- Remove the needles from the cartridge and attach them to the device. Ensure that both hands are clean before beginning. Avoid touching the needles’ tips to avoid infection or irritation.
- Modify the needle depth using the microneedling pen’s button or dial. The recommended needle depth varies according to the affected skin areas.
- Beginning with small areas, gently glide the device across the skin. This allows for a more thorough treatment of the affected areas.
- The most effective microneedling movements are vertical, horizontal, and diagonal in both directions.
- Ensure you apply light pressure to the skin without excessive dragging to achieve the desired depth.
- Perform the motions twice over the affected areas. Feel free to use your other free hand to stretch out the skin.
What to Do Right After the Treatment
- Wash the face with clean, lukewarm water.
- Apply some more hyaluronic acid serum to calm and hydrate the skin.
- Properly discard the cartridge. These needles were designed for single use only. Reusing them dulls them and exposes the user to the risk of infection.
- Mild swelling and redness are typical immediately following treatment.
- Products containing active ingredients, acids, or fragrances should be avoided. Scrubs and toners may also cause skin irritation, so avoid using them immediately after treatment.
Aftercare Instructions for Microneedling
24 Hours
- Washing the face with a mild cleanser and applying a moisturizer can reduce skin flaking, mild swelling, peeling, and bruising.
- While applying makeup, avoid strenuous activities.
- Additionally, prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. Use sunscreen with a high SPF if you must go outside.
48 Hours
- Continue hydrating the skin with moisturizers.
- Begin exfoliating the skin gently to accelerate the healing process, but avoid chemical and physical exfoliants.
- If the skin feels delicate, do not exfoliate it.
3-5 Days
- Continue to apply sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure for up to a week following treatment.
- The skincare regimen should emphasize gentle moisturizing and hydrating products while avoiding toners, active ingredients, scrubs, and acids.
7+ Days
- You may return to your regular skincare regimen.
- Around this time, common side effects typically begin to subside, while results become visible.
- Treatments with microneedling should be performed four to six weeks apart. Multiple sessions are necessary for optimal results.
