SkinPen: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How much it costs
What to expect
How soon you see results
Fast facts
SkinPen is the first microneedling device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acne scars. It’s also used to address hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, neck wrinkles, and surgical scars in patients who are 22 or older.
SkinPen skin rejuvenation treatments are minimally invasive. The pen-like handpiece contains 14 fine microneedles that repeatedly pierce the skin, creating thousands of microinjuries.
The punctures stimulate your body’s natural wound-healing process, releasing growth factors and boosting the production of new collagen and elastin. Because of that, microneedling is also known as collagen-induction therapy.
At least three SkinPen treatments are recommended for best results. Each treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Appointments are typically spaced three to six weeks apart.
The treatment boasts little downtime—and unlike some other microneedling methods, it can be safely used on all skin tones and skin types.
Pros
- SkinPen is minimally invasive, with little downtime.
- It can treat a range of issues, from acne scarring and large pores to fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
- Unlike some other microneedling devices, SkinPen can be safely used on all skin tones and skin types.
- With a range of needle sizes and depths, SkinPen is extremely customizable and can be altered to address different issues.
Cons
- Your skin will be red immediately after treatment, and you might experience dryness, tightness, itchiness, and burning as side effects. You may also have post-procedural marks; some RealSelf members have reported that these marks seem to be permanent, so find an experienced doctor to avoid risks or complications.
- The procedure is not recommended for people with active acne or people taking certain acne medications.
- SkinPen results are often subtle, and it can take several treatments to see an improvement.
- Average Cost:
- $525
- Range:
- $300 - $1,200
Your cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience and their practice location. Notably, though, microneedling treatments are significantly less expensive than many other in-office skin rejuvenation procedures used to address the same skin concerns.
The SkinPen photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Many doctors like to start prepping patients weeks before the first microneedling session. Your dermatologist might recommend hydroquinone, a topical steroid, a retinoid, and/or SPF in order to prime your skin and ensure optimal SkinPen results. Dermatologists also suggest increasing your water intake, to speed your recovery.
During your appointment, your face will be cleansed and a topical numbing cream will be applied.
You won’t feel much once your dermatologist starts to direct the SkinPen across your skin. SkinPen’s needles range from .5 mm to 3 mm, allowing your provider to vary the depth based on your skin concerns and the area being treated.
Afterward, most providers apply a calming serum. Your skin will look like you have a moderate sunburn, but much of the redness and tenderness should subside within 24 hours.
You can return to your normal activities immediately, but avoid heavy makeup and sweating for the first day or two. It’s crucial to apply sunscreen that contains physical blockers, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, following your treatment.
RealSelf Tip: If you’re considering SkinPen for melasma, ask your dermatologist about the risks, since microneedling can trigger an inflammatory response that worsens pigmentation. To avoid this risk, your doctor may limit the depth of penetration to no more than 1 mm.
Initial results can sometimes be seen within a week of your first treatment, but since the skin conditions often being treated—acne scars, stretch marks, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation—are often rooted deep in the dermis, it can take longer to see optimal results. Plus, it takes time for your body to undergo its skin-rejuvenating repair process.
After your series of treatments is complete, continued maintenance is recommended, which might mean doing a SkinPen treatment quarterly or biannually, to maximize and extend results.
RealSelf Tip: Between treatments, refrain from using any at-home microneedling devices without first consulting your doctor. It’s very easy to misuse them and end up damaging your skin’s texture.
Updated July 21, 2023