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Dr. Pen Microneedling Speed Guide
On your Dr. Pen device, you have the power to customize both the speed of penetration and the needle depth. While speed dictates the smoothness of the glide, the needle depth determines which layer of the skin you are targeting—from surface-level brightening to deep-tissue scar remodeling.
As a general rule, thinner skin areas (like the eyes and forehead) require a shallower touch, while fleshier areas or body concerns (like stretch marks) benefit from deeper penetration. If you are new to the journey, we always recommend starting with a conservative depth to build your confidence and understanding of how your skin responds.
Ready to find your perfect setting? Explore our comprehensive depth chart below to ensure you get the best results possible while keeping your skin safe and comfortable.
Dr. Pen Microneedling Parameter Reference Guide
| Dimension | Area / Concern | Depth | Speed | Key Operating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Facial Area | ||||
| By Facial Area | Forehead | 0.25-0.5mm | Lvl 2-3 | Thin skin; lower speeds reduce bone vibration discomfort. |
| Eye Area | 0.25mm | Lvl 1-2 | Delicate; use slow motions with plenty of serum. | |
| Cheeks | 0.5-1.5mm | Lvl 3-5 | Thicker tissue; higher speeds reduce dragging. | |
| Nose | 0.25-0.5mm | Lvl 1-2 | Uneven area; low speed for precise control. | |
| Jaw / Neck | 0.5-1.0mm | Lvl 2-4 | Glide steadily along the bone structure. | |
| By Skin Concern | ||||
| By Skin Concern | Glow / Absorption | Nano | Lvl 1-2 | Focuses on stratum corneum for infusion. |
| Fine Lines | 0.5-1.0mm | Lvl 3-4 | Balanced speed for collagen stimulation. | |
| Acne Scars | 1.0-2.0mm | Lvl 4-5 | High speed helps break down scar tissue. | |
| Stretch Marks | 1.5-2.5mm | Lvl 5-6 | Requires maximum power for deep penetration. | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher speed mean the treatment is more effective?
Does a higher speed mean the treatment is more effective?
Not necessarily. While higher speeds (Levels 4-6) allow for faster needle penetration and often reduce the "stinging" sensation, they are mainly used for thicker skin or deeper scars. For delicate areas like the eyes or forehead, a lower, more controlled speed is often safer and more effective. It's about finding the "sweet spot" for each specific area.
How do I know if I’m moving the pen too fast or too slow for the speed setting?
How do I know if I’m moving the pen too fast or too slow for the speed setting?
A good rule of thumb is to let the pen guide you. If you feel the device "dragging" or "scratching" the skin, you may need to either increase the speed level or slow down your hand movement. The pen should glide effortlessly over a well-lubricated surface (always use your Hyaluronic Acid!) without any resistance.
Why does the high speed actually feel less painful than the low speed?
Why does the high speed actually feel less painful than the low speed?
It sounds a bit surprising, doesn't it? At higher frequencies, the needles move so fast that your nerve endings don't have quite enough time to register each individual prick. This creates a slight numbing vibration effect, making the experience much more comfortable for many users compared to the slower, more deliberate pulses of lower levels.
Should I change the speed when switching from my face to my body?
Should I change the speed when switching from my face to my body?
Yes, absolutely! The skin on your body (like on the thighs for stretch marks) is much thicker than the skin on your face. For body treatments, we usually recommend utilizing the higher speed settings (Levels 5-6) to ensure the device has enough power to penetrate effectively and provide the stimulation needed for those tougher areas.
I’m a total beginner—what speed should I start with?
I’m a total beginner—what speed should I start with?
We totally understand the nerves! We always suggest starting on Level 1 just to get a feel for the vibration against your skin. Once you feel steady and comfortable, you can gradually move up to Level 2 or 3. There is no rush—your comfort and safety are the top priorities.
Does the speed affect how long my skin takes to heal?
Does the speed affect how long my skin takes to heal?
The speed itself doesn't directly dictate healing time—that's more down to the needle depth and your skin's natural recovery. However, using the correct speed prevents unnecessary "micro-tearing" caused by dragging a slow needle across the skin. By choosing the right setting from our guide, you're actually helping your skin heal more cleanly and efficiently.
