MICRONEEDLING REVIEW
11 Years of Tiny Needles in My Face
I’ve always been that woman when it comes to skincare. I was a beautician for 19 years, and if there’s something new that promises to make a worthwhile addition to my skincare routine, there’s a very good chance I’m going to give it a try.
So when somebody told me about microneedling for fine lines and wrinkles around 11 years ago, obviously I was interested.
Microneedling has moved on dramatically since then, but my obsession with voluntarily sticking tiny needles into my face started with a good old-fashioned derma roller.
Where it all started: the derma roller
I bought a derma roller set and used it on and off for years.
And when I say on and off, I mean I was bloody useless at being consistent with it. 😂
I’d use it for a few weeks, forget all about it for several months, rediscover it and start again.
Pain-wise, I found it absolutely fine, although I should point out that I have a pretty high pain threshold, so I may not be the best person to judge that one.
Did I see a massive transformation from the derma roller? No.
But in fairness, I don’t think my completely random approach gave it much chance. The one thing I did consistently notice was that after using it and applying my skincare, my skin would have a lovely glow for the next few days.
And that was enough to keep microneedling on my radar.
Then I discovered Dr Pen
A couple of years ago, my aesthetics nurse, Laura, and I were talking about microneedling and LED red light therapy.
She recommended that I look into a Dr Pen microneedling pen, and that was all the encouragement I needed.
Down the rabbit hole I went.
I spent hours reading reviews, comparing pens and trying to work out which bloody one I needed. 😂
Eventually, I chose the Dr Pen M8.
There wasn’t some wonderfully scientific reason behind my decision — it was good value for money.
I didn’t know yet whether a microneedling pen was going to work for me, so I didn’t see the point in spending a fortune on the most expensive model. My thinking was that if I loved it, I could always upgrade later.
My first mistake: more needles must be better… right?
Along with the M8, I bought 36-pin and 18-pin cartridges.
Naturally, I started with the 36-pin.
Because apparently my logic was:
MORE NEEDLES = MORE RESULTS.
No, Marissa. 😂
After using it a couple of times, I spoke to Laura about how I was using the pen. She suggested I use the 18-pin cartridge for my main sessions and adjust the depth depending on the area I was working on.
My own routine developed from there.
For my main microneedling session, which I currently do roughly every six weeks, I use the 18-pin cartridge. I use the Dr Pen serum first to give the pen some slip rather than dragging it across dry skin, then work systematically across my face in what I can only describe as a Union Jack pattern rather than moving around in circles. 🇬🇧😂
The settings I use vary depending on the area. For example, I’ve used around 1 mm on my cheeks and 0.5 mm around my forehead and neck.
Those are the settings I personally use, not a recommendation for somebody else’s skin. Needle depth, cartridge choice and treatment frequency should be based on the manufacturer’s guidance and, where appropriate, advice from a qualified professional.
Did I notice a difference?
Not immediately.
Immediately afterwards what I mainly noticed was that my face was VERY red. 😂
After my deeper 18-pin sessions, my skin can feel like I’ve got a serious sunburn for a few hours.
So there was certainly no:
Microneedling at 7pm → wake up looking 25.
Unfortunately.
It was actually around three or four weeks later that I looked in the mirror one day and thought:
Bloody hell. My skin looks really fresh.
It looked brighter and had that lovely healthy glow that I’d originally noticed years ago after derma rolling.
That’s when I started taking microneedling more seriously and, crucially, became consistent with it.
Microneedling + my LED mask
I’ve since added an LED red light mask to my skincare arsenal.
I use both as part of my overall routine and, since becoming much more consistent, I’ve been really pleased with how my skin looks.
For me, the biggest differences are that my skin looks plumper, fresher and noticeably more glowing.
And that’s really what I wanted.
I’m not expecting a microneedling pen to magically erase every line from my face — I’m in my 50s, not fucking delusional. 😂
I just want my skin to look as healthy, fresh and well looked after as possible.
And for me, microneedling has earned its place in my routine.
Would I recommend a Dr Pen?
Yes.
Would I buy mine again?
Definitely.
In fact, considering I originally bought the M8 because I didn’t want to spend too much before knowing whether I’d actually stick with microneedling, I’m now at the opposite end of the problem:
I’m already thinking about upgrading it. 😂
The Dr Pen M8 turned out to be a really good introduction to microneedling pens for me, and several years later I’m still using it.
That’s probably the best review I can give it.
A quick sensible bit before you start stabbing yourself in the face
Microneedling isn’t something I’d recommend going at blindly. There are contraindications, cartridge hygiene matters, and deeper isn’t automatically better.
Use a new sterile cartridge as directed, follow the instructions supplied with your particular device, and don’t microneedle over active acne, irritated/broken skin or anything the manufacturer lists as a contraindication. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for your skin, speak to an appropriately qualified healthcare or skincare professional first.
My routine above is simply what I do and my experience with it — it isn’t a treatment protocol for somebody else’s face.
Fancy trying microneedling?
I’ve now partnered with Dr Pen, so you can find the M8, other microneedling pens, replacement cartridges, serums and accessories through Deal With It.
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Affiliate link: if you buy through my link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As you’ve just read, I was sticking Dr Pen needles into my face long before they were paying me anything. 😂