What Is SkinPen? FDA-Approved Microneedling Explained

SkinPen is a powerful tool in your aesthetic provider’s arsenal. It’s the first microneedling device ever cleared by the FDA for treating wrinkles and scarring, working based on the principles of collagen induction. 

In this guide, we dive deep into SkinPen, including how it works, its benefits, and everything you need to know before you get treated. 

What Is SkinPen Microneedling? 

SkinPen microneedling is a treatment performed with the SkinPen device. Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy. It triggers the body’s natural healing response and stimulates faster, healthier collagen and elastin production. 

SkinPen was the first microneedling tool ever cleared as a medical device by the FDA. This means it’s been tested and verified for its safety and efficacy. It’s approved specifically for treating wrinkles and acne scars, but it can improve the appearance of any skin concern related to dermal thickness, collagen, and elastin. 

What Does SkinPen Do? 

SkinPen creates thousands of controlled microinjuries that trigger a wound healing response without causing any actual damage to the skin. This creates a remarkable opportunity for the skin to renew in a way that minimizes many aesthetic concerns.

In the weeks after treatment, the skin gets flooded with growth factors that stimulate self-renewal. They not only increase collagen and elastin production, but also ensure new collagen forms in a healthier way. 

This is why SkinPen is such an effective treatment for:

• Fine lines and wrinkles 
• Loss of firmness and elasticity 
• Texture and pore size 
• Scarring and stretch marks 

SkinPen Benefits

The list of SkinPen benefits is long. Some of these apply to microneedling in general, but many are unique to SkinPen in particular: 

• Tightens and firms skin
• Smoothes texture
• Fades scarring
• Can be done on both face and body 
• Helps improve overall skin health
• Proven safe through rigorous testing 
• Retractable needles further minimize the risk of damage to the skin
• Excellent for all skin tones
• Very minimal downtime
• Pairs well with other treatments like the SEV Laser Facial

What to Expect from a SkinPen Treatment

SkinPen is a minimally invasive procedure that only takes about 15-30 minutes. When performed by a trained professional, it’s a safe and comfortable treatment — even if it looks a little intimidating. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of the procedure. 

Consult

The process should always start with a consultation, during which your provider will go over your concerns and aesthetic goals, and confirm that there are no contraindications that make your treatment risky. 

Prep 

Next, your provider will prep your skin by cleansing and disinfecting it. 

They will also prep the device by applying a single-use protective sheet. They should open a brand new, single-use microneedling tip in front of you, and then attach it to the SkinPen device. 

At SEV, we’ll typically also apply a numbing cream, especially if you’re getting treated at a deeper depth. The cream needs to sit on your skin for at least 15 minutes to take hold. 

Finally, your provider will apply a dedicated gel to enhance glide. 

Microneedling

Once you’re ready, your provider will start treating your skin. During the procedure, they will hold your skin taut while meticulously gliding the SkinPen device over your skin. 

Throughout the treatment, your provider should continuously calibrate the needle length based on the treatment area and your skin goals. 

The goal of the procedure is to create uniform redness with some mild pinpoint bleeding — this is the sign that the microneedles are penetrating deeply enough and creating the right level of microinjury to stimulate renewal. 

To achieve this, your provider may need to go over your skin in several passes, first moving horizontally, then vertically, and finally in circular motions. 

The process may feel a little odd, like a vibration or light scratching sensation, but discomfort should be minimal. Some areas might be a little more sensitive than others.

Post-Treatment

Once your provider has treated every inch of your skin, they will gently wipe your face of any residue. Next, they’ll apply safe post-treatment skincare products. Aside from these, you’ll want to avoid applying any other products or allowing anything to come in contact with your skin for 24 hours. 

SkinPen Side Effects and Risks

SkinPen’s side effects can be noticeable, although they’re generally not too long-lasting. They include:

• Temporary redness and swelling
• Itchiness or a sunburn-like sensation
• Skin tightness or dryness
• Flakiness or scaling
• Temporary bruising or blistering

These side effects typically disappear within 3-7 days. Speak to a medical professional if they last longer or if you experience significant discomfort. 

Microneedling can become risky when performed by non-certified individuals, especially at home, without clinical safety measures and hygiene protocols. This greatly increases the risk of experiencing adverse events like infection, scarring, and nerve damage.

Pre- and Post-Care for SkinPen

Your pre- and post-care practices are the key to excellent SkinPen results and a comfortable experience. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do before and after your treatment. 

Pre-Care

• Review all of the consent and clearance forms before your appointment to make sure you don’t miss any important details.
• Make sure it has been 1-3 months since you’ve had any intense skin resurfacing treatments (i.e., dermabrasions, ablative laser resurfacing, or deep chemical peels).
• Don’t get any cosmetic injections for at least 2 weeks before your treatment. 
• Ensure you’ve been off antibiotics and blood thinners for at least 2 weeks. 
• Wear sunscreen and avoid unprotected sun exposure for 24 hours. 
• Don’t use retinoids, acne treatments, or chemical exfoliants (e.g., AHA/BHA) for 24 hours before your treatment — stick to gentle products. 
• For a speedy and seamless treatment, arrive with clean skin free of makeup, skincare, and artificial tanner. 
• Tip: Bring a hat for sun protection, as you won’t be able to wear SPF immediately after. 

Post-Care

• Do not apply anything to the skin for 24 hours, including SPF (unless otherwise directed by your provider).
• Keep your skin clean, and only use clean hands, towels, and bedding for 3 days.
• Do not wear makeup for 3 days. 
• Avoid sun exposure 3 days post-treatment. Use SPF 30 or greater once 24 hours pass.
• Avoid jacuzzis, saunas, and other high-temperature environments for 3 days.
• Do not use retinoids (including prescription), acne treatments, exfoliants, or vitamin C for 7 days. 
• Avoid cosmetic injections or laser facials on the treated area for 2 weeks. 
• Avoid laser hair removal, radiofrequency, chemical peels, or aggressive resurfacing treatments on the treated area for 1 month. 

How Long Until SkinPen Results Become Visible? 

To be able to evaluate your SkinPen results, you’ll usually need to wait at least a month. This is because your SkinPen treatment is just the start of the renewal process. The real transformation happens in the weeks and even months after treatment, as collagen and elastin production ramps up. 

One treatment is usually enough to see a mild improvement in skin texture and plumpness. To see an impact on more significant skin concerns, like acne scarring, wrinkles, and loss of firmness, you’ll typically need at least 3-4 sessions to start seeing improvement, and 6-8 treatments for very dramatic results. 

Combining SkinPen with other treatments, like PRP or laser facials, can further boost results. 

Experience SkinPen at SEV

We’re making it easy to experience your SkinPen transformation. At SEV, we offer quick and comfortable SkinPen appointments with numbing included. Our providers have the clinical training and experience to tailor your treatment, ensuring it’s safe, comfortable, and effective. 

Whether you’re looking to address signs of aging or texture on the face and neck or reduce stretch marks or scarring on the body, we make SkinPen accessible. 

SkinPen is now available at most SEV Laser locations — if you’d like to try it, book your appointment online.