SkinPen microneedling can be performed at different depths depending on the area of the face or body being treated. At LaserAway, SkinPen depth may range from 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm on the face, and up to 2.5 mm on the neck and chest. The depth is customized by treatment area, skin thickness, concern, and clinical response.
SkinPen Needle Depths
SkinPen does not use one fixed needle depth for every patient or every treatment area. Instead, clinicians customize the depth based on factors like skin thickness, treatment goals, scar severity, and the specific area being treated.
Different areas of the face and body require different approaches. Delicate areas are typically treated more superficially, while thicker skin or deeper textural concerns may tolerate deeper settings.
Average SkinPen Depth by Treatment Area
- Forehead and temples: 0.25 mm - 1.0 mm
- Cheeks and jawline: 0.5 mm - 1.5 mm
- Chin and lip area: 0.25 mm - 1.0 mm
- Nose: 0.25 mm - 1.0 mm
- Orbital rim (around the eyes): 0.25 mm - 0.5 mm
- Full face: Up to 1.5 mm
- Neck: Up to 2.5 mm
- Chest: Up to 2.5 mm
Why SkinPen Depth Matters
SkinPen works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin using tiny needles. These microchannels trigger the body's natural wound-healing response, which helps stimulate collagen and elastin production over time. As Dr. Will Kirby, Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway and board-certified dermatologist, explains, "By stimulating collagen production, we get more youthful skin."
Depth matters because different skin concerns exist at different levels within the skin.
For example, fine lines and dullness may respond well to more superficial treatment depths, while acne scarring and deeper texture irregularities often require treatment at deeper levels to support collagen remodeling beneath the skin's surface.
The skin itself also varies in thickness throughout the face and body. Areas like the forehead and around the eyes are thinner and more delicate, while the cheeks, jawline, neck, and chest may tolerate deeper settings.
SkinPen Depths: Shallow, Medium, and Deep Settings
Shallower depths are typically used for delicate areas and surface-level concerns, while deeper settings may be used for acne scars and more advanced texture irregularities.
Shallow SkinPen Depths
More superficial settings are commonly used for:
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Mild texture concerns
- Dull skin
- Delicate treatment areas
Common treatment areas include:
- Forehead
- Orbital rim
- Nose
Typical depth range: 0.25mm - 0.5mm
These lighter treatments help refresh the skin's surface while stimulating gentle collagen renewal.
Medium SkinPen Depths
Medium SkinPen depths target deeper layers of the skin to stimulate more significant collagen production while keeping downtime manageable.
Moderate depths are often used for:
- Uneven skin texture
- Early acne scarring
- Mild wrinkles
- General skin rejuvenation
Common treatment areas include:
- Cheeks and Jawline
- Chin and lip
Typical depth range: 0.5mm - 1.0mm
Deeper SkinPen Depths
Deeper SkinPen settings are often used when collagen remodeling needs to occur beneath the skin's surface. These treatments help soften uneven texture and improve the appearance of acne scars over time. As Arsema Hawariat, RN, explains, "The needles puncture deep into the skin, causing skin cell turnover," which helps stimulate collagen remodeling beneath the skin's surface.
Deeper settings may be recommended for:
- Pitted acne scars
- More advanced textural concerns
- Thicker skin areas
Common treatment areas include:
- Cheeks and Jawline (included within lower face treatment)
- Neck
- Chest
Typical depth range: 1.0mm - 2.5mm
Does Deeper SkinPen Mean Better Results?
No. More aggressive treatment is not automatically better.
The best SkinPen treatment is one that is customized to your skin and concerns. During treatment, clinicians assess visible endpoints like erythema and pinpoint bleeding to determine if the skin is responding appropriately.
Over-treating the skin can increase irritation and downtime without improving results. As Dr. Kirby explains, collagen stimulation works best when energy or treatment is delivered "at the right level," rather than simply using the deepest possible setting.
How Providers Adjust SkinPen Depths
SkinPen treatments are customized in small increments throughout the procedure. Providers begin at lower settings and gradually increase depth in increments of 0.25mm to 0.5mm until the appropriate clinical endpoint is reached.
Providers look for:
- Uniform redness
- Mild pinpoint bleeding
- Even treatment coverage
This controlled approach helps ensure treatments are effective while minimizing unnecessary irritation.
Choose LaserAway for SkinPen Treatments
At LaserAway, SkinPen treatments are customized based on your skin concerns, treatment areas, and goals. Our licensed medical professionals carefully select the appropriate treatment depth to help improve acne scars, texture, enlarged pores, and fine lines safely and effectively.
Ready to learn which SkinPen depths are right for your skin? Book your free consultation today.
References
- "Microneedling for the Treatment of Scars: An Update for Clinicians," Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, December 22, 2020.
- "Multiple Microneedling Sessions for Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation: An Objective Assessment," International Journal of Dermatology, June 20, 2015.
