What Is SkinPen Microneedling and How It Works
At Facial Artistry & Aesthetics, our Microneedling treatment utilizes the SkinPen® device, the first FDA-cleared microneedling system. By creating hundreds of microchannels in the skin, SkinPen® stimulates your natural wound-healing cascade, boosting collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin.
SkinPen is a motorized microneedling pen made by Crown Aesthetics, and each needle cartridge holds 14 stainless steel micro-needles.
What SkinPen Is FDA-Cleared For
In March 2018, the FDA granted SkinPen’s De Novo request and created a new device type with it: the microneedling device for aesthetic use. Today, SkinPen is cleared for adults 22 and older to improve the appearance of:
- Facial acne scars, in all Fitzpatrick skin types (a numbered scale for skin color)
- Wrinkles of the neck, in Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV
SkinPen is a prescription device, meant for trained healthcare professionals in a clinical setting.
What Happens in Your Skin
Microneedling is also known as percutaneous collagen induction. The needles make controlled punctures at a set depth, and as those punctures heal, your body’s wound healing response forms new collagen and elastin. SkinPen’s labeling describes this remodeling as the process that improves the appearance of acne scars and neck wrinkles.
SkinPen’s needle depth can be set from 0 to 2.5 mm, and its labeling asks a qualified clinician to assess the thickness of the skin in each area before treating.
Benefits of Pairing Exosomes with SkinPen Microneedling
Exosomes are nano-sized messengers derived from stem cells, packed with growth factors, peptides, and proteins that accelerate tissue repair. When applied immediately after microneedling, exosome therapy penetrates deeply through microchannels to:
- Speed recovery and reduce redness
- Amplify collagen & elastin for lasting firmness
- Even tone & texture while minimizing pore size
- Boost hydration and overall luminosity
Whether you’re tackling fine lines, acne scars, or simply craving a refreshed glow, this powerhouse combo delivers visible results with minimal downtime.
RF Microneedling + Exosomes for Next-Level Tightening
For clients seeking more dramatic lifting and resurfacing, our Potenza RF Microneedling pairs microneedles with radiofrequency energy. Tiny insulated needles heat the deeper dermis to trigger intensive collagen remodeling and tissue tightening. Applying exosomes post-treatment calms inflammation and accelerates healing, optimizing your firming results. Ideal for:
- Skin laxity (sagging or loose skin)
- Fine lines, wrinkles, and surgical scars
- Stretch marks and uneven texture
Why Exosomes Are the Future of Regenerative Aesthetics
Exosomes aren’t a fad. They’re the next frontier in skin regeneration. These biologically active vesicles deliver cellular instructions to heal, renew, and revitalize, offering:
- Advanced tissue repair without harsh chemicals
- Anti-inflammatory benefits for less downtime
- Enhanced brightness & firmness
- Safe, natural technology harnessing stem-cell power
Pairing any microneedling treatment with exosomes accelerates your results and extends their longevity, bringing the clinic’s most cutting-edge science straight to your skin.
What to Expect at Your SkinPen Microneedling Appointment
Before your visit
A little planning helps. Our microneedling instructions ask you to:
- Stop Retin-A or retinol products 24 hours before treatment
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 24 hours beforehand (microneedling is not done on sunburned skin)
- Arrive with a clean face and no makeup
- Tell us if you take a blood thinner, aspirin, or any other medication that makes you bleed easily, or if you are prone to cold sores
- Wait 6 months after taking oral isotretinoin (such as Accutane)
During treatment
Your visit starts with questions about your medical history and treatment goals. Your provider will also look at the area to be treated and may take photos. If you would like numbing, a topical anesthetic may be applied first. The skin is then cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic.
Next, a thin layer of hydrogel goes on to protect your skin from friction. Your provider selects a needle depth and glides the pen over your skin, creating tiny micro-channels. Afterward, the area may be patted with gauze and covered with more hydrogel so it does not dry out.
SkinPen uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges with a lock-out feature, so a used cartridge cannot be put back on the pen.
After treatment
Most people have redness during and after treatment, like a mild sunburn. Dry skin, burning, itching, peeling, and tenderness are also possible, and if post-treatment instructions are followed, these should all be temporary. SkinPen’s labeling also lists a few less common possibilities, such as a cold sore flare-up, lighter or darker skin in the treated area, or no change in acne scars.
A few aftercare pointers:
- Rinse with tepid water for the first 24 hours, then use a gentle cleanser for the next 72 hours and gently pat the skin dry
- Skip makeup and sunscreen for the first 24 hours, then apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for two weeks
- Avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours, and skip tanning beds
- Hold off on alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, retinol, and other active skincare for at least 3 days
- Skip exercise for 24 hours, and avoid sweating and gym environments for the first 72 hours
- Wash your hands before touching the treated area
Our microneedling aftercare instructions list every step.
Who Should Not Have SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen’s labeling says it should not be used on anyone who:
- Has active skin cancer in the treatment area
- Has open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area
- Is allergic to stainless steel or anesthetics
- Has a bleeding disorder
- Is pregnant or nursing
- Is currently taking isotretinoin (such as Accutane)
The labeling also lists conditions SkinPen has not been evaluated in, where treatment may not be appropriate. These include active acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, keloid scars, active infections such as cold sores, blood thinners, immunosuppressive therapy, and scars or stretch marks less than a year old.
Tell your provider about any of these, and they will review your health history at your consultation before recommending treatment. If SkinPen is not the right fit, your provider can walk you through our other aesthetic treatments. For more on building microneedling into a personalized plan, read our Fall Skin Edit guide.
Ready to Glow? Book Your Skin Transformation Today
Our expert team customizes every plan to your unique goals. Call us at (520) 790-1234 or schedule your consultation to uncover your most radiant, youthful skin.
