SkinPen is a great option for anyone who wants smoother, healthier-looking skin. It’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with acne scars, fine lines, uneven texture, or larger pores.

Because it works by triggering your skin’s own collagen, it’s safe for most skin types and tones, and it’s something you can do year-round.

If you want noticeable results without a lot of downtime, microneedling is a really great option.

Most clients can start to notice a difference in their skin after 1-2 SkinPen® treatments. But, the number of treatments needed can vary depending on your goals and what we are targeting.

SkinPen® is often best done in a series of 3-6 spaced 4-8 weeks apart.

Downtime with SkinPen® is very minimal, but there are a few things you’ll want to plan for in the first couple of days.

Right after your treatment, your skin will look pink or flushed and feel warm or tight, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually lasts 24–48 hours. Some clients notice slight swelling around the eyes or cheeks, which is normal and temporary.

Around days 2–3, it’s common to experience light dryness or flaking as your skin starts to renew itself. Most clients feel completely comfortable going back to work or normal daily activities the next day.

What you need to avoid:

• No makeup for 24 hours (to keep the channels clean).

• No working out, sweating, or heat exposure for 48-72 hours. This includes hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, and long, hot showers. Sweat and heat can irritate the skin and increase inflammation.

• You’ll need to avoid intentional sun exposure for a full week after your SkinPen treatment. Meaning no tanning, laying out, or long days in direct sun. After the first 24 hours, normal everyday sun exposure (like walking to your car or running errands) is fine as long as you’re wearing SPF and protecting your skin. Even though you may look healed on the surface, the deeper layers are still sensitive, so extra sun protection is really important.

• No exfoliating or active skincare products (retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide) for about 3–5 days.

Overall, the downtime is short and manageable. Most clients are “socially comfortable” within 24 hours and fully settled by day 3-4.

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have active cold sores, or any infection on the area being treated
  We need clear, calm skin to avoid spreading bacteria or worsening inflammation.

• Have an open wound, rash, sunburn, eczema flare, or psoriasis on the treatment area

• Have been on Accutane (isotretinoin) within the past 6 months
  Skin is too fragile during and right after treatment.

• Have recently received radiation therapy or have active cancer
  Always requires medical clearance.

• Have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medications
  (This may require approval from your provider.)

• Have uncontrolled diabetes or conditions that slow wound healing

• Have a history of keloid scarring

• Have had Botox, fillers, or other cosmetic injections within the past 2 weeks
  (Just to avoid disrupting the placement.)

• Have had laser hair removal, IPL, or any heat based treatment on the same area within the last 2 weeks

SkinPen® is very tolerable for most people. With numbing, the treatment is generally comfortable, but there can be a few moments that feel a little prickly, warm, or just “funny” in certain areas, especially around the nose.