One of the most common microneedling mistakes is doing it too often. It's easy to assume that more sessions mean faster results, but your skin needs time to renew between sessions. This guide gives you a clear schedule for every area, plus sample routines that combine them.
The short answer: nanoneedle every 1 to 2 weeks; microneedle the face about every 4 weeks with needle cartridges; microneedle the scalp every 2 weeks at 0.6mm, or up to every 4 weeks at deeper settings; and microneedle the body every 4 to 6 weeks. Most people follow a course of 3 to 6 needle sessions, then move to occasional maintenance.
Why spacing matters
After a microneedling session, your skin starts a renewal process that continues for weeks, as fresh collagen forms and matures. Microneedling again before that process has had time to work can irritate the skin and interrupt progress, rather than speed it up. Proper spacing gives you better results with less irritation.
The schedule
| Area and cartridge | Depth | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Face, neck, eyes with Nano | Lowest setting | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Face with needle cartridges | 0.6mm | About every 4 weeks |
| Neck and décolletage | 0.6mm | About every 4 weeks |
| Scalp | 0.6mm | Every 2 weeks |
| Scalp | 0.8mm to 1.0mm | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Body | 1.0mm to 1.5mm | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
Our How Often to Microneedle page has routines by concern.
Course vs maintenance
- Course: 3 to 6 needle sessions on the face or 4 to 6 on the body, at the spacing above.
- Maintenance: once you're happy with your results, a needle session every 2 to 3 months, with nanoneedling in between if you like.
- Scalp: most people keep up regular sessions to maintain results.
Sample routines
Face: glow and texture
- Week 1: 12-pin at 0.6mm
- Week 3: Nano
- Week 5: 12-pin at 0.6mm, and repeat
Face and scalp
- Week 1: face with 12-pin; scalp with 24-pin at 0.6mm
- Week 3: scalp, plus Nano on the face if you like
- Week 5: face and scalp, and repeat
Body: stretch marks
- 42-pin at 1.0mm every 5 weeks, for 4 to 6 sessions
You can work on different areas in the same session, as long as each area keeps to its own schedule.
Signs your skin is ready for the next session
- No remaining redness, dryness or flaking
- No tenderness when you touch the area
- Your usual products feel comfortable again
If your skin still looks or feels sensitive when your next session is due, wait a few more days.
Signs you're microneedling too often
- Persistent redness or sensitivity
- Dry, tight or flaky skin that doesn't settle
- Stinging with products you normally tolerate
- New breakouts or dark patches
If you notice these, take a break of several weeks and restart at a longer interval.
Keeping track
Note the date, area, cartridge and depth of each session in your phone or a notebook, along with how your skin responded. It makes it easy to stay on schedule and adjust if needed.
A consistent routine with Olapen
Olapen lets you follow every schedule on this page with one pen, switching between Nano and needle cartridges and adjusting depth for each area. Not sure how to combine them? Get your personalised routine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I microneedle my face every week?
Not with needle cartridges. Nanoneedling can be weekly; needle sessions on the face should be about every 4 weeks.
How often should I microneedle my scalp?
Every 2 weeks at 0.6mm.
How many sessions do I need?
Usually 3 to 6 on the face and 4 to 6 on the body, then maintenance.
Can I microneedle different areas on the same day?
Yes, with a fresh cartridge for each area, as long as each follows its own schedule.
Can I nanoneedle between microneedling sessions?
Yes, leaving at least a week either side of a needle session on the same area.
The bottom line
Microneedling works best with patience. Nanoneedle every one to two weeks, microneedle the face about every four weeks, the scalp every two weeks at 0.6mm, and the body every four to six weeks. Let your skin fully settle between sessions, and consistency will do the rest.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.