Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, but many of us would like them to look a little softer. Microneedling has become one of the most popular at-home options for smoother, firmer-looking skin, because it works with your skin's own renewal process rather than covering things up. Here's how it helps, what to expect, and how to build a routine.
The short answer: microneedling prompts your skin to produce fresh collagen and elastin, which can gradually improve the look of fine lines and make skin look smoother and firmer. It works best on fine lines and early wrinkles. Expect visible changes over 3 to 6 sessions, about four weeks apart, alongside daily SPF.
Why lines and wrinkles form
From our mid-20s, skin gradually produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it firm and springy. Sun exposure speeds this up, and repeated expressions like smiling, frowning and squinting crease the skin in the same places over time. Dryness makes lines look more noticeable too. The result is fine lines that slowly deepen into wrinkles.
How microneedling helps
Microneedling creates thousands of tiny channels in the skin. Your skin responds by renewing itself and producing fresh collagen and elastin over the following weeks. Over a course of sessions, this can help skin look smoother, plumper and firmer, so fine lines look softer. It also helps hydrating serums absorb, which plumps the skin and makes lines less visible in the short term.
Which lines respond best?
| Type of line | How it usually responds |
|---|---|
| Fine lines from dryness | Respond quickly, often after the first session, thanks to better hydration |
| Fine expression lines | Usually soften over several sessions |
| Crepey, thin-looking skin | Often looks smoother and firmer over time |
| Deep, set-in wrinkles | May look a little softer, but won't disappear |
Area-by-area guide
- Forehead lines: 12-pin cartridge at 0.6mm. Go lightly, as skin sits close to bone.
- Lines between the brows: 9-pin or 12-pin at 0.6mm, with gentle, short strokes.
- Smile lines: 12-pin at 0.6mm, keeping the skin taut with your free hand.
- Upper lip lines: 9-pin at 0.6mm. This area is sensitive, so take it slowly.
- Crow's feet and under the eyes: Nano cartridge only, at the lowest setting. See microneedling for under-eye lines.
- Neck lines: 24-pin at 0.6mm. See microneedling for the neck and jawline.
Your at-home routine
- Prepare. Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids a few days before.
- Cleanse and disinfect your skin, hands and pen. Let everything dry.
- Attach a new, sealed cartridge and set 0.6mm and a low speed.
- Apply hyaluronic acid section by section.
- Glide in small, overlapping strokes across each area, keeping the skin taut. A few passes per section.
- Finish with more hyaluronic acid, a peptide serum if you use one, and a fragrance-free moisturiser.
Repeat about once every four weeks on the face, for a course of 3 to 6 sessions. You can add nanoneedling in between for glow and hydration, as long as you leave at least a week either side of a needle session.
What to expect
- Within a week: plumper, brighter skin; dryness lines may look softer.
- After 2 to 3 sessions: smoother texture and a fresher look.
- After 3 to 6 sessions: fine lines look softer and skin firmer.
See microneedling before and after for a full timeline.
Boost your results
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day. Sun is the biggest cause of premature lines.
- Keep skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid and a good moisturiser.
- Use retinol on other days, reintroducing it 72 hours after a session. See microneedling and retinol.
- Sleep well and don't smoke. Both affect how skin ages.
Smoother-looking skin with Olapen
Olapen makes it easy to match each area to the right cartridge: Nano for around the eyes, 9-pin for the upper lip and between the brows, 12-pin for the forehead and cheeks, and 24-pin for the neck. With adjustable depth, five speeds and a cordless design, you can build a consistent routine that fits your week.
Frequently asked questions
Can microneedling get rid of wrinkles?
It can make fine lines and early wrinkles look softer, but it won't remove deep wrinkles completely.
How long does microneedling take to work on wrinkles?
Most people see clearer changes after 3 to 6 sessions, about four weeks apart.
Is microneedling better than retinol for wrinkles?
They work differently and complement each other. Use retinol on other days, pausing it around sessions.
Can I microneedle around my eyes?
Only with a Nano cartridge, at the lowest setting, staying on the bone of the socket.
What age should I start microneedling?
Many people start in their late 20s or 30s, when fine lines begin to appear, but it's never too late to start.
The bottom line
Microneedling works with your skin's own renewal to soften the look of fine lines and make skin look smoother and firmer. Use the right cartridge for each area, stay at 0.6mm, space sessions about four weeks apart, wear SPF daily and give it a few months. The results are gradual, natural-looking and worth the patience.
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.