If you love the idea of microneedling but feel nervous about needles, or your skin is easily irritated, nanoneedling could be the perfect place to start. It's gentle, quick, has little or no downtime, and can make a noticeable difference to how bright and smooth your skin looks.
Here's everything you need to know.
The short answer: nanoneedling uses a cartridge covered in ultra-fine pins that work on the very top layer of the skin without breaking it. It gently refines the surface and helps your serums absorb more effectively, giving skin a fresher, more radiant look.
How nanoneedling works
Traditional microneedling uses fine needles that create tiny channels in the skin to prompt renewal. Nanoneedling works differently. Instead of needles, a nano cartridge has a field of microscopic, cone-shaped pins that move across the outermost layer of the skin, the part made up of older surface cells.
Because the pins don't go beneath the surface, nanoneedling doesn't cause bleeding and usually leaves little more than a slight flush. What it does do is:
- Gently refine the surface, helping skin look smoother and more even
- Help serums absorb better, so hydrating ingredients can do more for your skin
- Boost radiance, for a fresher, healthier-looking glow
Think of it as a gentle reset for your skin's surface, which makes the rest of your skincare routine work harder.
Nanoneedling vs microneedling
| Nanoneedling | Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| What touches the skin | Ultra-fine pins on the surface | Fine needles that create micro-channels |
| Breaks the skin? | No | Yes, briefly |
| Feels like | A light, sandpaper-like buzz | Light prickling |
| Downtime | Little or none | Redness for 1 to 3 days |
| Best for | Glow, dullness, product absorption, fine lines, sensitive skin, around the eyes | Texture, pores, marks, deeper lines, stretch marks, thinning hair |
| How often | Every 1 to 2 weeks | About every 4 weeks on the face |
Neither is "better". They do different jobs. Nanoneedling is ideal for regular glow and gentle maintenance; microneedling is the choice for deeper texture concerns. Many people use both, alternating them in their routine. For more on microneedling, read What Is Microneedling?
Who is nanoneedling for?
Nanoneedling is a great fit if you:
- are new to needling and want to start gently
- have sensitive or redness-prone skin
- want to work on the delicate area around the eyes, where needle cartridges shouldn't be used
- want a quick glow without visible downtime, for example before an event
- want to get more from your serums
- already microneedle and want something gentle between sessions
What nanoneedling can't do
We believe in being honest about results. Because nanoneedling works on the surface, it's not designed for deeper concerns like pronounced acne marks, deep lines, stretch marks or thinning hair. For those, microneedling with a needle cartridge is the better choice. Nanoneedling shines when your goals are radiance, smoothness, hydration and gentle refinement.
How to nanoneedle at home
- Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Disinfect your hands, skin and pen with alcohol wipes, and let everything dry.
- Attach a new, sealed nano cartridge and set your pen to its lowest setting and a low speed.
- Apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum to the first section.
- Glide gently over the skin in small, overlapping strokes, holding the pen flat to the skin. No pressure needed.
- Work in sections across the face, neck and décolletage. Around the eyes, stay on the bone of the eye socket and never go onto the eyelids.
- Finish with more serum and a fragrance-free moisturiser. Dispose of the cartridge and clean your pen.
A full-face session takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
How often should you nanoneedle?
Most people nanoneedle once every one to two weeks. If your skin is sensitive, start with once every two weeks and only move to weekly if your skin stays calm. Don't nanoneedle an area that's still recovering from a microneedling session. See how often to microneedle for sample routines.
What to use with nanoneedling
Because nanoneedling helps products absorb better, choose gentle, hydrating ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and a plump, dewy look
- Peptides to support smooth, firm-looking skin
- Barrier-supporting moisturisers with ceramides, glycerin or panthenol
Save stronger actives like retinoids, exfoliating acids and strong vitamin C for other days, and always look for fragrance-free products. See what to use with your Olapen.
Trying nanoneedling with Olapen
Every Olapen pen works with our Nano cartridge, a sterile, individually sealed, single-use cartridge designed for gentle surface work. It's the one we recommend for beginners, sensitive skin and around the eyes. And when you're ready for more, the same pen takes our needle cartridges too, so you can build a routine that grows with your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Does nanoneedling hurt?
No. Most people describe it as a gentle buzzing or light sandpaper feeling. It's far more comfortable than microneedling.
Is there any downtime?
Very little. You may look slightly flushed for an hour or two afterwards. Most people can carry on with their day, though it's best to skip makeup for the rest of the day if you can.
Can I nanoneedle around my eyes?
Yes, with care. Use a nano cartridge only, at the lowest setting, and stay on the bone around the eye socket. Never treat the eyelids or waterline.
When will I see results?
Many people notice a brighter, more hydrated look straight away or the next morning. Smoother texture builds with regular sessions over several weeks.
Is nanoneedling safe for sensitive skin?
It's the gentlest needling option, which is why we recommend it for sensitive skin. Patch test first, and avoid it if your skin is broken, sunburnt or flaring. See our safety guide.
The bottom line
Nanoneedling is a gentle, low-commitment way to brighten, smooth and hydrate your skin at home. It's ideal for beginners and sensitive skin, and it pairs perfectly with microneedling for a complete routine. For a dedicated glow routine, read Nanoneedling for a Glow.
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.