Depth & Technique by Area

Different areas of the body have different skin thickness, so each needs its own depth, cartridge and technique. Use this as general guidance, and always start at the lower end of the range.

Olapen's depth adjusts from 0.6mm to 2.0mm. The lowest setting, 0.6mm, is already a meaningful depth for the face, so there's no need to go deeper there.

Settings above 1.5mm are deeper than we recommend for home use. If you're considering deeper treatment, for example for significant scarring, speak to a qualified professional.

Basic technique for every area

• Switch the pen on before it touches the skin.
• Hold the pen straight, at 90 degrees to the skin.
• Keep the skin taut with your free hand.
• Use a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum so the pen glides.
• Glide in small, overlapping strokes: horizontal, then vertical, then diagonal.
• Don't press down, and don't drag the pen at an angle. Pressing or dragging can scratch the skin.
• A few passes per section is enough. More passes means more irritation, not better results.
• Avoid moles, raised lesions, broken skin and active spots.

Face

Keep to 0.6mm. Use a low speed to start. Work section by section: forehead, each cheek, nose, chin and upper lip. Use the 12-pin for most of the face, the 24-pin for larger areas such as the cheeks and jawline, and the 9-pin for small targeted spots. Go lightly over bony areas like the forehead and nose.

Around the eyes

Skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face. Use Nano only, at the lowest setting, and stay on the bone around the eye socket. Never treat the eyelids or the waterline, and never use a needle cartridge in this area.

Scalp

Start at 0.6mm and only increase towards 1.0mm if your scalp tolerates it well. Part your hair into sections and glide along each parting. The 24-pin is easiest around the hairline; the 36-pin and 42-pin cover larger areas faster. See microneedling for hair thinning for more.

Body

Body skin is thicker, so use 1.0–1.5mm with the 36-pin or 42-pin on large areas like the stomach, thighs and hips. Use the 9-pin at the same depth for individual scars or marks. Start at 1.0mm and increase gradually over sessions only if needed. See stretch marks and scars for more.

Speed

Olapen has five speeds. Lower speeds give you more control on curved and delicate areas and are best while you're learning. Higher speeds suit larger, flatter areas once you're confident. Speed doesn't change the depth.

Not sure which cartridge to use? See our cartridge guide.

This is general cosmetic guidance, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.