Your First Session

This step-by-step guide takes you from unboxing to finishing your first Olapen session. Set aside about 30 minutes and read it through once before you start.

Before anything else: check our safety guide to make sure microneedling is right for you, and follow preparing your skin in the days before.

What you'll need

  • Your Olapen, fully charged
  • A new, sealed cartridge (we recommend Nano or the 12-pin for a first face session)
  • A gentle cleanser
  • 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
  • A simple hyaluronic acid serum to help the pen glide
  • A clean towel and clean hands
  • A mirror in good light

Step 1: Unbox and charge

Unpack your Olapen and charge it fully before your first use. Get to know the controls: how to switch it on, change the speed (there are five) and adjust the depth (0.6mm to 2.0mm).

Step 2: Clean your space and hands

Work on a clean, clear surface. Tie your hair back. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Step 3: Cleanse and disinfect your skin

Remove all makeup and cleanse the area well. Pat dry, then wipe the area with an alcohol wipe and let it dry completely.

Step 4: Prepare the pen

Wipe the outside of the pen with an alcohol wipe. Check the cartridge seal is intact and undamaged, then open it without touching the needles and attach it to the pen. Never reuse or share a cartridge.

Step 5: Set depth and speed

For your first face session, set the depth to the lowest setting (0.6mm) and start on a low speed. You can raise the speed in future sessions once you're comfortable. For the scalp or body, see our depth and technique guide.

Step 6: Apply a glide serum

Apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum to a small section of skin. Work one section at a time (for example, forehead, then one cheek) so the serum doesn't dry out.

Step 7: Treat the area

  • Switch the pen on before it touches your skin.
  • Hold it straight, at 90 degrees to the skin.
  • Gently stretch the skin taut with your free hand.
  • Glide the pen in small, slow, overlapping strokes, first horizontally, then vertically, then diagonally.
  • Let the pen do the work. Don't press down and don't drag it at an angle.
  • Cover each section with a few passes only, then move on.
  • Avoid moles, raised spots, broken skin and the area around the eyes.

It's normal for skin to turn pink, and at 0.6mm you may see tiny pinpoint spots of blood. If anything feels sharp or painful, stop and check the pen and cartridge.

Step 8: Finish up

  • Switch the pen off and remove the cartridge carefully.
  • Put the used cartridge straight into a sharps container (see cartridge hygiene and safety).
  • Wipe the pen with an alcohol wipe and store it in its case.
  • Rinse your skin with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply a simple, fragrance-free hyaluronic acid serum or gentle moisturiser.

Step 9: Aftercare

The next 72 hours matter. Skip makeup, actives, workouts and sun exposure, and follow our aftercare guide closely.

Step 10: Plan your next session

Skin needs time to recover and rebuild. After a needle session on the face, wait around 4 weeks before the next one. See how often to microneedle for every area.

This is general cosmetic guidance. If you have a medical condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional before you start.