Knowing how to hold the pen is one thing; knowing how to cover your whole face evenly is another. Working in a set order, with the right technique for each section, makes sessions quicker, more even and more comfortable. Here's a section-by-section map for a full-face session.
The short answer: work in sections, in the same order every time: forehead, temples, each cheek, nose, upper lip, chin, jawline, then the eye area with a Nano cartridge. Use a 12-pin at 0.6mm for most of the face, a 9-pin for the nose and upper lip if you like, and keep the skin taut throughout. A full face takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Before you start
- Tie hair back and remove all makeup.
- Cleanse and pat dry.
- Disinfect your hands, pen and skin, and let everything dry.
- Attach a new, sealed cartridge and set 0.6mm and a low speed.
- Have hyaluronic acid ready to apply section by section.
The basic stroke
In every section: switch the pen on before it touches your skin, hold it at 90 degrees, keep the skin taut and glide in small, overlapping strokes, first horizontally, then vertically, then diagonally. A few passes per section is enough.
The face map
| Order | Section | Cartridge | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forehead | 12-pin | Relax your brows; glide lightly over bone |
| 2 | Between the brows | 12-pin or 9-pin | Stretch the skin between two fingers |
| 3 | Temples | 12-pin | Light touch; stay away from the eye area |
| 4 | Left cheek | 12-pin or 24-pin | The most comfortable area; work in a grid |
| 5 | Right cheek | 12-pin or 24-pin | Match the passes you did on the left |
| 6 | Nose | 12-pin or 9-pin | Short strokes along the bridge and sides |
| 7 | Upper lip | 9-pin | Press lips together; stay off the lip |
| 8 | Chin | 12-pin | Can be sensitive; go lightly |
| 9 | Jawline | 12-pin or 24-pin | Work along the bone with taut skin |
| 10 | Eye area | Nano only | On the bone of the socket; never the eyelids |
If you're also working on your neck, add it after the jawline with a 24-pin. See microneedling for the neck and jawline.
Switching cartridges mid-session
It's fine to switch to a different cartridge for a different area in the same session, as long as each one is new and sterile. Never go back to a cartridge you've already removed. See cartridge hygiene and safety.
Timings
- Preparation: about 5 minutes
- Microneedling: 10 to 15 minutes
- Aftercare: a few minutes
Finishing up
- Press in another layer of hyaluronic acid.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser.
- Remove the cartridge and put it straight into a sharps container.
- Wipe the pen with an alcohol wipe and store it in its case.
Tips for an even result
- Work in the same order every time so nothing gets missed.
- Count your passes to keep both sides even.
- Use a mirror in good light.
- Reapply glide to each section as you go.
Full-face care with Olapen
Olapen's cordless, lightweight design makes it easy to move around the face, and switching cartridges takes seconds. For a beginner's walkthrough, see Your First Session.
Frequently asked questions
What order should I microneedle my face?
Forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, upper lip, chin, jawline, then the eye area with Nano.
How long does a full-face session take?
About 10 to 15 minutes of microneedling, plus preparation and aftercare.
How many passes per section?
A few overlapping passes in each direction is enough.
Can I use different cartridges in one session?
Yes, with a new, sterile cartridge for each.
Should I microneedle my eyelids?
No. Only the bone around the eye socket, with a Nano cartridge.
The bottom line
A full-face session is easy once you have a map. Work in the same order, use the right cartridge for each section, keep the skin taut, and finish with simple aftercare.
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.