Choosing the right depth is the single most important part of microneedling safely and effectively at home. Too shallow and you may not get the results you want; too deep and you risk irritation, longer recovery and setbacks. This chart gives you the right depth for every area, plus the matching cartridges and how often to go.
The short answer: at home, use the lowest setting with a Nano cartridge around the eyes, 0.6mm on the face and neck, 0.6mm to 1.0mm on the scalp, and 1.0mm to 1.5mm on the body. Always start at the lower end and only increase if your skin is comfortable and the area calls for it.
The at-home depth chart
| Area | Depth | Cartridges | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around the eyes | Lowest setting | Nano only | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Forehead | 0.6mm | Nano, 12-pin | Every 4 weeks (Nano every 1 to 2) |
| Cheeks | 0.6mm | Nano, 12-pin, 24-pin | Every 4 weeks |
| Nose | 0.6mm | 9-pin, 12-pin | Every 4 weeks |
| Upper lip and chin | 0.6mm | 9-pin, 12-pin | Every 4 weeks |
| Individual marks | 0.6mm (face) | 9-pin | Every 4 weeks |
| Neck and décolletage | 0.6mm | Nano, 24-pin | Every 4 weeks |
| Scalp | 0.6mm to 1.0mm | 24-pin, 36-pin, 42-pin | Every 2 weeks at 0.6mm; up to 4 weeks at 1.0mm |
| Arms and chest | 1.0mm | 36-pin | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Stomach, thighs, hips, buttocks | 1.0mm to 1.5mm | 36-pin, 42-pin | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
Our depth and technique guide goes into each area in more detail.
Why deeper isn't better at home
It's tempting to think a deeper setting will give faster results, but at home that's rarely true:
- More irritation and redness, and longer recovery
- Higher risk of problems, such as dark patches in some skin tones
- Longer gaps between sessions, which means less consistency
Many of the benefits of microneedling come from regular, well-spaced sessions at sensible depths.
How skin thickness affects depth
Skin thickness varies a lot around the body. The eyelids and under-eye area are the thinnest; the face and neck are thin to moderate; the scalp is a little thicker; and the back, thighs and buttocks are thickest. That's why depths increase as you move from the face to the body.
Tips for choosing your setting
- Start at the lowest depth for the area.
- Go lower over bony areas, like the forehead, nose and jawline.
- Stay lower if your skin is thin or sensitive, or if you're new.
- Only increase gradually, and only if your skin recovers well.
- Match your spacing to your depth. Deeper settings need longer gaps.
Signs your depth is too deep
- More than occasional pinpoint bleeding on the face
- Redness that lasts more than three days
- Significant swelling, bruising or tenderness
- Sharp pain rather than a light prickle
If you notice any of these, reduce the depth next time and leave longer between sessions.
Precise depth with Olapen
Olapen adjusts from 0.6mm to 2.0mm, covering every home-use depth on this chart, with five speeds and six cartridge types, from Nano to 42-pin. For help choosing cartridges, see our cartridge guide.
Frequently asked questions
What depth should I use on my face?
0.6mm, or a Nano cartridge at the lowest setting for gentle surface work.
Is 1.0mm too deep for the face?
At home, yes. We recommend 0.6mm on the face.
What depth is best for the scalp?
Start at 0.6mm. You can move up to 1.0mm, but many people stay at 0.6mm.
What depth for stretch marks?
1.0mm to 1.5mm on the body, starting at 1.0mm.
Can I use the same depth everywhere?
No. Skin thickness varies, so depth should match the area.
The bottom line
Getting the depth right is the foundation of safe, effective microneedling. Use this chart, start low, go lighter over bony and thin areas, and match your spacing to your depth. Consistent sessions at sensible depths will serve your skin far better than going deeper.
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.