Nanoneedling and microneedling sound almost identical, and they're often mentioned in the same breath. But they work in different ways, feel different, and suit different goals. If you're trying to decide which to start with, or whether you need both, this side-by-side guide will help.
The short answer: nanoneedling uses ultra-fine pins that work on the very surface of the skin without breaking it. It's gentle, has little or no downtime and is best for glow, hydration and sensitive skin. Microneedling uses fine needles that create tiny channels in the skin to prompt deeper renewal. It's better for texture, acne marks, lines, stretch marks and thinning hair. Many people use both.
How each one works
Nanoneedling
A nano cartridge has a field of microscopic, cone-shaped pins instead of needles. As you glide the pen, the pins work across the outermost layer of the skin, gently refining the surface and helping serums absorb more effectively. Because the pins don't go beneath the surface, there's no bleeding and usually just a slight flush. Read more in What Is Nanoneedling?
Microneedling
A microneedling cartridge has fine needles that briefly enter the skin, creating thousands of tiny channels. Your skin responds by renewing itself and producing fresh collagen and elastin over the following weeks. This is what makes microneedling effective for deeper concerns like texture and marks. Read more in What Is Microneedling?
Side-by-side comparison
| Nanoneedling | Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| What touches the skin | Ultra-fine pins on the surface | Fine needles that create micro-channels |
| Breaks the skin? | No | Yes, briefly |
| How it feels | A soft buzz, like fine sandpaper | Light prickling |
| Downtime | Little or none, a brief flush | Redness for 1 to 3 days |
| Best for | Glow, dullness, hydration, fine lines, sensitive skin, around the eyes | Texture, pores, acne marks, deeper lines, stretch marks, scars, thinning hair |
| How often | Every 1 to 2 weeks | Every 4 weeks on the face; 2 to 6 weeks elsewhere |
| When you'll see results | Often straight away or the next morning | Early glow in a week; deeper changes over 3 to 6 sessions |
| Use around the eyes? | Yes, on the bone of the socket | No |
| Use on the scalp or body? | Face, neck and décolletage | Yes, with larger cartridges |
Which should you choose?
Choose nanoneedling if you:
- are new to needling and want a gentle start
- have sensitive or redness-prone skin
- mainly want glow, hydration and a smoother-looking surface
- want to work around the eyes
- need results with no visible downtime, for example before an event
Choose microneedling if you:
- want to improve the look of acne marks, rough texture or enlarged-looking pores
- are focused on fine lines and firmness
- want to work on stretch marks or scars on the body
- want to support fuller-looking hair on the scalp
- are comfortable with a day or two of pinkness
Why many people use both
Nanoneedling and microneedling complement each other well. A simple combined routine for the face might look like this:
- Week 1: microneedling with a 12-pin or 24-pin cartridge at 0.6mm
- Week 2: rest and recover
- Week 3: nanoneedling for glow and hydration
- Week 4: rest, then repeat
The key rule is never to nanoneedle an area that's still recovering from a microneedling session. Give your skin at least a week between the two. See how often to microneedle for more sample routines.
Choosing a cartridge
- Nano: gentle surface work, eyes, sensitive skin, glow
- 9-pin: individual marks and small areas
- 12-pin: the all-rounder for the face
- 24-pin: cheeks, jawline, neck and scalp
- 36-pin and 42-pin: larger body areas and scalp
Our cartridge guide goes into more detail.
One pen for both
You don't need two devices. Olapen works with both our Nano cartridge and our full range of needle cartridges, so you can switch between nanoneedling and microneedling in seconds. Start gently with Nano, then add needle cartridges as your routine grows.
Frequently asked questions
Is nanoneedling as effective as microneedling?
They do different jobs. Nanoneedling is excellent for glow and hydration; microneedling is more effective for deeper concerns like texture, marks and lines.
Can I nanoneedle and microneedle on the same day?
Not on the same area. Leave at least a week between them on any one area.
Which is better for beginners?
Nanoneedling. It's gentle, comfortable and helps you get used to the pen before moving to needle cartridges.
Which is better for acne marks?
Microneedling, because it works below the surface where the marks sit.
Does nanoneedling hurt less?
Yes. Most people describe it as a gentle buzz, while microneedling feels more like a light prickle.
The bottom line
Nanoneedling is the gentle, no-downtime option for glow, hydration and sensitive skin. Microneedling is the deeper option for texture, marks, lines, stretch marks and hair. You don't have to choose just one: used together on a sensible schedule, they make a complete at-home routine.
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.