SkinPen Microneedling
Medical-grade microneedling with SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. SkinPen smooths the look of acne scars, softens fine lines, and refines pores and texture with minimal downtime.
What It Is
SkinPen is a medical-grade microneedling device and the first microneedling device ever cleared by the FDA. It creates tiny, controlled micro-channels in the skin, which signals your body to repair itself by producing fresh collagen and elastin. As that new collagen forms, skin looks smoother, firmer, and more even. SkinPen is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults of all skin types, as well as wrinkles on the neck. It's also a go-to for enlarged pores, fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness. Because there's no heat or light involved, SkinPen is a gentle, dependable way to renew your skin with very little downtime.
How It Works
Your provider will cleanse your skin and apply numbing cream for about 30 minutes to keep you comfortable. After a hydrating glide is applied, the SkinPen is passed over the treatment area in small sections, with needle depth adjusted for each zone: shallower over delicate areas, deeper where scarring or texture needs more attention. Most clients describe the sensation as a light vibration with mild prickling. Treatment takes 30–45 minutes depending on the area. You'll leave looking flushed, similar to a mild sunburn, and that redness usually fades within 24–48 hours. Skin often looks fresher within a week, and results keep building for several months as new collagen forms. Most clients see their best results with a series of 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Ideal Candidate
SkinPen is ideal for adults with acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines, uneven texture, or skin that has lost its glow. It's a great fit if you want visible improvement without lasers or extended downtime, or if you're new to collagen-building treatments. Because it uses no heat or light, SkinPen is well suited to all skin tones, and its FDA clearance for acne scars covers every skin type. If your main concerns are deeper wrinkles or loose skin, Fractora RF Microneedling may be the stronger choice, and we'll help you decide at your consultation. SkinPen is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active breakouts or skin infections, for those prone to keloid scarring, or within 6 months of Accutane. If you get cold sores, let us know before your appointment.
Aftercare & Recovery
Expect pinkness and mild tightness for 1–3 days, followed by light flaking as your skin renews. Skip makeup for the first 24 hours and use only the gentle, hydrating products your provider recommends. Hold off on retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for 5–7 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and swimming for 48 hours. Stay out of direct sun and wear SPF 30+ every day while your skin heals. Don't pick at flaking skin; let it shed on its own. Sleep on a fresh pillowcase the first night. Most clients are back to work the next day.
Treatment at a glance
- Treatment duration
- 45-60 minutes
- Recovery time
- 1–3 days of mild redness
- Results
- Builds for several months as collagen forms
- Sessions
- 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, depending on what is being treated
Investment$450/full face, $150 to add on neck, $150 to add on chest. Exosomes at an additional cost
Common questions
- How is SkinPen different from Fractora?
SkinPen is traditional microneedling: the needles alone trigger collagen renewal. Fractora adds radiofrequency energy for deeper tightening. SkinPen is gentler with less downtime and shines for texture, pores, and acne scars, while Fractora is better suited to deeper wrinkles and laxity. We'll recommend the right one for your skin.
- Does SkinPen hurt?
We apply numbing cream before treatment, so most clients feel only a light vibration and mild prickling. Bony areas like the forehead and around the nose can feel a little more sensitive.
- How many treatments of SkinPen will I need?
Most clients see their best results after 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Deeper acne scars may need a longer series. A maintenance session once or twice a year helps keep results going.
- When will I see results from SkinPen?
Skin often looks brighter within a week. Smoother texture and softer scars develop over the following weeks and keep improving for several months as new collagen forms.
- Is SkinPen safe for darker skin?
Yes. SkinPen uses no heat or light, so the risk of pigment changes is lower than with many lasers, and its FDA clearance for acne scars covers all skin types.


