Nano Needling Vs Microneedling: Which is Better?

Which is appropriate: Nano needling vs microneedling. Is there a significant difference between the two — nano needling and microneedling?

Well, both nano needling and microneedling are minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. And, during the procedure, a dermatologist uses ultra fine needles to create micro-injuries on the skin. However, they differ in the size of the needle, penetration depth, and the specific skin concerns they address.

So, looking for the best facial treatment that will rejuvenate and enhance your skin health? Let's explore more about nano needling vs microneedling in this article.

Understanding Nano Needling and Microneedling

Generally, nano needling and microneedling are minimally invasive treatments. While nano needling uses ultra‑fine, superficial needles to boost serum absorption and brighten the complexion, micro needling penetrates deeper to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Here’s what you need to know:

Nano Needling Cosmetic Procedure

Sometimes, this procedure is referred to as microchanneling or nano infusion. During nano needling, a cosmetic specialist uses a nano needling pen. This cosmetic procedure is non-invasive and offers several benefits. These include:

● Enhances the tone and texture of the skin.

● Improved fine lines.

● Reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.

● Sustained skin hydration.

● Reduced pigmentation.

A nano needling treatment uses ultra‑fine needles that barely penetrate the skin. This makes it especially safe for sensitive areas like the under‑eye area. The procedure gently stimulates collagen production at the surface, encouraging the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.

The results? A visibly smoother, softer, and healthier complexion. And each session is completely painless. It takes around a maximum of approximately 30 minutes.

The results may take up to six weeks to become noticeable. Over the next few months, skin texture and tone continue to refine, showing steady improvement. You can check out nano infusion before and after photos across the web.

Micro Needling Cosmetic Procedure

In microneedling, it uses very fine needles to create tiny micro punctures in the skin. This activates the natural healing response of your skin. In turn, it stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves blood circulation and encourages the growth of new skin cells.

Noticeable improvements typically appear after several weeks and continue to develop over the following months. Generally, you’ll need several other micro needling treatments to achieve your desired aesthetic outcomes. Plus, post microneedling care is important here for optimal cosmetic outcomes.

Most people undergo micro needling treatments to:

● Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

● Firm their skin.

● Improve the appearance of scars, large pores, and acne.

● Enhance their skin tone.

● Correct visible signs of aging on legs, back, or neck.

● Improve other areas with damaged skin.

In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology Association, note that by stimulating the skin's natural repair system, microneedling reduces discoloration and scarring while firming the skin. Also, the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that micro needling promotes the growth of hair among people with alopecia.

So, should you opt for nano needling over micro needling? Let's find out more about nano needling vs microneedling here.

Nano Needling Vs Microneedling

Most of the time, we compare nano needling and micro needling. Why? It's simply because they're useful in addressing similar skin concerns. Choosing between them depends on several factors. For example the needle depth, skin sensitivity, and desired results.

Now, how do you choose the best treatment that is right for you? And when is nano needling the better choice? Let's break it down for you. The differences between nano needling vs microneedling:

1. The Depth of Penetration

Microneedling uses tiny needles that puncture through the skin’s outer barrier into the deeper dermal layer, and a needle depth microneedling face chart helps determine the appropriate depth for each area. This triggers collagen production, which is helpful in treating several deeper skin issues (eg., wrinkles and scarring).

On the other hand, nano needling works only on the skin’s surface. The treatment creates minute channels in the epidermis to enhance absorption of topical serums. This enhances hydration, improves skin tone, and faster visible results.

2. The Mechanism Involved or Tools Used

As we know, Nano needling vs microneedling treatments are best suitable for reducing the appearance of fine lines and excessive pigmentation. However, they use different tools. Well, a nano needling pen has a cone-shaped silicone tip. The cartridge contains several microscopic silicone tips that create micro channels for injecting active ingredients into the skin.

And, in microneedling treatment — unlike nano needling — your dermatologist uses a pen-like needle cartridge. It contains around 12 to 36 ultra fine needles. However, the needles are adjustable at varying depths to address different skin concerns. For example specialists use 0.5 mm for addressing delicate areas (eg., around the eyes). And 2 to 2.5 mm calibration in correcting the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars.

3. Invasive Nature

Because of the invasive nature of traditional skin treatments, many are now turning to painless alternatives. Well, in this case, how much discomfort a cosmetic treatment causes determines the extent of its invasiveness. For example many who want to address acne scars often want to know: What needle length for microneedling for deep acne scars.

Well, you know that nano needling is not invasive in nature. And, it doesn’t cause any discomfort. What's more? There's no need for a skin care professional to use a numbing cream on the skin during the procedure. So, it’s best suitable mostly for addressing deep acne scars and other facial concerns.

Micro needling tends to be minimally invasive in nature. But yet, it is somehow invasive. The treatment involves a dermatologist using a numbing cream on the skin during the procedure. However, it's important to note that: This procedure should be performed by a licensed and board certified practitioner.

4. Post-Procedure Downtime and Healing

Another important thing most people want to know before choosing a cosmetic treatment is the downtime after the procedure. As we've mentioned earlier, nano needling is less invasive. So, here, your skin doesn’t need as much time for healing.

In other words, there’s no downtime after nano needling. And the results? You'll probably notice them immediately after undergoing the treatment. But remember, to take good care of your skin to maintain these outcomes.

Now, after undergoing a microneedling treatment, you'll probably need a few days for sufficient healing. That is, anywhere between 3 to 6 weeks. And, 1 to 3 days of downtime. Post microneedling care involves avoiding using exfoliants and excessive sun exposure. And if you're thinking: Can I lift weights after microneedling, then it's important to avoid it until sufficiently healed.

5. The Side Effects

Other than downtime, there may be some other concerns. Well, these include if the treatment will have some side effects. These treatments are safe. However, their potential side effects vary. For example, common microneedling, side effects include:

● Inflammations.

● Some redness.

● Flaking skin.

● Microneedle facial infection.

The best thing is that: These side effects may subside in a few days (1 or 2) with proper micro needling aftercare.

For nano needling, the potential side effects are quite minimal. Why? The cosmetic skin treatment is less invasive, compared to micro needling. So, this makes it the best choice if you have sensitive skin. Or, maybe if you're looking to undergo more frequent procedures.

6. The Cost and Frequency of the Treatment

Needle depth microneedling face chart is helpful here. These procedures require deeper penetration and professional handling. This makes it more expensive per session. Typically, treatments are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, resulting in higher overall cost for complete series. This generally answers a common concern: How often should I microneedle my face.

And, nano needling, being superficial and less intensive, it costs less per session. Plus, the treatment can be done every 1 to 2 weeks. This makes it more budget-friendly and easier to maintain.

7. The Specific Cosmetic Concerns Treated

Microneedling is best suitable for addressing deep skin issues. For example acne or surgical scars, stretch marks, significant hyperpigmentation, and even to stimulate hair growth in cases like androgenetic alopecia.

Nano needling on the other hand, is best suitable for surface-level concerns. For example fine lines, enlarged pores, light hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, and hydration enhancement.

8. The Infection and Safety Risk Profile

Micro needling, though minimally invasive, deeper penetration carries a higher risk. For example potential risks of infections, bruising, bleeding, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Especially if a practitioner doesn't strictly maintain sterility.

As for nano needling, the treatment is considered non-invasive. So, the potential for risks is minimal. The only common thing you might notice is slight redness. This makes it best suitable even for those prone to sensitive or reactive skin.

Here's a table summarizing the key nano needling vs microneedling differences: 

Before Treatment and Aftercare Protocol

1. Before the Procedure

Before undergoing either of these procedures (nano needling vs microneedling), it's important to optimize your skin and reduce risks. So, avoid the following:

a) Products and Medications

 Don't use these products for 3 to 7 days beforehand:

● Retinoids.

● Exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs).

● Benzoyl peroxide.

● Hydroquinone.

● Topical antibiotics.

● Blood thinners (e.g., NSAIDs, aspirin).

And, if you're on isotretinoin (Accutane), it's important to wait for at least 6 months after undergoing the treatment.

b) Physical and UV Irritants

Similarly, its recommended that you:

● Skip waxing.

● Avoid depilatory creams.

● Avoid electrolysis.

● Avoid shaving the day of the treatment.

Furthermore, depending on the device, you should avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, IPL or laser treatments for 1 to 2 weeks before the procedure.

And on the treatment day, arrive with clean, product-free skin. That means, no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen.

2. After the Treatment

Immediately after undergoing the treatment, you should do the following:

● Cool and moisturize: Rinse with lukewarm water. And apply a gentle moisturizer immediately after the procedure.

● Do not use make-up or anti-inflammatories: It's important to avoid make-up for at least 24 hours.

● Sun protection: You should apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 plus. That is immediately after the procedure, as it is important. And, remember to reapply it after every 2 hours. Furthermore, avoiding direct sun exposure for 7 to 14 days is helpful here.

Between 24 to 72 hours post-procedure, your skin may feel dry, tight, and show mild redness or sensitivity. And by day three, you'll notice some peeling or roughness. So, here, you should continue with:

● Gentle cleansing and hydration. Cleanse with tepid water and a gentle cleanser.

● Applying soothing moisturizers — hyaluronic acid or ceramide-based.

● Using cool compresses to reduce redness or swelling.

Also, here are the things you need to avoid:

● Hot showers.

● Sauna.

● Strenuous exercise.

● Swimming for at least 24 to 48 hours.

● Touching, picking or scratching your skin.

By the end of the first week, most redness, flaking, and sensitivity should subside. You can reintroduce active products (eg., vitamin C, retinoids, and acids) after day 7, as long as your skin is no longer reactive.

Nano Needling Or Micro Needling — Which is Better?

Now, you understand the differences between nano needling vs microneedling. And as we've discussed above, these innovative cosmetic procedures aim to enhance your beauty. But, it's important to also understand which is better.

Well, there is no overall “better” cosmetic treatment. However, there's simply the best suitable treatment for your unique skin care needs. Generally, micro needling is preferable if you're looking to address deeper skin concerns. Nano needling is the best alternative if you're looking for a more gentle way to improve your skin texture and hydration fast.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, nano needling vs microneedling are effective skin treatments. Each gives unique benefits depending on your skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Nano needling is gentler, non-invasive, and ideal for improving hydration, texture, and mild pigmentation. This is what makes it perfect for sensitive skin or routine maintenance. Micro needling, on the other hand, penetrates deeper to target wrinkles, scars, and other advanced skin issues.

So, basically choosing the right treatment ultimately depends on your desired results, skin type, and professional guidance. But it is always important to consult a board certified skincare specialist or dermatologist. Because they'll help you to determine the most suitable option for your individual needs.

Improve Your Skin's Potential With Diaminy's Innovative Cosmetic Solutions

Looking to improve your skin's cosmesis potential? Well, choose the treatment that aligns with your goals. Diaminy Aesthetics’ cutting-edge nano infusion pen G8 enhances serum absorption and leaves your complexion radiant with minimal downtime. We also have a precision micro needling pen E7 to deliver targeted collagen stimulation for deeper skin concerns.

What's more? All these products are FDA, CE, and ISO certified for safety and quality. So, don’t wait to bring out your best skin. Let our expert team tailor the ideal treatment plan for your unique needs.