Are you looking to rejuvenate your skin, reduce wrinkles, or treat acne scars? You may have heard about microneedling and nanoneedling, two popular cosmetic procedures. While they share similarities, understanding their differences is crucial to choosing the right treatment for your skin. Ask your acupuncturist which one is right for you!
WHAT IS NANONEEDLING AND MICRONEEDLING?
Both microneedling and nanoneedling involve using small needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and promoting collagen and elastin production. This leads to improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance.
Microneedling may improve the appearance of certain acne scars by supporting skin remodeling. A 2022 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found evidence supporting microneedling as a treatment option for acne scarring. Read the study here.
THE KEY DIFFERENCES:
- Needle Depth: Microneedling uses needles that penetrate deeper into the skin (0.5 to 2.5 millimeters), reaching the dermis layer. Nanoneedling, on the other hand, uses much shorter needles (less than 0.3 millimeters) that only penetrate the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.
- Treatment Intensity: Due to the deeper penetration, microneedling is considered a more intense treatment. It’s often used to address deeper skin concerns like acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Nanoneedling is a gentler treatment, ideal for enhancing product absorption and addressing superficial skin concerns like dullness, uneven tone, and minor imperfections.
- Downtime: Microneedling may cause redness, swelling, and minor discomfort immediately after treatment, with some individuals experiencing mild peeling or flaking. The downtime is typically short, lasting a few days to a week. Nanoneedling generally has minimal downtime and side effects, with any redness or sensitivity usually subsiding within a few hours.
- Ideal for: Microneedling is ideal for addressing deeper skin issues, like wrinkles, acne scars, and stretch marks. Nanoneedling is better suited for sensitive skin and for improving product absorption and overall skin texture.
BENEFITS OF MICRONEEDLING:
BENEFITS OF NANONEEDLING
- Reduces the appearance of scars, including acne scars
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
- May promote hair growth
Research published in 2025 suggests that microneedling may help improve visible signs of facial aging, including wrinkles and skin texture. A systematic review involving 723 patients found generally high treatment satisfaction, although researchers emphasized the need for more standardized evidence. Read the study here.
- Enhances absorption of skincare products
- Improves skin texture and tone
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Minimal downtime
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Microneedling: Studies have shown that microneedling can effectively fade acne scars, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce wrinkles. American Academy of Dermatology
- Nanoneedling: Research suggests nanoneedling can enhance the penetration of topical agents and improve skin rejuvenation. PubMed
COMMON REASONS TO GET NANONEEDLING AND MICRONEEDLING
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Sagging skin
- Hair regrowth
- Anti-aging
- Stretch marks
WATCH: MICRONEEDLING AT HEALING WITH ZEN
Curious about what happens during a microneedling treatment? Watch our video to learn more about the procedure and our personalized approach to skincare at Healing with Zen in Pasadena.
HEALING WITH ZEN: YOUR PASADENA ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
At Healing with Zen, we offer cosmetic acupuncture, microneedling, and gua sha treatments to help you achieve your skincare goals. What makes us special? Learn more about our clinic. We are dedicated to providing personalized care and natural solutions for your health and beauty needs. Our cosmetic acupuncture and gua sha treatments, detailed on our Cosmetic Acupuncture page, complement our microneedling and nanoneedling services.
