Nanoneedling Compared With MircroNeedling

Looking to restore the brightness in your face and keep that skin glowing? With all the cosmetic treatments and products on the market these days, it hard to know which one to turn to.

Nano needling and microneedling sound like the same treatment, as they both use skin needling to provide benefits to our appearance.

But what is the difference between them?

We will walk you through the nano needling process to help you decide if this is the correct treatment for your skin care concerns and what you should expect from this treatment.

Table of Contents

  • What is Nano Needling?
  • How It Works?
  • Nano Needling Benefits
  • Nano Needling VS Mirco Needling
  • Is Nano Needling Better Than MircroNeedling?
  • Is Nano Needling Safe?
  • Best Serum For Nano Needling
  • Final Tip

What is Nano needling?

Nano needling is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment used to heal imperfections and signs of aging on the skin’s surface. This gentle treatment is also referred to as nano infusion therapy, nano needling facial, or nano microneedling.

By using nanoneedles for penetration, they exfoliate the skin and cause skin cell turnover resulting in restored and brighter skin.

The treatment is relatively painless and does not require numbing cream or a topical anesthetic. The treatment is effective in treating surface-level skin issues like the appearance of fine lines, texture, and tone.

Nanoneedling is the term used for microneedling with a small needle of 0.1mm to 0.25mm. Needles of this size allow you to boost the absorption of skincare serums and minimise large pores.

Nano-needling is recommended to people because it does not interfere with your larger microneedling sessions. You can combine the use of a nanoneedle with a large microneedle.

Nano needling creates micro-channels in the skin, allowing our skincare serums to get through the skin barrier. If we create micro-channels in the skin and then combine it with other skincare products, we end up having our skin glowing.

How It Works

As we age, dead skin cells accumulate under the skin resulting in a dull appearance. These skin cells are an insulator that prevents the penetration of nutrients into our skin’s pores. Nano needling helps exfoliate this dead skin and makes skin smooth and healthier. 

During treatment, a professional will use a nano pen to glide gently over the skin to create thousands of nanochannels with microscopic silicon needles. These nano needles have pyramid-shaped tips and are thinner than a human hair.

Creating these micro injuries triggers the body’s natural healing response and allows serums and nutrients to enter the skin barrier, while also releasing growth factors and thickening the skin. Nano needles are also used for advanced drug delivery.

Nano Needling Benefits

Nano needling is suitable for several uses that will enhance the look and feel of your skin. You'll find nano needling before and after photos are often the most realistic.

Product Absorption

Using a microneedling product such as a derma roller with a 0,25mm needle size allows your serums to penetrate much deeper.

It's said that we lose up to 40% of skincare serums from failed absorption. Use your nano needle derma roller before you apply your favourite skincare serum, and you'll boost its performance.

Minimising Large Pore Size

A nanoneedle is the best product to work on enlarged pores. The main reason is that you can do it more often than a larger needle size allows you to.

Improves Skin Texture & Skin Tone

Anyone who has tried microneedling generally knows the incredible feeling of a softer and smoother-looking skin texture. Use your nano-needling device multiple times a week, and your skin will look and feel amazing. Combine it with your face serum, and you'll even see skin blemishes start to fade.

Nano Needling vs Microneedling

While both treatments address many of the same skin concerns, there are some noticeable differences.  The main difference between the treatments is the depth in which the needles penetrate the skin and the needles that are used. Microneedling will generally cost more than a nanoneedling treatment.


Nano Needling Depth Chart

Nano Needling

Nano needling only penetrates the first layer of the skin known as the epidermis. Silicone-tipped needles penetrate to a depth between 0.15mm – 0.25mm. Because of this depth, it’s controversial if nano needling reaches deep enough to actually stimulate collagen production.

Nano is less invasive, painless, and requires no downtime. This also means that treatments can be done more frequently, even once per week. 

Micro Needling

Microneedling is minimally invasive, with side effects generally subsiding after 48 hours. While microneedling is also considered painless, it can cause some discomfort, and generally, a numbing cream is recommended before the treatment. 

Microneedling penetrates microchannels deeper into the skin reaching through the epidermis to the dermis level. Titanium or stainless steel needles create micro channels at a depth between 0.25 to 2.5mm. Because these needles reach deeper, it is effective in stimulating collagen and elastin production, which is what provides resilience and strength within the skin. 

Treatments are recommended every four to six weeks.

Is Nano Needling Better Than Microneedling?

The correct treatment will depend on the patient’s targeted issue, and if those issues reside on the surface level or are deeper rooted within the skin.

Both nano needling and microneedling increase product absorption and can be used in combination to gain effective results. Both treatments can be effective at improving or reducing the appearance of fine lines, pore size, skin tone and firm texture, skin brightening, and acne.

Since microneedling reaches deeper levels of the skin, it’s more effective at treating deeper acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, hair restoration, and hyperpigmentation issues. 

Is Nano Needling Safe?

Nano needling is known to be a safe effective treatment with little known side effects. Always consult a dermatologist or medical professional before receiving treatment. You may not be an ideal candidate for nano needling if you have the following conditions:

  • Pregnant
  • Active infections or wounds
  • Raised ScarringKeloid or raised scarring
  • Cold sores
  • On Blood Thinning Medication
  • Have had recent facial treatments such as injections/botox

Best Serum For Nano Needling

Hyaluronic acid is one of the best serum to use for nano needling and microneedling treatments. Hyaluronic acid is great for nourishing the skin as well as the anti-aging and hydrating properties it contains. It is effective in reducing fine lines and improving overall skin texture and tone.

Vitamin C is also a popular serum used for nano needling as it’s great for treating hyperpigmentation and brightening the skin. Make sure to always do a patch test with your Vitamin C serum as it can cause irritation to sensitive skin. No downtime means that you can return right back to your general skincare routine, but make sure to use a high-quality ingredient serum after to keep your skin nourished.

 Final Tip

If you have a fear of needles or have been hesitant to try a microneedling treatment, then nano needling may be best suitable for you. While microneedling will provide more effective results, nano needling works great for skin blemishes only surface deep. A consultation with a dermatologist will give you the most accurate information on what treatment will work best for your unique skin.