If you're staring at your derma dog pen wondering about microneedling 12 vs 36 needles , you're not alone in that will confusion. It's one of the most common questions people have when they very first start DIY-ing their own treatments or even when they're communicating with an esthetician. At first glance, you might think that 36 needles would certainly be three periods as effective as 12, right? More needles, more openings, more collagen? Nicely, it's not in fact that simple.
In the world of pores and skin remodeling, the physics of how a needle enters the particular skin matters just as much as the depth you've set on your device. Choosing between these two cartridges can be the difference between viewing your acne marks fade and simply giving your really expensive facial damage. Let's break down precisely why "more" doesn't often mean "deeper" plus which one you need to actually be reaching for.
The 12-Pin Cartridge: The particular Heavy Hitter
The 12-pin container is frequently considered the particular gold standard intended for specific, targeted epidermis concerns. If a person look closely with a 12-pin suggestion, you'll notice that will the needles are usually spaced out quite a bit. This particular spacing isn't a good accident—it's actually the key to why this cartridge works therefore well for heavy skin issues.
Because there are usually fewer needles, there's less surface tension when they hit your skin. Think that of it like a fork vs. a hairbrush. If you press a shell into something, the person tines go in easily. If you press a hairbrush with a hundred bristles, it's significantly harder to obtain those bristles in order to actually penetrate deep because the level of resistance is spread out there over the larger region.
This is why the 12-pin is usually the go-to for pimples scarring, deep wrinkles, and stretch-marks . It can really reach the skin more effectively, developing those tiny micro-injuries that trigger the particular "wound healing reaction. " If you're looking to break upward tough scar tissue, you need that mechanical force that only a 12-pin really offers.
The 36-Pin Cartridge: The Surface Smoother
Right now, let's look with the 36-pin. This particular cartridge is filled with needles, and they are much closer together. While it may sound more extreme, it's actually usually used for more "superficial" concerns.
When a person have 36 needles hitting the skin at the same time, they produce a slight "bed associated with nails" effect. The particular skin is fairly elastic and resilient, so when all all those needles strike at the same time, your skin actually forces back. This can make it harder for the particular needles to permeate as deeply since the 12-pin, even though you have your device set to the particular same depth (like 1. 5mm).
However, the 36-pin is incredible intended for skin texture, large pores, and hyperpigmentation . Instead of developing deep channels intended for scar remodeling, it creates a massive quantity of surface-level micro-channels. This is ideal for "skin needling" in which the goal is in order to brighten the skin tone, smooth out fine outlines, or help your own expensive vitamin D serum actually saturate in. It's the "glow-up" cartridge.
Comprehending the "Bed of Nails" Effect
I touched on this briefly, but it's worth plunging deeper because it's the main cause people get frustrated with their results. In case you're trying in order to treat deep surgical scars or ice-pick acne scars using a 36-pin needle, you will probably find that you're not seeing much change.
That's because the needles are most likely "bouncing" away from the skin rather than piercing this cleanly. You'll get redness, and this might even bleed a little, however you aren't reaching the level required to promote the type associated with collagen that floods in a scar tissue. To get a 36-pin needle to go as serious as a 12-pin, you'd have to apply a lot of pressure, which is a huge no-no in microneedling because it causes tearing and "tracking" (those small scratch marks that look like a cat got you).
So, when your goal is definitely structural change , stick to the 12. In case your goal is definitely aesthetic refinement , the particular 36 is your own best friend.
Pain Levels plus Recovery
Let's talk about the part everyone dreads: the "ouch" factor. Interestingly, people have very different opinions on which a single hurts more.
A lot of users find the 12-pin to be more painful since the needles are usually sturdier and they also certainly go deeper. This feels more like individual pricks. It's a little more "stabby, " for lack of a better word. You're also more likely to see pinpoint bleeding with the 12-pin, which is totally regular but can end up being a bit intimidating if you're the beginner.
The particular 36-pin, on the other hand, feels more like the rough vibration or even scratchy sandpaper. Since the needles are finer and there are so numerous of them, the sensation is more of the dull sting.
As for recovery, the 36-pin usually has a faster turnaround. You might be red for 24 hours after which just look a little sunburnt for a day. Along with the 12-pin, especially if you're working on scars, you may have some lighting peeling or "coffee ground" scabbing (tiny little brown dots) for a several days. Don't be concerned, it's just your skin renewing by itself, but it's some thing to plan intended for when you have a huge event springing up.
Which One Should You Choose for Your Skin Goal?
It really depends upon what you see once you look in the particular mirror. Here's the quick cheat linen to help you decide:
- Deep Acne Scars (Pitted/Boxcar): 12-pin. You require the particular depth to break upward that fibrous cells.
- Age reversing and Fine Outlines: This is a toss-up. Lots of people start with a 12-pin every 4–6 weeks intended for a few weeks, then switch to a 36-pin regarding maintenance.
- Large Pores: 36-pin. It works wonders on the surface texture of the particular skin.
- Hyperpigmentation and Melasma: 36-pin. Since pigment existence in top of the layers of the epidermis, you don't require deep; you simply need to motivate cell turnover.
- Stretch Marks: 12-pin. Such as scars, striae require deeper penetration in order to see a genuine difference in the skin's elasticity.
- General "Glow": 36-pin. Use it at a shallow depth (0. 25mm to zero. 5mm) to just refresh the epidermis.
Can You Use Both?
Actually, indeed! Many people "multi-needle. " You might make use of the 12-pin on your cheeks exactly where you have a few old acne skin damage, and then switch to a 36-pin for your forehead and nose where you're more worried about skin pores and fine outlines.
Simply remember that you shouldn't be accomplishing this every week. Irrespective of which filling device count you choose, your skin needs time to build that collagen. If you're utilizing the 12-pin at a deeper setting, you really should wait at least four to 6 weeks between sessions. In the event that you're using the particular 36-pin at a very shallow "nano" or "cosmetic" depth, you might be able to do it every 14 days, but even then, listen to your epidermis. If it's nevertheless sensitive, give this a break.
Tips for a Safe Session
Anything you choose in the microneedling 12 vs 36 needles debate, the "how" is just as essential as the "what. "
- Don't Drag: This is usually the biggest error. Make sure you lift the pen or use very light, circular motions. Dragging the needles across your epidermis creates "micro-tears, " which can result in scarring rather when compared to the way fixing it.
- Use the Slip: Never needle upon dry skin. Make use of a high-quality hyaluronic acid serum to assist the pen glide. This prevents the "drag" and assists with hydration.
- Sanitize Everything: This particular should go without saying, but it's vital. Cartridges are single-use only. Don't try to conserve five bucks simply by cleaning them with alcohol and reusing them. The needles get dull right after one use, plus you're just begging to have an infection.
- Aftercare is King: After your program, your skin is basically the sponge. Avoid harsh actives like Retinol or Vitamin C for at least 48-72 hours. Simply stick to soft, hydrating products plus, for the love associated with all things holy, wear sunscreen!
The Bottom Series
Choosing in between 12 and 36 needles isn't about which is "better" inside a general sense—it's regarding which one is better for your specific pores and skin issues.
The 12-pin is usually your workhorse intended for reconstruction and heavy repair. The 36-pin is your polisher for texture and tone. If you're only starting out and your skin is generally alright but just appears a little dull, the 36-pin is an excellent, slightly more "gentle" introduction. But in the event that you've got individuals stubborn scars that will have been bothering you for yrs, you'll likely find the 12-pin to be much more effective in the long run.
Don't be afraid to experiment (safely! ) and find out just how your skin responds. Everyone's skin thickness and sensitivity are very different, so what works for any YouTuber may not be the perfect fit for you. Start slow, end up being consistent, and your own skin will certainly say thanks to you.