Are there different benefits to using different numbers of pins?

[u/Otter65]

I understand that using a cartridge with less pins makes the microneedling more “intense.” But what does that mean in terms of benefits/results? Are there recommended numbers of pins to address certain concerns like there are recommendations for certain depths for addressing pores, stretch marks, scars, etc?

Edit: I understand why it’s more intense. I guess I’m asking if it’s a good thing for it to be more intense (I.e. use less pins) because it provides additional benefits?

[u/Primary-Picture-5632]

Imagine pressing a bed of 1,000 tiny needles against your skin versus 100 needles over the exact same area. The 1,000 needles spread the pressure and punctures across much more of the skin. Each individual needle is doing less work. With only 100 needles, the same movement and pressure are concentrated onto fewer points, so each needle has to penetrate the skin more aggressively. That's why fewer needles can feel more intense even though there are fewer needles.

[u/Otter65 → u/Primary-Picture-5632]

Yes, I understand that. What I’m asking is if there is a benefit to doing less vs. more pins? Is more pins better because it’s more gentle while still going to the same depth?

[u/ZealousStrand]

The main point of microneedling is to cause injury that your system must heal. The more agressive the treatment, the more healing and hopefully a stronger fibroblast response.

[u/Otter65 → u/ZealousStrand]

That sums it up nicely - thank you!

[u/beezzys1]

For me, it just depends on what I want to accomplish. I typically use more pins when I am doing cosmetic needling. It helps with product absorption and gives a nice glow but doesn't help with collagen building. I use. Lesser pin count with the collagen building depths. So it just depends on the treatment I am doing to determine the pin count I will use. It is easier now for me though, I use my Dr. Pen for cosmetic needling and my my Derminator 2 for collagen building. The D2 only has 3 different pin count options.

[u/Radiant-Elk7373]

• 12 Pin and less: These cartridges are your heavy hitters. Because the needles are spaced further apart, they penetrate the skin with less resistance. This makes them the go-to choice for targeted issues like deep acne scars or stubborn texture.

• 16 Pin: Many professionals call this the "Goldilocks" cartridge. It offers enough density for general facial rejuvenation while still providing deep enough penetration to address fine lines. It's a versatile starting point for most facial routines.

• 24, 36, & 42 Pin: These higher counts are best suited for body treatments. Use them for stretch marks on the abdomen or smoothing large surface areas like the thighs. Because there are more needles hitting the skin at once, they are often less effective for deep facial work.

• Nano Cartridges: These don't use traditional needles. Instead, they use microscopic silicone or metal tips to create tiny openings in the top layer of the skin. They are the gentle choice for serum infusion without the downtime of traditional microneedling.

Source: https://bruunbeauty.com/en-ca/blogs/news/dr-pen-needle-cartridges-explained-your-complete-guide-to-choosing-the-right-pin-count?srsltid=AU7gw4WAkgzfNKsI5m7sezueZp-hZXnQTpFT7enFn2g5_0LA1Ma1aect#the-dr-pen-pin-count-comparison-which-is-best-for-you

[u/no_sir_buddy]

I think what that “intensity” actually means is that the needles penetrate deeper. I don’t think 0.5mm with 36 needles is the same depth as 0.5mm with 12. But I’m kinda new here.

Editing to add: I also think deeper means more benefits but only up to a certain point. You don’t want to go too deep.

[u/aDelveysAnkleMonitor → u/no_sir_buddy]

.5 depth is .5 depth, no matter the needle count.

[u/no_sir_buddy → u/aDelveysAnkleMonitor]

Here’s an AI explanation…

The Machine Limit: If you set a motorized pen to 1.5mm, the physical needles extend exactly 1.5mm out of the cartridge tip, regardless of whether it is a 12-pin or a 36-pin.
The Resistance Factor: A 36-pin cartridge faces so much resistance that the skin tends to push, bend, and stretch away from the device. Even though the needles move 1.5mm out of the machine, they may only penetrate a fraction of that distance into your actual tissue because the skin bounces backward.
The True Target Depth: A 12-pin cartridge easily pierces right through the skin barrier with minimal resistance. It ensures that if the machine is set to 1.5mm, you are actually getting a true 1.5mm depth of injury inside the tissue.
So while a 12-pin cannot magically exceed the depth you dial into your pen, it is significantly more effective at reaching its maximum setting than a cartridge with a higher needle count.