Alongside needle depth, your microneedling pen's speed setting affects both comfort and results. As a general rule, faster speeds drive the needle deeper into the skin, so matching speed to area and experience level helps keep sessions comfortable and controlled.
What speed should I use for each area?
Most microneedling pens have a speed range of 1-5.
| Skin Area | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|
| Face (General) | 1-4 |
| Body (General) | 4-6 |
| Forehead | 1-3 |
| Between Eyebrows | 1-3 |
| Nose | 1-2 |
| Around Eyes | 1-3 |
| Cheekbone | 1-3 |
| Cheek | 2-4 |
| Around Lips | 1-2 |
Should beginners use a different speed than experienced users?
Yes — if you're new to microneedling, start at a lower speed. This gives you more precise control while you get a feel for how the pen moves over your skin. As your confidence builds, you can adjust speed to suit your treatment goals. For body areas like stretch marks or deeper scars, a higher speed is often used since the skin there is generally less sensitive than the face.
FAQ
- Does a higher speed mean a more effective treatment?
- Not necessarily — higher speed increases penetration depth and intensity, which can be useful for tougher areas like body scars, but it also increases discomfort and downtime. Match speed to the area and your comfort level rather than assuming faster is always better.
- Can I use the same speed on my face and body?
- Generally no — facial skin is more sensitive and typically uses lower speeds (1-4), while body areas can often tolerate higher speeds (4-6).
- What if the speed feels uncomfortable?
- Lower the speed. Discomfort is a signal to reduce speed or depth rather than push through — there's no benefit to forcing a setting that doesn't feel manageable.
This device is intended for cosmetic use only. See our Needle Depth Guide for how depth and speed work together, and consult a licensed dermatologist if you have a medical skin concern.
