Guide: Nano Needling vs. Micro Needling

With an increase in demand and curiosity, and the upcoming launch of a new seasonal facial, I thought this would be a great time to talk about micro and nano needling.

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is one of the most popular and effective treatments for various skin concerns, including well-aging, sun damage, acne scarring, and improving overall skin tone and texture. By stimulating collagen production, microneedling helps rejuvenate the skin, making it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their complexion.

However, with terms like skin needling, nano needling, medical needling, and cosmetic needling often used interchangeably, it’s easy to get confused about what each treatment offers. Here’s a breakdown of the different techniques:

Micro Needling (Cosmetic)

The key difference between cosmetic needling and microneedling is needle depth.

Cosmetic needling involves needles penetrating the epidermis with a depth between 0.2 to 0.3mm.

This process triggers the release of growth factors—proteins that promote cell rejuvenation and renewal. These growth factors work their magic on your skin, leading to noticeable improvements in texture, hydration, and overall skin health. The microchannels created in the epidermis encourage communication between skin cells, enhancing repair and collagen production.

At Vanadis, I offer cosmetic microneedling and nanoneedling, enhancing this process by pairing it with special ampoules such as collagen thread, salmon DNA booster, or gold peptide, ensuring even more targeted and effective results tailored to your skin's needs. I also love to finish the session with a highly soothing sheet mask and cooling sticks, helping to calm the skin and enhance the overall experience.

Nano Needling

Nano needling is often confused with microneedling, but it doesn’t actually involve traditional needles. Instead, the nano cartridge consists of microscopic silicone-tipped cones that create tiny channels in the stratum corneum (the very top layer of the skin).

These nano-channels are invisible to the naked eye but significantly enhance the absorption of skincare products, making treatments more effective. Nano needling is an excellent choice for those looking for a non-invasive boost to their skincare routine without downtime.

Medical Microneedling

Medical microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, penetrates deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis at depths ranging from 0.5mm up to 3mm.

This deeper penetration creates more significant microchannels, leading to an even stronger healing response and increased collagen and elastin production. However, because of the greater skin trauma, the healing process is longer, and treatments should be spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results.

Due to the deeper p

enetration, medical microneedling should only be performed in a doctor’s office.

Comparison Table: Nano Needling vs. Micro Needling

Treatment	Depth & Skin Layer	Benefits	Best for	Frequency	Downtime & Side Effects
Nano Needling	Top layer (stratum corneum)	Enhances product absorption, hydrates, plumps	Sensitive skin, those wanting a gentle skin boost	1-2 times per week	None
Cosmetic Microneedling	0.2 - 0.3mm (epidermis)	Stimulates collagen, improves texture, fine lines	All skin types, early signs of aging	Every 2-4 weeks	Mild redness, slight sensitivity
Medical Microneedling	0.5 - 3mm (dermis)	Deep collagen stimulation, treats scars & wrinkles	Severe acne scars, deep wrinkles, skin laxity	Every 4-6 weeks (Doctor's office only)	Redness, swelling, peeling, longer recovery

Which One Is Right for You?

• If you're looking for a gentle treatment that enhances your skincare routine, nano needling is ideal. (Available in the treatments Korean Rituals and Micro-Needling.)

• If you want to boost collagen production and skin renewal, cosmetic microneedling is a great option. (Available in the treatment Micro-Needling .)

• If you're dealing with deep scars, wrinkles, or severe skin concerns, medical microneedling under professional supervision may be necessary. (Doctor's office only)

I hope this guide helps clarify the differences between nano needling and microneedling! If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of cosmetic microneedling or nanoneedling, feel free to book an appointment—I can't wait for you to discover the new treatment soon!