Tutorials

Preparing for Your Treatment

Use this section to select the appropriate cartridge, needle depth and speed setting for your microneedling treatment

Preparing your skin properly before microneedling ensures the best results, faster healing and reduced risk of irritation.

3–5 Days Before Treatment:
☑️ Stop using active skincare (retinol, AHAs, BHAs, exfoliants, vitamin C).
☑️ Avoid sun exposure and tanning - keep skin calm and uninflamed.
☑️ Avoid waxing, laser or chemical peels for at least 7 days.
☑️ Stay well-hydrated and ensure your skin is healthy, not irritated or broken.
☑️ Check that you are not contraindicated to treatment - you can find this information in our FAQs section under 'is microneedling safe for everyone?'.

Before You Begin:
☑️ Spend a few minutes writing down your planned needle depths and speed settings for each area - this helps you begin your treatment confidently and in control.
☑️ Ensure you’ve read through all the FAQs in our FAQ section to familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of treatment.
☑️ If you have any questions, our friendly Skin Advisors are here to help - simply reach out via the Contact Us form linked in the banner at the top of the page.

Important:
🚫 If your skin feels irritated, inflamed or sunburned, or if you are contraindicated, do not perform a treatment - wait till the issue has subsided before resuming treatments.

🚫 Do not microneedle over any raised or flat moles on the face or skin tags on the neck or body.

🚫Do not microneedle over any cosmetic tattoos, tattooed eyebrows/lip liner or freckles.

Choosing the right cartridge comes down to your skin goals and comfort level.

Let’s start with our Nano Needles.
These don’t pierce the skin - they work on the surface to boost glow, smooth texture and improve serum absorption.
Perfect for beginners, those with sensitive skin, or as a maintenance treatment between deeper sessions.
Think hydration, brightness and zero downtime.

Our 16-Pin Cartridge is gentle and precise.
It’s ideal for delicate areas like the eyes, lips, and forehead.
Choose this if you’re targeting fine lines, crepey skin or early signs of aging.
It gives subtle tightening with minimal discomfort.

Our 24-Pin Cartridge is your all-rounder.
Balanced in comfort and results - great for the face and neck.
Use it for uneven texture, mild acne scarring, enlarged pores and firmness.
You’ll get a light prickling feel, but nothing sharp or painful.

Finally, our 36-Pin Cartridge delivers deeper rejuvenation.
It’s best for thicker or textured skin, deeper wrinkles, acne scars and stretch marks.
You’ll feel more intensity, especially at higher depths, so it’s suited to experienced users wanting stronger collagen stimulation.

Remember - more pins mean more coverage and sensation. Start where you’re comfortable, always use a new sterile cartridge and build up as your skin becomes more resilient.

It’s important to understand that different areas of the skin vary in thickness and sensitivity - choosing the right depth for each ensures safe, effective and comfortable results.

Forehead

Depth: 0.5–0.75 mm
Thin skin, so keep depth shallow and pressure light.

Around Eye Area (Under Eyes & Crow’s Feet)

Depth: 0.25–0.5 mm
Very delicate area - never go deeper than 0.5 mm.

Nose

Depth: 0.5–0.75 mm
Use light pressure as it's a sensitive area for most.

Around Lip Area

Depth: 0.25–0.5 mm
Stay along the lip line only - do not needle directly over the pink part of the lips.

Cheeks

Depth: 0.75–1.5 mm
Thicker skin allows for slightly deeper needling. Beginners should start at 0.75 mm.

Chin & Jawline

Depth: 1.0–1.25 mm
This area can tolerate more depth due to thicker skin.

Neck

Depth: 0.5–1.0 mm
Thin, sensitive area - avoid going deeper than 1.0 mm.

Chest / Décolletage

Depth: 0.5–0.75 mm
Notes: Gentle area; work slowly and avoid strong pressure.

Hands

Depth: 0.5–0.75 mm

Arms

Depth: 1.0–1.5 mm

Legs & Thighs

Depth: 1.5–2.5 mm

Stomach

Depth: 1.5–2.5 mm

Back

Depth: 1.5–2.0 mm

Breasts

Depth: 0.75–1.0 mm
Avoid the areola and sensitive areas directly around it.

Key Tip:
Start at the lower end of the range, increase gradually as your skin strengthens and always prioritise hygiene, gentle technique and consistency for long-term results.

Selecting the correct speed helps you control both comfort and results during microneedling. The Ultima M8 microneedling pen has six adjustable speed levels - each suited to different areas and skin thickness.

Speed 1–2 (Low Speed)
Best for delicate or curved areas such as under the eyes, around the lips and near the nose. Slower movement gives you more control and minimises irritation or redness.

Speed 3–4 (Medium Speed)
Ideal for most facial areas, including the cheeks, forehead and neck. Provides smooth, even glide and consistent micro-channels to stimulate collagen production.

Speed 5–6 (High Speed)
Recommended for thicker or larger areas like the jawline, body or zones with deeper texture or scarring. The faster motion ensures even coverage without dragging or overworking the skin.

Please Note:
Higher speed does not mean deeper penetration or better results - it simply affects how quickly the needles move. Think Low speed for control, medium for precision and high for efficiency.

Always glide the pen gently across the skin, never add pressure by pushing down, let the device do the work and adjust based on comfort - steady, consistent technique delivers the best long-term results.

Step 1: Choose Your Space

Pick a clean, well-lit, clutter-free surface near a mirror. Keep pets and distractions away during your treatment.

Step 2: Clean & Disinfect

Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, clean the surface you’ll be working on - use 70% isopropyl alcohol spray or wipes to disinfect your workspace and any items you’ll touch (mirror edges, bottle tops, device cord). Let it air dry.

Step 3: Create a Clean Work Surface

Lay down a clean towel, disposable pad or paper roll to keep tools sterile.

Set out your clean essentials:

Microneedling pen
Unopened sterile cartridge
Glide & Recovery Serum or sterile saline
Cotton pads, tissues, gauze
70% isopropyl alcohol
Headband or clips
Clean towel and waste bin nearby

Step 4: Disinfect Your Device

Wipe your microneedling pen with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Always use a new, sterile cartridge -never reuse a needle tip. Open it only when you’re ready to begin treatment.

Step 5: Cleanse Your Skin

Start with a freshly cleansed face using a gentle, non-active cleanser to remove all traces of makeup, SPF and oil. Pat dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing or irritation.
Then, apply 70% isopropyl alcohol to a clean cotton pad and gently wipe the treatment area to remove any bacteria, oil or residue. Allow your skin to dry completely before starting - this helps prevent irritation and ensures smooth, even glide.

Step 6: Plan Your Treatment Settings

Spend a few minutes writing down your needle depths and speed settings for each area (e.g. forehead, cheeks, neck). This keeps you organised, confident, and in control throughout the session.

Step 7: Final Prep

Attach your new, sterile cartridge to the microneedling pen securely. Even though it’s pre-sterilised, lightly spray or dip the cartridge in 70% isopropyl alcohol to ensure maximum hygiene. Allow it to air dry for a few seconds before beginning. Next, apply a small amount of your glide or serum to the first area you’ll treat. If you’re not using a glide, stamp only - never use a gliding or cross-hatch motion without serum or saline.

Keeping everything clean and sterile isn’t just a step - it’s what keeps your skin safe, your results effective and your healing fast.

How To Complete Your Treatment?

Follow a step-by-step guided tutorial with one of our qualified skin advisors to learn how to complete your microneedling treatment safely and confidently at home.

Post Treatment Care

Use this section to follow post-care steps that support healing and enhance results.

After your microneedling session, your skin enters repair mode and what you do next is key to achieving the best results.

The First 24 Hours

Keep your routine simple. Avoid makeup and touching your face to let your skin breathe. Cleanse gently using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and apply a hydrating serum such as one with hyaluronic acid.

We recommend applying The Age Reset Co. Glide & Recovery Serum for the first 24 to 48 hours to keep the skin hydrated and soothed during the initial healing phase.

Avoid active ingredients like retinol, acids or vitamin C for at least 3 to 5 days.

Stay out of the sun, sauna, gym and pool for the first 24-48 hours as heat and sweat can irritate freshly treated skin as well as pools and saunas may introduce bacteria to the open channels.

Apply SPF 50 daily starting 24 hours after treatment.

Days 2–5

Your skin may feel tight, warm or slightly dry, which is normal. Keep it hydrated and soothed with gentle, non-active products.
Avoid picking, exfoliating or scrubbing. Your skin will naturally shed any dry or flaky cells as it heals.
Drink plenty of water and focus on barrier-repair skincare to support recovery.

After 3–5 Days

Your skin will begin to look smoother, brighter and more even as new collagen forms.
Treat it gently and consistently and you will notice firmer, more radiant and visibly healthier skin with each session.

Once your skin has fully calmed and any redness or tightness has subsided, you can gradually reintroduce active ingredients. This usually takes about 3 to 5 days after treatment, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and depth that was treated.

Start with gentle actives first such as niacinamide or low-strength vitamin C. Wait at least 7 days before using stronger ingredients like retinol, exfoliating acids (AHAs or BHAs), or chemical peels.

Always patch-test products post-treatment and introduce one at a time to avoid irritation. If your skin still feels dry, warm or tender, continue using only hydrating and barrier-repairing products such as the Glide & Recovery Serum until it feels completely normal again.

Consistent hydration and patience will ensure you maintain your results while keeping your skin barrier strong.

To protect your skin and support proper healing, avoid the following after microneedling:

Makeup for at least 24 hours. Allow your skin to breathe and recover.
Active skincare such as retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C for 3 to 5 days. These can irritate freshly treated skin.
Direct sun exposure and tanning for a minimum of 5 days. Always wear SPF 50 daily.
Saunas, hot showers, steam rooms, and gyms for 24-48 hours as heat and sweat can irritate and expose the micro channels to bacteria and infection.
Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools for 2 to 3 days to prevent stinging or infection.
Exfoliating treatments such as scrubs, dermaplaning, or peels until the skin has fully healed.
Touching or picking at the skin. Let any dryness or flakiness shed naturally.

Avoiding these for the first few days after treatment will help your skin heal faster and ensure the best long-term results.

After your treatment it is normal to experience some redness, warmth and mild swelling. This is your skin’s natural healing response.

You may notice a light pink flush for 24 to 48 hours similar to mild sunburn. Some areas such as the forehead or nose can feel a little more sensitive.

Mild redness and warmth typically last between 12 and 24 hours and should subside by the following day. In some cases, very light flushing or dryness may continue for up to 48 hours depending on your skin type and the needle depth used.

In the days following treatment your skin may feel tight or slightly dry and flaky as it renews itself. This usually settles within a week revealing smoother, glowing skin.

Support recovery by keeping your skin cool, hydrated and protected. Avoid heat, active products or heavy creams until your natural glow returns.

If you experience excessive redness, swelling or irritation stop using the device and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Mild warmth, light flaking and a subtle glow over the following days are normal. Skin should feel smooth and firm after 3–5 days. Avoid any harsh treatments until sensitivity has fully subsided.

Skin Purging (Healing Response)

Microneedling speeds up cell turnover, which can bring clogged pores or underlying congestion to the surface. These small breakouts (called purging) are a normal part of your skin renewing itself and often clear within a week.

Using the Wrong Products

If you use serums or moisturisers that contain fragrance, oils, preservatives or active ingredients like acids, retinol or vitamin C immediately after treatment, they can irritate freshly needled skin or clog pores.

Use only preservative-free serums like The Age Reset Co. Glide & Recovery Serum or saline for the first 24–48 hours.

Bacteria or Contamination

Reusing cartridges, touching your face too soon or using unsterilised tools can introduce bacteria and cause breakouts or infection.

Always use a new sterile cartridge each session, disinfect your pen and avoid touching treated skin with unclean hands or towels.

Post-Treatment Overload

Applying makeup, SPF or heavy skincare too soon can clog open microchannels.

Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup or non-sterile products and 48–72 hours before active ingredients.

Skin Sensitivity or Over-Treatment

If you’ve microneedled too deeply or too often, your skin barrier may be compromised, leading to inflammation or breakouts.

Space treatments 4 weeks apart and avoid going deeper than your skin needs.

In short, mild post-treatment breakouts are normal and typically clear once your skin heals. If irritation, swelling or persistent acne occurs, pause treatments and consult a skincare professional to assess your barrier health and routine.

Standard microneedling can be performed every 4 weeks, depending on needle depth, allowing time for full collagen regeneration.

Nano-needling can safely be performed weekly in between standard needling sessions for gentle product infusion and glow maintenance.

Keep your skin deeply hydrated and protected with a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Continue following a barrier-supportive skincare routine between treatments to maintain the integrity of your skin.

For internal support, incorporate collagen-boosting nutrition or supplements, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and prioritise restorative sleep.

To further enhance results, use your Photon LED Rejuvenation Mask daily - red light therapy helps stimulate ongoing collagen production, supports healing and prolongs that fresh, radiant glow. Consistency is key; with regular care and treatments, your skin will continue to strengthen, smooth and renew over time.

Think of microneedling as the start of your skin’s transformation - maintaining hydration, protection and LED light therapy ensures your results only get better with each session.

Yes - red LED light therapy can be introduced 24 hours post-treatment to support healing, calm inflammation and enhance collagen production. It helps accelerate recovery while improving overall skin tone, firmness and radiance.

We recommend using our Photon Skin Rejuvenation Mask, which features a neck and chest attachment - allowing you to treat the entire face, neck and décolletage for comprehensive anti-ageing benefits and enhanced post-needling healing.

Incorporating red LED light into your post-treatment routine as well as your daily skin routine can noticeably improve recovery time and amplify your long-term collagen results.