Looking to restore the brightness in your face and keep that skin glowing? With all the cosmetic treatments and products on the market these days, it hard to know which one to turn to.
Nanoneedling and micro needling sound like the same treatment, as they both use skin needling to provide benefits to our appearance.
But what is the difference between the two?
We will walk you through the nano needling process to help you decide if this is the correct treatment for your skin care concerns and what you should expect from this treatment.
Table of Contents
- What is Nano needling?
- How It Works
- Nano Needling Benefits
- Nano Needling vs Micro Needling
- Is Nano Needling Better Than Microneedling?
- Is Nano Needling Safe?
- Best Serum For Nano Needling
- What Is The Cost Of Nano Needling?
- Final Tip
What is Nano needling?
Nano needling is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment used to heal imperfections and signs of aging on the skin’s surface. This gentle treatment is also referred to as nano infusion therapy, nano needling facial, or nano microneedling.
By using nanoneedles for penetration, they exfoliate the skin and cause skin cell turnover resulting in restored and brighter skin.
The treatment is relatively painless and does not require numbing cream or a topical anesthetic. The treatment is effective in treating surface-level skin issues like the appearance of fine lines, texture, and tone.
How It Works
As we age, dead skin cells accumulate under the skin resulting in a dull appearance. These skin cells are an insulator that prevents the penetration of nutrients into our skin’s pores. Nano needling helps exfoliate this dead skin and makes skin smooth and healthier.
During treatment, a professional will use a nano pen to glide gently over the skin to create thousands of nanochannels with microscopic silicon needles. These nano needles have pyramid-shaped tips and are thinner than a human hair.
Creating these micro injuries triggers the body’s natural healing response and allows serums and nutrients to enter the skin barrier, while also releasing growth factors and thickening the skin. Nano needles are also used for advanced drug delivery.
Nano Needling Benefits
Since this treatment is considered gentle and non-invasive, it will require no downtime to recover. This means you can continue with your daily routine right after treatment. The main nano needling benefit is the skin’s ability to absorb products such as nutrient-rich serums. Because of these abilities, its great at treating the following conditions:
- Aging Skin
- Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Enlarge Pores
- Fine Lines (around the lips and crows feet around the eyes)
- Pigmentation and sun spots
- Skin tone and texture
Nano Needling vs Micro Needling
While both treatments address many of the same skin concerns, there are some noticeable differences. The main difference between the treatments is the depth in which the needles penetrate the skin and the needles that are used. Microneedling will generally cost more than a nanoneedling treatment.
Nano Needling
Nano needling only penetrates the first layer of the skin known as the epidermis. Silicone-tipped needles penetrate to a depth between 0.15mm – 0.25mm. Because of this depth, it’s controversial if nanoneedling reaches deep enough to actually stimulate collagen production.
Nano is less invasive, painless, and requires no downtime. This also means that treatments can be done more frequently, even once per week.
Micro Needling
Microneedling is minimally invasive, with side effects generally subsiding after 48 hours. While micro needling is also considered painless, it can cause some discomfort, and generally, a numbing cream is recommended before the treatment.
Micro needling penetrates microchannels deeper into the skin reaching through the epidermis to the dermis level. Titanium or stainless steel needles create micro channels at a depth between 0.25 to 2.5mm. Because these needles reach deeper, it is effective in stimulating collagen and elastin production, which is what provides resilience and strength within the skin. Take a look at our microneedling depth guide.
Treatments are recommended every four to six weeks. Read all about the benefits of micro needling here.
Is Nano Needling Better Than Microneedling?
The correct treatment will depend on the patient’s targeted issue, and if those issues reside on the surface level or are deeper rooted within the skin.
Both nano needling and micro needling increase product absorption and can be used in combination to gain effective results. Both treatments can be effective at improving or reducing the appearance of fine lines, pore size, skin tone and firm texture, skin brightening, and acne.
Since micro needling reaches deeper levels of the skin, it’s more effective at treating deeper acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, hair restoration, and hyperpigmentation issues.
Is Nano Needling Safe?
Nano needling is known to be a safe effective treatment with little known side effects. Always consult a dermatologist or medical professional before receiving treatment. You may not be an ideal candidate for nano needling if you have the following conditions:
- Pregnant
- Active infections or wounds
- Raised ScarringKeloid or raised scarring
- Cold sores
- On Blood Thinning Medication
- Have had recent facial treatments such as injections/botox
Best Serum For Nano Needling
Hyaluronic acid is one of the best serums to use for nano needling and microneedling treatments. Hyaluronic acid is great for nourishing the skin as well as the anti-aging and hydrating properties it contains. It is effective in reducing fine lines and improving overall skin texture and tone.
Vitamin C is also a popular serum used for nanoneedling as it’s great for treating hyperpigmentation and brightening the skin. Make sure to always do a patch test with your Vitamin C serum as it can cause irritation to sensitive skin. No downtime means that you can return right back to your general skincare routine, but make sure to use a high-quality ingredient serum after to keep your skin nourished.
What Is The Cost Of Nano Needling?
While this is generally a newer treatment, it may be difficult finding a professional office to receive this treatment in your area. Most offer these treatments, known as a nan facial or nano infusion facial, for between $150-$200. Prices will vary based on location and the professional office you visit.
Final Tip
If you have a fear of needles or have been hesitant to try a microneedling treatment, then nano needling may be best suitable for you. While micro needling will provide more effective results, nano needling works great for skin blemishes only surface deep. A consultation with a dermatologist will give you the most accurate information on what treatment will work best for your unique skin.