Dermapen: how many sessions you need and how to care for your skin

Dermapen has become one of the most searched-for facial treatments in recent years, and also one that raises the most questions: how many sessions, how often, what you’ll look like the next day, what you can and can’t do. This guide answers those questions with practical guidelines and no promises that can’t be kept.

Cosmetic microneedling in brief

Dermapen is a device with a cartridge of very fine micro-needles that, as it glides over the skin, creates superficial micro-channels. These micro-channels help cosmetic actives absorb and prompt the skin’s natural renewal response. The result isn’t instant: it builds session by session.

In a beauty and aesthetics centre, microneedling is carried out at superficial depths with cosmetic actives applied to the skin. Deeper microneedling, mesotherapy injections or combining it with medical substances are procedures for a doctor. Knowing which side of that line you’re on helps you keep your expectations realistic.

How many sessions you need

The short answer is between 3 and 6, but it depends mainly on what you want to improve.

Radiance and dull skin. This is the quickest goal. After the first session, once the redness has gone, skin usually looks more even and brighter. Three sessions are usually enough to consolidate it.

Pores and texture. Thickened skin or visible pores on the cheeks respond gradually. Three or four sessions, then a review, is the usual plan.

Superficial marks from old spots. This is the goal that takes the most commitment. Four to six sessions are usually planned and improvement is gradual. Deep or very indented scars are beyond the reach of a beauty treatment.

Maintenance. One or two sessions a year help maintain what you’ve achieved, alongside a good home routine.

Why sessions aren’t closer together

There are 4–6 weeks between sessions because your skin needs that time to respond and recover. Shortening the interval doesn’t bring results forward; what it does do is increase irritation. If anyone offers you weekly microneedling sessions, be wary.

How to prepare before each session

What you do in the days beforehand affects how your skin responds:

• Pause strong actives. Retinol, exfoliating acids and grainy scrubs, three to five days beforehand.
• No strong sun. Tanned or sun-irritated skin isn’t ready; if that’s you, we’ll postpone.
• No harsh facial hair removal. Avoid waxing or threading the area in the days before.
• Tell us if anything has changed. New medication, a cold sore, an inflamed spot or particularly reactive skin that week are all reasons to review your appointment.

If you’re prone to cold sores, tell us at your assessment: it’s important for deciding when to book your session.

Your skin, day by day after the session

Knowing what to expect saves you any surprises.

Day 0. Your skin will be pink or red, warm and slightly tight, as if you’d caught a little sun. There may be the odd tiny red dot on finer areas. This is the expected reaction.

Days 1 and 2. The redness fades. Your skin may feel sensitive and slightly dry. You can go about your normal life, although you may prefer not to have an important meeting on the first day.

Days 3 to 5. You may notice some roughness or very fine flaking. Moisturise and don’t exfoliate.

From day six. Your skin looks smoother and brighter. You can gradually return to your usual routine.

So don’t book Dermapen right before an event: leave at least a week.

Dermapen aftercare

The first 24 hours

• No make-up. The micro-channels are open and make-up can irritate them.
• Wash with just water or a very gentle cleanser, without rubbing.
• Keep your hands off your face and change your pillowcase that night.
• Only apply the products we recommend in the treatment room.

The first week

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, and avoid direct sun.
• No retinol, exfoliating acids or grainy scrubs for 5–7 days.
• Avoid saunas, pools, the gym and heavy sweating for 48 hours.
• Moisturise with a simple, fragrance-free cream.

Throughout the course

• Daily sun protection, in winter too. In Málaga, where the light is strong almost all year, it’s the difference between a good result and a new dark mark.
• Let us know if you start any medication or get a cold sore before your next session.

When it isn’t done

There are situations where we don’t carry out Dermapen and will recommend you see your doctor or dermatologist:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Active inflamed acne, cold sores, broken skin or infection in the area.
• A tendency to keloid scarring.
• Oral isotretinoin in recent months.
• Anticoagulants or clotting disorders.
• Uncontrolled diabetes or healing problems.
• Moles or marks that have changed in the area to be treated.

How to combine it with other treatments

Dermapen works well as part of a plan. A deep cleansing facial beforehand preps the skin; a superficial chemical peel a few weeks earlier works on tone; and Dermapen focuses on texture. Always on different days and respecting the intervals. Between sessions, gentle options such as an LED light facial can complement it, as long as your skin is calm.

At Narumi

At Narumi, a beauty and aesthetics centre on Calle Cristo de la Epidemia in Málaga city centre, Marta Fernández, an advanced aesthetics specialist, assesses your skin before you start, agrees a realistic goal with you and reviews your progress at every session to adjust the total number. We work only at a cosmetic level, with cosmetic actives and no injectables.

• Dermapen in Málaga: single sessions, courses and Pack 2 with a deep cleansing facial and a peel.
• Chemical peel and deep cleansing facial, to complete the plan.

If you’re still not sure whether Dermapen is right for you, our comparison Dermapen or chemical peel will help you decide.