What is SkinPen Microneedling?

What is SkinPen Microneedling?

SkinPen is an advanced microneedling device that creates precise micro‑channels in the skin to trigger your body’s natural healing response and boost collagen and elastin production. It is the first microneedling system cleared by the FDA to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in adults and wrinkles on the neck, backed by extensive clinical validation.​

Unlike roller devices, SkinPen is motorized and adjustable, allowing controlled needle depth and even treatment across the face, neck, and other areas for consistent, professional‑grade results.

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What SkinPen Treats

SkinPen microneedling is designed to improve a range of texture and tone concerns by harnessing collagen induction therapy.​

Common treatment goals include:

• Facial acne scars (its original FDA indication)​
• Wrinkles on the neck (additional FDA‑cleared use)​
• Fine lines and early wrinkles on the face​
• Enlarged pores and rough texture​
• Mild pigment and sun damage such as uneven tone or melasma (when appropriately managed)​
• Overall dullness and loss of radiance​

Because SkinPen does not rely on heat or aggressive chemicals, it is suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types when used properly, including deeper skin tones often limited by certain lasers.​

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Who Can Benefit from SkinPen Microneedling?

SkinPen microneedling is effective for adults of almost any age who want to address acne scars, early signs of aging, or overall skin texture and radiance. While many clients seek treatment in their 20s or 30s to target lingering acne marks or refine pores, others in their 40s and beyond appreciate the collagen boost for smoothing fine lines and restoring youthful glow.

The versatility and gentle nature of SkinPen make it a popular option whether you’re just getting started on your skincare journey or looking for a non-invasive upgrade to your routine. Each treatment is customized to individual concerns, so you can see healthier, more vibrant skin, no matter your decade.

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How SkinPen Microneedling Works

SkinPen uses tiny, medical‑grade needles to create controlled micro‑injuries in the skin, which are nearly invisible to the naked eye. These micro‑channels stimulate a three‑phase wound‑healing cascade:​

1. Inflammation – The skin responds to micro‑channels by increasing blood flow and immune activity, clearing debris and preparing for repair.​
2. Proliferation – New collagen, elastin, and capillaries form, and fresh skin cells begin to rebuild the treated area.​
3. Remodeling – Over time, this new tissue reorganizes, smoothing scars, softening lines, and improving firmness and texture.​

SkinPen’s precision minimizes risk of tearing or scratching compared with manual rollers, and its single‑use cartridges and protective sheaths are designed to reduce cross‑contamination risk.​

Results can often be achieved in as few as three treatments spaced 30 days apart, making the process both minimally invasive and convenient. This means you can see visible improvements in texture, scars, and wrinkles with little downtime, while still benefiting from the natural regenerative powers of your own skin.

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The SkinPen Treatment Experience in Lincoln Park

Before Your Treatment

At Better Med Spa, your SkinPen journey starts with a consultation where your provider reviews your skin history, current concerns, and goals, and examines your face and neck to design a tailored plan.​

You’ll receive pre‑treatment guidance, which may include pausing certain actives (like strong retinoids), avoiding sunburn, and arriving with clean skin.

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During the Session

1. Cleansing and numbing – Your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and a topical numbing cream is applied to maximize comfort.​
2. Microneedling – The SkinPen handpiece glides across the treatment area in measured passes while the adjustable needles create uniform micro‑channels at controlled depths.​
3. Soothing and protection – A specialized hydrogel or post‑procedure serum is applied to calm the skin and support healing.​

Most SkinPen sessions take about 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the area treated.​

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Immediately After

You can expect:

• Pink to red skin similar to a mild sunburn for 24-48 hours​
• Mild tightness or sensitivity
• Possible pinpoint swelling in more delicate zones

Most clients return to normal activities within a day or two, following specific aftercare such as avoiding makeup for 24 hours and diligent sun protection.​

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How Many SkinPen Sessions Will You Need?

While some people notice a fresher look after a single session, SkinPen’s best results typically come from a series of treatments:

• Acne scars: Often 3-6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart​
• Neck wrinkles: Commonly 3 sessions at monthly intervals, with continued improvement over several months​
• General texture and radiance: 3 treatments is a common starting plan​

Your provider in Lincoln Park will customize a schedule based on the severity of your concerns and your skin’s response.

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Results: What You Can Expect

Short-Term

Within a week or two, many clients notice:

• Smoother feel and more even texture
• A subtle glow from increased cell turnover
• Makeup sitting better on the skin

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Long-Term

Over the following 3-6 months, as collagen remodeling continues, you can see:

• Softening of acne scars and depressed marks
• Reduced depth and visibility of neck lines and facial wrinkles
• Tighter, more resilient skin with improved overall tone

Clinical data shows SkinPen improved the appearance of facial acne scars in adults and neck wrinkles, with high patient satisfaction and strong safety profiles.​

Results are long‑lasting, especially when paired with sun protection, a supportive skincare routine, and occasional maintenance treatments.

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SkinPen vs. Other Microneedling and Resurfacing Options

SkinPen Microneedling

• FDA Status: First FDA‑cleared microneedling device for facial acne scars and neck wrinkles
• Mechanism: Controlled micro‑injuries without heat or chemicals
• Skin Types: All Fitzpatrick types for facial scars; II-IV for neck wrinkles
• Downtime: 1-3 days redness/sensitivity
• Risks: Low when performed properly; no thermal damage

Traditional Rollers

• FDA Status: Not FDA-cleared devices
• Mechanism: Manual puncturing, less uniform
• Skin Types: Variable safety
• Downtime: Similar or more irritation
• Risks: Higher risk of tearing or infection if reused

Many Lasers & Peels

• FDA Status: Many have specific FDA/CE indications
• Mechanism: Heat or chemical ablation/removal of tissue
• Skin Types: Some limited for darker tones
• Downtime: Can require longer downtime depending on depth
• Risks: Pigment changes, longer healing in some cases

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Who Is a Good Candidate?

SkinPen microneedling is suitable for most healthy adults who want to improve texture, scars, and early signs of aging. It may be especially good for you if:​

• You have lingering acne scars and uneven texture
• You want to soften neck lines without surgery or more aggressive treatments
• You’ve noticed fine lines, crepey areas, or early laxity
• You want an option safe across a wide range of skin tones

You may need to delay or avoid treatment if you have:

• Active skin infections, open wounds, or significant irritation in the area​
• Uncontrolled acne flares or certain medical conditions
• A history of keloid scarring (to be evaluated individually)

Your consultation at our Lincoln Park med spa will clarify candidacy and any needed prep.

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Safety, Comfort, and Aftercare

Is SkinPen Microneedling Safe?

Absolutely, and safety is a cornerstone of the SkinPen experience. The device itself holds FDA clearance and is engineered with rigorous precautions, including single-use, sterile needle cartridges for each session. Plus, a medical-grade protective sheath surrounds the pen during treatment to help prevent any risk of cross-contamination.

You can rest easy knowing that every aspect of the protocol, from the disposable components to the in-clinic sterilization measures, is designed for maximum safety. This meticulous approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of microneedling with minimal risk when performed by trained professionals.

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SkinPen’s FDA clearance reflects extensive testing of both the device and the treatment protocol, including single‑use needle cartridges, sterility measures, and a protective bio‑sheath to reduce cross‑contamination risks.​

To keep your experience comfortable and safe, we:

• Use topical numbing for most clients
• Follow validated depth and pass guidelines based on treatment area
• Provide medical‑grade aftercare products and instructions tailored to Chicago’s climate (dry winters, sunny summers)

Typical aftercare includes:

• Avoiding makeup for 24 hours
• Using gentle, non‑active cleansers and moisturizers
• Strict SPF use and sun avoidance during initial healing
• Avoiding hot saunas, intense exercise, or active topicals (like strong acids) for several days

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Why Choose Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park for SkinPen?

At Better Med Spa & Wellness, SkinPen microneedling is integrated into a broader, K‑beauty influenced approach to skin health and rejuvenation:

• Evidence-based device: We use the first FDA‑cleared microneedling system backed by over 90 validation studies for quality and safety.​
• Customization: Treatments are tailored by area (face, neck, sometimes décolletage) and concern (acne scars, neck lines, texture).
• Synergy with K‑beauty: Post‑treatment routines emphasize barrier repair, layered hydration, and gentle actives, ideal for coping with Chicago’s weather and urban stressors.
• Local convenience: Our Lincoln Park location is easy to reach from Lakeview, Old Town, Bucktown, and DePaul, making it realistic to complete your full SkinPen series and maintenance plan.

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Ready to Smooth, Renew, and Glow?

If acne scars, fine lines, or uneven texture make you feel less confident on Zoom, out at dinner in Lincoln Park, or under Chicago’s bright summer sun, SkinPen microneedling offers a safe, proven way to rebuild smoother, healthier skin from within.​

Book a SkinPen consultation at Better Med Spa & Wellness to see if this collagen‑inducing treatment is right for your skin and goals. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you feel more at home in your skin - no filters required.

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The content provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical conditions. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, but outcomes and experiences may vary. Our med spa is not responsible for any actions taken based on this blog. If treatments, products, or procedures are mentioned, please consult with a licensed professional to determine if they are appropriate for you.