Nano Needling vs Microneedling: Which Is Right for At-Home Use?

Updated October 27, 2026. Published by NDP, which sells the pens and chips discussed here.

Quick answer: Nano needling and microneedling are different tools for different jobs. A nano needling pen uses single-use silicon chips (about 80 nm tip diameter) to help your serums absorb better at home, designed to be painless with no downtime. Microneedling uses metal needles in a procedure directed by a clinician for selected concerns, including some scars. One does not replace the other.

Choose nano needling if you want your serums to work harder in a gentle, repeatable home routine. Choose professional microneedling if you want a clinician to assess a specific concern such as acne scarring.

Nano Needling vs Microneedling at a Glance

Aspect	Nano needling (e.g. NDP)	Microneedling
Tips	Single-use silicon Nano Chips, about 80 nm tip diameter, 0.15–0.50 mm lengths	Metal needles
Who uses it	You, at home, with your own serum	A clinician, or a trained provider, in a procedure
Purpose	Helping serums absorb better in a cosmetic home routine	Clinician-assessed concerns, including selected scars
Recovery	Often little visible downtime; redness or sensitivity can occur	Varies; redness, swelling and recovery can last days
Frequency	Follow chip-length guidance and your skin's tolerance	Set by the clinician and treatment plan
Hygiene	New chip every session; do not share	Provider follows device cleaning and cartridge-replacement rules
Cost	One-time Luxury pen kit from USD $129 (10 chips included), extra chips from USD $2.50 each	Per-session fees set by the provider
Choose it if	You want better serum absorption at home with no downtime	You want a professional to assess a specific concern

Quick Questions

Which is better for at-home use, nano needling or microneedling?

For at-home use, nano needling. It uses single-use silicon nano tips on the skin surface with the serum you already use, it is painless for most users and there is no downtime. Microneedling with metal needles is best left to a trained professional.

Is there downtime after nano needling compared with microneedling?

Most people go about their day right after nano needling, and any mild redness usually fades quickly. Professional microneedling often brings redness or swelling that can last a few days.

Which nano needling pen should I choose?

For home use we recommend the rechargeable NDP Luxury pens, Luxury Classic or Luxury Modern. They have the same three speed settings and use the same single-use Nano Chips, and differ only in design. Kits start at USD $129 with 10 Nano Chips.

What Published Research Says

One small split-face study of nanochips versus traditional microneedles at equal lengths (Tao et al., Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2017, 16 subjects) found that skin-barrier function recovered within 4 to 8 hours after nanochip treatment, compared with at least 48 to 72 hours after traditional microneedles. That measures recovery after treatment, not skincare results, and it did not test NDP. The FDA notes that microneedling may not always give the desired aesthetic outcome and that any improvement may be temporary: FDA consumer update and FDA: Microneedling Devices.

Using a Nano Needling Pen Safely

Use a fresh, individually sealed chip every session and never share chips or pens
Use on clean skin and avoid broken, infected or inflamed skin
Start with shorter chips (0.15 or 0.20 mm) and build up slowly
Avoid strong acids, retinoids or strong exfoliants right before or after a session

Read Is Nano Needling Safe? for more precautions, and Microchanneling vs Microneedling vs Nano Infusion if you are comparing terms.

New to the term? Here is what nano needling is and how it works.

Ready to Compare NDP Pens?

For a rechargeable pen with three speed settings and stronger power, choose the Luxury Classic nano needling pen or Luxury Modern. Both are USD $129 with 10 Nano Chips, USD $159 with 30 or USD $179 with 40, and they share the same specs, differing only in design. NDP also has other pen styles, but they run on dry AA or AAA batteries, so we recommend the rechargeable Luxury pens. See the NDP Luxury Modern Nano Infusion Pen Kit, or read our at-home device buying guide for prices and refills.

Common Questions

Is nano needling better than microneedling?

They serve different goals. For a gentle home routine that helps serums absorb better with no downtime, nano needling is the better fit. Professional microneedling is a clinician-directed procedure for selected concerns.

Does nano needling hurt?

Most people describe nano needling as a light, textured glide rather than pain. Because the silicon nano tips stay at the surface, there is no traditional microneedling recovery period. Comfort varies by person, chip length and speed. Temporary redness, sensitivity or discomfort can still occur. Stop use if skin becomes irritated.

Is nano needling the same as microneedling?

No. Nano needling uses single-use silicon chips with tips of about 80 nm. Microneedling uses metal needles and is intended to puncture the skin in a controlled procedure.

Can nano needling replace professional microneedling?

No. It is not a substitute for clinical treatment of acne scars, deep wrinkles or skin conditions. Talk to a qualified clinician about those concerns.

How often can I use a nano needling pen?

Frequency depends on chip length and skin tolerance, and shorter chips are used more often than longer ones. Start conservatively and use the frequency guide.

Who should avoid nano needling?

Avoid broken, infected or inflamed skin and significant irritation. Ask a clinician first if you have eczema, rosacea, a compromised skin barrier or another active skin condition.

Disclosure: NDP publishes this guide and sells the products it covers. It is a feature comparison, not an independent ranking or medical advice. Skin responses vary, and temporary redness or sensitivity can occur.