Quick answer: Nanoneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny channels at the skin’s surface, mainly to help serums absorb and refresh texture, with minimal downtime. Microneedling uses longer needles, commonly 0.5 to 2 millimeters, that reach the living layers of skin to trigger collagen production, and the FDA recommends having it done by a health care provider trained in the procedure. At Skin Lounge in Boca Raton, nanoneedling is our Skin Rejuvenation Facial ($220, 50 minutes); microneedling is not on our menu.
The names sound almost identical, but the two treatments work at different depths, come with different recovery and are regulated differently. Here is an honest look at both, including when a dermatologist is the better choice.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. Those small injuries prompt the body to make collagen, which is why it is used for acne scars, wrinkles, large pores, stretch marks and uneven texture (American Academy of Dermatology). Needle lengths range from 0.5 to 2 millimeters (Cleveland Clinic). A dermatology review notes that 0.5 or 1.0 mm is usually recommended for aging skin and wrinkles, and 1.5 to 2 mm for acne and other scars (Singh and Yadav, 2016).
Because the needles reach living skin, microneedling devices are regulated as medical devices. The FDA has cleared them to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in patients aged 22 and older, and it has not authorized any microneedling medical devices for over-the-counter sale (FDA).
Results build slowly. For acne scars, the AAD says you may need 3 to 5 treatments performed every 2 to 4 weeks, and full results usually take several months (AAD). Cleveland Clinic notes treatments are often 3 to 8 weeks apart, with results taking 3 to 6 months (Cleveland Clinic).
What is nanoneedling?
Nanoneedling works at the surface. Our menu describes it this way: ultra-fine needles create microchannels in the skin’s surface, which helps skincare products absorb and supports collagen, and because the needles are smaller than in traditional microneedling, discomfort and downtime are reduced.
The FDA explains that some needling products have needles so short they only touch the topmost layer of skin, which is mainly dry, dead skin, while others reach deeper layers with living cells, nerves and blood vessels (FDA). Nanoneedling is designed to work at that surface level rather than deep in the dermis. That depth difference matters for regulation too: needling products that do not penetrate living skin and only exfoliate or improve the skin’s look and feel generally are not regulated as devices (FDA).
An honest caveat: “nanoneedling” is not a standardized clinical term, tip designs vary between brands, and there is far less published research on it than on microneedling. Expect gradual refinement of texture and glow, not the scar remodeling that microneedling devices are cleared for.
How do depth, downtime and results compare?
| Nanoneedling | Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | The skin’s surface | The living layers of skin (epidermis and dermis) |
| Needle length | Ultra-fine, surface-level tips; varies by device | Commonly 0.5 to 2 mm |
| Main goal | Smoother-looking texture, glow and better serum absorption | Collagen induction for acne scars, wrinkles and other scars |
| Common side effects | Temporary pinkness and warmth | Bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching and peeling, usually gone in days to weeks |
| Typical downtime | Pink, warm-looking skin for a few hours, sometimes until the next day | Redness or darker shading for several days to a week; no makeup for 24 hours |
| Sessions | A short series, planned by your esthetician | Often 3 to 5 for acne scars, weeks apart; full results take months |
| Who performs it | Licensed estheticians in a spa setting | The FDA recommends a health care provider trained in microneedling |
| At Skin Lounge | Skin Rejuvenation Facial, $220, 50 min | Not on our menu; see a dermatologist |
Table notes: microneedling figures come from Cleveland Clinic, the AAD and the FDA. Nanoneedling details reflect our Skin Rejuvenation Facial menu description and aftercare.
Why does Skin Lounge offer nanoneedling but not microneedling?
Skin Lounge’s menu is built around non-invasive facials performed by our licensed estheticians, and nanoneedling fits that model. The Skin Rejuvenation Facial is a 50-minute visit: a cleanse, a nanoneedling pass over the skin in sections, serums worked in while the channels are open, and a calming finish with SPF. Expect a pink, warm look for a few hours.
Microneedling is a different category. It deliberately punctures into living skin, its devices are FDA-regulated, and the AAD notes that people see more significant and long-lasting improvement with a board-certified dermatologist than with DIY microneedling or microneedling performed in a non-medical spa (AAD). Microneedling is not on our menu, and if your goals call for it, we will tell you and suggest seeing a dermatologist.
Who is better served by microneedling from a dermatologist?
- Depressed acne scars. Dermatologists often pair microneedling with radiofrequency, chemical peels or platelet-rich plasma (AAD).
- Surgical or traumatic scars and stretch marks, which the ASDS lists among microneedling’s uses, typically as a series of at least three monthly treatments (ASDS).
- Facial wrinkles, one of the uses FDA-cleared devices are authorized for (FDA).
- Anyone who needs a diagnosis first, such as persistent acne, a changing mole or pigment that keeps coming back.
Nanoneedling is the better fit when your goals are rough or uneven texture, dullness, early fine lines or skin that has stopped responding to creams alone, and you want little downtime. If you are not sure which group you fall into, the free 30-minute consultation is a good place to find out.
Is nanoneedling safe, and who should skip needling?
Any treatment that works through the skin’s surface needs clean technique and the right candidate. The FDA lists situations where microneedling may not be appropriate, including bleeding or clotting disorders, blood thinners, a weakened immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, active infections or cold sores, eczema, psoriasis or vitiligo, keloid scars, isotretinoin use within the past 6 months, recent sun exposure, and pregnancy or breastfeeding (FDA). The AAD adds that you should wait if you have a tan, a skin infection or painful pimples with pus (AAD).
We apply similar caution to nanoneedling. The Skin Rejuvenation Facial is not recommended during pregnancy, with active acne or infection, cold sores, sunburn, eczema or psoriasis in the area, or within 6 months of an isotretinoin course. Tell us about blood thinners, keloid scarring or recent injectables when you book.
Skin tone is worth discussing too. The FDA lists darker skin types among its cautions because of a risk of darkening or lightening after microneedling (FDA), while the AAD states that microneedling is safe for all skin tones (AAD). If you have a deeper skin tone and a history of dark marks after irritation, bring it up at your consultation.
Leave at-home rollers alone. The AAD warns that at-home microneedling can spread warts, herpes and other viruses across the skin, and that pressing too hard can cause scarring or changes in skin color (AAD).
After nanoneedling, skip makeup, workouts, saunas and swimming for 24 hours, leave out retinol, exfoliating acids and scrubs for about a week, and wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day (AAD). In Boca Raton’s year-round sun, that last step matters most.
Nanoneedling and microneedling FAQs
Is nanoneedling the same as microneedling?
No. Both use tiny needles, but nanoneedling works at the skin’s surface with ultra-fine tips, while microneedling uses needles of roughly 0.5 to 2 mm that reach living skin (Cleveland Clinic). That depth difference drives the gap in downtime, results and who should perform it.
Does nanoneedling hurt?
Most people describe a light, sandpaper-like scratch rather than a needle prick, strongest over bony areas like the forehead and jawline. Your esthetician can ease the pressure if a spot feels tender.
Can nanoneedling help acne scars?
It can help the surface look smoother over a series, but depressed acne scars sit deeper than nanoneedling is designed to reach. A board-certified dermatologist can talk you through microneedling and other scar treatments (AAD).
How much does nanoneedling cost in Boca Raton?
At Skin Lounge, the Skin Rejuvenation Facial (nanoneedling) is $220 for a 50-minute session. For every other facial price, see our Boca Raton facial price guide.
How many nanoneedling sessions will I need?
You may notice a smoother, brighter look after one session, but texture and fine lines respond best to a series. Your esthetician will suggest how many visits, and how far apart, once they see how your skin responds.
Can I do microneedling at home instead?
It is not a good idea. The FDA has not authorized any microneedling medical devices for over-the-counter sale (FDA), and the AAD warns that at-home use can spread infection and cause scarring (AAD).
Can I get nanoneedling while pregnant?
We do not recommend it during pregnancy. The Mother-to-Be Glow Ritual ($199) is designed for this stage, and please check with your OB before booking any skin treatment.
What pairs well with nanoneedling?
Non-invasive RF for the face ($250) focuses on firmness, so the two can be planned in one program on separate days, and a HydroDiamond Facial ($175) between sessions keeps skin hydrated. Wait at least a week before a peel or facial waxing.
Book at Skin Lounge
Read more about the Skin Rejuvenation Facial, or explore our other anti-aging treatments, including RF skin tightening. When you are ready, Request an appointment and mention any medications, recent treatments or pregnancy so we can confirm nanoneedling is right for you. We are at 2061 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 205, Boca Raton.
Sources
- Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Microneedling Devices, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more, American Academy of Dermatology
- Acne scars: Consultation and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology
- Microneedling: What It Is, Uses, Benefits and Results, Cleveland Clinic
- Microneedling, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2016, PubMed Central, NIH
- How to select a sunscreen, American Academy of Dermatology
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