Dr. Pen Speed Levels Guide

Find the Right Microneedling Speed for Every Treatment Area

Choosing the right speed setting is an important part of using your Dr. Pen microneedling device.

Dr. Pen devices allow you to adjust both needle depth and needle speed, giving you greater control over your treatment. While needle depth determines how far the needles travel, the speed setting controls how quickly the cartridge needles move up and down.

The ideal setting can vary depending on the treatment area, your experience level, cartridge type, skin tolerance, and the specific Dr. Pen model you are using.

If you're new to microneedling, start conservatively and become familiar with your device before increasing the speed.

Quick Dr. Pen Speed Chart

*Higher speeds and deeper treatments should only be used when appropriate for your device, experience level, and treatment protocol.

Important: These are general reference ranges rather than mandatory settings. Always follow the instructions supplied with your specific Dr. Pen model.

What Do Dr. Pen Speed Levels Mean?

The speed level determines how quickly the needles inside the cartridge move vertically.

Levels 1–2 — Low Speed

Best for:

• Beginners

• Around the eyes

• Around the lips

• Nose

• Forehead

• Small or delicate areas

• Treatments where additional control is preferred

Lower speeds can make it easier to control the movement of the pen, particularly when you're learning how to use your Dr. Pen.

Best choice when: precision and control are more important than covering a large area quickly.

Levels 3–4 — Medium Speed

Best for:

• Cheeks

• Jawline

• General facial treatments

• Neck

• Scalp

• Larger facial areas

Medium speeds offer a balance between control and treatment efficiency.

For many users, Levels 3–4 can become useful general-purpose settings once they are comfortable handling the device.

Best choice when: you want a balance between precision and efficient coverage.

Levels 5–6 — High Speed

Best suited to:

• Larger body areas

• Thicker skin areas

• Stretch marks

• Certain scar treatments

• Experienced or professional users

Higher speeds produce faster needle movement and allow larger treatment areas to be covered efficiently.

They are not automatically “better” than lower settings.

Higher speed does not mean better results.

The appropriate speed depends on the treatment area, needle depth, cartridge, technique, device model, and individual skin response.

Recommended Speed by Facial Area

Forehead — Level 1–3

The forehead has relatively thin skin and sits directly over the frontal bone.

A lower-to-medium speed provides greater control and may feel more comfortable.

Suggested starting point: Level 1–2

Between the Eyebrows — Level 1–3

This is a relatively small treatment area, so precision is more important than maximum speed.

Suggested starting point: Level 1–2

Around the Eyes — Level 1–2

The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate.

Use conservative settings and avoid the eyelids and areas too close to the eye itself.

Suggested starting point: Level 1

Nose — Level 1–2

Because the nose is a small, contoured area, slower speeds can make it easier to maintain control.

Suggested starting point: Level 1

Cheekbones — Level 1–3

The skin over the cheekbones can be more sensitive because of the underlying bone structure.

Suggested starting point: Level 2

Cheeks — Level 2–4

The cheeks generally have more soft tissue than areas such as the forehead or nose.

This often makes them suitable for moderate speeds.

Suggested starting point: Level 2–3

Around the Lips — Level 1–2

The lip area is sensitive and requires careful control.

Use a lower speed and conservative needle depth.

Suggested starting point: Level 1

Jawline & Chin — Level 2–4

These areas can generally tolerate moderate speeds better than thinner facial zones.

Suggested starting point: Level 2–3

Face vs. Body: Which Speed Should You Use?

FACE

Recommended range: Level 1–4

Lower speeds are generally preferred for delicate areas, while medium speeds may be suitable for areas with more soft tissue such as the cheeks and jawline.

BODY

Recommended range: Level 4–6

Larger body areas may benefit from higher speeds because they allow more efficient coverage.

For deeper scars, stretch marks, or advanced treatments, consider professional treatment rather than simply increasing your device settings.

What Speed Should Beginners Use?

If this is your first time using a Dr. Pen, we recommend starting at:

Level 1–2

Starting slowly helps you:

• Learn how the pen feels

• Control your hand movement

• Understand how your skin responds

• Practice consistent pressure

• Become familiar with different facial contours

Once you're comfortable with your technique, you can gradually adjust the speed when appropriate.

There is no need to immediately use the highest setting.

Does Higher Speed Mean Deeper Microneedling?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about microneedling.

Speed and needle depth are two separate settings.

Speed

Controls how quickly the needles move.

Depth

Controls the selected needle travel/depth setting of the device.

For example, choosing Level 6 does not mean you should automatically select a deeper needle setting.

Always choose speed and depth independently according to the treatment area and your experience.

Should I Move the Pen Faster at a Higher Speed?

Your hand speed matters too.

A higher motor speed does not mean you should hold the device stationary on one spot for longer.

Use smooth, controlled movements and avoid excessive repeated passes over the same area.

The goal is consistent coverage, not maximum intensity.

Which Speed Should I Use for Different Cartridges?

Cartridge design can affect how the device feels against the skin.

Lower Pin Count Cartridges

Examples:
9-pin / 11-pin / 12-pin / 16-pin / 18-pin

These cartridges concentrate the needles over a smaller area and are commonly selected when greater precision is required.

A low-to-medium speed is a sensible starting point.

Higher Pin Count Cartridges

Examples:
24-pin / 36-pin / 42-pin

These cartridges distribute contact across more needles and are often selected for broader treatment areas.

Medium speeds may provide smooth, consistent coverage.

Nano Cartridges

Examples:
Nano-R / Nano-S / Round Nano

Nano cartridges are designed for superficial cosmetic treatments rather than traditional microneedling.

A low-to-medium speed is usually sufficient.

Always follow the instructions for your specific cartridge and device.

Speed + Depth: Use Them Together

For the best control, think about speed and depth together rather than treating them as a single setting.

Sensitive Area

Lower Speed + Conservative Depth

Suitable for areas such as around the eyes, forehead, and around the lips.

General Facial Area

Low-to-Medium Speed + Appropriate Depth

Suitable for cheeks, chin, and jawline.

Larger Body Area

Medium-to-Higher Speed + Area-Appropriate Depth

May be suitable for larger body treatment areas when performed correctly.

The correct combination should always be determined by the treatment area, skin condition, cartridge, device model, and user experience.

Our Recommended Beginner Rule

Not sure which speed to choose?

Remember this simple rule:

Start Low → Test → Observe → Adjust

1. Start Low
Begin with Level 1 or Level 2.

2. Test
Start on a small treatment area.

3. Observe
Pay attention to comfort, skin response, and how easily you can control the device.

4. Adjust
Increase the speed gradually only when appropriate.

You don't need the highest speed to achieve a successful treatment.

Important Safety Tips

Before using your Dr. Pen:

• Always use a new, sterile cartridge for each treatment session.

• Never share cartridges between users.

• Wash your hands before handling the device or cartridge.

• Clean the treatment area before use.

• Do not microneedle over active acne lesions, open wounds, irritated skin, or active skin infections.

• Do not repeatedly treat the same spot excessively.

• Start conservatively if you are new to microneedling.

• Follow the instructions provided with your specific Dr. Pen model.

• Seek professional advice if you are unsure whether microneedling is appropriate for your skin.

Professional or deeper microneedling treatments should be performed by appropriately trained professionals where required by local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Dr. Pen speed for beginners?

Level 1 or Level 2 is generally the best starting point because it provides greater control while you learn how the device moves.

What speed should I use on my face?

A general facial range is Level 1–4. Use lower settings for delicate areas and moderate settings for fleshier areas such as the cheeks.

What speed should I use around my eyes?

Start with Level 1. The eye area is delicate and should always be treated conservatively.

What speed should I use on my cheeks?

Level 2–4 is a useful general range, with Level 2–3 being a conservative starting point.

What speed should I use on my forehead?

Generally Level 1–3. Beginners can start at Level 1.

What speed should I use for acne scars?

There is no single speed setting for all acne scars. Cartridge choice, scar type, treatment depth, technique, and professional experience are also important. More aggressive scar treatments should be performed by trained professionals.

What speed should I use for stretch marks?

Larger body areas may use Level 4–6, but stretch-mark treatments can involve more advanced microneedling techniques. Do not simply increase speed or depth to make a treatment “stronger.”

Is Level 6 better than Level 3?

No. Higher speed is not automatically better. The correct speed is the one appropriate for the area being treated and your technique.

Does a higher speed make the needles go deeper?

Speed controls how quickly the needles move, while the depth dial controls the selected needle travel. Treat these as separate settings.

Can I use the same speed for my entire face?

You can, but adjusting the speed for different facial areas can provide better control. For example, you may use a lower setting around the nose and eyes and a moderate setting on the cheeks.

Which Dr. Pen has 6 speed levels?

Many popular Dr. Pen models offer six adjustable speed settings, including the M8S, M8, M9, A6S and A11. Check the specifications of the individual device before purchasing.

Find Your Perfect Dr. Pen

Different Dr. Pen models offer different motors, cartridge systems, speed settings, and features.

Dr. Pen M8S

Best All-Round Choice

6 adjustable speed levels with a wide selection of compatible cartridges.

Shop Dr. Pen M8S →

Dr. Pen M9

Advanced Performance

Designed for users looking for a newer-generation Dr. Pen with precise electronic control.

Shop Dr. Pen M9 →

Dr. Pen A11

Professional-Style Choice

A versatile option for users who want advanced features and multiple speed settings.

Shop Dr. Pen A11 →

Dr. Pen A6S

Beginner-Friendly Classic

A popular choice with adjustable speed and depth settings.

Shop Dr. Pen A6S →

Complete Your Microneedling Guide

Speed is only one part of choosing the right settings.

For the best experience, read our complete guides:

Dr. Pen Needle Depth Guide →

Learn which needle depths are generally used for different treatment areas.

Dr. Pen Cartridge Guide →

Compare 12-pin, 18-pin, 24-pin, 36-pin, 42-pin and Nano cartridges.

How to Use a Dr. Pen →

Follow our step-by-step microneedling guide for beginners.

Dr. Pen Model Comparison →

Compare the M8S, M9, A11, A6S and other popular Dr. Pen devices.

Choose the Right Setting. Treat with Confidence.

Every treatment area is different.

Start conservatively, use the appropriate cartridge, adjust your speed and depth independently, and always follow the instructions for your specific Dr. Pen device.

Shop Dr. Pen Microneedling Pens →

Shop Replacement Cartridges →

Compare Dr. Pen Models →