Posted by beautimate support
Microneedling guide
What to check on a microneedling pen’s depth dial
Two microneedling pens can both have a 0.5 mm setting and still offer very different adjustment ranges. One might stop at 0.5 mm; another might continue to 2.5 mm. If you are comparing pens for home use, that difference is worth checking.
This guide explains what the numbers mean, how a maximum differs from a selected setting, and which cartridge details to check before buying.
The short answer: A depth setting is the needle-length setting you choose. The maximum is the highest setting the pen allows. The Beautimate Microneedle Pen adjusts from 0 to 0.5 mm, including 0.25 mm. You do not have to use its maximum.
1. What do the numbers on a microneedling pen mean?
The numbers on the depth dial describe needle-length settings in millimeters. For example, 0.25 mm is a shorter setting than 0.5 mm.
When reading a product description, look for the complete adjustment range. “Adjustable depth” tells you that the setting can change, but it does not tell you how short or long the available settings are.
Also distinguish depth from two other specifications:
- Pin count: Numbers such as 12, 18 or 36 describe how many needles are in a cartridge, not their length.
- Speed: A speed setting controls the rate of needle movement. It is separate from the needle-length setting.
The depth number is a device setting, not a measurement of exactly how far a needle enters your skin during use. Follow the instructions for your particular pen and cartridge.
2. A 0.5 mm setting versus a 0.5 mm maximum
A pen with a wider range can be set to 0.5 mm without being limited to 0.5 mm. Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Example pen: 0–2.5 mm | Beautimate pen: 0–0.5 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Offers a 0.5 mm setting | Yes | Yes |
| Allows settings above 0.5 mm | Yes | No |
| Maximum setting | 2.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
The wider-range pen is an illustrative example, not a comparison with a specific brand.
Both pens are adjustable. The difference is where adjustment stops. Beautimate’s dial does not offer settings of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm or higher.
A higher maximum does not, by itself, make a pen better for home use. Equally, a shorter maximum does not establish that a pen is suitable for every person. It tells you the available range—not which setting your skin needs.
3. What does a doctor’s advice tell you about home use?
In his public discussion of at-home microneedling, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh emphasizes conservative needle lengths and proper hygiene. He advises against deeper lengths without professional guidance and explains that home devices differ from in-office treatments.
His comments concern home microneedling generally and are not an endorsement of Beautimate.
General advice is useful context, but it is not an assessment of your skin or a reason to select the highest setting. A pen’s maximum should not be treated as a starting point or a target to work toward.
4. What else should you check before choosing a pen?
Once you understand the depth range, look at the details you will need for each use:
- Cartridge compatibility. Check the exact pen model a replacement cartridge fits. A matching pin count does not establish compatibility.
- Single-use cartridges. Look for individually sealed, sterile needle cartridges and use a fresh one for each session. Do not reuse or share them.
- Replacement availability and cost. Compare the cost of the pen together with the cartridges you will need, rather than the device price alone.
- Clear instructions. You should be able to find directions for fitting a cartridge, adjusting the pen, cleaning reusable parts and disposing of used cartridges.
Before use: Follow your pen’s instructions, keep your hands and work area clean, and avoid active acne, irritated or broken skin. Ask a qualified clinician about suitability if you have a skin condition, a condition affecting healing, or are unsure whether microneedling is appropriate for you.
For setup and handling, see our step-by-step guide to using a microneedling pen at home.
Adjustable 0–0.5 mm range
Beautimate Microneedle Pen
Explore the pen’s features, single-use cartridge options and instructions for home use.
