OVERVIEW
When a friend gifted me the Dr Pen M8 microneedling pen, I was intrigued but also a little hesitant. I’d heard plenty of good things about microneedling – how it can reduce the effects of ageing, minimise pores, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, tackle hair loss, pigmentation, redness, scarring, stretch marks, and sun damage, and even help with toning and firming. The M8 model, in particular, is touted as a professional-grade device that’s used in salons but is also suitable for home use. It sounded like it could be the answer to all my 40-something skin woes, but I'll be honest - the idea of all those tiny needles puncturing my skin was terrifying! The pen sat in my cupboard for several months before I worked up the courage to give it a go. Read on for my honest review of the Dr Pen M8 microneedling pen.
What’s in the Box
The Dr Pen M8 kit comes with everything you need to get started: the device itself, which feels well-made and surprisingly sturdy – not flimsy or cheap like other beauty gadgets.
There are two nano needle cartridges included, along with an AU charger adapter, a USB charger cable, an instruction manual, and a neat travel case to keep it all together. You charge it up before use, and once charged, it’s completely wireless, which makes it super convenient.
At the time of writing, the Dr Pen M8 retails for AU$299 on the Dr Pen website, and you can buy a pack of 10 replacement nano needle heads for AU$59.95. Plus, there’s free shipping on orders over AU$99. Just so you know, I’m not affiliated with Dr Pen and don’t receive any financial compensation for this review – I’m just sharing my honest thoughts!
How Does the Dr Pen Work?
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process. This, in turn, boosts collagen and elastin production, making the skin appear firmer, plumper, and smoother. The pen can be moved in multiple directions, allowing you to target any area of the face, neck, neckline, stomach, thighs, buttocks, or scalp.
For more detailed instructions on how to use the Dr Pen M8, check out their instruction guide or watch the video below.
It's important to prepare your skin properly to minimise bleeding and irritation – avoid anti-inflammatory medication, alcohol, and fish oil tablets for three days prior to treatment. And it's worth noting that you shouldn’t use the pen on open wounds, acne, or irritated skin, and it’s always wise to consult a medical professional beforehand.
My First Experience
When it finally came time to use it, I followed all the recommended prep steps: tied my hair back, double-cleansed my face, patted my skin dry with a clean towel, and applied isopropyl alcohol (Dr Pen recommend 70% or stronger isopropyl solutions). I chose to skip numbing cream (I prefer to keep things as natural as possible), but Dr Pen does recommend using one that contains at least 5% Lidocaine if you’re worried about pain.
Next, I applied a hydrating serum (Dr Pen recommend hyaluronic acid) to help the pen glide over the skin smoothly. Be sure to avoid Vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliants before treatment, as these can cause a reaction. I then inserted a brand-new sterile needle cartridge into the pen – each one comes sealed in an individual package to ensure it’s safe and clean.
The Treatment Process
I started with a needle depth of 0.25mm and a speed setting of 1. The Dr Pen M8 offers depths ranging from 0.25mm to 2.5mm and six speed settings, so there’s plenty of flexibility depending on your needs. The general recommendation is to use a ‘star’ or ‘asterisk’ pattern – horizontal strokes, followed by vertical, then diagonal in both directions. I found this pattern a bit uncomfortable, so I ended up using a circular motion instead.
Was It Painful?
Honestly, yes – it was pretty uncomfortable! At the shallow depth I started with, it wasn’t unbearable, but it did make my eyes water, and at one point, it made me sneeze repeatedly (weird, right?). As I increased the depth to 0.5mm on my cheeks (where my skin was plumper) and 0.75mm on my neck, the discomfort definitely intensified. It wasn’t exactly painful, it sat somewhere between being moderately uncomfortable and painful – like the feeling of plucking out a nose hair over and over again. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with a low pain tolerance, unless they were to use a numbing cream prior.
Immediate Aftermath
As soon as I finished, my face was bright red, prickly, and felt like it was on fire!!
It was also INCREDIBLY itchy – to the point where I questioned if I’d ever use the pen again. The redness subsided after about 6-7 hours, but during that time it felt hot to touch and like I had been badly sunburned.
The itching gradually eased over the course of the day and evening. I applied some Black Jamaican castor oil before bed (a beautiful, natural emollient!) which was soothing and helped lock in some much needed moisture.
The Next Day – Was It Worth It?
When I woke up, I was honestly amazed. The redness was almost completely gone, and my skin looked smooth, plump, and refreshed. Even my rosacea seemed reduced, and my fine lines around my eyes and mouth were noticeably diminished. The texture on my cheeks looked better than it had for years! I was surprised to see these kinds of results so quickly. Despite the discomfort, I found myself reconsidering my initial thoughts about never using it again!
Long-Term Results and Recommendations
I plan to continue using the Dr Pen M8 every 4-6 weeks to see how my skin progresses, and will update this blog at each stage. The official website claims up to 90% visible improvement in fine lines and wrinkles after 3-6 treatments, along with significant improvements in collagen and elastin production.
In the meantime, here's a great review from the Life & DIY channel on YouTube. Skip to around the 3 minute 50 second mark for some before and after Dr Pen microneedling photos (screengrab below). The results are incredible!
Final Review of the Dr Pen M8 Microneedling Pen
Despite my initial reservations and the short-term discomfort, I have to admit that I’m impressed with the results. The Dr Pen M8 is a quality device that delivers salon-like results at home. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, and yes, you might feel like your face is on fire for a few hours, but in my opinion, the results are well worth it. I would highly recommend this product to my family and friends to try.
If you’re willing to put up with a bit of discomfort for smoother, healthier-looking, less wrinkled skin, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. Just remember to do your research, follow the instructions and sanitation processes, and take proper care of your skin before and after treatment.
Happy Microneedling!
Disclaimer:The opinions expressed in this review are solely those of the author and are based on personal experience. Results may vary from person to person. This review is not sponsored, and the author has not received any financial compensation from Dr Pen or any affiliated companies.
Medical Disclaimer: Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new skincare treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or skin concerns. The author is not a medical professional, and the information provided in this post should not be considered medical advice. Use the Dr Pen M8 or any microneedling device at your own risk.
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