Quick answer: There is no universal “best” Dr. Pen speed for the face, body, forehead, nose, eye area, scars, or any other treatment area. A speed setting controls how quickly the motor cycles the cartridge, but it should not be treated as a direct measure of needle depth, treatment strength, safety, or expected results. Follow the instructions supplied with your exact Dr. Pen model and cartridge. If the intended use penetrates living skin, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a generic online speed chart.
This guide explains how to think about speed settings without turning numbered speed levels into a one-size-fits-all treatment prescription.
What Does the Speed Setting on a Dr. Pen Control?
On a motorized microneedling pen, the speed control changes how quickly the motor moves the cartridge needles in and out. The number of available levels and the motor specification vary by model, so “Level 3” on one pen should not automatically be assumed to equal Level 3 on another.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that some motorized microneedling devices allow a trained healthcare practitioner to adjust both the depth and the speed of needle penetration. That does not establish one universal speed setting for every device, person, body area, or intended use.
Does a Higher Speed Mean Deeper Needle Penetration?
Not necessarily. The previous version of this guide stated that a higher speed often means deeper penetration. That wording was too broad.
Speed and needle-depth settings are separate controls on adjustable devices. The depth dial or mechanism determines the listed needle-extension setting, while actual penetration into skin can also be influenced by the specific device and cartridge, pressure, technique, movement, skin thickness, treatment area, and other factors.
A higher speed therefore should not be interpreted as a shortcut to deeper, stronger, more effective, or more professional treatment.
For a dedicated explanation of depth, read our Dr. Pen Needle Depth Guide.
Why We Removed the Old Face and Body Speed Chart
The previous article assigned ranges such as “Face 1–4,” “Body 4–6,” and separate speeds for the forehead, nose, eye area, cheeks, and lips. Those ranges were too general because they did not account for model differences, cartridge design, intended use, individual anatomy, skin condition, or whether the procedure would penetrate living skin.
| Situation | Why a universal speed is unreliable | Safer approach |
|---|---|---|
| Different Dr. Pen models | Speed levels and motor specifications can differ between devices. | Use the instructions for the exact model rather than transferring a level from another pen. |
| Different cartridges | Pin count, cartridge construction, and compatibility can change how the device feels and operates. | Use only the cartridge family listed for the device and follow its instructions. |
| Face or delicate areas | Skin thickness and underlying anatomy vary by location and person. | Do not rely on a generic “face speed” or “eye-area speed.” Follow device labeling and professional guidance when appropriate. |
| Scars or other concerns involving deeper penetration | The intended procedure may involve living tissue and greater risk. | Seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional rather than increasing speed or depth on your own. |
| Body areas | A larger or thicker-feeling area does not automatically justify a higher speed. | Do not increase speed simply to make a session feel faster or more intensive. |
Should Beginners Always Start at Speed 1?
There is no universal beginner speed that applies to every Dr. Pen model. The safest starting point is the model-specific manual and intended use. If the manufacturer provides a starting procedure, follow that procedure rather than using an online rule such as “always begin at Level 1 and work upward.”
Do not increase speed simply because a previous setting felt comfortable or because you want faster visible results. Comfort alone does not establish that a more intensive setting is appropriate.
Is a Higher Speed More Effective for the Body, Stretch Marks, or Acne Scars?
No universal claim can be made. The previous version suggested that higher speeds could be more efficient and effective on larger body areas, stretch marks, or acne scars. That recommendation has been removed.
The FDA has authorized only specific microneedling medical devices for specific indications, body areas, and patient populations. Acne-scar and other penetrating microneedling procedures should not be reduced to a generic speed recommendation. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes microneedling as a medical treatment and recommends qualified medical expertise for procedures intended to puncture the skin.
Speed, Needle Depth, Pin Count, Pressure, and Passes Are Different Variables
- Speed controls how quickly the motor cycles the cartridge.
- Needle depth is the device's adjustable needle-extension setting, where available.
- Pin count describes the number or style of contact points in the cartridge.
- Pressure and technique describe how the device is physically handled.
- Number of passes describes how many times an area is treated.
Do not compensate for a lower speed by increasing depth, pressure, or the number of passes, and do not assume a higher speed allows a deeper setting. These variables interact, and increasing several of them at once can increase skin exposure and risk.
For cartridge selection and compatibility, see our Dr. Pen Cartridge Guide.
At-Home Cosmetic Use and Professional Microneedling Are Not the Same
The FDA distinguishes between products that only affect the outermost skin surface and microneedling medical devices that penetrate living layers of skin. The FDA states that it has not authorized microneedling medical devices for over-the-counter sale and recommends a healthcare provider with special training in microneedling for penetrating procedures.
The AAD likewise notes that at-home products are generally gentler than dermatologist-performed microneedling and warns that an at-home product that pierces the skin can lead to infection, scarring, or changes in skin color or texture.
For this reason, a speed guide should not be used to recreate a professional microneedling protocol at home.
What Should You Do If a Speed Setting Feels Uncomfortable?
Stop the session if you experience unexpected or significant pain, excessive bleeding, marked irritation, or another concerning reaction. Do not continue simply because a chart or online guide says a certain speed should be appropriate.
If symptoms are significant, persistent, worsening, or suggest infection or another adverse reaction, seek medical advice.
Cartridge Hygiene Still Matters at Every Speed
Speed does not change cartridge hygiene requirements. Use a new, sealed, compatible cartridge for each session and do not reuse or share a cartridge. The FDA warns that reusing microneedling cartridges can cause or spread infection.
Read our Can You Reuse Dr. Pen Cartridges? guide for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed should I use on my Dr. Pen?
There is no universal speed for every Dr. Pen device or user. Follow the instructions for the exact model and cartridge, and seek professional guidance when the intended use penetrates living skin.
Is Speed 6 better than Speed 1?
No. A higher numbered level is not automatically better, safer, deeper, or more effective. It simply represents a faster motor setting on that particular device.
Does higher Dr. Pen speed make the needles go deeper?
Not necessarily. Speed and the adjustable depth setting are different variables, and actual penetration can also be affected by the device, cartridge, pressure, technique, skin area, and individual anatomy.
What is the best Dr. Pen speed for the face?
There is no universal face speed. Facial areas differ in thickness and anatomy, and Dr. Pen models differ in their speed systems. Use the exact product instructions instead of a generic face-speed chart.
What speed should I use for acne scars?
We do not recommend a generic at-home speed for acne scars. Microneedling for acne scars can involve living skin and should be assessed in the context of the specific device, scar type, skin condition, and professional treatment plan.
What speed should I use around the eyes?
Do not use a generic online speed recommendation for the eye area. The anatomy is delicate and not every device or intended use is appropriate for that area. Follow the device labeling and seek qualified professional guidance.
Do all Dr. Pen models use the same speed levels or RPM?
No. The number of speed levels and motor specifications vary by model. Confirm the specifications and operating instructions for the exact device you own.
Can speed replace the needle-depth setting?
No. Speed and depth describe different device controls. Do not use a higher speed as a substitute for selecting an appropriate depth or vice versa.
Related Dr. Pen Guides
- Dr. Pen Needle Depth Guide
- Home Microneedling Guide
- How Often Should You Use Dr. Pen?
- Can You Reuse Dr. Pen Cartridges?
- Dr. Pen Cartridge Guide
Sources & Further Reading
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Microneedling Devices
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Microneedling Devices: Benefits, Risks and Safety
- American Academy of Dermatology — Microneedling
Last reviewed: August 11, 2026.
Educational notice: This article provides general product and safety information, not individualized medical advice. Product availability or adjustable settings do not mean every setting or use is appropriate for home treatment. Follow the instructions supplied with your exact device and seek qualified medical guidance when the intended use penetrates living skin or when a health or skin condition may affect safety.
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