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Glowteq Beauty Solutions

Cartridge choice

Nano or 12-pins: which cartridge suits you?

The right cartridge depends on your experience, skin goal and the intensity you feel comfortable with. Nano works superficially and gently, while 12-pins uses twelve fine needles that penetrate the skin in a controlled way. This page explains the difference step by step so you can choose with more confidence.

Nano cartridge and 12-pins cartridge side by side

Comparison

The difference at a glance

Nano

Nano cartridge

  • Works superficially
  • Contains no traditional needles
  • Aimed at a mild, low-threshold treatment
  • Suitable for beginners and clients who find needles daunting
  • Focused on glow, product distribution and a cared-for appearance

12-pins

12-pins cartridge

  • Contains twelve fine needles
  • Penetrates the skin in a controlled way
  • Works deeper and more intensively than Nano
  • Focused on skin texture, fine lines, enlarged pores and small scars
  • Suitable for clients who consciously choose microneedling

12-pins is not automatically the best choice for everyone. The most suitable cartridge depends on your skin goal, experience, skin condition and the way you perform the treatment.

Nano

When to choose Nano?

A Nano cartridge works at the skin surface and contains no traditional needles. The cartridge has very fine contact points that move across the skin without penetrating it in the same way a microneedling cartridge does. That is why Nano feels more accessible and comfortable to many beginners.

Nano is a good choice when you want to get familiar with the NeedlingPen but do not yet want to work with needles. It also fits nicely into your routine when your focus is on glow, a cared-for look or the even distribution of a suitable serum.

Because Nano works more superficially, the treatment is generally milder. That does not mean Nano has the same goal as 12-pins: Nano is mainly intended as a low-threshold, superficial treatment, while 12-pins is chosen when you want to work specifically on deeper skin texture.

Nano is probably right for you when you:

  • want to start carefully and gently;
  • prefer not to work with traditional needles;
  • are looking for a mild, superficial treatment;
  • mainly focus on glow and a cared-for appearance;
  • want to get used to the pen and the movement technique first.

When is Nano less suitable?

If you specifically want to work on deeper small scars, pronounced skin texture, enlarged pores or more visible fine lines, a 12-pins cartridge usually fits better. Nano does not work at the same depth as microneedling with fine needles.

12-pins

When to choose 12-pins?

A 12-pins cartridge contains twelve fine needles that penetrate the skin vertically and in a controlled way. This is the cartridge used when you actually want to perform microneedling. The intensity depends on the set needle length, speed, technique and the treated area, among other things.

12-pins is mainly suitable for clients who consciously choose a more intensive treatment and want to work specifically on skin texture. Think of fine lines, enlarged pores, an uneven skin appearance or superficial small scars. Correct use, hygiene, an appropriate needle length and sufficient recovery time are essential.

The NeedlingPen Infinity Control includes two 12-pins modules as standard. This lets you try the 12-pins method without immediately having to order extra cartridges. Every cartridge is intended for single use only and may not be shared or reused.

12-pins is probably right for you when you:

  • have experience or consciously choose microneedling;
  • want to work specifically on skin texture;
  • want to address fine lines, enlarged pores or superficial small scars;
  • are willing to follow the safety and hygiene instructions carefully;
  • respect sufficient recovery time between treatments.

When to be extra cautious?

Do you have very sensitive or reactive skin, active skin issues, a medical skin condition or are you in doubt about a contra-indication? Do not start without consulting the Safe use and contra-indications page first. When in doubt, professional medical advice is wise.

See safe use and contra-indications

Overview

Nano and 12-pins compared

Contact type

Nano

Superficial contact points

12-pins

Twelve fine needles

Penetrates the skin

Nano

Not like traditional microneedling

12-pins

Yes, in a controlled way

Intensity

Nano

Mild and superficial

12-pins

Deeper and more intensive

Suitable for beginners

Nano

Highly suitable

12-pins

Possible, if well informed

Focused on

Nano

Glow, cared-for look, low-threshold treatment

12-pins

Skin texture, fine lines, pores and small scars

Recovery time

Nano

Usually limited

12-pins

Depends on depth and skin response

Single use

Nano

Yes

12-pins

Yes

Included as standard with the NeedlingPen

Nano

No

12-pins

Yes, two modules

Safe use

Safe and hygienic use always comes first

Whichever cartridge you choose: always use a new, sterile cartridge per treatment and per person. Never share cartridges and do not keep a used cartridge for a next session. Clean the skin and the pen according to the instructions, work with clean hands and only use products suitable for the chosen application.

With 12-pins it is extra important not to set the needle length higher than recommended and to leave enough time between treatments. Start the NeedlingPen at level 1 and do not increase the intensity unnecessarily. Stop in case of unexpected pain, strong irritation or an unusual skin reaction.

Read all safety instructions

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Nano works superficially and contains no traditional needles. A 12-pins cartridge contains twelve fine needles that penetrate the skin in a controlled way. Nano is therefore milder and more low-threshold, while 12-pins is chosen for more targeted microneedling on skin texture.

No. Nano is used with the same pen, but does not work in the same way as traditional microneedling with fine needles. The treatment remains more superficial and therefore has a different goal and intensity.

For clients who find needles daunting or want to get to know the NeedlingPen calmly, Nano is usually the most low-threshold choice. A beginner can also use 12-pins, but only when the instructions, hygiene, needle length and contra-indications are well understood.

For targeted work on fine lines, enlarged pores and skin texture, 12-pins is generally a better fit. Suitability still depends on your skin condition, technique and the set needle length.

Yes, when both applications suit your skin and routine, you can use Nano and 12-pins at different treatment moments. Never reuse the same cartridge and, with 12-pins, always allow sufficient recovery time.

Both Nano and 12-pins cartridges are intended for single use only. Dispose of the cartridge safely immediately after treatment. Reuse increases the risk of contamination, damage and an unsafe treatment.

The NeedlingPen Infinity Control comes standard with two 12-pins modules. Nano cartridges are available separately or can be chosen as the cartridge option with selected bundles.

Always start the NeedlingPen at level 1. Work calmly and without unnecessary pressure. Only increase the speed once you have mastered the technique and the product-specific instructions allow it.

Not automatically. Although Nano works more superficially, certain contra-indications can also mean that you should temporarily or fully avoid any treatment with the pen. Always check the safety information first.

Choose Nano when you want a mild, superficial treatment or prefer not to work with traditional needles. Choose 12-pins when you consciously choose microneedling and want to work on skin texture, fine lines, pores or small scars. If in doubt, use the Glowteq quiz.

Get started

Ready to build your routine?

Explore the complete Glowteq bundles and choose the cartridge that matches your experience and skin goal at checkout. Every routine contains carefully selected products and clear instructions for responsible at-home use.

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