How to use the Dr. Pen M8 Max, step by step, from your first session onwards.
A first microneedling session is mostly about getting comfortable. The Dr. Pen M8 Max makes that easier than most pens, with a session timer, a stand that pauses it and a display that confirms your cartridge is fitted properly. This guide walks through everything from opening the box to the days after, so you know exactly what to do and what to expect.
If you are still deciding on the pen itself, our full look at the Dr. Pen M8 Max covers every feature.
What's in the Box
Inside you will find the M8 Max pen, the smart induction stand, two 36 pin cartridges, a USB charging adapter and cable and the user manual. Before anything else, check the scratch off authenticity code on the side of the box. Scanning the QR code takes you to the official Dr. Pen website to confirm your pen is genuine.
Give the pen a full charge with the Type-C cable before your first session. It takes around two to three hours. Then read the manual once through, even if you have used a microneedling pen before.
Choose Your Cartridge
The two cartridges in the box are 36 pin, which is the usual choice for the scalp. For the face, the 18 pin is the everyday option and the one we recommend for full face sessions, including the neck. If your focus is the face, add a pack of Dr. Pen M9 and M8 Max chip cartridges with 18 pin cartridges before your first session.
The M8 Max only takes these chip cartridges, so cartridges from an M8, M8S or A11 won't fit. Every cartridge is single use and goes on fresh and sealed for every session.
Prepare Your Skin the Days Before
Stop using retinol, AHAs, BHAs and scrubs 48 hours before your session. Avoid strong sun for at least 24 hours beforehand. Check your skin on the day and skip any area with active breakouts, broken skin, irritation or infection. If anything is flaring, move the session rather than working around it.
Set Up Your Space
Choose a clean surface with good light and a mirror. Lay out the pen, its stand, a sealed cartridge, hypochlorous acid spray, your glide serum and a pair of disposable nitrile gloves. Tie your hair back away from your face.
Sanitise the pen and its stand before every session, even if you cleaned them after the last one. Wipe down the handpiece and stand as described in the manual and let them dry before you start.
Wash your hands and put your gloves on. Cleanse your skin thoroughly, pat it dry and mist it with hypochlorous acid spray.
Fit the Cartridge and Check the Icon
Open a new sealed cartridge. Line up the marker on the cartridge with the indicator on the pen and twist until it clicks into place. Don't force it. Once it is fitted, look for the green cartridge icon on the display. A red icon means the pen hasn't recognised it, so check it is a genuine M8 Max cartridge and that it is fully clicked in.
Set Your Depth, Speed and Timer
For a first session, stay at the shallow end. Start at 0.25mm on the forehead, nose, upper lip and neck and 0.5mm on the cheeks and jawline. Around the eye, 0.25mm is the maximum, on the orbital bone only. Our guide to Dr. Pen depth and speed settings explains why each area is different.
Choose a low speed, between 1 and 3, while you get used to the feel of the pen. Then press TIME and select the 15 minute Adapt mode. It is designed for first sessions and gives you enough time to work through the face without rushing.
Your First Session
Apply your glide serum to one small section at a time, so the pen moves without dragging. Choose a glide that is non comedogenic and free of fragrance and oils. Hyaluronic acid is the usual choice.
We recommend a stamping motion for beginners. Lightly press the pen straight down and lift it straight up, moving across the section in small steps. It is the easiest technique to control. Once you feel confident, you can glide the pen vertically, horizontally and diagonally with light pressure instead. Either way, lightly stretch the skin flat where you can and don't go over the same area more than two or three times.
Around the eye, always stamp rather than glide and keep away from the eyelid and the soft under eye area. Whenever you need to add serum or adjust your depth, rest the pen in its stand. The timer pauses until you pick it back up.
When the timer finishes, switch the pen off, remove the cartridge and dispose of it safely.
Immediately After
Apply a fragrance free hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate and calm the skin. Our guide on what to apply after microneedling at home covers where skin boosters fit in. Skip make up for 24 hours. Avoid retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs for at least 48 hours and stay away from saunas, steam rooms and intense workouts for 24 to 48 hours. Apply SPF 30 or higher from the next morning and every day after.
Clean the device and stand, then store them in a cool, dry place ready for your next session. Our microneedling aftercare and hygiene guide covers every step in more detail.
What to Expect Over the Next Few Weeks
Immediately after, your skin may look slightly red and feel warm, similar to mild sunburn. Over the next one to three days the redness settles and light flaking is normal. If redness lasts longer or your skin feels raw or sore, use a shallower depth next time. Any heat, swelling or weeping is a reason to stop and speak to your GP.
At four to six weeks, skin tends to look smoother and more even. The most visible change comes from consistent sessions over three to six months. Note the date of your first session so you leave four to six weeks before the next one. Nano needling is the exception and can be used up to three times a week between sessions.
Common Questions
Which timer mode should I use for my first M8 Max session?
Start with the 15 minute Adapt mode. It is designed for first time users and gives you time to work through the face at a steady pace.
Which cartridge should I use on my face?
The 18 pin chip cartridge is the everyday choice for full face sessions, including the neck. The 36 pin cartridges in the box are the usual choice for the scalp.
What depth should I start at with the M8 Max?
Start at 0.25mm on the forehead, nose, upper lip and neck and 0.5mm on the cheeks and jawline. Around the eye, stay at 0.25mm on the orbital bone only. On the face at home, we don't recommend going beyond 0.75mm.
What does the red cartridge icon mean?
The pen hasn't recognised the cartridge. Check it is a genuine Dr. Pen M9 and M8 Max chip cartridge and that it is fully clicked into place.
How soon can I do my second session?
Leave four to six weeks between standard depth sessions so your skin has time to recover. Nano needling can be used up to three times a week in between.
Find the Dr. Pen M8 Max and its chip cartridges at purederma.co.uk. If you have any questions before your first session, get in touch at help@purederma.co.uk.
