The 36-pin is a coverage tool, not a depth tool. Its wide configuration treats more surface area in each pass — making it the right choice for texture, pore refinement, and body areas where efficiency matters more than targeted depth. It is not the right cartridge for acne scars. Scars need the concentrated precision of a 12-pin to break down fibrotic tissue.

Why PDRN, exosomes, or GF11?

The same regenerative serums used in Level 2 apply here because the biological goal is the same — stimulate repair and collagen production. Eres Tu PDRN is also introduced in aftercare at Days 2–5 to support recovery across the larger treated surface area, where total microtrauma is greater than at Level 2.

Why different depths for face vs. body?

Facial skin is thinner and more vascular — texture and pore improvement sit in the upper dermis, reachable at 0.25–0.75 mm. Body skin is significantly thicker, and target conditions like rough texture require deeper penetration (1.0–1.5 mm) to reach the structural layer where remodeling occurs. Depth is mapped to anatomy, not applied uniformly.

Why every 4–6 weeks?

The 36-pin covers more surface area than any other cartridge in the Method — which means more total tissue is in the repair phase at once. The 4–6 week window lets that entire treated area complete its collagen cycle before the next session. Body areas heal more slowly than the face — they may remain pink longer. That's the level working correctly.

Every decision in this protocol has a specific biological reason. Here's why Level 3 is built the way it is.

Cartridge: 36-Pin

Depth - Face: 0.25 – 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm (advanced only)

Forehead: 0.5 mm
Around Eyes: 0.25 mm
Nose: 0.25 mm
Cheeks: 0.5–0.75 mm
Around Lips: 0.25 mm
Chin: 0.5 mm
Neck: 0.5 mm

Depth - Body: 1.0 – 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm (advanced only)

Speed: 4

3 controlled passes per area

- vertical, horizontal, diagonal or circular

Stop if skin becomes overly red or irritated

Every 4–6 weeks

*Fitzpatrick IV-VI users should consider more conservative depths due to increased PIH risk.

Before Treatment

Wash hands thoroughly
Cleanse skin
Disinfect treatment area
Use sterile cartridge
Tie hair back
Apply numbing cream for deeper treatments
Remove numbing completely
Disinfect skin with 70% rubbing alcohol
Dry skin
Allow alcohol to fully evaporate before beginning treatment

LEVEL 3 • REFINE - Protocol

During Treatment - Active First → Slip Second → Needle → Reapply Active

Apply Active Serum
Apply Slip - Stayve HA
Work in sections:
- 1. Vertical passes
- 2. Horizontal passes
- 3. Diagonal or Circular passes
Keep skin taut.
Do NOT drag the pen
Lift pen between sections
Add additional HA whenever glide decreases
Pat remaining Active Serum onto skin afterward

Endpoint

You want:

Pinkness/redness
Mild erythema

NOT

Excessive bleeding
Scratching torn skin

Speed Settings

Lower speeds:

More control
Better for beginners
Better for delicate areas

Higher speeds:

Faster treatment
More aggressive
Better for thicker skin/scarring

💧 Glide Requirement (All Levels):

Always use a hydrating slip serum to minimize friction and protect the skin barrier during microneedling. Hyaluronic acid-based formulas are ideal—options like Stayve Medisco Hyaluronic Acid and Hyaron provide excellent glide and hydration support.

🚫 Avoid during microneedling:

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Retinoids
Acids (AHA/BHA/PHA)
Fragrance
Essential oils

LEVEL 3 • REFINE - Monthly Schedule

LEVEL 3: REFINE → 8-WEEK SCHEDULE:

DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE

If following the 8-Week Microneedling Schedule, it is recommended to pause

Vitamin C and Tretinoin during the treatment and recovery period.

THE SKIN DEEP METHOD™

The Recovery System

Your skin doesn't improve during the treatment — it improves during the healing phase. What you do in the 7 days after your session determines how much of your result you actually keep.

LEVEL 3 • REFINE - Aftercare

PHASE 1

Hydrate

DAY 0

Treatment day — flood skin with hydration immediately after. HA serums only. No actives.

PHASE 2

Repair

DAY 1

Barrier repair begins — gentle cleanse with Cetaphil, layer hydrating serums, no exfoliants.

PHASE 3

Heal

DAY 2-4