Most microneedling content focuses on the face—but what about the rest of your body? That crepey skin on your arms, the sun damage on your chest, the texture on your thighs? Good news: you can absolutely microneedle your body, and it works.
Why Body Microneedling Works
The mechanism is identical to facial microneedling: controlled micro-injuries trigger your skin’s healing response, which includes increased collagen production, growth factor release, improved product absorption, and skin remodeling and thickening.
Body skin responds to these signals just like facial skin—often even better, since body skin is typically thicker and more resilient.
Best Body Areas to Microneedle
Upper Arms
The classic crepey skin zone. Upper arms respond excellently to microneedling, especially combined with retinol body lotion. The skin here is resilient and tolerates treatment well.
Needle depth: 0.5-1.0mm
Chest/Décolletage
Sun damage and crepey texture on the chest are common concerns. This area is more delicate than arms, so use gentler technique.
Needle depth: 0.5mm (more delicate area)
Hands
Hands show age quickly—thin skin, prominent veins, sun spots. Microneedling can improve texture and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Needle depth: 0.25-0.5mm (thin skin)
Thighs
Cellulite appearance and general skin texture can improve with microneedling. The skin here is thick and tolerates treatment well.
Needle depth: 0.75-1.0mm
Stomach
Stretch marks and loose skin respond to microneedling. Multiple sessions are needed for stretch marks specifically.
Needle depth: 0.5-1.0mm (avoid if skin is very loose/thin)
| Body Area | Needle Depth | Sensitivity Level | Common Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper arms | 0.5-1.0mm | Low | Crepey skin; texture |
| Chest | 0.5mm | Medium | Sun damage; crepey skin |
| Hands | 0.25-0.5mm | Medium | Aging; sun spots |
| Thighs | 0.75-1.0mm | Low | Cellulite; texture |
| Stomach | 0.5-1.0mm | Medium | Stretch marks; loose skin |
Body Microneedling Technique
Preparation
Clean the treatment area thoroughly. If treating large areas, work in sections. Apply your serum before starting.
Treatment
Apply serum: Use hyaluronic acid or peptide serum on the area.
Microneedle systematically: Work in sections, rolling or stamping in multiple directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal).
Moderate pressure: You can use slightly more pressure on body areas than face, but don’t force it.
Apply more serum: After treatment, apply additional serum or Body Budder to the treated area.
What Serums to Use for Body Microneedling
During treatment:
Hyaluronic acid—provides slip and deep hydration. Peptide serums—signal collagen production. Niacinamide—supports barrier and reduces inflammation.
After treatment:
Body Budder retinol lotion—continue the collagen-boosting effect. Rich moisturizer—seal in hydration.
Avoid during/immediately after:
Vitamin C (too acidic for open channels), strong acids, fragranced products.
Treatment Schedule
Frequency: Once per week to once every two weeks for body areas.
Sessions needed: 6-12 sessions for visible improvement in crepey skin or texture. Stretch marks may require more.
Maintenance: Monthly sessions after achieving desired results.
Body Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are scar tissue and require more aggressive treatment than general skin texture:
Needle depth: 1.0-1.5mm (deeper than general body treatment)
Sessions needed: 10-20+ for significant improvement
Expectations: Stretch marks can improve significantly but rarely disappear completely. New (red/purple) stretch marks respond better than old (white/silver) ones.
Aftercare for Body Microneedling
Immediately after: Apply hydrating serum or body lotion. Treated areas may be pink—this is normal.
24-48 hours: Keep treated areas moisturized. Avoid tight clothing that might irritate. Skip hot baths or pools.
Ongoing: Apply retinol body lotion daily for continued collagen support. Protect treated areas from sun.
What Results to Expect
Crepey skin: Noticeable improvement in texture and firmness over 2-3 months of consistent treatment.
General texture: Smoother, more even skin within 4-8 weeks.
Sun damage: Gradual improvement in discoloration and texture over 3-6 months.
Stretch marks: Softening and reduced visibility over 6+ months of treatment.
When to Skip Body Microneedling
Don’t microneedle body areas if you have active rashes, eczema, or psoriasis in the area, sunburned skin, open wounds or active acne, very loose or sagging skin (could worsen), or varicose veins (avoid that specific area).
The Bottom Line
Body microneedling is a practical extension of your facial skincare routine. Arms, chest, hands, and other body areas respond well to treatment, often tolerating slightly more aggressive approaches than facial skin.
Combined with Body Budder or other active body products, microneedling can significantly improve crepey skin, texture issues, and even stretch marks over time.
Your body deserves the same collagen-boosting attention as your face.
