The Cityscape team test the Dermapen 4 and come away convinced of the benefits of personalised advanced skin treatments.

By the time I walk through the doors of the day spa, my hands are growing increasingly clammy as my needle-related anxiety builds. But that’s why I have to do it – to conquer my fear and give the highly praised Dermapen 4 treatment a proper go.

I’m filled with enough anxious energy to fill an Olympic-sized arena. But the spa’s treatment experts are Dermapen Gold Providers, which means I’m not just in good hands, I’m in the best.

Brenna explains that the all-powerful Dermapen 4 promises to minimise signs of ageing and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation, among other things. The nifty little device uses microneedling to achieve said magic. Tiny needles lightly puncture the skin’s top layer, stimulating collagen and elastin and leaving you with plump and rejuvenated skin.

I try to relax into the dreamy massage bed as Brenna preps my skin. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Much to my surprise, from the moment the pen punctures my skin I feel completely at ease. The experts were right – there really was nothing to worry about.

When the Dermapen 4 is in action, it feels like it’s scratching your face. Each area of skin is needled vertically, horizontally and diagonally. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s certainly not painful.

Before I have a chance to properly process what’s happening, Brenna tells me it’s over. Just like that, two weeks of anxiety were put to rest in (what felt like) four short minutes. Brenna says she drew a little blood, but I didn’t see it. The process was minimally invasive, and I’m told plenty of people go back to work or continue about their day afterwards. Brenna applies a protective lotion to reduce redness, cool the skin and protect it from the sun as I re-enter the real world.

While parked up on the couch that night I conclude that the warm sensation I’m feeling mimics mild sunburn. It’s tender but very manageable. Will I go back for the recommended three to six treatments? Abso-bloody-lutely.

To find your Dermapen Authorised Gold Treatment Provider, visit dermapenworld.co.nz/stockists