Microneedling
Advanced Skin
Collagen induction therapy for texture, fine lines, pores and scarring.
Appointment length: 1 hour
What it is
Microneedling uses very fine needles to make tiny, controlled channels in the skin. Your skin treats these as small injuries and starts its own repair process, which includes making new collagen and elastin – the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth.
The channels also let serums reach further than they would on their own.
Good for
Fine lines
Acne scarring
Enlarged pores
Uneven texture
What happens on the day
I assess and cleanse your skin
A pen with fine, sterile single-use needles is moved across the skin in a set pattern
The depth is adjusted for your skin and the area being treated
Serums are worked in through the tiny channels this creates
How many sessions
Usually 3–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart. Deeper concerns such as scarring may need more. Real skin change takes time – a course is where you see it.
Results
Skin can look brighter within days. Changes to texture, lines and scarring build over 4–6 weeks as new collagen forms.
Downtime
Red like a mild to moderate sunburn for 24–48 hours. Skin may then feel dry, tight or flaky for a few days.
Is it right for me?
Not suitable if you have:
Active cold sores, open wounds, infection, or an eczema or psoriasis flare-up in the area
Severe dermatitis or severe rosacea
Uncontrolled diabetes, an autoimmune condition, a bloodborne infection, or cancer treatment in the last 5 months
Had facial surgery or laser treatment in the last 6 months
A tendency to keloid scarring
A condition or medication that makes you sensitive to light
Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for anyone under 18.
It may still be possible, with adjustments, for darker skin tones, a history of cold sores, blood thinners, or mild to moderate rosacea. This is all checked at your consultation.
Before your appointment
One week before:
No sunbeds, and stay out of strong sun
Stop retinoids, acids (glycolic, salicylic) and scrubs
3 days before: avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if you can. Never stop prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor.
24 hours before: no alcohol.
You can apply numbing cream (from the pharmacy) 20–30 minutes before you arrive.
Aftercare
Nothing on your skin for the first 24 hours unless I've given it to you
After that: a gentle cleanser and a calming, fragrance-free moisturiser
No retinoids, acids or scrubs for at least a week
SPF 30 or higher every day, and avoid direct sun
No make-up for 24 hours
Clean hands and a clean pillowcase
Every microneedling course comes with a post-care kit.
Possible side effects
Common: redness like sunburn for 24–48 hours, dryness and flaking, extra sensitivity to products and sun.
Less common: swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, small white spots that settle in a few days, allergic reaction to products used, infection, changes in pigmentation (more likely in darker skin), and rarely scarring.
Questions
Does it hurt?
Most people describe it as a light pricking or sandpaper feeling – uncomfortable rather than painful.
Can I wear make-up afterwards?
Not for 24 hours. After that, a gentle, non-comedogenic make-up is fine.
How to book
Book a skin consultation first (£50, redeemable against treatment). Prices and courses are on Fresha.