Do I Need Microneedling?

What is microneedling?

So, what exactly is microneedling? Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin procedure using a pen-like device with tiny, sterilized needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. This “wakes up” your skin, triggering its natural repair process to produce more collagen and elastin for a plump, youthful appearance.

When these microspores occur, your skin believes that it has a wound (no need to worry, it’s completely safe and controlled!). This prompts your body to create more collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that maintain your skin’s plump, youthful appearance.

Here’s a quick rundown of what happens:

  • Tiny needles make small holes in the skin.
  • Your body responds by making more collagen and elastin.
  • This helps improve skin texture and tone.

Most patients say that microneedling is mildly uncomfortable, akin to a mild scraping feeling, and not painful. For greater comfort, providers apply numbing cream 30–45 minutes before your treatment, and you can customize the needle depth according to your treatment area. It doesn’t hurt as much as a tattoo and is totally safe in the hands of a professional.

This treatment can be applied not only to your face but to multiple body parts as well. It’s a great option for anyone looking to address things like fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. It’s a method for smooth, bright skin without undergoing surgery. If interested, read more here about microneedling treatments.

Microneedling aftercare

After your session, focus on gentle care—like post-workout recovery for your skin—to support optimal healing. The goal is to keep it clean, calm, and protected in the first 48-72 hours.

Key Steps:

What you do (and don’t do) in the first few days really matters for getting the best results and avoiding any issues. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Avoid touching your face to prevent infection from germs.
  • Cleanse gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser; no scrubbing.
  • Hydrate with hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer; skip retinoid or acids for 5-7 days.
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days.

Expect mild redness and tenderness like a sunburn, resolving in 1-2 days. Avoid heavy makeup for 24 hours and delay other treatments for 1-2 weeks. Microneedling aftercare is simply about helping your skin to heal and repair.

Microneedling cost

Costs vary by location, provider expertise, add-ons (e.g., serums, PRP), and sessions needed (typically 3-6 for optimal results). In 2026, expect $250-$1,800 per session nationally, averaging around $950; packages for 3 sessions often range $800-$2,500. Consult a licensed dermatologist or med spa for personalized pricing on treating acne scars, wrinkles, or texture issues.

 

Always do a consultation before booking! You can chat about your skin goals, get more details on a tailored treatment plan, and be in the know of the total cost for your individual treatment journey. Make sure to ask questions about what will be covered in the price and what kind of results you can realistically expect.

 

While budgeting, keep in mind that multiple treatments may be required for the best result. At times, it makes more sense in the long term to pay a little extra upfront for a package deal.

What does microneedling do

Microneedling creates thousands of controlled micro-injuries using ultra-fine needles, which stimulate your skin’s natural healing response. This process increases the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that tighten up skin firmness, texture, and plumpness for a youthful appearance.

Think of it like this:

  • Collagen Boost: Microneedling signals your skin to produce more collagen. The more collagen we have, the plumper and smoother our skin appears, with finer lines and wrinkles less visible.
  • Elastin Production: It’s also kicking up elastin, which helps your skin bounce back in place. This may also enhance overall skin texture and firmness.
  • Product Absorption: Those little channels created by the needles? They make it way easier for your skincare products to sink in and do their job. So, your serums and moisturizers can actually get to where they need to be.

Essentially, microneedling tricks your skin into believing it needs a major repair job and, in doing so, makes itself appear younger and healthier. It’s a tactic for getting your skin to work for you.

And it’s not only about wrinkles. It can also address a myriad of other issues, including acne scarring, uneven skin tone, and even oversized pores. It’s a pretty multipurpose tool for skin rejuvenation.

So, What's the Verdict on Microneedling?

Okay, so we talked a lot about microneedling. It sounds pretty gnarly with all those little needles, no? But honestly, it’s a pretty common way to do a little refreshing to your skin. It’s kind of like waking up your skin and making it do its job, which includes producing more collagen that aids with fine lines and those tiny scars.

It isn’t a magic wand, and you aren’t going to see results overnight. You will probably need a few sessions, and this is really not something to do with just anybody; you need to find someone who knows what they’re doing. If you want smoother, brighter skin and don’t mind committing some time to see the results, microneedling might be worth a try.

Do you look in the mirror and see skin imperfections? You are not alone. Roughly 67% of participants in a survey stated that skin problems plummeted their self-confidence. 

Wrinkles. Large pores. Age spots. Dull skin. These are just a few of the problems people over the age of 30 face because of the decline in collagen and elastin. Now there’s a treatment that noticeably erases the signs of aging, so your natural beauty can sit front and center.

Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment involving tiny, controlled punctures into your skin to bring an umbrella of skin benefits. Shantique Med Spa is your premier skincare oasis, providing microneedling to patients in Torrance, California, who want to revamp their complexion.

How it works

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, works by supercharging collagen and elastin production. Using a device containing hundreds of microscopic needles, your skin technician safely creates micro-injuries on the surface of your skin. 

This promotes cellular turnover bringing skin benefits like:

  • Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Lessening the appearance of scars and stretch marks
  • Improving skin tone and texture
  • Tightening your skin
  • Minimizing the appearance of pores

Microneedling penetrates not only the top layer of skin, but also the epidermis to enhance your skin from the inside out. Patients see an improvement in their skin after one microneedling session, but most need three to six treatments spaced about a month apart to get peak results.

After care

Microneedling is most commonly done on the face, but can also be used on areas like the neck, legs, back, and chest. Most treatments take less than an hour, and patients don’t describe the feeling to be painful, but slightly uncomfortable – especially around the jawline, forehead, and hairline.

There’s no downtime associated with microneedling, meaning you can return to work or an event immediately afterward. However, it’s important to note that you’ll likely experience some redness and mild swelling that generally subsides in one to two days.

Follow these tips after your procedure:

Wear SPF

Following your microneedling treatment, your skin will be more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Minimize your sun exposure and apply SPF of 50 or greater for two weeks following your treatment.

Let your skin breathe for 24 hours

Don’t apply makeup or use skincare products. You may wash your face with a mild cleanser and use a creamy moisturizer. After 48 hours, you can resume retinol and vitamin C serum.

Expect minor discomfort

Many patients report their skin feels warm and tight, similar to a sunburn, following their microneedling treatment. This is normal, and it’s important to keep your hands off your skin – no touching, rubbing, or scratching the treated area. 

Flaking and peeling is normal

Your skin may flake and peel while your body sheds the old, damaged skin cells. This allows space for the production of melanocytes, which can lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Am I a good candidate?

Microneedling is a safe and all-natural way to get more youthful skin. The treatment works on all skin types and textures. 

You’re likely a great candidate for microneedling if you:

  • Are bothered by age-related skin concerns
  • Aren’t pregnant
  • Don’t have an active skin infection or condition
  • Are in overall good health
  • Have realistic expectations

The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is by meeting with one of our microneedling professionals. Call us at 310-530-7244 to schedule your consultation, or book online.

Microneedling results

So, you might be wondering what actual magic microneedling can work on your skin? Well, the microneedling results can be pretty amazing, but it’s typically not an overnight solution. More like a slow burn glow-up, though.

What you might expect really depends on what you are trying to treat. So, for example, if you’re doing those dreaded microneedling for acne scars, after a few sessions, you’ll likely notice the scar tissue will start to soften and level out. It aids in breaking down the old collagen and promotes new, smoother skin to develop. Likewise, with microneedling for wrinkles, fine lines will appear less pronounced. It’s not going to fill in deep-set wrinkles entirely, but it is effective at making them appear much less noticeable, particularly around the eyes and mouth. Everyone has seen those microneedling before and after pics of wrinkles, with the aforementioned obvious difference in skin texture and firmness.

And it’s not solely for your face! A lot of people use it for microneedling for stretch marks, and while it can take a long time and consistency, it works on the pigmentation to help fade their appearance as well as helping with the texture of skin in those areas, too.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to anticipate:

  • Smoother Skin Texture: Generally, your skin will feel and look smoother.
  • Reduced Scarring: Improvement in the appearance of acne scars and other types of superficial scarring.
  • Fewer Fine Lines: A noticeable reduction in the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Improved Tone: Skin can look more even-toned and brighter.

It’s important to note that not everyone’s skin is the same. What does wonders for one may take some time to work with another. Recovery takes time, and following your treatment plan—as well as any aftercare recommended—really can make a difference in enabling you to obtain the best possible outcomes. Don’t expect huge changes after one session; most patients need more than one treatment to achieve the full effects.

So, while it’s not a miracle cure, microneedling is a truly effective tool in assuaging various skin concerns that could help yield the polished, turned-over look you’re after.

Want to learn more about what microneedling can do for your skin? This treatment produces incredible results for people, such as smoother texture and reduced fine lines. It is a common method for changing your appearance and increasing your confidence. Want to experience these results yourself? Learn more, or schedule an appointment with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions