Skin Needling
Frequently Asked Questions

Although skin needling and chemical peels are both designed to improve overall skin quality, they work in different ways and may be recommended for different concerns.

Skin needling creates controlled micro-channels within the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and support the production of collagen and elastin. It is commonly recommended for concerns such as acne scarring, enlarged pores, fine lines, reduced skin firmness and improving overall skin texture.

Chemical peels use carefully selected acids to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin and encourage skin renewal. Depending on the peel selected, they may be recommended for concerns such as pigmentation, acne, congestion, uneven skin tone and dull skin.

Neither treatment is considered “better” than the other they simply work differently. In some cases, one treatment may be more suitable, while in others they may both form part of a personalised treatment plan.

Following a professional skin assessment, Nurse Elyce will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your skin type, concerns and treatment goals.

Learn more about our Chemical Peel treatments →

Most people describe skin needling as uncomfortable rather than painful.

The sensation varies depending on the treatment area and the needle depth being used. Areas with thinner skin, such as the forehead and upper lip, are often more sensitive than the cheeks.

Most appointments take between 60 - 75 minutes.

This includes cleansing the skin, completing the skin needling treatment and finishing with LED light therapy and post-treatment products where included.

Immediately after treatment, your skin will usually appear red and may feel warm, similar to sunburn.

Some people may also experience mild swelling, skin tightness or sensitivity during the first 24 to 48 hours. These effects are temporary and are a normal part of the skin’s healing response.

Most redness settles significantly within one to two days, although this varies depending on the treatment intensity and your individual skin.

Most people recover within 24-48 hours after skin needling.

The initial redness generally settles within one to two days, while your skin may continue to feel slightly dry or rough for several days afterwards.

Although the surface of the skin heals relatively quickly, the skin continues its natural repair process over the following weeks.

It’s generally recommended to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment.

This allows the skin time to begin healing and reduces the risk of irritation or introducing bacteria into the treated skin.

When you do resume wearing makeup, ensure your brushes and products are clean to help reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours following treatment.

Exercise increases body temperature and sweating, which may contribute to irritation while the skin barrier is healing.

Light daily activities are generally fine unless otherwise advised.

You can gently cleanse your face later on the day of treatment using a gentle, non-active cleanser.

Avoid scrubs, exfoliants, cleansing brushes or products containing active ingredients until your skin has recovered.

Pat your skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.

For approximately 7 days after treatment, it’s generally recommended to avoid products containing ingredients such as retinoids (Vitamin A), exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), benzoyl peroxide and strong Vitamin C products unless advised otherwise.

These ingredients may increase irritation while your skin barrier is recovering.

Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and daily SPF during the healing period.

Most people can gradually restart active skincare products after approximately 7 days, once redness and sensitivity have settled.

If your skin is still feeling sensitive, wait a little longer before reintroducing active ingredients one at a time.

Yes.

Freshly treated skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen should be applied daily after treatment, along with other sun protection measures such as wearing a hat and avoiding prolonged sun exposure where possible.

Protecting your skin helps support healing and is especially important when treating concerns such as pigmentation.

Some people experience very mild flaking or dryness several days after treatment, while others experience no visible peeling at all.

Skin needling does not usually cause significant peeling like some chemical peels. Instead, most people notice the skin feeling dry, tight or slightly rough as it heals.

Many people notice their skin feeling smoother and looking brighter within the first few weeks.

Because skin repair is a gradual process, improvements continue to develop over time as new collagen and elastin are produced.

The rate of improvement varies depending on the concern being treated and your individual skin.

The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns and goals.

Many people benefit from a course of 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart, particularly when treating concerns such as acne scarring or pigmentation.

Others choose occasional maintenance treatments to support overall skin health, roughly one treatment every 3 months.

During your consultation, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on your skin assessment.

Yes.

Skin needling can be performed throughout the year, provided you are committed to protecting your skin from the sun before and after treatment.

Daily SPF 50+, protective clothing and avoiding excessive sun exposure are essential regardless of the season.

Yes.

Depending on your skin concerns, skin needling may be incorporated into a personalised treatment plan alongside treatments such as chemical peels, LED light therapy or Wrinkle Reduction and Volume Restoration.

Some treatments may need to be performed at different appointments to allow the skin to heal appropriately.

Skin needling may not be appropriate for everyone.

Treatment may need to be postponed if you have an active skin infection, cold sores in the treatment area, sunburn or certain inflammatory skin conditions.

Your suitability will be assessed during your consultation, including a review of your medical history, medications and skin condition.

When performed by a trained professional using sterile, single-use needles and appropriate infection control procedures, skin needling is considered a well-established treatment.

As with any skin procedure, there are potential risks including temporary redness, swelling, bruising and infection. Following your aftercare instructions helps minimise these risks.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, we’re here to help.

Book a personalised skin consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether skin needling may be suitable for your skin.