Microneedling: What Is It & How Does It Work?
Microneedling has earned its place as one of the most trusted advanced skin treatments, and for good reason. It works with your skin's natural repair process to improve texture, tone and overall skin quality. If you are curious about how it works and whether it could help your skin, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a clinical skin treatment that uses very fine needles to create thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin. These micro-channels are invisible to the eye and close quickly, but they prompt your skin to start its natural healing response.
At our clinic we use SkinPen, a medical-grade microneedling device designed to treat the skin precisely and consistently. Your practitioner can adjust the needle depth to suit different areas of the face and different skin concerns.
How does microneedling work?
When the skin detects these tiny channels, it responds by triggering its natural repair process. This includes producing new collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its strength, firmness and bounce.
Collagen naturally declines as we get older, starting from our mid-twenties. Microneedling encourages your skin to build fresh collagen, which helps improve the look of texture and firmness over the following weeks and months.
Because results come from your own skin's renewal, they develop gradually and look natural.
What can microneedling help with?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment. It is commonly used to help improve the appearance of:
Uneven skin texture
Acne scarring
Fine lines
Enlarged looking pores
Dull, tired looking skin
Uneven skin tone
Stretch marks (on the body)
It is also often suitable for a wide range of skin tones, including skin of colour, when carried out by an experienced practitioner with the correct settings. Your practitioner will always assess your skin first.
What to expect during microneedling treatment
Your consultation
Every microneedling journey starts with a consultation. Your practitioner will assess your skin, talk through your goals and medical history and make sure the treatment is right for you.
On the day
Your skin is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is usually applied to keep you comfortable. The SkinPen device is then moved across the skin in sections. Most people describe the sensation as a light vibration or scratching rather than pain. The treatment itself usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Straight afterwards
Your skin will look pink or red, similar to mild sunburn, and may feel warm and tight. This usually settles within 24 to 72 hours.
Microneedling aftercare
Good aftercare helps your skin heal well and supports your results. Your practitioner will give you personalised advice, which typically includes:
Keep your skin clean and use only the gentle products you are advised to use
Avoid wearing makeup for the period your practitioner recommends
Avoid touching your face, saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours
Pause active skincare such as retinoids and exfoliating acids until your practitioner advises
Avoid picking at any dryness or light flaking as your skin heals
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Most people benefit from a course of three to six sessions, spaced around four to six weeks apart. This gives your skin time to rebuild collagen between treatments. Results continue to develop for several months after your final session, and many clients choose maintenance treatments to keep their skin looking its best.
If you would like to know more about costs, our guide on how much microneedling costs in the UK explains what to expect.
Is microneedling right for you?
Microneedling suits many people, but it is not suitable for everyone. It may not be right for you if you have:
Active acne breakouts or an active skin infection
Cold sores in the treatment area
A tendency towards keloid scarring
Recently taken certain acne medications
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are deciding between treatments, you might find our comparison of microneedling vs chemical peel helpful. Every skin is different, which is why a consultation is so important.
SkinPen microneedling in Bromley
At Becky Laroc Beauty & Aesthetics, microneedling is delivered by our expert team using medical-grade SkinPen technology, as part of a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique goals. Becky Laroc is a qualified Clinical Aesthetician, and our clinic was named Skin Specialist of the Year (London) at the 2025 British Beauty Awards.
Microneedling sits within our wider range of advanced skin treatments, so we can build a plan that brings together the right treatments for your skin. We welcome clients from across Bromley, South East London and Kent.
Frequently asked questions
Does microneedling hurt?
Numbing cream is applied before treatment, so most people find it very manageable.
Is there downtime after microneedling?
Most people experience redness for one to three days. Many clients return to work the next day.
When will I see results?
Some people notice a glow within a week. Collagen builds gradually, so the most noticeable improvements tend to appear over the following months. Results vary from person to person.
Can microneedling be done on darker skin?
Microneedling is often suitable for darker skin tones when performed by an experienced practitioner. Your consultation will confirm whether it is right for you.
Book a skin consultation in Bromley
Where confidence meets clinical excellence. If you would like to find out whether microneedling is right for your skin, we would love to see you.
Book a skin consultation online or through the Becky Laroc app, or call us on 07590 929 099.
