By now, you’re likely familiar with micro-needling, but have you heard of bio-needling? The Laser Beautique recently launched their ground-breaking new Bio-Needling treatment, a non-invasive procedure that harnesses the power of Spongela Spicules Technology.
Simply put, these micro-crystals are extracted from freshwater marine plants. They are used to penetrate the skin’s outer layers in an attempt to stimulate collagen production and trigger natural regeneration.
Why bio-needling? In comparison to micro-needling, bio-needling offers faster and more dramatic results. That’s because the Spongela Spicules penetrate the skin more effectively than needles can, stimulating collagen production after just one session. With micro-needling, the procedure can be quite painful and often requires numbing agents beforehand. With bio-needling, the procedure is virtually painless, with minimal pain and discomfort.
The spicules gradually dissolve within 24 – 48 hours, so there is minimal downtime, and you can achieve remarkable results within 3 – 6 sessions. In fact, when applied to the skin, the spicules create around six million micro-channels, enhancing transdermal absorption by 3000%. One session of bio-needling is considered the equivalent of three sessions of micro-needling.
Bio-needling is designed to treat various skin concerns, including lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and dull skin.
Our editor recently visited The Laser Beautique’s Sea Point branch to try this innovative new treatment. Here’s what went down.
“I’m always in search of new and interesting treatments to rejuvenate my skin and help keep the signs of ageing at bay. While I appreciate the results, I am not the biggest micro-needling fan, as the procedure can be pretty painful and the downtime is slightly more extended than I can handle.
When I heard about this bio-needling treatment, I was immediately intrigued, as it promised results that surpass micro-needling, without the use of needles… In the week leading up to my treatment, I kept my skincare regimen very simple and stopped using retinol and exfoliators to prepare my skin for the procedure.
Stephanie, my therapist at The Laser Beautique Sea Point, was terrific. Before we began, she explained the procedure and its benefits to me and answered all the questions I had. She assured me that while I may experience minimal discomfort during and after the treatment, I won’t have any pain or severe discomfort, and there was no need to use any numbing agents.
She started by removing my makeup and thoroughly cleansing my skin. She then carefully applied the spicule concentrate and gently patted and massaged it into my skin for around ten minutes. It was a strange sensation: if you can imagine thousands of tiny crystal-shaped spicules being massaged into your skin, it feels a little bit tingly, a little bit scratchy and a little bit itchy. But I must make it very clear that for me, this was not painful. Slightly uncomfortable at times, yes, but certainly not sore.
Before I left, Stephanie applied some of The Laser Beautique’s Dermal Boosting Ampoule Serum to my skin and instructed me to avoid retinol and exfoliators for a further week. I was sent home with the remaining ampoule, which contained enough serum for me to apply twice a day for a few days. She warned me that my skin would feel sensitive to the touch for a day or two and that I should avoid touching it as much as possible.
That evening, I experienced quite a bit of discomfort while showering (my skin felt very sensitive when I cleansed and patted it dry), as well as when I slept. I tried my best to sleep on my back, but woke up a few times when I rolled onto my side and quickly corrected my position as my skin did not feel happy against the pillow.
The feeling is quite difficult to describe. Your skin feels a bit rough, almost reminiscent of fine sandpaper, and it’s very sensitive to the touch, similar to when you have a sunburn. It passed quickly, though – by the next day, it already felt better, and by the following morning (about 36 hours later), my skin felt normal again.
Stephanie told me that you would need 3 – 6 sessions to experience maximum benefits, but my skin looked plumper, smoother and more rested, even after one session.
The treatment causes some sensitivity, but way less than you’d experience with micro-needling. The benefits of bio-needling make that little bit of discomfort completely worth it for the accelerated skin cell turnover.”
Anien – Editor
The Laser Beautique Bio-Needling treatment is available at selected branches for R1105. A special thank you to The Laser Beautique and Stephanie for hosting us at their Sea Point branch. Visit their website here to find your nearest branch or to make a booking.
