Research

I often hear my clients in Mount Pleasant that they want a gentle, natural way to refresh their skin, smooth fine lines, and restore  a healthy glow without surgery or harsh procedures.

Microneedling is one of my favorite options because it works with your body’s natural healing process to improve skin texture and tone.

When I perform a microneedling session, I’m intentionally working with your body’s built-in healing processes. The tiny, controlled micro-injuries created by the microneedle device trigger a wound-healing process. That process recruits fibroblasts and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which are the structural proteins that give your skin its firmness and elasticity (Litchman et al.,2022; Jaiswal & Jawade, 2024).

Beyond collagen induction, micro-needling appears to support better blood flow in treated areas which can improve nutrient delivery and overall skin health (Alster & Graham, 2017; Jaiswal 7 Jawade, 2024).

Because we’re not using cuts and deep excisions, and the needles are very fine and controlled, the process remains minimally invasive which means minimal downtime. Many of my clients go right back to work or their daily life right after their session, often looking refreshed rather than “done” or “surgical.”

Real Benefits I See in Clients

Here are the benefits that consistently resonate and are backed by studies

• Smoother, more even skin texture & tone: Microneedling is excellent for reducing roughness, smoothing uneven skin tone, and improving overall skin clarity (Cherney, 2023).
• Fewer fine lines and wrinkles; firmer, more plump skin: With the boost in collagen and elastin, skin takes on a firmer, more youthful quality over time. Additionally, fine lines soften, elasticity improves (Alster & Graham, 2017).
• Reduced appearance of scars, acne marks, pigmentation, and large pores: Whether from past acne, sun damage, or uneven skin tone; microneedling helps remodel the skin. It encourages healthy skin regeneration and can diminish scars and pigmentation irregularities (Ramaut et al., 2017).
• Enhanced absorption of serums and topical skincare. One major advantage I love: microneedling creates tiny microchannels in the skin, which makes it more receptive to beneficial serums so that active ingredients (like certain antioxidants or growth-factor serums) can penetrate more deeply and do more good (Litchman et al., 2022).
• Improved results when combined carefully with supportive serums:  For example, a controlled 2022 clinical study showed that combining microneedling with a conditioned medium derived from humanumbilical-cord mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved skin brightness, texture, elasticity, and reduced pores, compared with microneedling alone and without serious side effects (Liang et al., 2022).

In my practice, I often combine microneedling with gentle, organic skin care products. For example, a serum derived from apple stem cells because I believe in supporting the skin’s natural renewal gently, not aggressively . Over time this combination tends to offer visible radiance, smoother texture, and a more balanced, healthy glow.

Safe and Care: What I Consider on Your Behalf 

Safety is always my top priority and from what I learned, my professional experience, and in real-life practice, microneedling done correctly is generally well tolerated (Alster & Graham, 2017; Chu et al., 2021; Cherny, 2023).

• The most common side effects are mild and short-lived: temporary redness, slight swelling or irritation, maybe some peeling or dryness and these typically resolve within a few days (Hollimon, 2020; Chu et al., 2021).
• Compared with more aggressive cosmetic procedures (like deep chemical peels or laser resurfacing), microneedling offers a gentler route yet still delivers meaningful skin renewal (Alster & Graham, 2017; Jaiswal & Jawade, 2024).
• Because microneedling increases skin permeability, I’m very careful about what serums go on. I avoid harsh active ingredients that may irritate or sensitize the skin. Instead, I choose clean, gentle, skin-friendly options that  supports healing and radiance.
• I always emphasize skin care after treatment: proper hydration, gentle cleansers, sun protection, and a calm, nourishing skin-care routine because supporting your skin’s recovery helps maximize the benefits.

My Philosophy: Healing From the Inside Out

As an acupuncturist, I believe that true beauty comes from balance, not just superficial “fixes”. That’s why I don’t treat microneedling as a quick “glow up” but as a step in a holistic skin-health journey.

When clients combine microneedling with lifestyle care such as good hydration, nutrition, sun protection, gentle skin care, and overall self-care. The improvements resonate more deeply: skin feels healthier, more alive, client’s confidence often returns, and their skin looks more balanced and radiant.

Because I use a more shallow, gentle needling approach than many traditional dermatology clinics, I aim for soft, natural result like waking up with rested, fresh skin rather than the dramatic “before-and-after” makeover.

If You’re Thinking About It then Let’s Talk

If you’ve been considering refreshing your skin naturally, smoothing fine lines, improving texture or tone, or gently rejuvenating your complexion then I’d be honored to talk with you about whether microneedling might be right for you. Together, we can create a thoughtful, personalized plan. One that supports healthy skin from inside out, at a pace that’s gentle and sustainable.