What is Skin needling and does it work?

Jess Callahan • March 9, 2024

What is skin needling?


Skin needling is also know as Micro Needling, CIT (collagen induction therapy), and Dermapen which is the brand name of the leaders in skin needling education and innovation.


Skin needling started with rollers in the 90's and has now advanced to electric pens with much more accurate results. With a quality device like Dermapen downtime is minimal in the hands of a professional trained therapist.


What does skin needling do?


Skin needling like a lot of skin treatments causes a minor controlled safe trauma or injury to the skin - to force the skin into repair mode. It stimulates new collagen and elastin production resulting in plumper, more youthful skin, reducing scars and tighening the skin and pores.


Skin needling also creates deeper channels for us to infuse active ingredients (this is important) deep into the dermis. Infusing the wrong products or just ultrasound gel can cause complications and less results. Click here to learn about the science and how needling works.


Does skin needling hurt?


Each client has a different pain threshold for skin needling. In my 13 years experience with skin needling I find about 50% of clients want topical numbing cream, 50% are totally fine. The painful part of Skin needling only takes about 7 minutes! After that you will feel tight for a few hours, as if you've been sunburnt, Sometimes the next day you will have a slight sting especially if exercising and sweating.


Does skin needling work?


Skin needling has been around a long time and for good reason - it works! Clinical studies show 90% of patients see results up to 6 months post needling. We suggest you research providers and also look at the Dermapen website it has a lot of info and studies on skin needling.


What is skin / micro needling good for?


Skin or Micro Needling is perfect for the following skin issues

  • Firming and plumping skin (aka Collagen and Elastin)
  • Large Pores
  • Pigmentation marks - Red, Brown or HYPO Pigmentation (loss of pigment)
  • Fine Lines
  • Acne or Any Scarring - the sooner treated the better the results
  • Mild Acne and congestion - The absolute best treatment to finally rid your skin of pesky congestion
  • Stretch marks
  • Sun damage
  • Telangiectasia (Redness and veins)
  • Milia
  • Keratosis Pilaris
  • Alopecia and Balding
  • Vitiligo
  • You can treat any part of the body with skin needling!
  • The BEST part is all of these concerns are improved in 1 treatment. With a skilled skin therapist and high quality serums we can treat
    everything for glowing skin fast
  • Please NOTE we also offer Intimate Skin Needling for the rejuvenation of the genital area. Contact us for more info, we will make you feel comfortable with 30 years experience treating that area with beauty treatments!


How many skin needling sessions do I need?

 

Every treatment gives results. How many you require depends on the concern. Scarring requires the most treatments around 4-12. If you want general Anti ageing and management we suggest 2/3 treatments per year. Combine that with HIFU and you will be staying in your 30's for ever!


Can you wear makeup after skin needling?


You sure can, if it is mineral make up. So pure Minerals, not from the supermarket or chemist! We can apply and recommend Synergie Minerals Australia's only mineral brand that works with skin treatments and designed to be applied after Medifacials. Filled with natural Zinc sunscreen its the perfect addition to your Skin perfect routine!


How long does skin needling take?


Hush allows 1 hour for Skin Needling treatments. We meticulously clean your skin prior to the skin needling part! This only takes about 7 minutes. If you require numbing allow an extra 10min. We offer this free of charge and have a nurse and doctor on site.


What are the risks with Skin Needling?


The thing we love about skin needling is that it is very low risk compared to other treatments with the same results.

  • Can treat any skin type or colour
  • No heat involved so no chance of skin pigment changes we don't want!
  • Check your preferred skin clinic is registered with council and has the approprioate licenses for skin penetration
  • An untrained or careless operator can bruise or tear your skin. It will heal but its not ideal
  • Infection. You must follow all aftercare following your treatment and not touch your skin unnecessarily and of course choose a clean and reputable operator.


We do not recommend Skin needling if you have:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Blood clotting issues or blood thinning medication.
  • Immunosuppressant medications.
  • Photo-sensitive medications.
  • Allergy/histamine reactions - take medication pre treatment.
  • Skin Cancer.
  • Active Lupus and immune conditions.
  • Bacterial or fungal conditions.
  • History of Keloid scars.
  • Active herpes / cold sores.
  • Always seek medical advice if pregnant or breastfeeding - treatment is usually fine.
  • On top of cosmetic tattoos.


If you still want to know more about skin needling feel free to read more of our articles or get in touch with us.


Thanks for reading,


Jess. 

By Jessica callahan June 12, 2026
Most Sensitive Skin Isn't Actually Sensitive The Skin Barrier Truth Most People Never Hear By Jess, Owner of HUSH Clinical | 30 Years of Skin Experience Every week I meet people who tell me they have sensitive skin. Their skin is red. It stings. It feels tight. Products suddenly irritate them. Nothing seems to work anymore. And after more than 30 years treating skin, I've noticed something interesting. Around 90% of these clients don't actually have what I would consider true sensitive skin. What they have is a damaged skin barrier. What Is The Skin Barrier? Your skin barrier is your body's natural protective shield. Think of it as the brick wall that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When your skin barrier is healthy, your skin feels: Comfortable Balanced Hydrated Calm Resilient When the barrier becomes damaged, everything changes. Suddenly your skin becomes: Red Reactive Tight Dry Itchy Easily irritated Most people assume they have sensitive skin. In reality, their skin is simply crying out for help. How Do People Damage Their Skin Barrier? The biggest causes I see include: Over-Cleansing Many people believe that squeaky-clean skin equals healthy skin. It doesn't. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, you've likely removed too much of your skin's natural protection. Too Many Active Ingredients Retinol. Vitamin C. Acids. Peels. Exfoliants. These ingredients can be fantastic when used correctly. But when clients start layering multiple active products without guidance, the skin often becomes overwhelmed. Following Social Media Trends TikTok and Instagram have convinced many people that more products equal better results. The truth? Most people need fewer products, not more. Over-Exfoliation One of the most common mistakes I see. Exfoliation can improve skin texture and brightness, but too much exfoliation strips the barrier and leaves the skin vulnerable. The Signs Of A Damaged Skin Barrier You may have barrier damage if: Products suddenly sting Your skin feels tight after cleansing You experience unexplained redness Your skin feels dry but also breaks out Moisturisers don't seem to work anymore Your skin reacts to products you've used for years These symptoms are often mistaken for sensitivity. What I Recommend Instead The first thing I do is simplify. We stop chasing the next miracle product. We focus on restoring the skin. Step 1: Use A Gentle Cleanser One of my favourites is Synergie UltraCleanse . It removes makeup, sunscreen and daily buildup without leaving the skin feeling stripped or tight. Step 2: Reduce Active Ingredients Sometimes less really is more. Giving the skin a chance to recover can make a dramatic difference. Step 3: Focus On Barrier Repair Some of my favourite products for compromised skin include: Dr Spiller Sanvita Cream Eco by Sonya Glory Oil Eco by Sonya Super Fruit Hydrator Synergie DermaCalm These products help support hydration, comfort and skin barrier recovery. Step 4: Be Patient The skin barrier doesn't repair overnight. Consistency is often more important than intensity. My Biggest Skincare Tip After treating thousands of skins over the years, one thing has become very clear. Most people don't need stronger skincare. They need healthier skin. When the skin barrier is functioning properly, many common concerns improve naturally. Less redness. Less irritation. Better hydration. Healthier-looking skin. Not Sure If Your Skin Is Sensitive Or Barrier Damaged? That's where professional advice makes all the difference. At HUSH Clinical, we offer complimentary skin consultations to help identify what's really happening with your skin and create a plan that's tailored to you. Because the right skincare doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's simply about giving your skin what it needs most. Book Your Complimentary Skin Consultation Today HUSH Clinical | South Yarra, Melbourne Or shop Jess's favourite barrier-supporting products online at HUSH Beauty & Skin.
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