Microneedling in Santa Monica: A Holistic Path to Skin Renewal at Acupunctury

stelladestefanis
Jul 28
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

If you're searching for natural, non-invasive ways to rejuvenate your skin, reduce wrinkles, or minimize acne scars, microneedling might just be the treatment you've been looking for. At Acupunctury, our Santa Monica-based studio blends the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern facial rejuvenation techniques, including microneedling—a scientifically supported therapy with benefits that go more than skin deep.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. These tiny punctures stimulate your body’s natural healing process, triggering the production of collagen and elastin—two proteins essential for firm, youthful, and radiant skin.

Originally pioneered in the 1990s and influenced by ancient Chinese dermal needling practices, microneedling has evolved into a clinically validated procedure used by dermatologists, acupuncturists, and holistic practitioners worldwide.

The History of Microneedling

Microneedling’s origins can be traced back to ancient Chinese and Egyptian beauty rituals using dermal rollers or small needling tools to rejuvenate the skin. The modern form was formally introduced in 1995 by Dr. Desmond Fernandes, a South African plastic surgeon who used needles to treat scars and wrinkles without lasers or peels.

Today, research continues to support the effectiveness of microneedling for various dermatological and cosmetic concerns—and it’s more popular than ever.

What Can Microneedling Help With?

Microneedling is not just a skincare trend; it's backed by clinical studies showing its efficacy in treating a variety of skin concerns. Here’s a closer look at what this powerful treatment can do:

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Clinical studies have demonstrated that microneedling increases collagen production and skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In one study published in Dermatologic Surgery, participants experienced a significant improvement in skin texture and wrinkle depth after just four sessions.

Acne Scars

A 2016 randomized controlled trial found microneedling to be “safe and effective” for atrophic acne scars, especially when paired with other modalities. By remodeling the skin at a cellular level, microneedling smooths out pitted scars over time.

Surgical Scars

Microneedling can also break down dense scar tissue caused by surgery or injury. According to a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, patients with surgical scars experienced notable improvement in texture and pigmentation after several microneedling treatments.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, or striae distensae, respond positively to microneedling because it stimulates skin regeneration. Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology supports its use in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, particularly when combined with topical serums.

Hair Growth

When used on the scalp, microneedling can stimulate dormant hair follicles. Studies show that microneedling combined with topical minoxidil results in significantly higher hair regrowth in individuals with androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) compared to using minoxidil alone.

Phases of Microneedling: What to Expect

Microneedling works in three phases:

1. Inflammation (Day 1–3): The tiny micro-injuries cause mild inflammation, signaling the body to increase blood flow and initiate healing.

2. Proliferation (Days 4–7): New skin cells and blood vessels form, while fibroblasts begin producing collagen and elastin.

3. Remodeling (Week 2–6+): Collagen matures and reorganizes, gradually improving skin tone, texture, and firmness.

You may notice an initial "post-treatment glow" within a few days, with optimal results developing over 4–6 weeks as new collagen is laid down.

Post-Treatment: Healing, Downtime, and Screening

After microneedling, expect some redness and mild sensitivity—similar to a light sunburn—for the first 24–72 hours. Most people return to normal activities the next day, though we recommend avoiding makeup, exercise, and sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours. When booking a microneedling treatment with Acupunctury, you will receive in-depth preparation and after-care instructions.

Because microneedling activates deep cellular healing, it’s essential to receive proper screening before your session. At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, we carefully assess your health history, medications, and skincare routine to ensure microneedling is right for you. For example, we do not treat active acne, rosacea flares, raised or open scars that have not yet healed, clients using retinoids without appropriate prep time, clients who are pregnant, or who have recently had Botox, dermal fillers, or surgeries. All of these factors will be discussed in your consultation. Safety is the most important and we take precautions to ensure this treatment is a good fit for our clients. If it's not the time to explore microneedling, we offer other treatments that could be a better fit.

Our practitioner, Stella de Stefanis, holds Advanced Certification through completing Michelle Gellis’s renowned Facial and Cosmetic Acupuncture Program, as well as certification in AcuLift's MicroPen System (Microneedling).

How Acupunctury Does Microneedling Differently

While microneedling alone is effective, our approach at Acupunctury is integrative and rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. We treat from the inside out.

Before your treatment, while you relax and the numbing cream takes effect for ultimate comfort during microneedling, we incorporate body acupuncture to address internal imbalances—such as digestive issues, hormonal fluctuations, or emotional stress—that may be contributing to your skin concerns. This mind-body approach sets the stage for deeper, longer-lasting transformation.

Our Santa Monica clients often report not only improved skin tone, but also better sleep, digestion, and emotional balance—proof that true beauty starts within.

Ready to Experience Radiant Skin the Holistic Way?

Whether you're struggling with stubborn scars or simply looking to refresh your glow, microneedling at Acupunctury offers a powerful, natural solution. Our Santa Monica studio is a calming sanctuary where science meets soul, and where beauty is treated as an expression of health and balance.