Acne scars
Selected rolling and boxcar-type scars can improve through progressive collagen remodelling.
Skin rejuvenation · South Kensington
Microneedling in South Kensington
Dermaroller and pen-based microneedling use controlled micro-injury to stimulate collagen remodelling and improve selected acne scars, texture, pore appearance, fine lines and stretch marks.
From £350Collagen stimulationFace & bodyPIH-aware protocols
3–6 sessions
Common course for scars or texture
4–6 weeks
Typical spacing
24–48 hours
Common redness / warmth
Gradual results
Remodelling develops over weeks to months
See a microneedling session
Precision matters more than spectacle
Depth can vary across the face and body. The goal is a controlled response appropriate to the tissue, not maximum redness or bleeding.
Technique is adjusted for skin tone, barrier condition, scarring pattern and previous treatment response.
What microneedling may help with
Texture & fine lines
Useful where the goal is smoother texture and collagen support rather than added volume.
Visible pores
Collagen remodelling may improve the appearance of enlarged pores over a course.
Selected pigmentation
May help some post-inflammatory marks, but pigment-prone skin needs conservative treatment.
Stretch marks
Body microneedling may improve selected textural irregularity over time.
Scalp support
Can form part of a broader hair-loss pathway after assessment of the cause of thinning.
How it works
Controlled micro-injury and collagen remodelling
Microneedling creates many small controlled channels in the skin. This starts a wound-healing response involving signalling, new extracellular matrix formation and collagen remodelling. The visible effect develops gradually rather than instantly.
Which microneedling approach?
What to expect
Assessment
We review skin tone, active products, recent procedures, healing history and barrier condition.
Controlled treatment
The area is cleansed and treated at a depth appropriate to the indication. Topical anaesthetic may be used.
Recovery plan
You receive aftercare and a recommended interval before the next treatment based on recovery.
Safety & suitability
Microneedling is not appropriate for every skin state
We may postpone with:
- Active inflammatory or infected acne
- Open wounds or active infection
- Active eczema or dermatitis
- Recent sunburn or significant tanning
- Skin not fully recovered from a recent procedure
Please tell us about:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Current or recent isotretinoin
- Keloid or abnormal scarring history
- Bleeding disorders / anticoagulants
- Previous post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Darker skin tones: microneedling can be appropriate, but excessive inflammation may trigger PIH. Conservative depth and careful aftercare are important.
Choose according to the problem
| Main concern | Often considered | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Acne scars / texture | Microneedling | Controlled collagen remodelling with relatively modest downtime. |
| More intensive resurfacing | CO₂ / laser resurfacing | Greater resurfacing effect with more recovery. |
| Congestion / superficial pigment | Chemical peels | Useful for superficial tone and congestion. |
| Active inflammatory acne | Acne pathway / Blue Light | Inflammation may need calming before needling. |
| Skin-quality support | PRP | May be used alone or combined in selected cases. |
Before & after
Protect the barrier while it recovers
Before treatment
- Follow advice on pausing retinoids, acids or irritating actives.
- Avoid significant sun exposure.
- Tell us about cold sores, medication and recent procedures.
After treatment
- Keep skincare simple and barrier-supportive.
- Delay strong actives until recovered.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF.
- Avoid picking or scrubbing.
Continue your research
Skin Lab
Objective imaging and measurement.
Explore →PRP Therapy
Regenerative support for selected skin and hair concerns.
Explore →Hair Clinic
Diagnosis-led assessment of thinning and shedding.
Explore →Laser Resurfacing
More intensive texture and scar resurfacing.
Explore →Thread Veins
Vascular laser treatment.
Explore →Blue Light for Acne
Selected acne-support pathway.
Explore →Meet the Team
Meet Santi clinicians and practitioners.
Explore →Price List
Current microneedling pricing.
See prices →Microneedling FAQs
How many sessions do I need?
Many clients benefit from around 3–6 sessions spaced roughly 4–6 weeks apart, depending on indication and recovery.
What downtime should I expect?
Redness and warmth are common for 24–48 hours, with possible dryness or light flaking afterwards.
Is microneedling suitable for darker skin tones?
It can be, with conservative depth, appropriate preparation and careful aftercare to reduce PIH risk.
Can I combine microneedling with PRP?
Yes, in selected cases where regenerative support is a treatment goal.
Can I use retinol afterwards?
Not immediately. Retinoids and strong exfoliating actives are delayed until the barrier has recovered.
Is microneedling suitable for active acne?
We generally avoid needling active inflamed or infected lesions. Acne may need stabilising first.
Is Dermaroller the same as microneedling?
Dermaroller is one method of microneedling; motorised pen devices are another.
Can microneedling help hair loss?
It can form part of a hair-loss plan, but should not replace diagnosis of the cause of shedding or thinning.
Considering microneedling?
Book a consultation in South Kensington and we’ll advise whether standard microneedling, PRP-assisted treatment, a peel, laser resurfacing or another pathway is the most appropriate option.