Dermaroller & Microneedling
From £350 — non-surgical rejuvenation for scars, pigmentation, pore size and texture. Precise, clinician-led treatment in South Kensington with expert follow-up.
Treatment overview
Microneedling (Dermaroller or DermaPen) creates microchannels that trigger collagen and elastin production. It improves texture, scars, pores, fine lines and pigmentation. Results build gradually over a course of sessions.
What microneedling helps with
Breaks down fibrotic tissue and encourages new collagen for smoother contours.
Supports more even tone and helps soften sun-related pigment. For deeper investigation, we may recommend Skin Lab diagnostics.
Softens fine lines and roughness so skin looks and feels more even.
Tightens and refines pore appearance as collagen supports the surrounding tissue.
Improves texture and tone of stretch-marked areas over a series of treatments.
Scalp microneedling can be combined with topical solutions as part of a hair-regrowth plan.
Results & longevity
When results appear
Most clients notice brighter, smoother skin within 2–3 weeks. Improvements in texture, lines and scarring continue gradually as collagen forms over the following months.
How long results last
Collagen remodelling is long-lasting, but natural ageing and lifestyle influence results. Many clients maintain benefits with one or two top-up sessions per year or by combining with Skin Lab diagnostics to track skin barrier and hydration.
Suitability & cautions
Microneedling is suitable for most skin types, but we will assess your skin first to ensure timing, technique and intensity are appropriate. Treatment may not be suitable during active acne outbreaks, eczema flares, open wounds, pregnancy or if the skin barrier is compromised. If needed, we may recommend strengthening the skin first with a tailored routine or Skin Lab assessment.
How it works
Collagen & elastin stimulation
Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries. This activates the skin’s repair pathways and encourages new collagen and elastin, improving firmness and texture over time.
Enhanced product penetration
Microchannels allow carefully selected serums to reach deeper layers immediately after treatment, supporting brighter, smoother skin when used as part of a tailored plan.
Enhancements & variations
Growth-factor and active serums can be layered with microneedling to support healing and visible renewal.
Uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood to deliver growth factors while we needle — a popular option for more intensive rejuvenation.
For complex concerns, we may combine microneedling with Santi Skin Lab to measure hydration, barrier and pigmentation before and after treatment.
Why choose Santi
Microneedling is carried out by trained practitioners with experience in both face and body indications.
We work with sterile equipment, single-use needles and medical protocols for screening and aftercare.
Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. We plan your course, pace and home care according to skin type, lifestyle and tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions do I need?
Most clients benefit from a course of 3–6 sessions, spaced roughly 4–6 weeks apart, depending on concerns such as scarring, texture or pigmentation.
What downtime should I expect?
Expect mild redness and warmth for 24–48 hours, similar to a light sunburn. Makeup can usually be applied the next day if the skin is comfortable.
Is microneedling suitable for all skin tones?
It can be appropriate for most skin tones. For darker or more reactive skin, we use conservative settings and careful aftercare to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Can I combine microneedling with other treatments?
Yes. Microneedling can sit alongside peels, laser and Skin Lab diagnostics. We will sequence treatments and home actives to keep your skin barrier protected.
What does needling do for your skin?
Needling, also known as microneedling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles to create micro-injuries. This process stimulates the skin’s natural healing response and promotes the production of collagen and elastin, which are two essential proteins that help to maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
By creating tiny channels in the skin, needling also allows for better absorption of skincare products, which can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. It can also be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
In addition to stimulating collagen and elastin production, needling can also increase blood flow to the skin, which can help to promote a healthy, glowing complexion. However, it’s important to note that needling should only be performed by a trained professional and that proper aftercare is necessary to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.
Dermaroller Treatment
A rejuvenating aesthetic treatment which promotes collagen production using the body’s own healing processes, micro-needling is all-natural and 100% safe when performed in a controlled environment. Hundreds of small needles are ‘rolled’ across the treatment area, creating superficial ‘micro injuries’ and stimulating collagen synthesis via the skin’s wound response. While it sounds more invasive than other resurfacing treatments recovery is swift and the skin becomes accustomed after repeated treatments. Repeated ‘breaking’ of the skin surface softens and minimises acne scars, fine lines and large pores and improves skin tone as newer, younger skin cells are encouraged. The micro tracks created by micro-needling also allow skin serums and other products to penetrate the skin more deeply, increasing absorption rates and efficacy.
The first documented reference to micro-needling is from 1905 – Ernst Kromayar, a German dermatologist treated acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation with an improvised ‘wheel’ device – abrading the skin to bring about uniformity through healing. Later, tattoo needles were found to greatly reduce the colour and irregularity of scars – repeated puncturing seemed to break down the thicker tissue and improve texture. It wasn’t until the 1990s however that plastic surgeons began using skin needling as a cosmetic procedure, using the newly coined ‘dermaroller’ in generalised application across the face, neck and other areas. Reduced lines and improved laxness has cemented micro-needling as an established aesthetic go-to.
While the act of puncturing the skin is enough to kickstart collagen production, additional treatments exist to enhance the healing process. EGF serums, a new frontier in stem-cell based anti-ageing technology, can be applied before and after micro-needling, allowing deeper penetration and more profound skin regeneration. Retinol creams and products can be used in a similar vein, although their application should only begin once the skin is accustomed to micro-needling.
The most famous variation is the PRP (Vampire) Facial. PRP or platelet rich plasma is extracted from the patient’s blood sample, via centrifuge during treatment, and applied as a serum to the skin before and during micro-needling. The concept is similar to an EGF serum (platelets are rich in growth factors) and as the plasma is the patient’s own, allergic or negative reactions are avoided.
How does Dermaroller work?
Micro-needling is a well-established procedure that stimulates the skin to repair itself, naturally and safely. It works by creating micro-injures in the skin, which subsequently stimulate collagen production as the healing process begins. This ‘controlled healing’ can minimise pores, break up acne scarring, disrupt pigment irregularities – and generally result in smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin.
MICRO-NEEDLING FOR HAIR LOSS
From £500
Dermaroller (also known as micro-needling) is a non-surgical treatment option working to improve the condition of the skin from within. By creating microchannels on the scalp we add the addition of a 10% minoxidil solution to stimulate hair regrowth. This treatment is beneficial if you are about to start hair loss treatments.
Why In-Clinic Micro-Needling is the Gold Standard
DIY dermaroller treatment has also become popular – despite potential problems including permanent skin injury. A common mistake during home treatment is twisting or changing the direction of the roller mid action – causing tears and compromising skin texture. At the same time, home-kit needle length usually ranges between 0.1mm and 0.5mm – creating much shallower micro-wounds than a clinical treatment which can penetrate up to 3mm. The results are obviously less dramatic with a home treatment and risk of infection is higher.
Is microneedling good for skin?
Microneedling can be good for your skin if it’s performed properly by a trained professional and if you follow the recommended aftercare instructions.
As mentioned earlier, microneedling creates micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response and boosts collagen and elastin production. This can lead to a firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking complexion over time.
Microneedling can also be effective in treating a range of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. It can also help to improve the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
However, it’s important to note that microneedling may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain skin conditions or sensitivities. It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine if microneedling is the right choice for you, and to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Santi London, 33 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ Appointments: 0207 5847000 info@santilondon.com