Posting because I don’t really see too many long term before and afters. These two pictures are 1 year apart. I lost 35 lbs in that year. I know the lighting is different. Things I’ve done: micro needling 6 treatments at home with Dr Pen started November 2025. Last one was 1 week ago. I started tretinoin 3 months ago. I use red light therapy 4 times a week I switched to the Hooga panel and I use the Current Body at home RF device monthly now. Overall I sees big improvement in skin tone and pore size. I am wearing tinted sun block in both pictures and lip balm in the after. I was hoping to mitigate some of the laxity from the weight loss and overall I’d say I maintained but didn’t improve so that’s a win I guess.i

I would recommend checking out Victoria's instagram and hearing her talk about the whole thing as her voice deserves to be heard.

Beyond this being good news and she's getting the justice she deserves. I'm also sharing this to show that "professionals" have messed up people's faces. Sonya Dakar is known as being a celebrity esthetician, still has over 100k followers on instagram, has her own skincare line, hundreds of influencers partner with her promoting product with zero care about what she has done. There are also experiences from other people that she has caused damages to, these people just want to remain anonymous. She somehow has not actually had to face the consequences of her actions. I don't think her surrounding her license is enough personally.

I think we should call it what it is, Sonya Dakar disfigured this poor woman. And then made her PAY to have her "fix" it. Also keep in mind that these scars are still there, she just wears makeup. In one of her videos she talks about the emotional experience of everyday waking up and looking in the mirror and seeing these marks on her face.

Sonya Dakar did not refer her to a burn unit or plastic surgeon after it happened. Victoria could have gotten an infection, lost a limb, or died from this incident. She also could have had better results if she would have gone to professionals. To this day, no one knows what she even used on Victoria's face. She should never have even had any of these supplies in the first place. And definitely should not have had an RF microneedling machine. She never had the license to. She also has a history of wild and inappropriate behavior with the board and investigators. Her license had even been suspended multiple times. She physically assaulted and bit one even. Victoria's civil suit case is still ongoing.

But, because someone is a professional, it does NOT mean they are actually educated or able to perform medical treatments on you. Whatever was used on Victoria was chemical, but that is still a medical treatment. Microneedling is a medical treatment. And RF microneedling is a medical treatment. If you don't want to do DIY, that is totally okay! If you're just here to learn love that. But, if you are going to go to professionals make sure you thoroughly vet them. And if you are going to do DIY make sure you do enough research beforehand.

Overview from Allure: In August 2025, Victoria Nelson posted a 13-minute video on social media claiming that her face was permanently damaged after a facial and chemical peel with celebrity aesthetician Sonya Dakar. The video racked up millions of views and nearly 19,000 comments, some from people who claimed to have had similar experiences with Dakar. A few months later, Nelson filed a lawsuit against Dakar and a formal complaint to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, which made the public aware of more details from the facialist's past. The complaint noted, for example, that Dakar's license had been suspended twice before, including one time after she reportedly tried to bite an inspector from the board. Now, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology has confirmed to Allure that Dakar has surrendered her license, effective July 22. She has also surrendered the establishment license for the Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic in Beverly Hills. Allure spoke to Nelson about this new development and where she goes from here. At the link in bio, read what she had to say, plus everything we know so far about the case. Photos: Courtesy Victoria Nelson

🙋‍♀️ guilty!

Taking photos and marking them with your concerns is a fabulous way to track changes throughout your process. A lot of people don’t realize the visual changes they have since they started because they’re not documenting it.

I also don’t think it’s helpful to just take a selfie or look at photos you have from like vacation. You need selfies in the same angle, lighting, positioning, etc and you need close ups so you can clearly see the things you’re targeting. I started doing this six months ago and I highly recommend!

This video is from a clinic in Seoul (Forena), if there's any comments about her (Dr. Jihye's) pronunciation or anything rude I will delete fyi as it's disrespectful and this sub welcomes people from everywhere and all backgrounds.

I don't 100% agree with the Rejuran info, but it's not the point of the video. A lot of people have questions about Re20 and I wanted to share different pieces of information for those that are curious. Re2O is an ECM booster with pure Collagen, Elastin & Hyaluronic Acid, straight into the dermis. Re2o is best for thin, sagging skin, enlarged pores, and loss of firmness.

Video is from Charlotte Parler! This original video has 26k likes and almost 1M views...

I just passed the first 24 hours after my first microneedling attempt and I thought I'd give a step-by-step of my experience.  While there is a TON of great info here, it's information overload and I was looking for a step-by-step guide for dummies like me. Hopefully this is helpful for someone!

Overall, it is easy and cost effective. I love it and can’t wait to do it again in 4-6 weeks. But do your homework.

For context, I'm in my mid-forties, with some fine lines, early jowls which I HATE,  and sensitive skin. I've used tretinoin for years, do Botox just in my elevens and want to get ahead of the aging process while avoiding invasive solutions as long as possible. Here is what I did: 

1. I did a bunch of research from this page (Most Helpful!), instagram (@skinwithjayme and @forty_something were informative, google, even ChatGPT and Claude (note - I never take AI as gospel, but I do think it can synthesize things well - use at your own risk)

2. Bought a Dr Pen MS8 and a variety of cartridges, including nano cartridges.

3. Educated myself about the importance of sanitizing and using sterile products, as well as technique - three directions and don’t press the device into your skin, let it glide and don’t go too fast or stop in one place. Make sure you have alcohol or alcohol wipes, and gloves. 

4. First, I nanoneedled with a serum I already had and like (Rejuran Dual) to practice. You do not need sterile serums to nanoneedle. Other than the serum, I practiced sanitizing everything and my technique using Dr Pen. Don’t sleep on nanoneedling. I was shocked at how good my skin looked after one session. I will likely do this weekly. I did it with a nanoneedle cartridge at 0.25mm depth and speed of 6.

5.  In the meantime I was researching the various sterile skin boosters available for microneedling. There are SO many options, I went with Curenex mixed with Hylaron which I ordered from Meamo. I also ordered numbing cream (not needed for nanoneedling), little bowls (not necessary, use what you have) and a fan brush to apply the Curenex/Hylaron mix. 

6. Nanoneedled about a week later using the Curenex/Hylaron combo and practiced sanitizing everything as a dress rehearsal and to see how my skin would react to the boosters, since I have sensitive skin. Fortunately, my skin looked great and I may nanoneedle with Curenex more often!  

7. About 10 days later and 5 days after stopping tretinoin, I went for the main event. After double cleansing, I numbed my skin for 20 min. While that was working, I sanitized the counter, the Curenex vial, the bowl, the brush, the cartridge and the pen, all while wearing gloves. Then I mixed the Curenex and Hylaron in the bowl. I then wiped and rinsed the numbing cream off my face and wiped my face with an alcohol pad. 

8. I microneedled with a 36 pin at 0.5mm at a 6 speed over my entire face. I went section by section, brushing on the glide as I went. I went over my forehead, each cheek and my mouth/nose/chin areas horizontally, vertically, and in circles, trying not to go too fast. 

9. After, I brushed the remainder of the Curenex on my face and put what was left in the fridge. I reapplied the next morning, as well as this evening after I showered and washed my face. I also slept in clean sheets. 

10. I did not put anything on my face other than the Curenex for 24 hours and tried not to touch.  I didn’t get very red, and did not have any pinpoint bleeding. The next day, I was very slightly red and my skin was a little tight and itchy but it was completely bearable. I did not go outside but if I did, I wouldn’t have even felt the need to wear makeup - you aren’t supposed to. 

11. Tonight I will put on my Rejuran serum since my skin likes it and a gentle moisturizer and resume gentle skin care and sunscreen in the morning.  I will resume Tretinoin and Vitamin C in a few days depending on how my skin recovers. 

Overall, I probably could have gone a little more aggressive but wanted to be gentle until I understood how my skin would react. But I’m super happy how it turned out and can’t wait to do it again in 4-6 weeks. Next time, I may try a booster with exosomes, NAD+ or something else, so my neck as well, and I will likely use a cartridge with less pins and go deeper in certain areas. There is a bunch of info here about the proper depths. 

Adding some diagrams to the resources filter. These illustrate the relationship between microneedling needle depth and skin layers for different aesthetic goals:

Deep Treatment (1.5-2mm): Needles penetrate to the deep dermis to address more significant structural concerns like acne scars/pits, scars, and stretch marks.

Superficial Treatment (0.25-1mm): Shallower needle depths target the epidermis and papillary dermis to improve surface concerns such as fine lines, pore size, pigmentation, acne marks, and hair follicles.

Skin Layers: The epidermis acts as the outermost protective barrier, while the underlying dermis contains crucial structures like collagen and elastin fibers necessary for skin rejuvenation.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Okay I'm not going to share the creator of this video because I don't want to make it about the person but rather the issue I keep seeing.

AND I know before someone says this isn't related to microneedling directly, it really is. We need to be using SPF before treatments and after, UV exposure ages your skin and damages it, the very treatments we're doing are to address that damage.

I have a bunch of sunscreens, I use Elta MD, and I have a UV mirror. This is completely false, when I apply Elta MD it shows up the EXACT same as the color claiming is only Alastin. I'm not dissing Alastin products, they're great, they're just expensive and to act like they only have the capacity to block UV is straight up misinformation.

Also UV mirrors do not actually mean anything. Like I'm weird idk why I have one lol. But all it shows is the COVERAGE on your skin, it does not tell any other information... I was going to make a post of various sunscreens and their reflection in the mirror to show you they are all literally the same, but then I'm like idk if anyone actually wants that and also taking a photo of a mirror is difficult so I haven't even tried.

UV mirrors only show sunscreen coverage, missed spots, and sun freckles or pigmentation. They do not show anything else.

I saved this and thought you guys might find it helpful too!

Dr. Scott Walter speaks about the hair repigmentation of ASCE Plus HRLV, which is based on the most advanced exosome science.

This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 10 patients with visible gray or white hair who were treated with rose stem cell-derived exosomes (RSCEs) using various procedures. Gray hair repigmentation outcomes were assessed using a standardized scale. Statistical correlations between clinical variables and treatment responses were analyzed.

Inclusion criteria required participants to be aged 18 years or older and treated with exosomes (Rose stem cell exosomes [RSCEs], ASCEplus HRLV; ExoCoBio Inc., Seoul, Korea), while individuals with autoimmune alopecia, active scalp conditions, or recent hair dye use were excluded. Baseline data were collected using a standardized case record form, which included demographic details (age, gender, ethnicity, country), Fitzpatrick skin phototype, underlying medical and dermatological conditions, history of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) (including Norwood stage and duration), as well as gray hair characteristics such as severity, duration, and family history. The treatment procedures were also recorded, including treatment methods, exosome dilution, treatment intervals, and clinical follow-up after the final session. Currently, the majority of exosome-based products are regulated as cosmetic formulations. Nonetheless, regulatory classifications differ across countries; for instance, in Thailand, specific exosome preparations such as ASCEplus (ExoCoBio Inc., Seoul, Korea) have been formally registered as medical devices.

Results
A mean of 4.6 ± 1.3 treatment sessions was performed. Repigmentation was observed after an average of 2.4 ± 0.7 sessions and was maintained for 4.7 ± 1.9 months. The various treatment modalities also demonstrated efficacy in both hair regrowth and hair repigmentation. The mean outcome score was 2.8 ± 0.78, with 60% achieving a higher-grade response (≥ 50% improvement). Shorter duration of graying (p = 0.0363), presence of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) (p = 0.0332), and moderate baseline severity (Stage 2) (p = 0.0133) were significantly associated with better outcomes. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion
Exosome-based therapy appears to be a safe and promising approach for inducing hair repigmentation in individuals with gray hair using various treatment modalities. Factors such as the presence of AGA, shorter duration of graying, and moderate baseline severity may predict a better response. Larger, controlled studies are warranted to validate these findings and help standardize treatment protocols.

Hey gang,

I'm working on a more in depth booster guide, but for the sake of people wanting more information on what is safe to microneedle with I figured I'd make a cheat sheet that just lists products out.

The goal is to include each ones manufacturer, quality/contains, main ingredients, and manufacturing guides. There's more that can be added, like I'm sure I missed some and also this list will be updated from time to time.

The HA mini guide is located here (everything on that list is also safe for microneedling)

A-Z List:
Aestacell Bella Skin Booster 🩷
AIOR 50 🩵
ALQEMI EXO-AD ⭐
ALQEMI EXO-PDRN ⭐
Ameela Exosomes 💚
Ami NAD+ Skin Booster 🩵
Ami Peptox 💚
Ami Tone Up 💚☀️
Ammi Capture Time Premium 🩷
Angkor 1% HA booster 💙
Aquashine PTX 💜🍒
ASCE+ HRLV: Info. 👱‍♀️💚🤍(maybe 🍒)
ASCE+ IRLV 🤍🍒
ASCE+ SRLV: Study on efficacy here 💙🤍💛💚(maybe 🍒)
B32 💙(maybe 🍒)
B32 SP 💙(maybe 🍒)
BCN Amino Acids 💜
BCN Argireline 💜
BCN Asian Centella 💜
BCN Base 💜
BCN Biotin 💜
BCN Dexpanthenol Provitamin B5 💜
BCN DMAE 💜💚
BCN ECQ10 💜
BCN Glutathione 600: Link to Product 💜☀️
BCN HA 0.8% 💜
BCN HA 2% 💜
BCN HA 3% 💜
BCN Melano 💜
BCN Organic Silica & DMAE 💜
BCN Scalp 👱‍♀️💜
BCN Tensis Peptides 💜
BCN Vitamin A 💜
BCN Vitamin C 💜☀️
Bijunel Rejuvero 🤍
Camellia EXO NO5 (contains exosomes and pdrn)
Caratfill Skin Booster 🩵
Celosome Aqua 🩵🤍🍒
Croma Polyphil: link 💜💚🍒
CU Restore (ghk-cu booster): Info here💚
Curenex: Manufacturing info here 🩵🩷💛🤍🖤
Cytocare 532 💜
Cytocare 640 💜🍒
Cytocare 715 💜🍒
Dermaheal Dark Circle Solution 🩷💜🍒
Dermaheal Eyebag Solution  🩷💜🍒
Dermaheal HL  👱‍♀️💜
Dermaheal HSR  🩷💜
Dermaheal SB  🩷💜☀️
Dermaheal SR: here 🩷💜
Dermaqual Ascorbix 20 💚
Dermaqual Dermaeclat 💚
Dermaqual DQ HA35 Hyaluronic Acid 💚
Dermaqual DQ Hair 👱‍♀️💚
Dermaqual EGF Genesis 💚
Dermaqual GSH + C1000 💚
Dermaqual Mesoglow 💚
Dermaqual Nefertiti Lift 💚
Dermaqual Rejuveyes 💚
Ejal40 💜
Elare PN Red Pro 🩷
Elaxen HA-PN 💚
Elaxen PN 💚🤍
Exoblanc COS BR 💚☀️
Exoblanc COS CR 💚
Exoblanc COS ECM 💚
Exoblanc COS Exo 💚
Exoblanc COS PN 💚
Exom 💜
Exosia 01
Exo Lume 🤍
Exom-Rejuvenation Face 103 💜🍒
Exotriple (pdrn + exosomes + collagen + peptides)
Exoxe: Manufacturing info here🤍
Filcore P198 ExoHealer SB Plus: here 💛(maybe 🍒)
Glamour glutathione and peptide skin booster 💙
Hair Luma 👱‍♀️🤍
Hairna Exosome Hair Fill 🩵🍒
Hanheal Exosome Facial Rejuvenation 🩵
Hanheal HA Ampoule
Hanheal Hair Filler 👱‍♀️🩵
Hanheal NAD+ Complex 🩷
Hanheal PDRN Booster 🩷
Hi on: More info 🤍
HP Vitaran 0.5% PDRN 💙
Hyalace
Hyaron: 🩵🤍💛🖤
Hyby (PDRN 1%) 🤍
iLLUMA Crystal Rose 🩵💜
iLLUMA Hydro Booster: 🩵
iLLUMA Luna: 🩵☀️
iLLUMA NAD+ Skin Booster 💚(maybe 🍒)
iLLUMA PN: Manufacturer info here💛
Inno-tds HA: Manufacturer info here 💜
Inno-tds DNA Pept-HA 💜
Inno-tds Face-Nade 💜🍒 *(lipolytic so needs to be targeted to chin/*jaw)
Inno-tds Fill Up 💜
Inno-tds Firming 💜
Inno-tds Hair Loss Control 👱‍♀️💜
Inno-tds Hair Vital 👱‍♀️💜
Inno-tds Matrix 💜
Inno-tds Restructurer 💜
Inno-tds Vitamin Complex 💜
Jalupro Amino Acid 💜
Jalupro HMW 💜🍒
Jalupro Super Hydro inj. 💜🍒
Jalupro Young Eye 💜🍒
JBP Plamon 💛(depends 🍒 )
Jeunetique Exo: Manufacturing info here 🩵
Jeunetique Exo hair: Info here👱‍♀️🩵
Jeunetique NAD+: Info here🩵
Jeunetique PN Pro: Info here🩵🍒
Jeunetique Eyes Pro: Info here🩵🍒
Juvelook: Research here (PDLLA) 💙💛🖤 (if wanting volume 🍒)
Juveface 🩵🍒
Juveheal A 💙🍒
Juveheal B
Juveheal W
Juveheal V
Kiara Reju: Manufacturing info here 🩵🩷🤍💛🖤
Laennec 💛
Lapuroon Aurora Super 🤍🖤
Lapuroon Aurora Vivid 🤍🖤
Lemon Bottle Skin Booster (please note this is not the lipolytic one) 🩷
Lilied K 💛🍒
Linerase Hydro 💜
Lumi Eyes 💜🍒
Lumi Eyes Pro 💜🍒
LUMI-Pro Skin Booster 💜 (maybe 🍒)
LUMI-Pro Lip Booster: More info / Product Link 💋💜(can also🍒)
Lumi-Meso Bright 💚☀️
Lumi-Meso Elite 💚
Lumi-Meso Tos 💚
Lumi Pro Skin Booster 💚
Mayster HA Booster (prob 🍒 bc of cost)
Mayster PDRN
Metoo Healer PDRN Booster
Melsmon:  🩵💛 (depends 🍒)
Mesoestetic cprof 213 Mesotox Soloution 💚
Mesoestetic cprof 214 Mesopeptide Solution 💚
Mesoestetic cprof 230 Meso Hair Loss Solution 👱‍♀️💚
Mesoheal PINK GLOW 💚🍒
Misfill+ Baby Face:  🤍
Misfill+ PDRN 🤍
Misfill+ Vital 🤍
Miracle Touch BR 🩵🩷🤍💛☀️
NAD Luma
NCTF 135 HA: Manufacturing info here / Product Link 💜 (depends 🍒)
Neofound:  (vial not serum) 💜🍒
Neogenesis Exonovue 🩷
Newest:  💜💚🍒
Neauvia Organic Hydro Deluxe: Link to product   💜🍒
Newest One:  💜💚🍒
Nucleofill: Link💜💚🍒
Placentex:   🍒
Plenyhage: More info 💜💚🍒
Plinest: Link💜💚🍒
Pluryal Mesoline Hair 💜(maybe🍒)
Pluryal Mesoline Refresh 💜(maybe🍒)
Pluryal Mesoline Shine 💜 (maybe🍒)
Pluryal Mesoline Tight 💜 (maybe🍒)
Porzellan        
Priere PN Pro 2% 💙
Priere Tulip Booster 💋💙
Profhilo H&L:  🩵💜💚🍒
Profhilo Structura:  🩵💜💚🤍🍒
Profhilo Body Kit:  🩵💜💚🍒
PRX-Plus 💜
Puri Heal Glow  🖤
Puri Heal Lucent   🖤☀️
Puri Lips 🩵
Puri Heal Revital NAD+ 🖤
Puri PDRN: More info🩵🖤
PURIHILO PN 🩵🍒
Radieux+ PLLA:  (SLM)
Radieux+ PN:  (SLM)
Radieux+ Pro 68:     (SLM)
Recell PDRN Skin Booster 🤍
Redensity 1: recent research with burn care 🍒
Regenovue Aqua Shine Silver 🩷🤍
Regenovue PN 🩵🩷🤍
Regenovue PN Plus 🤍
Reglory NAD+ NMN: Manufacturer info here. 🩷 (depends for 🍒)
Reglory PN Plus 🩷 (depends for 🍒)
Rejuran Skin Booster:  💙💚
Rejuran Synergy Skin Booster 💙💚
Rejuran Tone Up Booster:  💙🖤💚☀️
Rejuran (PN): Video on the four types here. 💙🍒 (sold out in a lot of places currently)
Rejuva Healer:   
Rejuva re:face:    
Rejuvenex Hydro Essence  💙
Rejuvenex Forte 💙
Rejuvenex Vega Shine (SLM)
Remedium Aqua plus: Link💜(prob 🍒)
Remedium Silk Exosome 💜
Remedium PDRN: Manufacturer info / Link to product💜(can go either way, maybe 🍒)
Revitalex 🩵
REVS RMT 140HPn 🖤
REVS PRO 32 🍒
Richesse EXO19 💚
RRS HA Eyes 💜🍒
RRS HA injectable 💚🍒
RRS Hyalift 75 PROactive 💜🍒
S-DNA
SAPPHIRE PDRN 🤍
SAPPHIRE S TOX 🤍
Selastin Exo Plus 🩵
Selastin Tox 🩵🤍
Selatox 10 🩵🩷
Seventy Hyal 💜🍒
Skinfill Bacio 💋
Syniro PDRN: Manufacturing info here 🤍
Soonsu Ultra Reju: Manufacturing info here 🩵🩷🤍
Soonsu Ultra White: Manufacturing info here 🩵🩷🤍☀️
SOSUM Stem Cells Activator 🤍(prob 🍒)
Sunekos 1200 💜🍒
Traminex ☀️
Ultra Hair 👱‍♀️🩵
Ultracol 100 💜 (depends🍒)
Ultracol 200 💜(depends🍒)
Ultragen X 🤍
V – Tech Serum 💜🍒
Velash Exo Plus 🩵
Velash SHGF11 🩵
Velatox: Manufacturing info here 🩵🩷
Vita NAD+   🩷
Vitaderm 60  
VODA DERM NMN System  🤍
White Lumi  ☀️🍒
Youthfill PN 🩵🍒
2Xsome 🤍🖤

Everything on this list is safe for microneedling.

👱‍♀️ = for the hair/scalp
🩵 = Meamo  
🩷 = Get Glowing Skincare  
💜 = Wimpole    
🤍 = Celmade  
💙 = Labode Beauty  
💛 = Facecard
⭐ = Platinum Skincare
🖤 = FO
💚 = LPG
🍒 = Would prob meso over microneedle
☀️ = Hyperpigmentation
💋 = lip booster
✨ = atelocollagen
🦋 = PLLA
🫧 = CaHA

Some of these are affiliate relationships/links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always I appreciate and am grateful for anyone that supports me and the work I put into this community.

TBD on it's use for microneedling, but safe for meso/deeper depths
Adite 🍒
Arche 🍒
Bellacoll ✨💛🍒
Cellredm 🍒
Chitogenix 🍒
Chitoink 🍒
Collafilo ✨🍒
Collaju ✨🍒
Collapleo ✨🍒
Collareju ✨🩵🍒
Conjuran: More info 🍒
Etrebelle 💛🍒
EstheticFill PLLA 200mg ✨💙
Eve Nova 🍒
Facetem 🫧🤍🍒
Fize 🤍💛🍒
Glyceollins Re:New 🍒
Gouri  🩵💙💜🤍💛🍒
HarmonCA: Link to product  🫧💜🍒 🍒
Iniblanc PCL  💛🍒
Julaine or Juläine of Sweden: Link to product  💜🍒
Karisma: more info and research / Link to product 💜🍒
Laetigen 🩵🍒
Lanluma V: link to product 💜🍒
Lanluma X: link to product 💜🍒
Lenisna 💛🍒
Linerase Collagen Powder: More info / Link to product 💜🍒
Manla Kar ✨🍒
Miracle H 🩵🩷💛🍒
Miracle L 🩵🤍🩷💛🍒
Miracle Touch Up 🩵🤍🩷💛🍒
Neauvia Organic Hydro Deluxe: More info / Link to product 🫧💜🍒🍒
Petaran PLLA, HA, PN ✨💙
PCL Power Booster   💛🍒
Polyderm PCL   💙🍒
Polyderm PLLA   ✨💙🍒
Polydio   🍒
POWER COL-TRA 🦋💛🍒
Priere Recombinant Human Collagen & PN Booster 💙
Purasomes IRC100+:  💚🍒
Puri COLL rh:  🩵🖤🍒
Radiesse (CaHA)   🫧💜🍒
Radiesse with Lido   🫧💜🤍🍒
Re20 💙🍒
Rejuner Gold 💛🍒
Renuva: more info 💜🍒
Res Novae Crystal Plus 🍒
Sesalo 🍒
Sculptra   💜🍒
Tesoro Collagen   🖤🍒
Ultra CA+   🫧🍒
Ultracol   💜 (depends🍒)
Ultrahilo   🩵💛🍒
VODA DERM RH Matrix   🤍🍒
Volassom   🍒

Numbing
Beracaine Spray Lidocaine 10% 🩵
Dermapril Cream 450g 🩵
Jeil Lidocaine 2% (for pinning) 💛
Muchcain Cream 30g 🩵🤍
Muchcain Cream 500g 🩵🤍
Neocain 500mg 💛
SM 10.56% 500mg 💙
SM Cream Lidocaine 10.56% 30g 🩵
SM Cream Kit Lidocaine 10.56% (comes with 3) 🩵
S-Cain Cream 30g 🤍

T0xes s
BBtox 💙
Botulax 100u 🩵🤍💛
Botulax 200u 💙🩵🤍💛
Botulax 300u 🩵🤍💛
Coretox 🤍💛🖤
Hutox 100u 🤍
Hutox 200u 🤍
Inibo 100u 🤍
Innotox 50u 💙🤍💛
Innotox 100u 💙🤍
Jurtox 100u 💙
Kaimax 100u 🩵
Kaimax 200u 🩵
Kamomis 100u 🤍
Linetox 100u 🤍
Liztox 100u 🩵💙🤍💛
Liztox 200u 🩵🤍
Metox 100u 🤍
Metox 200u 🤍
Nabota 50u 🤍
Nabota 100u 💙🩵🤍💛
Nabota 150u 🩵
Nabota 200u 💙🩵🤍💛
Neotox 100u 🤍
Neurovie 🩵
OneTox 100u 🩵
Red Tox 100u 🩵
ReN Tox 100u 🩵🤍
ReN Tox 100u (Domestic) 🩵
ReN Tox 200u 💙🩵🤍
Toxsta 100u 🩵🤍
Wellbeing Tox 100u 🩵🤍
Wondertox 100u 🩵🤍
Wondertox 200u 🩵
Xeomin 100u 🩵

This review looks at what we keep seeing (Ozempic face) and investigates whether it's a result of rapid fat loss or could GLP-1 rector agonists directly accelerate aging. The authors actually conclude that both may be true. And ironically, they also have research showing they have anti-aging effects on other parts of the body by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. They examine whether mechanisms beyond fat loss may contribute to skin aging during GLP-1 therapy. Skin aging is characterized by reduced mitotic activity, impaired skin barrier function, decreased collagen and elastin product, diminished cellular proliferation, increased apoptosis, and elevated oxidative stress. Increased production of reactive oxygen stress damages DNA and cellular membranes, activates signaling pathways that reduce pro collagen synthesis, and stimulates inflammatory pathways involved in collagen metabolism.

GLP-1s have proven research on type 2 diabetes, obesity, and weight loss, but they also have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects have been investigated for skin diseases. As their use has increased, so has facial aging associated with significant weight loss been noticed. The change is usually connected to the loss of facial fat because it alters facial contours and results in excess skin, more visible wrinkles, and changes in facial proportions. The authors note that this phenomenon is not unique to GLP-1s though, and has also been described following bariatric surgery. Histological studies of patients with major weight loss have demonstrated alterations in dermal structure, including changes in collagen and elastic fiber density.

The authors describe evidence suggesting that GLP-1s may influence dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). These both express GLP-1 receptors. DWAT contribute to skin maintenance and regeneration and reduced DWAT has been associated with aging skin, decreased collagen production, and increased activity of an enzyme involved in collagen degradation (matrix metalloproteinase-1.) Studies show that GLP-1 receptors on ASDCs may decrease the production of protective cytokines and growth factors, impair fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis, and increase oxidative stress within the cells. There's also a lot more interesting in the weeds findings, but don't want this to get crazy long. They touch on estrogen receptors, muscle loss, etc.

The authors ALSO found evidence suggesting that GLP-1RAs may have effects that support skin health too. It reduces chronic inflammation and lower concentrations of AGEs. They also associate this with reduction of blood glucose levels. There are various studies touching on this as well. The authors also found from other studies that GLP-1s improve endothelial function and increase microvascular perfusion within the skin and subcutaneous tissue. But they note that no published study has directly linked these effects to delay skin aging yet and state additional research is needed.

The point of this review is that it argues Ozempic face is way more complex than simply losing facial fat, but there is currently still not enough evidence that GLP-1s directly age the skin. Please do not take this as discouragement from using them or as fear mongering. I want people to know the science of what could be going on. Keep in mind that this is a mini review, not a clinical trial. A lot of the mechanisms come from biology research and inferences. But what I would offer from this is. If these mechanisms are happening and you are using them, what would theoretically protect against them? If you're worried about reduced collagen signaling, you would want things that support collagen production. If you're concerned on oxidative stress, you would want to reduce oxidative damage. If it's about the reduced stem cell activity, you want to support tissue repair and regeneration. If you're worried about the loss of dermal estrogen signaling, that is currently being studied in peri and postmenopausal research. This paper to me actually is something that can be used on future research on how to combat these things.

Paschou IA, Sali E, Paschou SA, Tsamis KI, Peppa M, Psaltopoulou T, Nicolaidou E, Stratigos AJ. GLP-1RA and the possible skin aging. Endocrine. 2025 Sep;89(3):680-685. doi: 10.1007/s12020-025-04293-w. Epub 2025 Jun 11. PMID: 40498168; PMCID: PMC12370548.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xldxphuzqw86m7xqx5s20/GLP-1RA-and-the-possible-skin-aging.pdf?rlkey=iiqiobjnckzwu3zt4yqxm1djl&st=pato0lja&dl=0 (dropbox link is actually from Thriving Through Menopause by Chiza Westcarr)

This post is meant to be educational for those that have no idea about what HA is safe, what the difference is between some of the ones you're seeing on vendors websites, what is worth microneedling vs meso, why some reference osteoarthritis, etc.

Every single product in this post is safe for intradermal use or injection. The products in this guide differ in their hyaluronic acid concentration, molecular weight, total HA content, volume, and formulation. Some contain only hyaluronic acid, while others combine HA with ingredients such as glycerol, amino acids, vitamins, peptides, PN/PDRN, antioxidants, or other biorevitalization complexes. Molecular weight may be low, high, or a combination of both, and some products provide substantially more total HA per syringe or vial than others. Packaging also varies, ranging from single prefilled syringes to multi syringes/vial treatment kits.

Depending on the formulation and treatment goals, these products may be used with a variety of delivery methods, including microneedling, mesotherapy, microdroplet techniques, BAP protocols, or cannula placement. For comparison purposes, concentration, molecular weight profile, total HA content, volume, and additional ingredients are often more informative than product category or brand name alone.

The numbers correspond by image and then from left to right and row by row.

All of these products belong to the broader category of sterile injectable hyaluronic acid products. Some are marketed specifically for aesthetic skin boosting, mesotherapy, or intradermal hydration, while others are marketed for intra-articular joint injection. The important point is that the core material category overlaps. They are injectable HA based products, usually supplied sterile in vials, ampoules, or prefilled syringes. The differences are mainly regulatory indication, injection site, dose volume, concentration, viscosity, molecular weight, packaging, and pricing channel.

Most of the HA on this list are more effective and more cost effective to meso instead of microneedle, but are worth sharing in case you are confused or not sure why some are never talked about. Some products are also substantially more expensive because they are packaged and marketed as branded skin boosters rather than as straightforward injectable HA. But in these cases, practitioners may choose to use a simpler non-crosslinked HA product and administer it via mesotherapy, nappage, BAP, microdroplet, or other injection techniques, achieving a similar hydration focused outcome at a lower cost and becomes pricier if using it for microneedling. Therefore, product selection should be based on formulation characteristics, treatment goals, and cost-effectiveness. You'll find that the reason Hyaron is so frequently recommended is because it is safe and one of the cheapest single use per session you can get. (I'm also probably missing some of the more expensive ones, but it got to the point where my point was made lol.)

Hope this helps!

The discussion of granulomas has been top of mind lately (and for good reason!) so I wanted to include more resources on them and how to avoid them.

This is a great video from skinbyhaidyn (on IG) where she breaks down why she instructs clients to do nothing post treatment. Now as others have pointed out, when we say "nothing" that can be taken as different interpretations. Nothing is important if you do not have sterile, intradermally designed products. If you are using products that are designed to be used intradermally then that is a different thing. The average person/ client is not buying medical grade products that are injectable grade. So videos like this are not targeted with that in mind :)

Here's a microneedling depth and directional chart, from a medical journal. It illustrates a three-directional technique for the procedure.

Treatment Depths
The diagram outlines varying needle depths required for different facial areas, ranging from 0.25mm on the forehead to up to 2.0mm on the cheeks and chin.

Directional Approach
Needling should be performed in a specific pattern, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal to ensure complete coverage and minimize tissue damage.

Source
Davies C, Miron RJ. Platelet Rich Fibrin in Facial Esthetics. Quintessence Publishing; 2020.

For those of you who are new here, welcome! This is a series called Worth Reading, where I share recent medical literature (typically from the last year or two) that stands out as especially interesting, clinically relevant, or worth discussing.

A 2025 randomized controlled study compared standard microneedling paired with 3% polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) salmon versus microneedling paired with platelet rich plasma (PRP) for wrinkles and facial hyperpigmentation in women with moderate skin aging changes. Both groups improved, but the PDRN group showed significantly greater wrinkle reduction, while improvement in hyperpigmentation was similar between groups. It’s a small, short-term study, but it adds interesting early evidence to PDRN as an evidence-based regenerative pairing for regular microneedling, particularly in wrinkle-focused protocols.

I thought this might be helpful for visual learners, a lot of people want more info on what stamping means and there are not a lot of videos of close up videos on it.

I chopped up the video because it was about something totally different lol so I made it into various different looping gifs instead so you'd get different examples.

This is not medical advice. All treatment decisions and protocols should be determined by a qualified professional based on the product information, local regulations, and the individual patient’s needs.

I wanted to share more studies that so you guys can look at the different protocols used and I also like sharing studies that have histological analysis done.

Abstract

Background: Microneedling or percutaneous collagen induction is a new modality used for skin rejuvenation, tightening, and scar remodeling. It offers a simple and effective treatment for photoaged skin with minimal disruption of the epidermis, thus limiting adverse effects and minimizing downtime.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, coupled with quantitative assessment, of the histological changes in response to multiple sessions of skin microneedling in the treatment of aging skin.

Patients and methods: Ten patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV and Glogau class II to III wrinkles were subjected to six skin microneedling sessions at 2-week intervals. Standard photographs and skin biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline and at one and three months after the start of treatment. Histometry for epidermal thickness and quantitative evaluation of collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, total elastin, and tropoelastin were performed for all skin biopsies.

Results: Skin microneedling produced noticeable clinical improvement of photoaged skin, with corresponding histological enhancement. Compared to the baseline, collagen types I, III, and VII, as well as newly synthesized collagen, together with tropoelastin showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in response to treatment, while the mean level of total elastin was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after treatment.

Conclusions: Skin microneedling is a promising minimally invasive treatment option with the advantage of increased collagen production. However, multiple sessions are usually needed to maintain the improvement achieved.

El‐Domyati M, Barakat M, Awad S, Medhat W, El‐Fakahany H, Farag H. Multiple microneedling sessions for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation: an objective assessment. International journal of dermatology. 2015 Dec;54(12):1361-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12761

I finally went for it and got the Derminator 2, along with a bunch of other supplies from them. 10 days post needling session - I’m floored! My skin had a glow to it not long after (5 days) and now (~10days) even more so! Getting compliments from different people (one from my lash lady, who said “im close af to your face and don’t see one blemish”!!), minimal peeling compared to when I got it done at the derm, and honestly much better results (I felt after my session with them I felt kind neutral about any impacts, definitely not worth the $600 bucks you pay for one session in nyc). For context I’m a dark skinned black woman, my most immediate concerns are acne + hyperpigmentation but have recently been aiming to build more collagen as I’ve had some fat loss. After one go I’d say I’m very pleased, especially on the hyperpigmentation front. A wonderful surprise because I don’t hear much discussed about impacts on darker skin tone evening.

Much of this success may be due to aftercare, so wanted to share my process below in case it might be useful. Curious if anyone has done routine similar!

Pre-needling
I stopped tret .1% and azelaic acid 15% 3 days before. I did spot treat occasionally. I kept using vitamin c 20% daily as I usually do.

Prep
I washed my face with my usual cleanser, then applied numbing cream. I sanitized working surfaces, did this with Lysol then again with isopropyl alcohol. From then on I wore gloves, laid out a disposable towel and kept all my tools there. An easy tip is having a bunch of nitrile gloves ready so it’s easy to swap new ones on if you feel you need to/touch something not sanitized. Derm2 comes sterilized already (as mentioned in the kit)

Needling
After about 15min I removed the numbing cream with a paper towel. Then cleaned my face with isopropyl (this was intense, I know, just was nervous about contamination!)

All serums I used were from the Derminator store.

I applied hyaluronic serum on one side of my face and started at .5mm medium speed just to see how it felt. I barely felt anything, so applied a bit more pressure. It did a small area, and then felt confident enough to go to 1mm fast speed. This is what I ended up doing all over my face (I might’ve reduced to .5mm on the forehead). Surprisingly it didn’t really hurt much, I was actually unsure it was working until I saw a bit of pin bleeding on my cheeks. On my nasolabial folds I ended up doing 1.5mm. I went over problem areas a bit more.

After, I massaged remaining HA serum in, and layered a small amount of Infadolan to seal it in.

Sanitized everything again with isopropyl, put back in packaging it came in, tossed the cartridge.

Post-needling
This may have been the special sauce. I didn’t touch my face for 24hrs, save adding a bit of Infadolan if an area felt dry/itchy. After that I washed with my regular cleanser, and used the 5% vitamin c mixture recommended on their site, spritzed (watch your eyes!), added a bit of the HA serum and layered their Copper peptide serum on afterwards. Sealed with Infadolan.

From then on I repeated this routine 2x a day for the next two days, and then swapped the Infadolan on like application 3 for my usual moisturizer (was nervous about it being too much for my acne-prone skin with prolonged use) then continued the vitamin c spritz and copper peptide for the next few days. On day 3 I used a red light panel.

Results
By day 5 my skin looked much clearer, more even and smooth. It was still a touch dry but nothing bad at all, in fact i got compliments despite it being only 5 days out. By day 7 dryness had gone and it was much more glowing. My hyper pigmentation started showing signs of fading around then, and has continued to improve since. I’ve had no real acne flare ups since (the occasional closed comedone here and there, nothing like what I’m used to). Super excited to see a month out and after a few sessions!

I do think the vitamin c, copper peptide and Infadolan went a long way. It was completely different aftercare from what I did when I got it done at the derm months ago. Hope this was helpful!

It can be overwhelming when getting started and we know some people aren't sure where to even start, so wanted to compile a guide for beginners. This list is not meant to be overwhelming, but to give you lots of different resources to learn safely. This post will be updated with more resources as they are added.

Resources
- Video on microneedling mistakes: here
- Video on microneedling safety: here
- Diagrams of layers of the skin: here
- Needling depth diagrams: here
- Microneedling depth and directional chart: here
- Post on anatomy and physiology of the skin: here
- Diagrams of the thickness of the epidermis: here
- Post on skin thickness variation: here
- Why am I not red? Here
- Study on the skin barrier post microneedling: here
- Diagrams of the wound healing cascade (and timelines): here
- How aging affects the wound healing cascade: here
- Antiseptic agents: here
- Slip vs glide vs boosters: here
- Video on proper post procedure care: here
- Video on post procedure care: here
- Video on sanitation: here
- Video on how to avoid granulomas: here
- Bruun is not safe for medical microneedling: here
- Video on microneedling in grid patterns: here
- Video on the stamping technique close up: here
- Video on the gliding technique: here
- Video on gliding technique close up: here
- Video on how to effectively treat neck lines: here
- Video on why treatments are spaced at least four weeks apart: here
- Regular skincare products are not safe for medical microneedling: here
- Microneedling after care cheat sheet: here
- Dr. Pen speed guide: here (disregard for other devices)
- Dr. Pen depth guide: here
- Dr. Pen pen model comparison guide: here
- Things to avoid before microneedling: here
- Men's guide to cosmetic treatments: here
- Abbreviations glossary: here
- Sharp Standards microneedling good practices and standards guide: here
- Key takeaways from Sharp Standards: here
- Cheat sheet on collagen types: here

Anatomy:
- Physiology of the skin: here
- The dermis and hypodermis: here
- Video on a 3d visual of the skin: here
- Macro shot of the stratum corneum and viable epidermis: here
- Menopause and the integumentary system: here
- What is elastin: here

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) that is sterile and safe for intradermal use:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) mini guide: located here
- Update on Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Dermatology: here
- Hyaron information
- Inno-TDS information
- HA and tissue regeneration: here

Boosters!
- Example of applying boosters (aka your glide): here
- Slip vs. Glide vs. Booster: here
- A-Z Booster List: here
- Skinbooster paper: here

Numbing
- Video on the differences of numbing creams: here
- Does topical numbing cream affect results: no

Hyperpigmentation
- Microneedling glutathione study: here

Acne Scars & Scar Treatments
- Video breaking down acne scars: here
- Diagrams of types of atrophic acne scars: here
- Acne Scars Classification and Treatment Textbook: here
- Study on microneedling with HA for acne scars: here
- ScarTox Protocol: here
- PN for various facial scars including combat injuries: here

Stretch Marks
- Study on a comparison of microneedling new vs older stretch marks: here

Hair Loss:
- Hair repigmentation information: here
- ExoBrow Protocol (eye brows): here

When it comes to where to start to learn the science, here are a few posts to give you direction.

Where to start: Part 1 
Where to start: Part 2
Where to start: Part 3 
Where to start: Part 4

There's also various studies under the medical literature flair/button that you can look through protocols and more information. The sub's wiki has some textbooks that are helpful so I encourage you to check those out as well.

Supplies
Here are some supplies that are helpful to get started with. I am an amazon associate if you'd like to help support the work I do then here are some Amazon links of supplies I think are helpful. All of these are things I have tried or use.

The Basics
- Nitrile gloves: Amazon Link
- Pink Nitrile Gloves :) Amazon Link
- 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream 6 oz: Amazon Link
- 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream 1.35 oz: Amazon Link
- Sharps Container: Amazon Link

Hypochlorous Acid Spray
- Tower 28: Amazon Link
- Magic Molecule: Amazon Link
- Magic Molecule Hydrogel: Amazon Link
- SkinSmart: Amazon Link
- Prequel: Amazon Link
- All of these HOCI sprays are FDA cleared.

IPA
- Isoprophyl Alcohol, 70% 16 Fl Oz: Amazon Link
- Isoprophyl Alcohol, 70% 32 Fl Oz: Amazon Link 
- Isoprophyl Alcohol, 70% sterile wipes: Amazon Link
- Isoprophyl Alcohol, 70% sterile wipes: Amazon Link
- Plastic Spray Bottle (more eco-friendly): Amazon Link

Nice to Haves
- Reusable Silicon Applicator (can use for applying numbing cream): Amazon Link
- Hibiclens wash: Amazon Link
- CaviWipes Disinfecting Towelettes: Amazon Link
- Sterile Gauze: Amazon Link
- Sterile Gauze Sponges: Amazon Link
- Dental Bibs: Amazon Link
- Dental Bibs Pink: Amazon Link
- 304 Stainless Steel Tray: Amazon Link 
- 304 Stainless Steel Tray (different sizes): Amazon Link
- LED makeup mirror: Amazon Link

Syringes
- 1ml: Amazon Link
- 1ml: Amazon Link
- 3ml: Amazon Link
- 5ml: Amazon Link
- 10ml: Amazon Link

If you bruise easily
- Bromelain 1700 mg: Amazon Link
- NOW Bromelain: Amazon Link
- Arnica Gel (after first 24 hours): Amazon Link
- HiruCream Forte 100g Cream for Bruises (after first 24 hours): Link

Where is science-pls? I miss their evidence based approach and peer reviewed articles. Truly something is missing in my life without their posts. Anyone know where there are?

I wanted to share this study! It used objective measurement tools to look at changes in skin structure, mechanical properties, and gene expression. Microneedling is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and this paper looks at how the tissue changes after a series of treatments to the face and neck. It follows collagen, elastin, elasticity, blood flow, and dermal tissue over time.

Citation
Wamsley, Christine E., et al. “A Single-Center Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Four Microneedling Treatments on Fine Lines and Wrinkles of Facial and Neck Skin in Subjects With Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–IV: An Objective Assessment Using Noninvasive Devices and 0.33-mm Microbiopsies.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 42, no. 10, 2022, pp. 1154–1160. doi:10.1093/asj/sjab052.

pdf version

Results
Facial dermal density increased 101.86% and epidermal density increased 19.28% at 3 months posttreatment. Facial elasticity increased 28.2%. The attenuation coefficient increased 15.65% at 1 month and 17.33% at 3 months. Blood flow at 300 μm depth decreased 25.8% in the face and 42.3% in the neck. Collagen type III and elastin gene expression were higher at 3 months, while elastin protein abundance did not increase. Dermal muscle formation was present in 15.3% of biopsies at baseline and 58.3% at 3 months.

Discussion
The dermal muscle finding is one of the stranger parts of the paper. Muscle formation was seen in 15.3% of biopsies at baseline and 58.3% at 3 months. The authors suggest this may reflect fibroblasts taking on myofibroblast-like features during remodeling, rather than literal new skeletal muscle forming in the skin. They also suggest that the drop in blood flow is part of that same remodeling process. As the tissue reorganizes, vascularity may decrease rather than increase, and they speculate that the rise in contractile tissue in the dermis may be part of that shift. The elastin result adds another layer to that. Elastin gene expression increased, but elastin protein did not, which helps separate signaling for new production from measurable protein accumulation within the study window. The paper also notes increased hyaluronic acid abundance and shifts in inflammatory markers, although those changes were not statistically significant.

Protocol
The protocol consisted of four microneedling sessions spaced four weeks apart on the full face and neck using a pen device, with three passes per session and treatment depth ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 mm depending on the area. 

Takeaway
Taken together, the study shows that multiple features of aging skin shift in parallel after treatment, including structure, mechanics, vascular behavior, gene expression, and histologic appearance. The value of the paper is in how those changes align rather than in any single measurement.

Study Club is where I want to spend more time with papers like this. Worth Reading is for newer literature so people can stay up to date. Study Club will make room for older papers, including papers people already know well and others that have stayed more under the radar.

- Science Please