Does aging have you feeling like you’re staring down the barrel of a Botox needle? It did for our editor Anastasia White – until The Skin Bar taught her about microneedling.
When you’re in your late twenties, a lot starts to happen. Your metabolism waves a lazy goodbye, your skincare concerns start to scream instead of whisper, and you’re forced to face the existential question: “To Botox or not to Botox?”
As someone who spent most of their twenties treating skincare as an afterthought (the blissful result of two years on Roaccutane), my motto was ‘no acne, no problem’. Then, my skin started changing.
Nothing major – just a few fine lines here and there. I wasn’t game enough to try Botox, so all there was left to do was live with them.
Then, The Skin Bar opened in Mermaid Beach. The fresh, boutique skincare clinic has become the biggest name in microneedling, a treatment I’d heard whispers about but never really considered.
With Alannah, my enthusiastic practitioner, leading the charge, I embarked on a journey that was equal parts educational and invigorating.
Here’s what I learned…
1. The Skin Bar was an instant cult favourite
They’ve been making waves since founder Sam opened the first clinic in Cronulla back in 2020. Known for their signature green branding and results-driven approach, they quickly gained a loyal following in their native New South Wales. Given our fascination (fine, obsession) with beauty and cosmetic procedures, their expansion to the Gold Coast feels like a perfect fit.
2. Microneedling is their specialty
During our session, Alannah explained how microneedling and RF (radiofrequency) needling are their bread and butter. They’ve even levelled up by adding pre- and post-peel treatments into the package, which isn’t something most clinics offer. They also use a professional Italian-made device which features no-flow technology to prevent pathogens from entering the pen, ensuring top-notch infection control. Plus, the entire device is made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean and incredibly hygienic.
3. It’s not just about aging
Microneedling is a super effective way to tackle the visible signs of aging, but that’s not all – it’s a serious multitasker. Think pigmentation, acne scarring, blackheads, and sun damage. Basically, it’s your one-stop shop for a whole face refresh. And it only takes 30 minutes.
4. Cosmeceuticals are the real MVP
Of course, microneedling is only one part of an effective skincare strategy – you still need to do your homework. When it came to my daily skincare routine, Alannah had one big tip: cosmeceutical over cosmetic, always. Cosmeceuticals are science-backed, results-driven and go deeper into your skin (thanks to their nifty little carriers called liposomes). Active ingredients are important, but it’s all about the delivery system. So unfortunately, yes, they’re well worth the splurge.
5. Yes, it stings (but not too much)
5. Yes, it stings (but not too much)Before we started, Alannah did a little patch test on my cheek which she promised would “feel like a scratchy colouring-in session.” She wasn’t wrong. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it’s definitely tolerable. The forehead’s a bit spicier, though, and the lips? I’d rank that a solid 3/10 on the comfort scale – but the results are worth it.
6. Heat and hyaluronic acid are the dream team
During the treatment, Alannah slathered on a cooling gel infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This combo helps the needles glide smoothly while flooding your skin with hydration and anti-inflammatory goodness. For those annoying pitted scars (the ones that look like a little crater) microneedling is particularly effective, breaking down scar tissue and stimulating collagen production to fill in those dips.
7. The science of collagen is fascinating
Now for the science bit. Did you know that once you hit 30, your collagen production takes a nosedive? Microneedling stimulates collagen by creating teeny tiny wounds in the skin, kickstarting your body’s natural healing process. Blood flow increases, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area while triggering fibroblasts (a kind of cell) to produce more collagen and elastin. These proteins are the building blocks of firm, youthful skin, so boosting their production helps improve texture, tone and elasticity. Alannah even described it as “artificially speeding up cell turnover,” giving you results that only get better over time.
8. The aftercare is crucial
Post-needling, your skin is basically a vulnerable, glowing wound (so maybe don’t book your treatment on a Friday afternoon, like I did). The golden rules? No touching, no makeup and definitely no gym for 24 hours. Alannah also advised against chemical scrubs for a week – stick to gentle cleansers, SPF and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Your skin will thank you.
9. It’s more than skin-deep
One thing I loved about The Skin Bar is their approach to creating a safe, welcoming space. “A lot of clients come in feeling vulnerable,” Alannah said. “Our job is to make them feel comfortable and help them on their skin journey.” No skin problem is too big – and there’s basically nothing they haven’t seen before.
10. The glow is real
By the end of my session, my skin felt tight, warm and instantly lifted. Alannah called it the “post-needling glow,” and she wasn’t kidding. Sure, I looked a little pink for the rest of the day, but a few days, I could see why people rave about this treatment.
So, will I be back? Absolutely. Microneedling might not be the most relaxing treatment – but hey, neither is Botox. And it’s undeniably effective. As someone who’s just starting to take their skincare seriously, I’m all for anything that keeps me glowing – no big needles required (just these micro ones).
