Microneedling is one of the most misunderstood treatments online. DIY forums often oversimplify needle depth, needle count, and aftercare, leaving out real risks like prolonged inflammation and granuloma formation. In this post, I explain how professional microneedling actually works, why more needles can be gentler than fewer, why we don’t cleanse for 24 hours after treatment, and why only protocol-specific products should ever be used on freshly needled skin.
Read morePDRN in Microneedling: What It Is and Why It’s Used in Professional Treatments
PDRN is one of the most misunderstood regenerative ingredients in aesthetics. It is not a filler and it is not “just another peptide.” In this post, I explain what PDRN is, how it supports skin repair during microneedling, why it pairs well with ingredients like exosomes and growth factors, and what kind of results you can realistically expect from a professional protocol.
Read morePlant-Based Exosomes in Microneedling: How they Make a Difference
Plant-based exosomes are one of the most requested add-ons in modern microneedling, but most explanations are either overly technical or pure marketing. In this post, I break down what plant-based exosomes actually are, what they do during the healing phase, and why they pair so well with regenerative ingredients like PDRN, growth factors, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. You’ll also learn how Jeunetique EXO fits into my microneedling cocktail as a full-spectrum formula, not “just peptides,” and when human-derived bio-signals like AnteAge may be used to further support recovery and skin quality over time.
Read moreThe Best Skincare Routine to Extend Microneedling and Microchanneling Results
That microneedling glow doesn’t have to fade fast. If you want to support daily collagen, click through to learn the right recipe. Hydration, antioxidants, and barrier repair keep fibroblasts fueled and your skin plumped-up long after treatment.
Read moreMicroneedling with Stem Cells: The Ultimate Collagen Induction Therapy for Skin Renewal
Discover how collagen induction therapy works and why microneedling with stem cells delivers next-level results. From fibroblast activation to smoother skin, growth factors amplify healing, boost collagen, and extend your glow.
Read moreHow to Prepare for Your Microneedling Appointment
Prepping your skin before microneedling makes a huge difference. Learn what to avoid, what to pause, and how to get the best results from your treatment.
Read moreMicroneedling vs. Microchanneling: What’s the Difference?
Microneedling and microchanneling both stimulate collagen but in different ways. Learn why I keep microneedling as a standalone and microchanneling as a facial add-on.
Read moreWhy I Love Microneedling for Melanin-Rich Skin
Microneedling strengthens skin and safely improves pigmentation in melanin-rich skin. Learn why I prefer it over lasers for long-term results.
Read moreMicroneedling Aftercare: Exactly How to Treat Your Skin for the Best Results
Because microneedling leaves microchannels open for 12–36 hours, your skin needs extra care. Follow these aftercare tips to heal smoothly and protect results.
Read moreMicroneedling: Why It Works, Who It’s For, and How to Get the Best Results
Microneedling strengthens skin by stimulating natural collagen. Learn why it’s superior to dermarollers, safe for melanin-rich skin, and how to prep + care.
Read moreWhat’s in my products? A nifty ingredient glossary for commonly used skincare elements.
Are you often confused by the big words listed in the ingredient decks of your favorite products? Or maybe you recognize them but wonder what benefits they are to your skin. Over on the Cult of Reason website I made a whole page of the ingredients in CoR products so you can nerd out and learn a bit about what makes the products so effective. These ingredients were curated by me and are a culmination of my twenty-plus years of skincare experience and research. Some ingredients are tried and true, used in effective preparations for years, while others are cutting edge lab-made goodies designed to be stable within the formula. And while you’re there, navigate over to the blog for deep dives into the science of skincare. Happy nerding!
Stuggling with dry, dehydrated skin? I've got you!
You’re in luck because I’ve just posted my first blog entry over at my sister website for Cult of Reason Skincare. Get ready to learn how to repair your struggling skin barrier with layering and cycling products. Sign up for the newsletter to get more in depth information, 15% off, and free stuff!
Cult of Reason Skincare launches at Monarch
After four years of formulating and testing, Angela Hugghins launches Cult of Reason Skincare at Monarch featuring a three product collection.
Meet Cult of Reason Skincare. Skin’s new best friend.
Cult of Reason skincare cuts through the noise and hype of the skincare world to give people products that are uncomplicated and effective – no deciphering labels or ten-step routines. Cult of Reason is clean, simple and straightforward, with ingredients that are intentional and readable. Most importantly, they actually work. Plus, the products are non-gendered because skin is skin.
This esthetician-formulated line was born out of a love of the chemistry of skincare and a desire to create a line that challenges the status quo. With carefully selected suppliers, high quality ingredients and a true understanding of how skin works, this streamlined product line is transparent and thoughtfully crafted. Cult of Reason makes loving your skin easy.
The line features three powerhouse products: Grit, Quench and Shield.
Grit: an exfoliating sulfur cleanser that leaves skin soft, soothed and refined.
Quench: a snow mushroom serum that deeply hydrates thirsty skin.
Shield: Cloudberry + Rosehip Oil serum energizes the skin and fights signs of aging,
An esthetician with 20 years of experience, Angela Hugghins was born for the skincare world. Even as a child, she was concocting face masks and giving makeup tips. Her grandfathers would wait patiently as the 6-year-old spruced up their nails and hair, while giving them (totally made up) beauty information. In 2016, she opened her own brow and facial studio, Monarch Brow and Facials in Carrboro, NC. This thoughtful, refined skincare line is the manifestation of this long-held passion.
Join the newsletter for in depth skincare science and product nerdiness. Plus get 15% your first web order when you sign up! Or navigate over to the Cult of Reason blog for A’s to many common Q’s. Https://cultofreasonskin.com
Micropigmentation by Angela featured on Chapelboro's Glowing Review
Thanks again to Ali for this fantastic article on what to expect when coming for brow micropigmentation at Monarch. Follow the link to Chapelboro.com
The Monarch Signature Glo2 (formerly Oxygeneo) Facial featured on Chapelboro!
I’m so excited to share Chapelboro’s Glowing Review of the Monarch Signature OxyGeneo Facial! I had the pleasure of introducing this clinical level facial to Ali Evans of at WCHL/Chapelboro. Please pay a visit over to their website to read her review and check out her other Glowing Reviews, as well. She gave the Lash Lift and Tint a try last year, which you can also find in her blog archives.
Thanks, Ali!
