As an esthetician, I’m careful about what treatments I offer and how I structure them in my studio. Both microneedling and microchanneling are collagen-stimulating treatments I trust, but they’re very different in terms of depth, results, and how I pair them with other services.
Here’s how I break it down for my clients:
Microneedling: A Standalone Service
Microneedling uses medical-grade needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis (the deeper layer of skin). This triggers your body’s natural wound-healing response, leading to new collagen and elastin production. My favorite formulas to use for Microneedling are made by AnteAGE, a leader in stem cell skincare science.
Because of the depth, numbing is required (I allow 10 minutes for numbing before treatment). The service itself takes about 30 minutes, and your skin may look red or feel like a mild sunburn for 12–36 hours afterward.
Why I keep microneedling standalone:
It’s a more intense treatment — combining it with a facial would be overstimulating.
It requires numbing time, which doesn’t flow naturally within a facial.
It deserves its own spotlight as one of the most effective long-term skin-strengthening treatments.
Best for:
Acne scars
Hyperpigmentation (including melanin-rich skin and melasma-prone clients)
Enlarged pores
Fine lines + early signs of aging
Overall firmness and resilience
Microchanneling: A Facial Add-On
Microchanneling creates ultra-fine channels in the surface of the skin, but at a much shallower depth than microneedling. I pair it with advanced KrX serums rich in growth factors and exosomes to push actives deeper into the skin for enhanced absorption and surface-level collagen stimulation.
Because it’s gentler and doesn’t require numbing, I only offer microchanneling as an add-on to facials. It’s a perfect way to boost the results of your treatment without the downtime of microneedling.
Why I keep microchanneling as an add-on:
It layers beautifully onto facials without overstimulating the skin.
It enhances product penetration so you get more out of your facial.
It delivers visible glow and refinement without extended recovery.
Best for:
Fine lines and texture
Dull or dehydrated skin
Boosting hydration and radiance
Maximizing results from facial serums
Choosing the Right Treatment
Think of it this way:
Microneedling = remodel and rebuild. It works deeper, requires numbing, and stimulates long-term structural changes in the skin.
Microchanneling = refine and enhance. It works at the surface, pairs with facials, and maximizes your glow.
Both treatments use collagen stimulation to keep skin healthy, but I separate them intentionally so you get the best results from each. You may want both!
In Conclusion
Microneedling and microchanneling are not interchangeable — they each have a role in skin health. Microneedling is my go-to for deeper concerns like scars, pigmentation, and firmness, while microchanneling is my favorite add-on to elevate a facial with extra glow and product penetration.
Not sure which one is right for you? Let’s chat next time your in the studio, and I’ll help you decide based on your skin goals.
Want more microneedling information, navigate here where I explain and include an FAQ →.