San Clemente, CA

Microchanneling & Nano Needling

The treatment that works with your skin rather than on it.

Microchanneling creates thousands of tiny channels across the surface of the skin. Two things happen as a result: your skin begins producing fresh collagen to repair them, and the serums we apply reach a depth they could never reach on their own.

The result builds over weeks rather than appearing overnight — and because you're growing your own collagen rather than borrowing someone else's, it lasts.

By appointment onlyTuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm

A microchanneling pen being used during a nano needling treatment

Nano needling and microchanneling are the same thing

You'll see this treatment called several names — microchanneling, nano needling, nano infusion. They describe the same approach: a pen creates microscopic channels in the surface of the skin so it renews itself, and so the serums applied during treatment reach past the barrier instead of sitting on top of it.

If you've been comparing nano needling with traditional microneedling, the difference that matters is depth. Traditional microneedling works deeper and is aimed at structural change, with more recovery attached. This treatment stays in the surface layers — which is why there's little downtime, why it's comfortable, and why it suits skin that isn't ready for something more aggressive.

Book it under either name. It's the same appointment.

How it works

Skin repairs itself constantly. Microchanneling gives it a reason to.

A precision handpiece with a sterile, single-use cartridge passes over the treatment area, creating microscopic channels at a controlled depth. Your skin reads these as something to repair and responds the way it responds to any repair signal — by producing new collagen and elastin in the surrounding tissue.

At the same moment, those channels are open. That's a window that doesn't exist at any other point, and it's why the serum step matters as much as the treatment itself. Growth factor and peptide serums applied during microchanneling reach living tissue instead of sitting on the surface, which is where the vast majority of an expensive serum usually ends up.

What it helps with

  • Fine lines — particularly around the eyes and mouth
  • Skin texture — the rough, uneven feel that exfoliating never quite fixes
  • Firmness — as collagen builds, skin regains structure
  • Enlarged pores — improved tone around the pore makes it appear smaller
  • Uneven tone and dullness
  • Overall radiance — increased circulation and cell turnover

What your appointment looks like

1. Consultation and prep We look at your skin, confirm it's the right treatment for you, and review your health history. Then we cleanse thoroughly.

2. The treatment The handpiece passes over the treatment area in sections. Most people describe a light vibration or a mild sandpaper sensation. It takes about 20–30 minutes.

3. Serum infusion Growth factor or peptide serums are applied throughout and immediately afterward, while absorption is at its highest.

4. Aftercare You'll leave with clear instructions and the products you need. We'll tell you exactly what to use and — just as importantly — what to leave alone.

Downtime and results

Day of: Redness and warmth, similar to a mild sunburn. Days 1–2: Redness settles. Skin may feel tight or slightly rough. Days 3–5: Light flaking as the surface renews. Skin starts looking brighter. Weeks 4–12: The real work. New collagen forms gradually and texture keeps improving.

Most people need a series of three to six sessions, four to six weeks apart for meaningful change. A single session gives you a glow and better product absorption. It won't remodel your skin's structure on its own, and we'd rather say so now than let you feel let down after one visit.

Aftercare — this part matters

For 24 hours: no makeup, no working out, no sweating, no swimming. For 72 hours: no retinoids, no acids, no exfoliants, no saunas or hot tubs. For two weeks: sunscreen without exception, and reapply it.

Freshly treated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage and pigmentation than it will be at any other time. Most people who don't love their results skipped this section.

Who shouldn't have it

We'll tell you honestly if you're not a candidate:

  • Active acne breakouts, cold sores or any skin infection in the area
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last six months
  • A history of keloid scarring
  • Recent radiation therapy
  • Certain autoimmune or clotting conditions, or blood-thinning medication
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Tell us what you take and what's going on with your health. It genuinely changes what we do.

Pricing

Pricing is confirmed at your consultation, once we've looked at your skin and agreed on a plan. Treatment area, serum selection and whether you're booking a series all affect the cost — so we'd rather quote you accurately than guess.

Call (949) 545-7919 and we'll talk it through.

Common questions

Does it hurt?

Most people find it very manageable — a mild scratching or vibration rather than pain. The forehead and jawline are the most sensitive areas. We check in throughout and adjust.

How is this different from an at-home derma roller?

Precision and sterility. Professional cartridges are sterile and single-use, and depth is controlled rather than guessed at. Home rollers can't reach a useful depth, they tear rather than puncture, and re-using them is a real infection risk.

Can I wear makeup afterwards?

Not for 24 hours. Your skin needs that time.

How soon before an event should I book?

At least two weeks, ideally a month. This is not a day-before treatment.

Is it safe for deeper skin tones?

Yes — this is one of its advantages. Because it uses no heat and no light, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is much lower than with laser resurfacing. It's often the better option for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin.

How long do results last?

The collagen is your own, so it ages with you at a normal rate. Most clients maintain with a session every six to twelve months.

Can I combine it with other treatments?

Not on the same day as a peel or dermaplaning. We'd space those out. It pairs well with BREEZE or Cool Restore in the weeks between sessions.

Often paired with

Book Micro Channeling

By appointment onlyTuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm