Olivia’s Microneedling Experience at a Glance
Olivia tried microneedling to improve acne scars, dullness, skin texture, pores, and early fine lines. Her treatment plan included first microneedling with hyaluronic acid, followed by microneedling with PRP at HealthOne Skin Clinic – The Well. Her results developed gradually over several months, with smoother-looking skin, improved texture, and less noticeable acne scarring.
I’m almost 30, and I’ve always struggled with my skin. My decade-long battle with acne – treated with topicals, Accutane, and more picking than I’d like to admit – has left behind noticeable acne scars, especially on my forehead.
I never minded how they looked. But as I’ve gotten older, I've become more aware of them.
Maybe my lack of sunscreen is finally catching up with me. Or my ever-changing skincare routine isn’t exactly helping (I love a shiny new product. Sue me!)
Regardless, now that I’m nearing 30, I decided to start taking proper care of my skin. First up: microneedling!
Microneedling is an aesthetic procedure that uses a pen-like device to create tiny punctures on your skin. It creates tiny micro-channels which trigger the body’s natural healing response, which is why it’s also known as collagen induction therapy. Collagen is one of the building blocks of healthy, happy skin, and our bodies produce less of it as we age.
At-home microneedling devices exist, but professional microneedling is very different because it involves controlled depth, sterile technique, and a provider who can assess whether the treatment is right for your skin. This is why the best way to get microneedling is by visiting a professional.
My journey actually began back in 2023 when I got microneedling with hyaluronic acid.
I was a little nervous to try microneedling, but after doing some research (and getting a big stack of birthday cash), I decided to commit. I told my medical aesthetician about my acne scars, and she recommended a course of three treatments with hyaluronic acid.
The procedure was simple enough – she numbed my face, then did a few rounds using the DermaPen 4, using a medical-grade hyaluronic acid to help the pen glide. I barely felt anything except a light vibration across my skin.
My skin was red for a couple of days, but recovery was minimal – I used a restorative lotion and followed the microneedling aftercare instructions she gave me.
My treatment plan
# of treatments: 3
Frequency 4 weeks apart
Product Used: Hyluronic Acid
Post-care product I used at home: La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Gel
Because microneedling works on a cellular level, visible changes develop slowly over time. The more treatments you get, the more noticeable your results will be.
I noticed that my acne scars were slightly less noticeable a few weeks after the second treatment, but things really took a turn for the better when I got microneedling with PRP.
Before microneedling, during numbing, and immediately after the treatment. The glow in my “After” is thanks to the PRP that was used, and you can see some redness starting to develop on my neck. Original photos from HealthOne Skin Clinic – The Well.
Fast-forward to 2025, when my skin needed a little TLC. It began to look dull and congested all year round – despite having oily skin – and my acne scars were still noticeable, especially in certain lighting.
I visited Nurse Desirée at The Well, and she told me microneedling with PRP could really make a difference. It uses the platelet-rich plasma found in your own blood, which is basically your body’s own natural anti-aging serum. I was sold!
She started by numbing my skin, just like the first time I got microneedling, then drew a vial of my blood. Next, she put it in a centrifuge – a medical device that spins blood quickly – to separate the platelet-rich plasma (or “liquid gold”). This is what she applied to my skin throughout the procedure instead of hyaluronic acid.
Once the treatment was complete, she applied skincare products, including SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair, Hale Derma, and EltaMD sunscreen.
After the treatment, I was instructed not to wash my face or apply any products until the next morning. Desirée told me that microneedling with PRP had more noticeable post-treatment results – what she called the “PRP glow”.
By 7:00 pm that night, I could see why: my skin had a gorgeous, dewy glow that I’ve never seen before! It was definitely motivating to see results so quickly since the deeper cellular repair would develop over the next few months.
My second treatment plan
# of treatments: 3
Frequency 4 - 6 weeks apart
Product Used: Platelet-rich plasma
Post-care product I used at home: SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair
Seeing microneedling results requires patience (and I’ve been eager to write this blog!). It’s officially been four months since my first microneedling treatment with PRP. I’m excited to share that I’m thrilled with the results!
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
My acne scars have visibly improved.
The fine lines on my forehead are less noticeable (Botox helps, too!).
My skin looks smoother and less congested.
My pores look tighter.
Small areas of hyperpigmentation (like the spot beside my eye) have become less noticeable.
The biggest changes, though, are how my skin feels. I was dealing with lots of congestion and breakouts on my chin and cheeks. After microneedling, my skin is significantly smoother and looks much better when I wear makeup. I’ve also noticed my pore size has shrunk, making my skin look less oily throughout the day.
What I love about my results is that I still look like me. I’m not trying to look like I’m wearing a real-life filter – just healthy, vibrant, and like I take good care of my skin.
Getting microneedling in Toronto was the perfect first step!
If you’re like me and you want to tackle acne scars, dullness, and textured skin, microneedling just might be the right fit for you!
It’s a completely natural, non-invasive procedure that’s great for beginners. And when you use platelet-rich plasma – your body’s own anti-aging serum – you’ll notice a healthy glow right away!
Our team at HealthOne Skin Clinic would love the opportunity to chat with you about microneedling.
Please note: Olivia’s experience is personal, and individual results can vary depending on your skin type, acne history, scar depth, treatment plan, aftercare, and overall skin health. A consultation is the best way to determine whether microneedling or microneedling with PRP is right for you.