
01 / Revitalisation
NCTF® — Comprehensive Skin Revitalisation
A skin revitalisation complex with hyaluronic acid alongside more than 50 active ingredients that supports hydration while improving overall skin quality and luminosity.
Collagen induction therapy
What patients say after being treated at 233 High Holborn.
Before & after
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BeforeAfterAll photos are of actual patients of London Real Skin and are displayed with their consent. The outcomes shown are relevant only for these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Your practitioner will discuss any factors that could influence your own results. Cases marked RF were treated with radiofrequency microneedling, a related but separate treatment.
Book a free consultationCollagen induction therapy in Holborn
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, uses ultra-fine medical needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin, triggering the natural repair response that produces new collagen and elastin. At London Real Skin in Holborn, we deliver it with the XCellarisPRO Twist, a German-engineered medical microneedling device, combined with a regenerative serum selected specifically for your skin.
Two things determine the result: the device and what goes into the skin through it. Our practitioners adjust the needle depth across different areas of the face and body, then choose from NCTF, polynucleotides, Purasomes, Calecim Professional or AQ Skin Solutions growth factors depending on your skin’s condition and what you want to change. Every plan begins with a detailed skin assessment.
The treatment
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses ultra fine medical-grade needles to create controlled microchannels within the skin. These microscopic injuries activate the natural healing process, encouraging new collagen and elastin as the treated tissue begins to repair.
The depth and intensity can be adjusted according to the area and concern being treated. Rather than removing or resurfacing the entire outer layer, microneedling works within the skin to improve its texture, structure and overall quality over time.
The same microchannels also create a short window in which the skin absorbs active ingredients far more readily than it can through an intact barrier. This is why the serum applied during treatment matters as much as the needling itself — and why we do not use the same product on every client.
What it treats
Microneedling can be used on the face, neck, décolletage and selected areas of the body. Adjustable needle depths allow the procedure to be adapted to delicate areas around the eyes and mouth, broader areas of uneven texture and areas with more established scarring.
Microneedling can be used to address:
Why patients choose it
Microneedling encourages natural collagen and elastin renewal without adding volume or changing facial shape. It is a non-surgical, non-ablative treatment that can improve the skin gradually while requiring relatively little interruption to everyday activities.
The benefits of microneedling include
Smoother, more refined skin texture
Softer-looking acne scars
Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improved firmness and elasticity
Less visible enlarged pores
A brighter, more even complexion
Adjustable treatment depths for different areas
Enhanced delivery of regenerative actives into the skin
Treatment for both facial and body concerns
Minimal downtime
The mechanism
01
Inflammatory
Immediate
02
Proliferation
Days to weeks
03
Remodelling
Three to six months
Each microchannel is a controlled, self-limiting injury. The skin responds in three overlapping phases: an immediate inflammatory response, a proliferation phase in which fibroblasts lay down new collagen and elastin, and a remodelling phase in which that new tissue matures and reorganises.
This is why microneedling results are gradual rather than immediate. The redness settles within a day or two, but the remodelling phase continues for months — which is why improvements in texture, firmness and scar appearance develop progressively over the following weeks, and why a course produces more change than a single session.
The device
London Real Skin uses the XCellarisPRO Twist, a medical microneedling device designed and manufactured in Germany.
Every microneedling device creates microchannels. What separates them is how cleanly those channels are made, how consistently the depth is held, and how much collateral trauma is caused along the way.
What this means in practice: the device holds the precision rather than the practitioner’s hand speed, so every pass is consistent. The same clinical standard across the whole treatment area, in every session of your course. Devices such as SkinPen, Dermapen and general-market derma pens all create microchannels, but they differ in retraction mechanism, needle geometry, insertion speed and depth control. Those differences are the reason we chose this one.
Four things led us to this device:
The other half
Microneedling opens a temporary absorption window. What we put into that window is a clinical decision, and it is where two clients having “the same” treatment end up with genuinely different outcomes.
At London Real Skin we select from five regenerative formulations based on your skin condition, how your skin functions and what you want to achieve. Some clients stay on one product across a course; often the strongest results come from combining them across a planned programme.

01 / Revitalisation
A skin revitalisation complex with hyaluronic acid alongside more than 50 active ingredients that supports hydration while improving overall skin quality and luminosity.

02 / Repair
Highly purified DNA fragments that encourage tissue regeneration while helping to calm inflammation. Polynucleotides work by stimulating collagen and improving cellular repair.
Polynucleotides are also available as a standalone injectable treatment.

03 / Exosomes
Purasomes are exosome-based formulations designed to support cellular communication and optimise the skin’s natural regenerative processes.
Microneedling can be combined with a professional exosome-based formulation as part of a separate treatment protocol.

04 / Growth factors
A blend of growth factors, cytokines and signalling proteins derived from ethically sourced cord-lining technology. These bioactive ingredients support tissue repair, elasticity and post-procedure recovery, with many clients noticing gradual improvement in skin strength and quality across a course.

05 / Signalling
Growth factor formulations that stimulate the skin’s own regenerative pathways by supporting communication between skin cells, helping build healthier, more resilient skin over time.
Matching
There is no single product that suits everyone. Your practitioner will recommend one, or a combination across your course, at consultation.
This is a guide, not a prescription. The selection is confirmed after your skin assessment.
| Your main concern | Serum most often selected |
|---|---|
| Dehydration, dullness, prevention | NCTF® |
| Fragile, reactive or rosacea-prone skin | Polynucleotides |
| Acne scarring and skin quality | Polynucleotides or Purasomes® |
| Recovery speed and firmness | Purasomes® or Calecim® Professional |
| Ageing skin and collagen loss | AQ Skin Solutions® or Calecim® Professional |
Suitability
It may suit you
Microneedling can suit adults who want to address acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores, uneven texture or mild skin laxity without undergoing a more intensive resurfacing procedure. It can be used across a broad range of skin tones, with the treatment depth, intensity and aftercare adjusted to the condition and sensitivity of the skin.
It may need to wait
Treatment may need to be postponed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an active skin infection, open wounds or significant inflammation in the treatment area. Your practitioner will review your medical history, current skincare, medications and previous procedures before confirming whether microneedling is appropriate for you.
Start to finish
Every microneedling plan begins with an assessment of your skin and continues through careful preparation, personalised treatment and clear aftercare. A course of three to six sessions is often recommended, with treatments generally spaced four to six weeks apart to allow the skin time to recover and remodel between appointments.
Stage 01
During your complimentary consultation, your practitioner will examine your skin, discuss the changes you would like to achieve and review any relevant medical history or previous treatments. You will receive a personalised recommendation covering the treatment area, the serum or combination of serums best suited to your skin, the likely number of sessions, expected recovery and full cost.
Stage 02
You will normally be advised to avoid retinoids and exfoliating products for seven days before your appointment, protect the skin from excessive sun exposure and arrive with the treatment area in a calm, healthy condition. Blood-thinning medication should only be paused when medically advised by the clinician responsible for your care.
Stage 03
A topical anaesthetic is applied for approximately 45 to 60 minutes before the skin is gently cleansed and the treatment areas are mapped. Your practitioner then uses the XCellarisPRO Twist to create precision-controlled microchannels at the required depths, working area by area. Your selected regenerative serum is applied throughout and immediately after needling, while the channels remain open, followed by a soothing mask. The complete appointment generally takes around 60 minutes.
Stage 04
Mild redness is expected during the first one to two days, while the skin can begin to feel smoother and look more refreshed over the following one to two weeks. Visible collagen renewal generally develops from around four to six weeks, with continued improvement possible over three to six months as the skin remodels.
Stage 05
Redness, warmth and sensitivity can resemble mild sunburn during the first day or two, with temporary tightness, dryness or light flaking also possible. Keep the skin clean and moisturised for the first 48 hours, avoid makeup, active ingredients and unnecessary sun exposure, use the recommended serums and SPF 30 or higher each day, and avoid swimming, saunas, excessive heat and strenuous exercise for approximately 48 hours.
Being straight with you
Microneedling creates a controlled injury within the skin, so some temporary reactions are a normal part of recovery. Your practitioner will explain what to expect, discuss any less common risks and provide personalised aftercare guidance during your consultation.
Short-term effects can include
Cost
The cost of microneedling at London Real Skin depends on the treatment area and whether you book an individual appointment or a course. Treatment packages include your consultation, procedure and recommended aftercare products, with the complete price confirmed before you decide whether to proceed.
Current microneedling prices include
Serum pricing is confirmed at consultation, since the formulation is selected for your skin. Interest-free monthly finance is available. See the full price list for every treatment at the clinic.
The clinic
At London Real Skin, microneedling is not treated as a standard facial or delivered at the same depth for every client. Our experienced practitioners assess the thickness, sensitivity and overall condition of your skin before adapting the XCellaris Pro Twist settings, supporting products and treatment course to your individual concerns.
Our philosophy is straightforward: healthy skin creates beautiful skin. Rather than pursuing overly aggressive treatments, we focus on improving skin function, supporting natural regeneration and strengthening the skin over time. An approach that produces results that look refreshed and natural rather than overtreated.
Clients choose London Real Skin for
Contact London Real Skin today to book a complimentary microneedling consultation at our High Holborn clinic. We will assess your skin, discuss the concerns you want to address and explain the recommended treatment course, expected results, recovery and full cost before creating a personalised plan for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Questions
The questions we are asked most often about the device, the serums, the course and what recovery actually looks like.
We use the XCellarisPRO Twist, a Class IIa medical microneedling device made in Germany by Dermaroller GmbH. It uses motor-driven active needle retrieval, operates at 150 insertions per second and offers adjustable depth from 0.25mm to 2.5mm with individually sealed, single-use sterile needle modules.
All three are professional microneedling devices that create controlled microchannels, and all can produce good results in trained hands. The differences are mechanical: the XCellarisPRO Twist uses a motor to actively retract the needles on every cycle rather than relying on a spring, runs at 150 insertions per second rather than the 100–120 typical of most pens, and uses cone-shaped needles on a flexible plate that follows the contours of the treatment area. In practice this means cleaner channels, more consistent depth and less surface trauma per pass. We would encourage you to ask any clinic which device they use and why.
That depends on your skin. We select from NCTF®, polynucleotides, Purasomes®, Calecim® Professional and AQ Skin Solutions growth factors, or a combination across your course. Your practitioner will recommend the most appropriate option at your consultation based on your skin condition, concerns and goals.
The device creates the stimulus; the serum determines what the skin has to work with while it repairs. Microneedling temporarily increases how readily the skin absorbs actives, so applying a targeted regenerative formulation during that window supports the repair response rather than simply moisturising the surface afterwards.
A topical anaesthetic is applied for approximately 45 to 60 minutes before treatment to help keep the procedure comfortable. Most clients notice pressure, vibration or a light scratching sensation, although some areas can feel more sensitive than others.
A course of three to six microneedling sessions is often recommended, with appointments generally spaced four to six weeks apart. The exact number will depend on the concern, its severity and how your skin responds.
The skin can begin to feel smoother and look more refreshed within the first one to two weeks. More substantial changes linked to collagen renewal generally develop from four to six weeks and can continue over three to six months.
Improvements in texture and skin quality can remain visible for an extended period, although the skin will continue to age naturally. Sun exposure, skincare, lifestyle and maintenance treatment can all influence how long the results are retained.
Microneedling can be suitable for a broad range of skin tones because it does not target pigment in the same way as some laser treatments. Careful assessment, suitable treatment settings and consistent sun protection remain important for reducing the risk of irritation or pigmentation changes.
Microneedling can soften the appearance of selected indented acne scars by encouraging remodelling within the affected tissue. Deeper, tethered or mixed scar patterns may require additional treatments as part of a combined plan.
Microneedling can refine the texture and firmness of the skin surrounding enlarged pores, helping them appear less prominent. It cannot permanently close pores, and genetics, oil production and congestion will continue to influence their appearance.
Makeup should be avoided while the skin is freshly treated and sensitive. Your practitioner will provide specific guidance, but clients are generally advised to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying clean, non-irritating products.
Standard microneedling creates controlled microchannels mechanically, while RF microneedling also delivers radiofrequency energy beneath the skin. RF microneedling is a separate treatment that can be considered for more pronounced laxity or deeper textural concerns.
Microneedling can be combined with a professional exosome-based formulation as part of a separate treatment protocol. London Real Skin uses Purasomes for clients seeking additional support for skin renewal and recovery.
Get in touch
Every plan starts with a complimentary consultation and an in-depth skin analysis. You will leave knowing what will help, what will not, and what it costs.
Find us
London Real Skin, 233 High Holborn
London WC1V 7DN, next to Holborn station