Microneedling That Builds Your Glow,
Inside and Out
At The Embodied Wellness Studio, we know that the way you feel in your body directly impacts how you look.
Tension doesn’t just live in your shoulders or your jaw — it shows up in your skin’s luster, pigmentation, lines, and how confident you are behind your smile.
Which is why our sessions are built around a simple idea: if we support your nervous system while we’re working on your skin, you don’t just get surface-level care.
You build a glow that comes from somewhere deeper.
That’s why each of our microneedling sessions includes craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, and closes with red light therapy — so you don’t just look better. You feel better, too.
What Makes This Different From a Typical Microneedling Session
Go anywhere else, and a standard microneedling appointment is 20 minutes of numbing cream and silence, followed by 20 minutes of needling.
But at The Embodied Wellness Studio?
You’ll get a full 75 minute, integrative session, and every phase of it is intentional.
- Skin rejuvenation — collagen induction therapy using the TOMA microneedling pen, calibrated by treatment area for both effectiveness and comfort
- Stress release, built in — CranioSacral Therapy, myofascial work, and/or acupuncture offered during the numbing phase, so the 20 minutes you’d normally spend staring at the ceiling become part of your treatment, not a waiting room
- Red Light Therapy — added at the close of every session to support collagen production, calm inflammation, and help your skin settle into a more relaxed state after needling
This is what it looks like when a somatically-focused licensed acupuncturist runs your microneedling protocol instead of an esthetician working from a script.
The Session Experience — 75 Minutes
1. Cleanse & Prep
Your skin is cleansed and prepped for treatment.
2. Numbing + Release
A 5% lidocaine numbing cream is applied and given 15-20 minutes to take effect. During this window, you’re offered CranioSacral Therapy, myofascial work, and/or acupuncture — a chance for your body to soften and settle before the needling even begins.
3. Microneedling
Using the TOMA microneedling pen with hyaluronic acid and collagen serum as a continuous glide medium, needle depth is calibrated by area — deeper on the cheeks and chin, shallower around the eyes, lips, and forehead — for effective collagen induction with minimal discomfort.
4. Cooling Mask
A cooling mask is applied to calm the skin immediately post-treatment.
5. Red Light Therapy
Sessions close with red light therapy to support the skin’s healing response and extend the calming effects of the earlier bodywork. (Protective goggles are provided and worn throughout this phase.)
6. Aftercare
You’ll leave with a take-home collagen serum sample and clear aftercare instructions.
Nanoneedling: The No-Downtime Glow
Nanoneedling is a lighter, more surface-level treatment — no numbing cream required, just targeted serums applied directly to clean skin. Because the prep is simpler, it’s a faster session with zero downtime and a beautiful glow that shows almost immediately, now finished with red light therapy to help that glow settle in and last.
It’s an especially lovely choice as a pre-event treatment — the week of a wedding, a milestone birthday, or any moment you want your skin glowing without any recovery time.
Two session lengths are available:
- Face Only — 60 minutes (includes red light therapy)
- Face, Neck & Décolleté — 75 minutes (includes red light therapy)
Acupuncture can be added to either session for anyone who wants to pair the surface-level glow of nanoneedling with a deeper sense of calm.
Facial Cupping & Gua Sha
A 45-minute acupuncture session with the addition of traditional facial cupping and gua sha techniques support lymphatic drainage, circulation, and skin tone.
Who This Is For
Microneedling is a good fit for most skin types and concerns, including fine lines, uneven texture, acne scarring, and enlarged pores. All new patients complete a brief intake so we can tailor your session safely.
Nanoneedling, facial cupping, and gua sha are even more versatile.
See the FAQ below for a full list of conditions that may require a modified approach or a different treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microneedling at The Embodied Wellness Studio different from microneedling at a med spa?
Yes. Our sessions are performed by a licensed acupuncturist and include CranioSacral Therapy, myofascial work, and/or acupuncture during the treatment, plus red light therapy at the end — all within a 75-minute session designed to help your body release tension, not just treat your skin.
Does microneedling hurt?
A 5% lidocaine numbing cream is applied and given 15-20 minutes to take effect before needling begins, so most patients feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Needle depth is also adjusted by area for comfort.
How much does it cost?
Please visit our pricing page for current rates on all services.
What’s the difference between microneedling and nanoneedling?
Microneedling penetrates deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production and typically involves numbing cream and mild downtime. Nanoneedling is a lighter, surface-level treatment with no numbing required and no downtime, making it ideal for a quick glow before an event.
Can I add acupuncture to my microneedling or nanoneedling session?
Yes. Acupuncture and CranioSacral Therapy are integrated into your session during microneedling numbing time, and acupuncture can be paired with nanoneedling and facial cupping/gua sha sessions as well.
How much downtime should I expect after microneedling?
Expect redness similar to a mild sunburn for 8–12 hours, with skin back to normal by the next day. Mild peeling can occur as leftover serum sheds from the skin.
How much downtime is there after nanoneedling?
None. Nanoneedling is designed to be a no-downtime treatment, which is part of why it works so well as a pre-event option.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Most patients see the best results with a series. Our 3 Session Package is a popular starting point for patients working toward a specific skin goal.
Are there conditions that mean I shouldn’t get microneedling?
Yes. We’re not able to treat clients who currently have any of the following:
- active moderate-to-cystic acne
- active eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
- active cold sores or shingles in the treatment area
- open wounds, cuts, rashes, or skin infections
- a bleeding disorder or use of anticoagulant medication
- a history of keloid scarring
- pregnancy
- recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use (a 6-month clearance is required)
- active cancer or current chemo/radiation treatment
- immunosuppression that affects healing
Are there conditions where microneedling might just need to be modified?
Yes — these don’t necessarily rule treatment out, but we’ll want to talk through them first:
- rosacea (nanoneedling may be a gentler option)
- autoimmune skin conditions
- diabetes
- recent Botox or filler (2-week clearance recommended)
- a recent peel, laser, or microdermabrasion (2–4 week clearance recommended)
- a history of hyperpigmentation or melasma
- use of blood thinners, NSAIDs, or supplements that increase bruising risk
- or a sunburn within the last 48 hours.
All of this is covered in your intake, so we can figure out together what’s the safest and most effective approach for you.
What should I do after my microneedling session?
Rinse with plain water only the day of treatment, apply only your take-home collagen serum, avoid direct sun, and resume your normal skincare routine the next day.
Where is The Embodied Wellness Studio located?
We’re a women’s health clinic in Tigard, Oregon, offering acupuncture, Applied Somatic Medicine, and massage therapy alongside these skin treatments.
After-Treatment Care
You may be a little bit red after a microneedling treatment for about 12-24 hours. This is normal and will fade.
It’s also normal for skin to feel slightly dry, slightly itchy, or tight the day of treatment (remember, tightening is a good thing!)
It can be helpful to apply hyaluronic acid serum at home after your treatment.
Follow these guidelines for best results:
- No sweating for 48 hours—no exercise, saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs.
- No makeup for 24-48 hours to avoid clogging the pores.
- Stay out of the sun for 24 hours (we recommend bringing a hat with you to wear after treatment).
- No swimming (ocean or freshwater) for 3 days.
- Avoid putting anything on your face, especially no skincare with AHAs like glycolic acid, retinol, Vitamin C, or enzymes for 3 days.