SQT
Bio-Microneedling
SQT Bio-Microneedling
At Xenial Aesthetics, we are proud to offer SQT Bio-Microneedling. A revolutionary, all-natural approach to skin transformation. SQT utilises the power of 100% natural, freshwater Spongilla spicules to deliver deep dermal rejuvenation without the use of acids, chemicals, or machines.
By introducing 3-5million of these microscopic, needle-like structures into the skin, SQT triggers an incredible biological cascade that boosts collagen production, accelerates cell turnover, and stimulates stem cell activation. The result? A firmer, clearer, and more radiant complexion.
Safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types and effective for concerns ranging from active acne and pigmentation to fine lines and uneven texture, SQT is the natural choice for those seeking professional results with a focus on holistic skin health.
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Where Can SQT Help?
SQT Bio-Microneedling is as versatile as it is effective. Because the treatment is non-invasive and chemical-free, it can be safely applied to a wide range of areas to address specific concerns like acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.
Face & Neck The most popular application, ideal for treating:
The Full Face: Addressing overall texture, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone.
Targeted Acne & Scarring: Focusing on active breakouts or post-acne marks, particularly on the cheeks and jawline.
Fine Lines & Tightening: Concentrating on the forehead, around the eyes, and the neck/décolleté to promote firm, youthful-looking skin.
Body Treatments SQT’s unique ability to accelerate cellular turnover makes it a powerful tool for body skin concerns as well:
Back & Shoulders: Effectively clearing bacne (back acne) and smoothing uneven texture or pigmentation.
Stretch Marks & Scarring: Improving the appearance of stretch marks or body scars by stimulating collagen production directly in the affected tissue.
Hyperpigmentation: Addressing dark spots or sun damage on areas like the hands, arms, or chest.
Whether you are looking to rejuvenate your complexion or treat stubborn body concerns, SQT offers a safe, full-body solution tailored to your unique skin needs.
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How to Prepare for Your SQT Treatment
To achieve the best outcome and ensure your skin is ready for the bio-regeneration process, please follow these simple steps before your appointment:
1 Week Before Your Treatment
Pause Exfoliants: Avoid using any harsh chemical peels, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol/retinoid products. These can make your skin overly sensitive.
Skip Scrubs: Stop using physical scrubs or abrasive exfoliators.
Sun Protection: Minimize direct sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily. Avoid tanning beds entirely.
3 Days Before Your Treatment
Avoid Waxing & Laser: Refrain from waxing, threading, or laser hair removal on the areas you plan to treat.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Well-hydrated skin heals faster and responds better to the stimulation of the spicules.
The Day of Your Appointment
Clean Skin: Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face (or body area). If you are coming from work, we can cleanse your skin for you, but starting fresh helps us assess your skin condition accurately.
Let Us Know: Please inform your therapist if you have had any recent skin procedures, sunburns, or if you are currently taking any medications that might affect skin sensitivity.
What to Expect During your consultation, we will assess your skin type and concerns to customize the SQT protocol for you. If you have any questions about your specific skincare routine, feel free to bring your products with you, and we can advise you on what to pause and when to resume them.
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The Treatment Experience During the application, you will feel a distinct "prickly" or "sandy" sensation as our therapist massages the microscopic spicules into your skin. This sensation is exactly what you want—it indicates the active, natural sponges are successfully penetrating the dermis to trigger your skin's collagen production and accelerate cell turnover.
Immediately After It is completely normal to experience:
Redness or Warmth: Your skin may look flushed or feel warm to the touch, similar to a light sunburn. This typically subsides within a few hours.
Tightness: You might feel a slight tightening sensation as the treatment begins its work beneath the surface.
The Recovery Timeline Because SQT works by accelerating your skin's natural renewal cycle, your skin will undergo a brief but rewarding transformation:
Days 1-2: The skin may remain slightly pink or tender. We advise keeping your home skincare routine very gentle and strictly avoiding makeup for the first 24 hours.
Days 3-5: You may experience light flaking or peeling. This is a positive sign that your skin is shedding old, damaged cells to reveal the fresh, healthy tissue beneath.
Days 5-7: The "glow" phase. By now, the peeling should subside, leaving your skin looking clearer, smoother, and significantly more radiant.
Our Support We will provide you with specific aftercare instructions before you leave, including a recommended routine to soothe and protect your skin during the healing phase. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, we are always here to guide you.
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Aftercare: Caring for Your Skin Post-SQT
Following your session at Xenial Aesthetics, your skin will be working hard to renew itself. Think of this as the "healing and revealing" phase. Please follow these guidelines to ensure your recovery is comfortable and effective.
The First 24 Hours: The Golden Window
Keep It Clean: Do not wash your face or get the treated area wet for at least 24 hours. This allows the spicules to remain active and finish their work within the dermis.
No Makeup: Avoid applying foundation, concealer, or powder. Your skin needs to breathe, and makeup can introduce bacteria to the treated area.
Hands Off: Resist the urge to touch, rub, or pick at your skin. Your hands carry bacteria that can interfere with the healing process.
Days 2-7: Nurturing Your Glow
Gentle Cleansing: After 24 hours, you may gently cleanse your skin using a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser. Use lukewarm water and pat dry—never rub.
Hydrate and Repair: Use a soothing, hydrating serum or cream (ideally one containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides). We recommend sticking to products that promote barrier repair.
Strict Sun Protection: Your new, fresh skin is highly sensitive to UV rays. Wear a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, and avoid direct sun exposure. If possible, wear a hat or stay in the shade.
What to Avoid
No Active Ingredients: Do not resume using Retinols, Retinoids, Vitamin C serums, or exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) until your skin has fully recovered and the flaking has completely stopped (usually 7-10 days).
No Heavy Sweating: Avoid intense workouts, saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga for at least 3-5 days. Sweat can irritate the skin while it is in its active renewal phase.
No Picking: If you experience light flaking or peeling, let it shed naturally. Picking at flakes can lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.
When to Call Us It is normal to feel some mild dryness or tenderness, but if you experience any unexpected irritation, prolonged redness, or discomfort, please reach out to us at Xenial Aesthetics. We are here to ensure you have a smooth recovery and achieve the glowing results you’re looking for!
Our Process
Consultation
Book a consultation with our qualified Registered Nurse. This appointment allows you to discuss your concerns, treatment goals, suitability, risks and available options before making an informed decision. A personalised treatment plan will be developed based on your individual needs.
Preperation
On booking, you will be provided with pre-treatment instructions to help support treatment safety and optimise your treatment experience and outcomes.
Treatment
Your treatment will be performed by a qualified healthcare professional using approved products in a safe, clinical environment. We are committed to delivering personalised, evidence-based care with a focus on patient safety and natural-looking results.
After Care
Following your treatment, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery and treatment outcome. Our team remains available to assist with any questions or concerns, and follow-up care may be recommended where clinically appropriate.
FAQ
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SQT and traditional microneedling are distinct but highly complementary treatments. While traditional microneedling uses mechanical devices to create micro-channels, SQT utilizes natural, silica-based spicules to stimulate the dermis from within. Because they engage the skin’s regeneration pathways in different ways, many clients choose to integrate both into their aesthetic routine to maximize results. We recommend alternating these treatments with appropriate spacing to allow your skin to recover fully, creating a synergistic effect that enhances overall texture, tone, and collagen production.
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Yes. SQT is designed to be inclusive and gentle, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Because our spicules are sourced from freshwater sponges rather than marine sources, the risk of shellfish or marine-related allergic reactions is eliminated. Furthermore, the spicules are polished to a precise size (200-300um) to ensure they are effective and uniform, providing the necessary stimulation without causing jagged, unnecessary irritation.
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SQT delivers visible improvements even after the first session, as it immediately begins to accelerate your skin's natural turnover cycle. However, for long-term skin health, especially for concerns like acne, scarring, or deep hyperpigmentation, a series of 3 to 6 sessions is typically recommended to achieve cumulative, lasting results. We will assess your specific skin goals during your consultation to build a tailored plan for you.
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During and immediately following your SQT session, we create microscopic pathways in the skin to stimulate deep-tissue collagen production and accelerate cell renewal. Because these channels are active, your skin is in a delicate healing state.
Applying makeup during the first 72 hours can clog these open channels, trap bacteria, or introduce impurities, which can lead to unnecessary irritation, inflammation, or breakouts. We want your skin to be able to "breathe" and focus entirely on the recovery and rejuvenation process. Avoiding makeup for these 3 days ensures the highest level of safety and helps you achieve the best possible results from your treatment.