Skin Journal

Expert advice, treatment guides and skincare insights to help you make informed decisions about your skin.

Browse by Topic

All Articles | Client Education | Skin Concerns | Anti-Wrinkle | Dermal Fillers | Skin Boosters | Microneedling | Biostimulators

MICRONEEDLING Shalu Shankar MICRONEEDLING Shalu Shankar

Microneedling for Rejuvenation: Benefits, Process and Aftercare

Microneedling is a collagen stimulating skin treatment that improves texture, scarring, and overall skin quality. This guide explains how microneedling works, what to expect, and how to care for your skin after treatment.

Microneedling is a popular skin treatment for improving texture, tone, and overall skin quality. It is often chosen by clients who want to refresh their skin, reduce scarring, or soften fine lines without injectables or added volume.

Based in Porirua, our clinic welcomes clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region who are looking for gradual, natural skin rejuvenation.


What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a skin treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro injuries in the skin.

These micro injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen and elastin production. Over time, this process helps strengthen the skin, improve texture, and support a smoother, more even complexion.

Microneedling is sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy due to the way it encourages the skin to repair and renew itself.

Microneedling is often combined with treatments that support skin hydration and elasticity. Our guide to how skin boosters work and who they benefit explains how these treatments complement collagen stimulation.

What Skin Concerns Can Microneedling Treat?

Microneedling is commonly used to improve:

  • uneven skin texture

  • fine lines and early wrinkles

  • acne scarring

  • enlarged pores

  • dull or tired looking skin

It can be used on its own or alongside other skin treatments as part of a personalised skin plan.

How Does Microneedling Work?

During treatment, a microneedling device creates tiny channels in the skin. These channels trigger the skin’s natural repair process, leading to increased collagen and elastin production.

As the skin heals, it becomes stronger, firmer, and more even in appearance. Over a course of treatments, this gradual regeneration leads to noticeable improvements in skin quality.

What Does Microneedling Feel Like?

Most clients describe microneedling as feeling similar to a deep exfoliation or a mild scratching sensation.

Some areas, such as around the nose or eyes, may feel slightly more sensitive. Treatments are performed by trained professionals and are generally very well tolerated.

What Happens During a Microneedling Treatment?

Your appointment begins with a consultation to discuss your skin concerns and goals.

Microneedling treatments typically involve:

  • cleansing and preparing the skin

  • performing the treatment using a sterile microneedling device

  • applying calming or supportive products after treatment

Appointments are relatively quick, and there is minimal downtime.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Many clients notice improvements after the first few treatments.

For best results, a course of treatments is usually recommended, often four to five sessions spaced several weeks apart. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your skin type and concerns.

What Happens After Microneedling?

After treatment, the skin may appear red or feel warm, similar to mild sunburn. This usually settles within a few hours.

Mild swelling or sensitivity can occur and typically resolves quickly.

Microneedling Aftercare

After treatment, we recommend:

  • wearing SPF 30 or higher daily

  • avoiding exfoliation for one week

  • avoiding swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas while the skin heals

  • avoiding active skincare products for several days

  • following personalised aftercare advice provided by your clinician


Microneedling for Whitby and Porirua Clients

Microneedling is an effective option for clients who want to improve skin texture, scarring, and overall skin quality in a gradual and natural way.

At our Porirua clinic, we provide personalised microneedling treatments for clients from Whitby and across the wider Porirua area.

If you would like to learn more about microneedling or find out whether it is right for you, we invite you to book a consultation with our experienced team or contact us if you have any questions.

Read More
ANTI-WRINKLE Shalu Shankar ANTI-WRINKLE Shalu Shankar

Anti-Wrinkle Injections: What to Expect for First-Time Clients

Considering anti-wrinkle injections for the first time? This guide explains how they work, what to expect during treatment, how long results last, and how they support natural, refreshed looking results.

If you are considering anti-wrinkle injections for the first time, it is normal to have questions about how they work, what the treatment involves, and what results you can expect.

Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic treatments worldwide. They are used to soften expression lines, prevent deeper wrinkles from forming, and support a refreshed, natural appearance.

Based in Porirua, our clinic welcomes clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region who are looking for subtle, natural looking results.


What Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections are a non surgical treatment designed to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial muscle movement.

They work by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles, which allows the skin above them to appear smoother and more rested. This does not freeze the face when performed correctly. Instead, the goal is to soften movement while maintaining natural facial expression.

Anti-wrinkle injections are commonly used both to treat existing lines and as a preventative treatment to slow the formation of deeper wrinkles over time.

Anti-wrinkle injections are often combined with treatments that focus on skin quality. Our guide to how skin boosters work and who they benefit explains how these treatments support hydration, elasticity, and long-term skin health.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Anti-wrinkle injections are most commonly used to treat:

  • forehead lines

  • frown lines between the brows

  • crow’s feet around the eyes

These areas are particularly prone to expression related wrinkles due to repeated muscle movement throughout the day.

During your consultation, we will assess your facial movements and discuss which areas are appropriate for treatment based on your individual goals.

How Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work?

Facial expressions such as frowning, smiling, and squinting cause repeated muscle contractions. Over time, this movement creates lines in the skin.

Anti-wrinkle injections work by reducing the strength of these muscle contractions. When the muscles relax, the skin above them has a chance to smooth out, reducing the appearance of lines and helping to prevent them from becoming deeper.

Results develop gradually and are designed to look natural rather than obvious.

What Happens During an Anti-Wrinkle Appointment?

Your appointment begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns, goals, and medical history. This ensures the treatment is appropriate and tailored to you.

Treatment is performed by qualified and highly trained Registered Nurses and typically involves:

  • a series of small injections

  • minimal discomfort

  • a short appointment time

The injections are delivered using a fine needle and are generally well tolerated. Most clients describe the sensation as a brief pinprick.

There is no required downtime, and most people return to their normal activities immediately after.

When Will I See Results and How Long Do They Last?

Results from anti-wrinkle injections do not appear immediately.

  • Initial effects are usually noticed within several days

  • Full results are typically visible within two to three weeks

  • Results generally last around three to four months

Regular maintenance treatments can help maintain results and support long term wrinkle prevention.

Does the Treatment Hurt?

Anti-wrinkle injections are generally well tolerated.

The needles used are very fine, and the injections are quick. Any discomfort is usually brief and mild. Sensitive areas may feel slightly more noticeable, but most clients find the treatment very manageable.

Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections Safe?

Anti-wrinkle injections are widely used and considered safe when administered by trained professionals.

Common temporary effects may include:

  • mild redness

  • slight swelling

  • small areas of bruising

  • a mild headache in some people

These effects usually resolve within a short period.

Anti-wrinkle injections are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if there is an active infection. Suitability is always assessed during consultation.

Aftercare Advice

After treatment, we recommend:

  • avoiding rubbing or massaging the treated area

  • remaining upright for at least two hours

  • avoiding strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours

  • using gentle skincare and mineral makeup if needed

You will be provided with personalised aftercare advice following your appointment.


Anti-Wrinkle Injections in Porirua and the Greater Wellington Region

Anti-wrinkle injections are a popular option for clients who want to soften lines, refresh their appearance, and prevent deeper wrinkles from forming while still looking natural.

At our Porirua clinic, we provide personalised anti-wrinkle treatments for clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region, with a focus on subtle, balanced results.

If you would like to learn more or find out whether anti-wrinkle injections are right for you, we invite you to book a consultation with our experienced team or contact us if you have any questions.

Read More
SKIN BOOSTERS Shalu Shankar SKIN BOOSTERS Shalu Shankar

Sunekos Skin Booster: Improving Skin Quality and Hydration from Within

Sunekos is a regenerative skin booster designed to improve skin quality, hydration, and elasticity without adding volume or changing facial shape. This article explains how Sunekos works, who it is best suited for, and what to expect from treatment.

If your skin feels dehydrated, dull, or less elastic but you are not looking for added volume or dramatic change, Sunekos may be the ideal treatment for you.

Sunekos is a regenerative skin booster designed to improve skin quality at a cellular level. Rather than filling or reshaping the face, it works by stimulating the skin’s natural repair processes to support hydration, elasticity, and overall skin health.

Based in Porirua, our clinic welcomes clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region who are looking for subtle, natural skin rejuvenation.


What Is Sunekos?

Sunekos is an injectable skin booster that combines hyaluronic acid with a precise blend of amino acids. This formulation is designed to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin in the skin.

By supporting these natural processes, Sunekos helps improve the structure and quality of the skin from within, rather than masking signs of ageing at the surface.

Sunekos does not add volume and does not change facial shape, making it a popular option for clients who want refreshed, healthy looking skin without an overdone appearance.

Sunekos is one of several injectable treatments known as skin boosters. If you are new to this type of treatment, our guide to how skin boosters work and who they benefit explains the broader approach in more detail.

How Does Sunekos Work?

As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, and hydration supporting proteins. This leads to fine lines, reduced elasticity, dullness, and a tired appearance.

Sunekos works by:

  • delivering hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin

  • providing amino acids that support collagen and elastin production

  • stimulating fibroblasts to regenerate the skin’s extracellular matrix

  • improving firmness, elasticity, and texture over time

This process helps restore skin quality gradually and naturally.

What Skin Concerns Can Sunekos Help With?

Sunekos is particularly well suited to clients concerned about skin quality rather than volume loss.

It is commonly used to improve:

  • dehydrated or dull skin

  • fine lines and early wrinkles

  • loss of elasticity and firmness

  • uneven skin texture

  • delicate under eye skin, including fine lines and a tired appearance

Because it works within the skin, results develop progressively and look natural.

What Happens During a Sunekos Treatment?

Your treatment begins with a free consultation to discuss your skin concerns, goals, and medical history. This allows us to determine whether Sunekos is the right option for you.

Sunekos treatments are performed by qualified and highly trained Registered Nurses and involve:

  • a series of small injections

  • minimal discomfort

  • little to no downtime

For optimal results, Sunekos is typically delivered as a course of treatments, usually three sessions spaced around two weeks apart. Your individual plan will be discussed during consultation.

When Will I See Results?

Many clients notice improvements in skin hydration and texture after their first treatment.

Results continue to improve as collagen and elastin production is stimulated over time. The best results are usually seen after completing the recommended treatment course.

Results can last several months, with maintenance treatments recommended to support ongoing skin health.

Is Sunekos Safe?

Sunekos is widely used and generally very well tolerated when administered by trained professionals.

Common temporary effects may include:

• mild redness

• swelling

• small bumps at injection sites

• light bruising or sensitivity

These effects usually settle within a few days.

Sunekos is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if there is an active infection. Suitability is always assessed during consultation to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate.

Sunekos Aftercare

After your treatment, we recommend:

  • applying SPF 30+ daily

  • avoiding makeup for four to six hours

  • avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 24 to 48 hours

  • avoiding active skincare products for several days

  • using cold compresses if needed to reduce swelling

You will receive personalised aftercare advice tailored to your skin.


Sunekos in Porirua and the Greater Wellington Region

Sunekos is an excellent option for clients who want to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall skin quality without adding volume or changing facial shape.

At our Porirua clinic, we provide personalised Sunekos treatments for clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region, with a focus on natural results and long term skin health.

If you would like to learn more about Sunekos or find out whether it is right for you, we invite you to book a free consultation with our experienced team or contact us if you have any questions.

Read More
SKIN BOOSTERS Shalu Shankar SKIN BOOSTERS Shalu Shankar

Skin Boosters Explained: How They Work and Who Benefits Most

Skin boosters are injectable treatments designed to improve skin quality, hydration, and firmness without adding volume or changing facial shape. This guide explains how they work, who they are best suited for, and how they support natural, long term skin health.

If your skin feels dull, dehydrated, or less firm but you are not looking for added volume or dramatic change, skin boosters may be an ideal option.

Skin boosters are injectable treatments designed to improve skin quality rather than change facial shape. They work within the skin to support hydration, elasticity, and collagen production, helping to restore a fresher, healthier appearance over time.

Based in Porirua, our clinic welcomes clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region who are looking for subtle, natural skin rejuvenation.


What Are Skin Boosters?

Skin boosters are injectable treatments that focus on improving the condition of the skin itself.

They are designed to:

  • improve hydration

  • enhance skin texture

  • increase elasticity and firmness

  • support collagen and elastin production

Unlike dermal fillers, skin boosters do not add volume or reshape the face. Instead, they work to strengthen and revitalise the skin from within.

This makes them a popular choice for clients who want natural looking results without looking overdone.

Learn more about our injectable skin booster treatments.

How Do Skin Boosters Work?

As we age, the skin naturally produces less collagen, elastin, and hydration supporting proteins. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and lifestyle stress can accelerate this process.

Skin boosters work by delivering key ingredients directly into the skin to:

  • deeply hydrate

  • stimulate collagen and elastin production

  • support skin regeneration

  • improve overall skin quality over time

Results develop gradually, giving the skin a refreshed and healthy appearance rather than an obvious cosmetic change.

Who Are Skin Boosters Best Suited For?

Skin boosters are suitable for a wide range of people and skin types.

They are often recommended for clients who:

  • notice dull or dehydrated skin

  • have fine lines or early signs of ageing

  • feel their skin has lost firmness or elasticity

  • want preventative skin ageing support

  • prefer subtle, natural results

They can be used on their own or as part of a broader skin treatment plan. They are often combined with treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections as part of a personalised approach to skin rejuvenation.

Types of Skin Boosters We Use

There are different types of skin boosters available, each designed to address specific skin concerns.

Sunekos

Sunekos is a regenerative skin booster that focuses on improving skin quality at a cellular level. It supports hydration, elasticity, and collagen production, making it particularly effective for fine lines, dull skin, and delicate areas such as under the eyes.

For a deeper look at how Sunekos works and who it is best suited for, see our full Sunekos skin booster guide.

Profhilo Structura

Profhilo Structura is an advanced regenerative injectable designed to improve firmness and facial structure without adding volume. It supports the health of deeper facial tissues, helping to create a subtle lifting and tightening effect.

What Happens During a Skin Booster Treatment?

Your treatment journey begins with a consultation to discuss your skin concerns, goals, and medical history.

Skin booster treatments are performed by qualified and highly trained Registered Nurses and typically involve:

  • a series of small injections

  • minimal discomfort

  • little to no downtime

Treatment plans vary depending on the product used and your individual skin needs.

When Will I See Results?

Many clients notice early improvements in hydration and skin texture after their first treatment.

Collagen and firmness develop gradually over time, with optimal results usually seen after completing the recommended treatment course. Maintenance treatments may be advised to support long term skin health.

Are Skin Boosters Safe?

Skin boosters are widely used and generally very well tolerated when administered by trained professionals.

Temporary effects may include mild redness, swelling, small bumps at injection sites, or light bruising. These typically settle within a few days.

Skin boosters are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if an active infection is present. Suitability is always assessed during consultation.


Skin Boosters in Porirua and the Greater Wellington Region

Skin boosters are an excellent option for clients who want to improve skin quality, hydration, and firmness without changing how their face looks.

At our Porirua clinic, we provide personalised skin booster treatments for clients from Whitby, the wider Porirua area, and across the greater Wellington region, focusing on natural results and long term skin health.

If you would like to learn more or find out whether skin boosters are right for you, we invite you to book a consultation with our experienced team or contact us if you have any questions.

Read More