Mesotherapy-vs-Microneedling-How-They-Work-Benefits-and-Historical-Popularity-in-the-UK Pure Tone Aesthetics

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - How Do They Work?

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - How They Work, Benefits, and Historical Popularity in the UK

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - Both microneedling and mesotherapy guns are widely used in skincare and aesthetics to enhance skin health, texture, and radiance. They are, however, distinct in their techniques, treatment depth, and their approach to delivering active ingredients. Let’s explore each treatment in detail, looking at how they work, the unique benefits they offer, and when they began to gain traction in the UK.


Mesotherapy vs Microneedling


Pure Tone Aesthetics Inthera RF Microneedling Machine


Mesotherapy vs Microneedling

Microneedling: A Time-Tested Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, has a long history in aesthetic medicine, dating back to the early 1990s. By the late 2000s, microneedling began gaining significant popularity in the UK as it became more widely recognised for its ability to improve skin texture, reduce acne scars, and stimulate collagen production in a minimally invasive way.

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling involves the use of a handheld device equipped with fine, sterile needles that puncture the skin’s surface to create controlled micro-injuries. These tiny punctures trigger the skin’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production in the treated area. This process is beneficial in creating a smoother, firmer skin texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.

The treatment depth of microneedling can vary; for example, superficial microneedling treatments target the epidermis, while deeper settings can reach the mid-dermis. The device can be adjusted depending on the needs of the skin or the severity of the condition being treated. The concept is straightforward: by creating small injuries, the skin renews itself, creating a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.


Mesotherapy vs Microneedling


Pure Tone Aesthetics Inthera RF Microneedling Machine

Microneedling Application of Active Ingredients

A unique aspect of microneedling is its ability to enhance the absorption of active ingredients applied to the skin. While microneedling itself doesn’t inject these ingredients, the micro-channels created in the skin allow serums or topicals to penetrate more effectively. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and other nourishing serums are commonly used with microneedling to deliver additional hydration, antioxidants, and skin-brightening effects.

Main Benefits of Microneedling

  1. Improved Texture and Tone: Microneedling is effective in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and even scarring from acne or stretch marks.
  2. Collagen Stimulation: By promoting collagen and elastin production, microneedling creates a firmer, more resilient skin structure.
  3. Enhanced Absorption: Topicals applied after microneedling can penetrate deeply, allowing for more effective delivery of ingredients such as hydrating serums or antioxidants.
  4. Minimal Downtime: Although there may be some redness or mild irritation immediately after, most people experience minimal downtime with microneedling.

Microneedling’s Rise in Popularity in the UK

Microneedling first began gaining traction in the UK around 2008, and it rapidly became a staple in both professional clinics and at-home skincare routines. Initially, professional-grade microneedling treatments were only available at aesthetic clinics, but over time, microneedling rollers and home devices became available for personal use, making the treatment accessible to a broader audience.

Pure Tone Aesthetics Inthera RF Microneedling Treatment 

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling

Mesotherapy Guns: Precision Delivery of Active Ingredients

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - Mesotherapy originated in France in the 1950s as a therapeutic practice, where it was used to treat vascular and infectious diseases. By the early 2000s, mesotherapy evolved into an aesthetic treatment to deliver targeted ingredients directly into the skin, with the aim of rejuvenating, hydrating, and even slimming specific areas of the body. Around 2010, mesotherapy guns made their debut in the UK aesthetics market, gaining attention as an innovative, non-surgical alternative to injectable treatments.

How Mesotherapy Guns Work

Unlike microneedling, which relies on creating channels for passive absorption, mesotherapy guns involve small, controlled injections of active ingredients into the skin. A mesotherapy gun is a device fitted with a fine needle (or multiple needles) that delivers ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, or other rejuvenating agents directly into the dermis, targeting specific skin concerns with high precision.

The depth of mesotherapy can also vary, allowing treatment of the mid-dermis or even deeper layers depending on the desired outcome. This precision makes mesotherapy guns particularly beneficial for those looking to address specific skin concerns, such as hydration, pigmentation, or even issues like cellulite or hair thinning in the scalp.

Mesotherapy Targeted Delivery of Active Ingredients

Mesotherapy guns allow practitioners to inject active ingredients directly into the layers of the skin where they are most needed, resulting in a more targeted effect. For instance, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration at a superficial level, mesotherapy can deliver it into the dermis, where it can offer deeper hydration and plumping effects. Other active ingredients used can include vitamins for skin radiance, peptides to stimulate collagen, and specialised formulas designed to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Main Benefits of Mesotherapy Guns

  1. Intensive Hydration and Nourishment: By injecting hydration-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid directly into the skin, mesotherapy guns provide intense moisturisation and skin-plumping effects.
  2. Targeted Treatments: Mesotherapy guns can precisely target specific areas, such as the under-eye area or the scalp, to address concerns like pigmentation, sagging, or hair thinning.
  3. Customised Formulas: Since a wide range of ingredients can be delivered, mesotherapy guns offer flexibility in treating multiple skin issues at once.
  4. Minimal Discomfort: Though the treatment involves injections, many mesotherapy guns use ultra-fine needles, which minimise pain and discomfort for the client.

The Growth of Mesotherapy Guns in the UK

Mesotherapy guns began gaining popularity in the UK in the early 2010s, as more people sought non-surgical, needle-based treatments that could deliver personalised skincare. The treatment initially gained attention in high-end aesthetic clinics and quickly became popular with clients seeking a “lunch-time treatment” with minimal downtime. Mesotherapy has since become a common treatment in aesthetic and dermatology clinics, particularly as the technology has evolved to offer greater precision and comfort.


Mesotherapy vs Microneedling



Mesotherapy vs Microneedling

Comparing Microneedling and Mesotherapy Guns

Both microneedling and mesotherapy guns offer valuable benefits for skin health, but they serve different purposes:

Feature Microneedling Mesotherapy Gun
Method Creates micro-injuries with fine needles Injects active ingredients directly into the skin
Target Depth Superficial to mid-dermis Mid-dermis to deep dermis
Delivery of Ingredients Allows passive absorption of topicals Direct injection of ingredients
Best For Collagen stimulation, scar reduction, general skin rejuvenation Hydration, brightening, skin firming, targeted skin concerns
Downtime Minimal (redness and mild irritation) Minimal to moderate, depending on the area and depth treated
Popularity in UK Early 2000s for clinics, late 2000s for home use Early 2010s for professional use

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - Which Treatment is Right for You?

  • Microneedling is ideal if you’re looking for a treatment that can improve the skin’s texture and tone over time. It’s also a great choice if you want to boost the effectiveness of your topical skincare products.

  • Mesotherapy Guns are better suited if you have specific areas needing intensive hydration or revitalisation, or if you want to address specific issues like dullness, pigmentation, or even hair thinning. Since the ingredients are injected directly, mesotherapy can offer faster and more targeted results.

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - Can They Be Combined?

Mesotherapy vs Microneedling - Many clinics offer combined microneedling and mesotherapy treatments to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. This approach allows clients to benefit from the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling and the deep hydration and targeted benefits of mesotherapy in one session. Combining these treatments is increasingly popular in the UK, as clients appreciate the synergistic effects on skin health and radiance.


Both microneedling and mesotherapy guns have established their place in the UK’s skincare and aesthetics industry, offering clients effective solutions for achieving healthy, glowing skin. Whether you’re new to skincare treatments or looking to elevate your routine, understanding the distinct benefits of each can help you make the best choice for your skin goals.

Learn more about Inthera RF Microneedling here or call 0330 102 5578 for more details.

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