facials
Spicule Peel (45 mins)
An alternative to microneedling, helps stimulate collagen, exfoliate, pull pigment, and deliver vitamins and nutrients. (Double Cleansing, Pre-Peel Toner, Spicule Peel, Meso Ampoule, Post-Peel Toner, Mask, Moisturizer, and SPF) Offered on-site by Charm Brows & Beauty
Booking for this service continues on the Charm Brows & Beauty website (opens in a new tab).
About this service
A spicule peel uses microscopic natural spicules — fine needle-like structures derived from freshwater sponge — rather than acids. They embed in the top layer of skin and create thousands of tiny channels, which both drive active ingredients deeper and trigger accelerated cell turnover.
The experience is unusual: rather than the tingling of an acid peel, you'll feel a prickly, itchy sensation for the first day or two as the spicules work. It's odd but tolerable, and it settles.
Skin then flakes over several days and comes through noticeably smoother. It's particularly effective on congestion and texture.
Every treatment starts with a skin consultation. Please tell us about any medication, recent treatments, allergies, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as some steps may need to be changed or left out.
What's included
- Consultation and skin analysis
- Cleanse and preparation
- Spicule product massaged into the skin
- Active serums to drive through the channels created
- Calming, protective finish with mineral SPF
- Detailed aftercare and a recovery timeline
What to expect at your appointment
Allow 45 minutes. Your esthetician cleanses and preps the skin, then works the spicule product in thoroughly — you'll feel prickling as it embeds.
Active serums follow, then calming products and sunscreen. The prickly, itchy feeling continues for a day or two, then skin flakes for around three to five days before smoothing out.
Who it's best for
Congestion, rough texture, enlarged pores and dull skin, and anyone who has plateaued with gentler treatments. Not suitable on sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, on broken or inflamed skin, or with isotretinoin use.
Caring for it at home
Don't scratch, and don't pick at flaking skin however tempting it gets — this is the main way spicule peels go wrong.
No makeup for 24 hours, no acids or retinoids for a week, and no gym, sauna, steam or swimming for 48 hours — sweat makes the itching worse. Moisturise generously and use sunscreen daily.
The prickling settles within about 48 hours. If it's genuinely distressing rather than just annoying, call us.
Tips from our stylists
- Book at least two weeks before an event
- Expect prickling and itching for a day or two — it's normal
- Don't scratch or pick, at all
- Avoid the gym for 48 hours; sweating intensifies the itch
- Not for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin — choose a gentler option
- Moisturise heavily during the flaking phase
Common questions
- What are spicules?
- Microscopic needle-like structures from freshwater sponge. They embed in the top layer of skin, creating tiny channels that boost absorption and cell turnover.
- Why does it itch?
- That's the spicules embedded in the skin. It's normal, lasts a day or two, and is made worse by sweating.
- Is it stronger than a chemical peel?
- It works differently and many people find the texture results more pronounced. It's not suitable for sensitive skin.
- How long is the downtime?
- Prickling for one to two days, flaking for three to five.