Microneedling and Red Light Therapy: Combined Treatment for Skin

Microneedling and Red Light Therapy: How KRIDO Combines Them

Microneedling stimulates collagen through tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. Red light therapy, added after microneedling, uses specific wavelengths of light that small studies suggest may support cellular repair and collagen activity. At KRIDO Wellness in downtown St. Petersburg, every microneedling facial includes red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage.

Microneedling is supported by systematic reviews for atrophic acne scars, with moderate evidence for fine lines, texture and stretch marks. Results build over a series of sessions. Red light therapy has promising but limited evidence: small randomized trials show modest improvement in fine lines, skin roughness and collagen density. Together, many clients notice smoother, firmer, more even-looking skin over time.

What Microneedling Is and How It Works

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin with fine, sterile needles. This triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, which includes collagen and elastin production. Over weeks and months, new collagen forms, improving texture and reducing the appearance of scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven tone.

Systematic reviews of randomized trials support microneedling for atrophic acne scars. Evidence is moderate for fine lines, texture and stretch marks. It usually takes several sessions spaced weeks apart to see the full benefit.

What Red Light Therapy Adds

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, uses red and near-infrared wavelengths. Small controlled trials show modest improvement in fine lines, skin roughness and collagen density. The evidence is promising but limited. It does not hurt, has no downtime, and many people find it relaxing.

At KRIDO, red light therapy is included after every microneedling treatment. The idea is that red light may support collagen during the healing phase. Research on this pairing is limited, and it is not proven.

Why Pair Them

Microneedling opens channels in the skin and triggers a repair response. Red light therapy may support that repair at the cellular level.

Many clinics offer microneedling alone. At KRIDO Wellness, red light therapy and lymphatic drainage massage are included in every microneedling facial at no extra charge. You get the benefits of collagen stimulation plus the potential cellular support of light therapy in one visit.

What to Expect at KRIDO Wellness

Your first visit starts with a skin consultation. You meet with your esthetician, talk about your skin concerns and goals, and get a personalized treatment plan. Every visit starts with a consultation where we look at your goals and build your plan. You pay for the microneedling facial.

The microneedling facial is $300. The session includes cleansing, microneedling, red light therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage. Your skin will look pink or red right after, similar to a mild sunburn, and this fades over the next day or two. Most people return to normal activities the same day.

Results develop over weeks as collagen builds. With a series of treatments, results continue to improve. Your esthetician will recommend a treatment schedule based on your skin and goals.

Who Microneedling Suits

Microneedling is ideal for:

• Atrophic acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven texture
• Skin discoloration or uneven tone
• Stretch marks (moderate evidence)

It works on most skin types. If you have active acne, a skin infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are on certain medications, microneedling may not be suitable. The team reviews your health history at your consultation.

Other Options for Scarring and Texture

If microneedling does not suit you, other options include:

• Chemical peels (for texture and tone; done by a licensed professional)
• Laser resurfacing (medical procedure; talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon)
• Dermabrasion (medical procedure)
• Topical retinoids (prescription or over-the-counter; talk to a dermatologist)

KRIDO Wellness also offers dermaplaning facials and microdermabrasion facials, which exfoliate the surface and improve texture and glow. These are gentler than microneedling and have no visible recovery time, but they do not stimulate collagen the way microneedling does.

What Clients Say

I had the absolute best experience at Krido Wellness!! I went in for a dermaplane and from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I sat down with the owner, Kristina and she took the time to discuss my current skincare routine, what I’m struggling with and my goals. You could tell she really has such a passion for what she does and after learning more about her story, it was clear that her mission is to help people look and feel their best. The spa itself is very clean, professional, and has a calming atmosphere so you can truly relax. My aesthetician Amber was incredible!! She is so knowledgable and friendly and was so thorough with my treatment. She wasn’t pushing products on me, she just really wanted me to have the best possible experience. I literally couldn’t believe my skin afterward - had to do a double take in the mirror lol it was GLOWING, rejuvenated and felt amazing.

Cassandra Porter, Google review

Combining Microneedling with Other Treatments

Microneedling can be part of a broader skin plan. At KRIDO, clients sometimes combine microneedling sessions with:

• Monthly Circadia facials to maintain skin health between microneedling treatments
• Cryo Face Sculpting, which many clients enjoy for a temporary depuffing effect and glow (your esthetician will advise on timing)
• Circadia home care products to support healing and long-term results

Your esthetician will talk through what makes sense for your skin and your goals.

Location and Booking

KRIDO Wellness is in downtown St. Petersburg at IMAGE Studios, 11 7th St N, Suite 220. Free three-hour parking is available right in front on 7th Street North. The studio is open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, by appointment.

Start with a skin consultation. Book online at kridowellness.com/book or call 727-513-3925. Each of our estheticians has 30 years of esthetics experience. You will meet with the specialist who does your treatment, so the plan you leave with is one they will carry out.

Individual results vary. Microneedling and red light therapy are cosmetic treatments, not medical procedures. Results depend on your skin type, the number of sessions, and how you care for your skin at home.

Frequently asked questions

Does microneedling hurt?

Most people feel a prickling or scratching sensation. The discomfort is mild and brief, and the treatment is usually well tolerated.

How many microneedling sessions do I need?

Results build over a series of treatments. Many clients notice improvement over a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Your esthetician will recommend a schedule based on your skin and goals.

What is the downtime after microneedling?

Your skin will look pink or red for one to two days, similar to a mild sunburn. Most people return to normal activities the same day. Avoid makeup, sun exposure, and harsh products for 24 to 48 hours.

Can I get microneedling if I have active acne?

Microneedling is not recommended if you have active acne, an active skin infection, or open wounds in the treatment area. The team reviews your health history at your consultation to make sure the treatment is safe for you.

Is red light therapy safe?

Yes. Red light therapy is non-invasive, generally well tolerated, and does not involve UV light. Small studies show it is safe and well tolerated. It is included in every microneedling facial at KRIDO.

Can I combine microneedling with other facials?

Yes. Many clients do monthly Circadia facials between microneedling sessions to maintain skin health. Your esthetician will talk through what makes sense for your plan.