I Got A Liquid Microneedling Treatment That Restores Collagen *Without* Needles

I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to needles. And by a bit, I mean that I have to avert my eyes and count to 10 every time I get blood drawn or else I’ll faint, and I won't say no to a lollipop on my way out for my bravery. Suffice it to say, I’ve never received a vampire facial. 

But recently, I’ve found myself craving the skin-enhancing benefits that come with some of the more intense beauty treatments. I see the glowing visage of a fellow beauty editor, and I’m almost convinced to just grin and bear it...almost. 

"Cellstory is a liquid microneedling treatment that uses patented microspear technology," says celebrity esthetician Brittany Blancato. What is a liquid microneedling treatment, you ask? 

Well, imagine traditional microneedling, which uses a tiny rolling pin to create micro puncture wounds in the skin, which then kick-starts your skin's natural healing process and an increase in collagen production—this, in turn, can lead to a smooth, plump, rejuvenated complexion. 

Standard microneedling requires, you know, needles to prick the skin. The liquid version, however, absorbs into the skin and creates microchannels within the deepest layer of the epidermis (the basal layer), without the use of actual needles.

Cellstory’s patented technology contains 50,000 microscopic liquid microneedles that penetrate into the skin (they also have an at-home version with 10,000 microneedles), coated in calming botanicals to ease irritation. After 72 hours, the skin naturally exfoliates the microneedles as it quickly regenerates new skin cells. 

The microneedles come from hydrolyzed sponges found in freshwater; these sponges have tiny spicules with pointed ends that resemble teeny tiny needles, and they’re so small that they can actually penetrate the skin. 

I’ll be honest: I was very nervous before my appointment with Blancato. Cellstory is a relatively new treatment (only a few years old), so I couldn't find a ton of personal reviews online. The one review I did read mentioned significant pain, redness, and flaking, which only exacerbated my pretreatment jitters. So I took an ibuprofen beforehand just in case I faced any pain. 

The treatment starts out like your typical facial: Blancato washed my face with a gentle cleanser, then applied a hydrating toner and essence, which "warms the skin and prepares the skin for the treatment—that is left on for about five minutes," she notes. All of these products come included in the professional Cellstory kit (as you can see in my photo above, each client receives a portioned-out kit). Next up was the activator ampoule to help hydrate and prepare the skin for the key microspear step.

Now, for the main event: Blancato used a syringe to dot the product around my face, until she covered the entire surface area. She massaged the cream into my skin with deep pressure—this, friends, is where things turned a little spicy.

I wouldn't call it painful, per se, but it did feel very prickly, almost like she was using a very abrasive face scrub. Immediately after, my face felt hot and tingly, but I was truly expecting way worse. It wasn’t bad at all! 

Blancato mentioned a 36 to 72 hour downtime period, but I veered toward the earlier side of the spectrum. A mere two days after my treatment, I was practically glowing! 

But let’s rewind to day-of: The redness dialed down after about an hour, and I thought I was in the clear—until I washed my face that night. Even with featherlight pressure, I could feel those microneedles moving in my skin, sending a sharp prickling sensation with each swipe. 

It definitely wasn’t comfortable, but the pain ebbed after a few minutes; I just had to prepare for some spiciness every time I touched my face. To avoid the pain, I decided to opt for ultra-hydrating serums I could pat on instead of richer face creams that required rubbing in. This lasted until the following night, when I suspect my skin cells had fully renewed and the needles had disappeared.   

When the prickling sensation stopped, the flaking began. It was super mild—a few dry patches on my cheeks and forehead—and it stopped after another day and a half. I applied (and reapplied, and reapplied) milky serums and moisturizers, and it took incredible willpower to keep myself from peeling off the dry bits of skin. My resolve was worth it, because after another day, I couldn’t believe how soft and supple my skin looked. 

It’s like my skin was reborn. My stubborn hyperpigmentation on my chin and forehead had basically disappeared. My skin looked refreshed, smooth, and hydrated. I hate to use the word "poreless" (every living, breathing human has pores, and they are necessary for proper skin function), but that’s the word that kept coming to mind as I assessed my skin texture (or lack thereof) in disbelief. It was so glasslike that I instantly forgot about the minimal downtime I had just endured. 

I avoided retinoids and exfoliants for a week after my treatment, and I tried not to sweat (no intense workouts or saunas) for a full 72 hours, even though I technically felt fine before that. Of course, I also prioritized sunscreen to protect my fresh, vulnerable skin. 

Blancato also recommends steering clear of face oils or heavily oil-based products until your skin fully regenerates. Remember: Oils are occlusive, which means no skin care product (or freshly sloughed skin cells) gets past them.

Stick to milky, water-based confections for a few days if you can. If you’re looking for a 100% approved post-treatment lineup, Beyond Miracles (the company that provides Cellstory) also offers a Mini Set, which includes a gentle cleaner, toner, serum, and cream, all featuring healthy peptides to aid skin regeneration.

If you’re a fan of microneedling, chances are you’ll love Cellstory. "The treatment works well for many different skin types and skin concerns, including active acne, which can be hard to treat," says Blancato. Those with fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture may also find it helpful, thanks to the uptick in collagen production. And for those curious about microneedling but just can’t overcome a fear of needles, Cellstory is the perfect treatment to try. 

As for who should steer clear, "If you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding, I recommend consulting with a doctor before getting the treatment," says Blancato. "You should also use precaution if you have a strong nut allergy, as there is a small amount of macadamia oil in the Cellstory Plus Recovery Cream."