Choosing the right skincare or aesthetic treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many options available.

When it comes to skin rejuvenation, two popular treatments often come up: mesotherapy and microneedling.

Mesotherapy is increasingly popular in the UK as it can address a large number of skin concerns, but is mesotherapy better than microneedling? 

Essentially, mesotherapy stands out as a superior treatment as it deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin from within. However, microneedling is still a solid option, as it can help rejuvenate the skin without injections. 

Each uses tiny needles, but mesotherapy and microneedling work in distinct ways and offer different benefits. Understanding these key differences can help you work out which treatment is best for your skin concerns and goals. 

We’ll explore the difference between mesotherapy and microneedling below, including what each treatment involves and whether mesotherapy is better than microneedling for your skin goals. 

What Is The Difference Between Mesotherapy and Microneedling?

To better understand how these two treatments compare, let’s explore what each treatment involves and how they work to revitalise the skin.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that delivers a personalised blend of skin-booster ingredients directly into the skin’s middle layer, known as the dermis.

This customised formula typically includes vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. By nourishing the skin at a deeper level, mesotherapy promotes collagen and elastin production, improves blood circulation, and helps flush out toxins that accelerate ageing. 

The results? A noticeable reduction in fine lines, improved skin brightness, and a more youthful, radiant complexion.

The mesotherapy process begins with a consultation and skin assessment by an aesthetic practitioner. The procedure can begin once the patient agrees to their tailored treatment plan. 

The skin is cleansed first, then a numbing cream is applied for comfort. Using a specialised air-pressure device, the cocktail of ingredients is gently delivered through a microneedle, evenly distributed across the skin. 

There is minimal downtime, so the patient can resume daily activities soon afterwards. Regular maintenance sessions are recommended for optimal, long-lasting results. 

Many people don’t realise that mesotherapy isn’t just for the face, it can be used for targeted treatments across different areas.

Facial mesotherapy, body mesotherapy, and hair mesotherapy are all possible treatments, each with a specialised formula that can address specific concerns. 

Mesotherapy promotes collagen and elastin production, improves blood circulation, and helps flush out toxins that accelerate ageing. 

Microneedling

Unlike mesotherapy, microneedling does not involve injecting any substances into the skin. 

Instead, the treatment uses tiny, sterile needles to create micro-wounds on the skin’s surface. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin. 

Collagen accounts for approximately 70-80% of the skin’s dry weight, giving the skin’s dermis strength, and structural support. Elastin makes up a smaller portion of the dermis, but it plays a crucial part in maintaining skin elasticity. 

As the skin repairs itself, it becomes firmer, smoother, and more even-toned. Microneedling is particularly effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines, scars, and uneven skin texture

Like mesotherapy, microneedling begins with a consultation to determine the best approach for your skin. The procedure typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

A numbing cream is applied before the treatment to maintain patient comfort. Afterwards, the skin may appear slightly red or swollen, but this subsides within a few hours. With little to no downtime, you can quickly return to your daily routine. 

Microneedling stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin.

Microneedling Vs Mesotherapy: Key Differences

Feature

Mesotherapy

Microneedling

Method

Non-invasive injections

Tiny needles that create micro-injuries

Depth of Treatment

Targets the dermis layer of the skin. 

Targets the dermis and epidermis.

Main Benefit

Rejuvenation and hydration within the skin.

Improves skin texture through increased collagen production.

Downtime

Typically no downtime. Some may experience bruising, swelling, or redness which should resolve within 24 hours. 

Minimal, though skin may be red or sensitive for up to 48 hours.

Ideal For

Improving pigmentation, skin texture, signs of ageing.

Treating acne scars, large pores, wrinkles. 


Which Is Better: Mesotherapy or Microneedling?

Mesotherapy is an outstanding skin treatment that can promote overall skin health, but microneedling is still a decent treatment for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Microneedling works by promoting deeper skin cell regeneration and exfoliation, replacing older skin with fresh, healthy cells. On the other hand, mesotherapy nourishes and hydrates the skin, helping to keep new skin cells healthy, clear, and vibrant. 

The treatment you go for will depend on your specific skin goals.

Improving Skin Texture

Mesotherapy and microneedling can both help skin concerns that involve dry, uneven texture, or flaky skin. 

If you want to achieve a more even, smooth complexion, microneedling can help by accelerating skin renewal. However, if you want to address dullness and simultaneously deeply hydrate your skin from within, mesotherapy could be a better choice. 

Addressing Signs of Ageing

Fine lines and wrinkles are some of the most noticeable signs of ageing skin. 

Mesotherapy can help promote overall skin health and target minor, superficial wrinkles, but microneedling is typically more effective for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. 

Microneedling helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can help delay signs of ageing by improving firmness and wrinkle depth over time. 

Addressing Skin Pigmentation

Mesotherapy is usually the better choice for skin pigmentation concerns. These nourishing injections are packed with essential nutrients that promote healthy skin. 

Vitamin C and glutathione in particular are two nutrients used in mesotherapy that are known to aid with depigmentation

They also aid in toxin removal which can contribute to uneven skin tones. This makes mesotherapy particularly effective for dark circles or pigmentation spots, helping restore an even-toned complexion. 

Mesotherapy is best to hydrate dull skin from within, while microneedling is better for smoothing out texture and reducing wrinkle depth.

Can I Do Mesotherapy After Microneedling?

Microneedling and mesotherapy can help improve skin rejuvenation when used together, but it’s important to prioritise skin recovery to support optimum results. 

As microneedling creates tiny, controlled microinjuries in the skin, it needs adequate time to heal before introducing additional treatments. 

It’s best to wait around 1-2 weeks after microneedling before undergoing mesotherapy. This period allows the skin to repair itself, reducing the risk of irritation and maximising mesotherapy’s benefits. 

The Bottom Line

So, is mesotherapy better than microneedling? 

Mesotherapy is an advanced treatment that can target multiple skin concerns with targeted nourishment, but microneedling remains a trusted, reliable method for skin rejuvenation. 

Are you looking to add to your aesthetics expertise?  

Our CPD-accredited Mesotherapy course, based in Cardiff, will teach you how to deeply revitalise the skin with targeted skin boosters. 

Our Microneedling course, based in Cardiff and Bristol, will help perfect your collagen stimulation technique to help patients achieve a smoother complexion. 

Book your course today, or find out more about our other courses on our website. 

February 06, 2025 — Jemima Thomas