therapy
Collagen Induction Therapy
콜라겠 유도 치료
Microneedling meets Korean growth factor serums. PDRN-infused collagen rebuilding.
45-60 min
Duration
Every 4-6 weeks, series of 3-5 treatments
Frequency
Bearable
Comfort
1-3
Downtime
East vs West
Korean clinic
$150-300
Western equiv.
$400-800
What you get
Korean
Western
$200 for collagen induction therapy with PDRN. Western clinics charge $500+ for basic microneedling without the growth factor serums — the serums are the whole point.
The Korean philosophy
Korean aesthetics views microneedling not as a standalone treatment but as a delivery system. The real magic is in the serums that enter through the micro-channels. PDRN — a Korean innovation derived from salmon DNA — accelerates tissue repair at the cellular level. The Korean approach: create the pathway, then flood it with the best repair ingredients available.
The ritual
Double cleanse
5 minThorough cleansing ensures a sterile treatment surface. Any bacteria could enter the micro-channels, so this step is non-negotiable for safety.
Numbing cream
25 minTopical lidocaine-based anesthetic is applied generously and left to take effect. Your face goes tingly, then numb. This makes the needling comfortable.
PDRN serum preparation
3 minThe practitioner prepares the PDRN and growth factor serum cocktail. The concentration is adjusted based on your skin’s needs and treatment goals.
Microneedling with infusion
15 minThe automated pen moves across your face while PDRN serum is continuously applied. The needles create channels and the serum floods in simultaneously. You’ll feel vibration and pressure through the numbing — tolerable but present.
Growth factor mask
15 minA growth-factor-saturated mask is applied over the freshly treated skin. The open channels absorb the remaining active ingredients over 15-20 minutes.
LED therapy
10 minRed LED light reduces inflammation and supports the healing process. Applied over the mask for combined benefits.
Barrier repair cream
3 minA ceramide and centella barrier cream protects the treated skin. No SPF immediately — your skin needs to breathe. SPF the next morning.
Your first time
The clinical setting is more medical than spa-like. After numbing (the longest wait), the microneedling pen is moved across your face — you’ll feel buzzing and pressure but the numbing handles the pain. PDRN serum is applied continuously during needling. The practitioner may spend extra time on scarred or textured areas. Your face will be very red afterward — like a significant sunburn. A calming mask and LED help immediately. Expect 1-3 days of redness and mild swelling. By day 3-4, your skin starts looking noticeably better than before. The real transformation unfolds over the following 4-6 weeks as new collagen forms.
When to book
Book at least 7-10 days before any event. Plan a series of 3-5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for acne scars or significant texture concerns. Best done in fall or winter to minimize sun exposure during healing. Stop retinol and exfoliating acids 5-7 days before.
Best for
Not recommended for
East vs West
Western clinics often charge separately for the microneedling device and the serums used during treatment. Korean clinics include PDRN and growth factors as standard — because they consider the serum infusion to be the entire point of microneedling, not an add-on. The Korean approach also favors more moderate needle depths with more sessions, reducing downtime per visit.
Aftercare
No actives (retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA) for 5-7 days. Use only gentle cleanser, ceramide moisturizer, and SPF 50+. Avoid sweating, swimming, and direct sun for 48 hours. Your skin barrier is temporarily open — treat it gently.
Keep the glow going
At-home products that extend and complement this treatment
Details