The 2025 Matchup: Microneedling vs. Microinfusion

Why Compare Microneedling vs Microinfusion?

In 2025, skin rejuvenation treatments are more advanced and customizable than ever. Among the most talked-about options are microneedling (devices like Skinpen) vs microinfusion (better known as the AquaGold facial). Both approaches aim to improve skin health, enhance radiance, and smooth imperfections, yet they work in different ways. So which is better, SkinPen or Aquagold? 

Understanding how these treatments differ can help you decide which may be best for your goals.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, often called collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing response. As new collagen and elastin form, the skin gradually becomes firmer, smoother, and more even in tone.

Key points about microneedling:

• Depth: Devices like SkinPen can be adjusted from about 0.5 mm to over 2.0 mm, depending on the skin concern.
• Primary benefits: Improves texture, softens wrinkles, reduces acne scars, and promotes regeneration.
• Downtime: Some redness and swelling for 1–3 days; deeper treatments may require longer healing.
• Comfort: Numbing cream is typically used to ease discomfort during the session.

Learn more about our SkinPen Microneedling treatments.

What Is an AquaGold Facial (Microinfusion)?

The AquaGold microinfusion facial uses a device with 20 ultra-fine, gold-plated hollow needles, each thinner than a human hair. These needles create tiny channels while simultaneously delivering a customized blend of serums just beneath the skin’s surface.

What makes AquaGold unique:

• Depth: The needles reach about 0.5–0.6 mm into the upper dermis, perfect for superficial rejuvenation.
• Custom cocktails: Can include hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, or even diluted neuromodulators to refine pores and smooth fine lines.
• Results: Patients often notice immediate radiance and hydration, with effects lasting 3–4 months.
• Downtime: Minimal, most people resume normal activities the same day.

Explore our AquaGold facial option at Pur Skin Clinic.

Microneedling vs Microinfusion: Key Differences

Here’s a closer look at how the two treatments compare side by side:

Feature	Microneedling	AquaGold / Microinfusion
Depth	Adjustable, 0.5–2.0 mm+ for deeper remodeling	Fixed at ~0.5 mm for surface rejuvenation
Action	Stimulates collagen and elastin through controlled injury	Infuses active ingredients directly while creating microchannels
Results	Gradual improvements in scars, wrinkles, and laxity	Immediate glow, hydration, and pore refinement
Downtime	1–3 days of redness or peeling, depending on depth	Minimal, usually only mild redness
Comfort	Requires numbing, can be more intense	Typically very comfortable
Ideal use	Deep scars, wrinkles, texture irregularities	Fine lines, glow, hydration, pre-event prep

Both are safe and effective in skilled hands, but they serve different purposes.

Microneedling Benefits: When Deeper Is Better

Microneedling is an excellent choice for patients looking to address more significant concerns. It goes beyond the surface to rebuild the skin’s foundation.

Benefits include:

• Scar reduction: Improves the appearance of acne scars and surgical scars.
• Wrinkle softening: Stimulates collagen to smooth deeper lines.
• Texture renewal: Addresses roughness and enlarged pores.
• Long-term results: Improvements continue for months as collagen matures.

Because of its ability to penetrate more deeply, microneedling is often chosen for those with moderate wrinkles, scars, or laxity. It requires a little patience, since results unfold gradually, but the payoff is strong structural improvements.

AquaGold Facial Benefits: The Glow Treatment

If your goal is to look fresh, hydrated, and radiant, the AquaGold facial shines. This microinfusion treatment delivers active ingredients exactly where they’re most effective, right below the skin surface.

Benefits include:

• Instant glow: Radiance and smoothness are noticeable right away.
• Hydration boost: Hyaluronic acid helps plump the skin.
• Fine line reduction: Peptides and neuromodulators soften expression lines.
• Pore refinement: Infusions can reduce oiliness and minimize pore appearance.
• Low downtime: Perfect for busy schedules or upcoming events.

Patients in Seattle often choose AquaGold before weddings, photoshoots, or major occasions because it provides a luminous finish without disrupting daily life.

Who Should Choose Microneedling vs Microinfusion?

Deciding between these treatments depends on your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle.

Microneedling may be better if you:

• Have acne scars or deeper wrinkles
• Want gradual, structural changes
• Don’t mind a bit of downtime for long-term payoff

AquaGold microinfusion may be better if you:

• Want instant radiance for an event
• Need hydration and pore refinement
• Prefer little to no recovery time

Many patients benefit from combining both treatments in a personalized plan. At Pur Skin Clinic in Kirkland & Edmonds, our providers often recommend alternating sessions for a balance of deep collagen induction and surface glow.

Treatment Experience: What to Expect

Both microneedling and AquaGold treatments are straightforward, comfortable, and performed in-office by skilled providers. While the steps differ slightly, each procedure is designed to rejuvenate your skin safely and effectively.

During Microneedling

• Skin is cleansed and numbed for comfort.
• A device like SkinPen glides over the skin, creating precise channels.
• The session lasts about 30–45 minutes.
• Mild redness and swelling follow, similar to a sunburn.

During AquaGold

• The skin is cleansed and prepped.
• The provider gently stamps the AquaGold device across the face.
• Customized serums are delivered directly beneath the surface.
• Treatment takes about 30 minutes with minimal redness afterward.

Both are well-tolerated, but AquaGold tends to feel lighter and quicker.

Cost and Frequency

Pricing can vary, but both procedures are considered affordable compared to more invasive resurfacing.

• Microneedling: Typically performed in a series of 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments may follow once or twice per year.
• AquaGold: Often done two to four times per year, depending on goals. Some patients only need it before big events.

Because results are cumulative, many people choose a mix of sessions for maximum benefit.

Safety and Considerations

Both treatments are safe for most skin types when performed by licensed professionals. Microneedling requires slightly more recovery and carries a higher risk of temporary pigmentation changes, especially in deeper treatments. AquaGold is gentler but won’t address severe texture issues.

The best way to know which is right for you is through a professional consultation. At Pur Skin Clinic, our team evaluates your skin and goals to design a plan tailored to your needs.

Combining Treatments with Other Services

For even greater skin improvement results, microneedling and AquaGold can be paired with other skin treatments available in Seattle. These include:

• Anti-Aging treatments for comprehensive plans
• Lasers or light therapy for pigmentation and tone
• Facials or dermaplaning to enhance exfoliation

Combination treatments are popular because they address multiple layers of the skin at once.

So, Who Wins? The Answer: You.

When comparing microneedling and microinfusion, it’s not a matter of winners and losers; it’s a duet of treatments, each with its own strengths. Microneedling reaches deeper, rebuilding the skin’s foundation for lasting strength and resilience. AquaGold, on the other hand, delivers instant luminosity, hydration, and a refined finish that shines in the moment. Together, they create harmony – one working from within, the other illuminating the surface. At Pur Skin Clinic, we design personalized treatment plans that weave both approaches into a rhythm that suits your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle. When you pair both at Pur Skin Clinic, you’re the real winner.

Whether you want a radiant glow for an upcoming event, or gradual renewal that transforms your skin over time, our providers in Kirkland & Edmonds can help you achieve both.

Ready to experience your perfect balance? Contact Pur Skin Clinic today to explore your personalized path to healthier, more radiant skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling vs Microinfusion

Is microneedling or AquaGold better for acne scars?

Microneedling is generally more effective for acne scars because it penetrates deeper into the skin, stimulating collagen remodeling and improving texture. AquaGold is best for surface-level glow, hydration, and fine line reduction rather than scar correction.

Which lasts longer, microneedling or AquaGold results?

Microneedling results build gradually and can last for months as collagen continues to remodel, especially with a series of treatments. AquaGold results are immediate but typically last 3–4 months, making it a great pre-event facial.

Can you combine microneedling and AquaGold in one treatment plan?

Yes, many providers recommend alternating or combining them. Microneedling strengthens skin from within, while AquaGold provides instant hydration and radiance. Together, they balance deep rejuvenation with surface glow.

Is microneedling or microinfusion better for fine lines and wrinkles?

Both help, but in different ways. Microneedling softens deeper wrinkles by stimulating collagen, while AquaGold smooths superficial fine lines with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and neuromodulators. Your provider may suggest combining both.

How much downtime is there with microneedling compared to AquaGold?

Microneedling usually involves 1–3 days of redness, with possible mild peeling depending on the depth of treatment. AquaGold has minimal downtime; most patients return to normal activities the same day.

Which treatment is better if I need quick results before an event?

AquaGold microinfusion is the go-to option for fast results. It delivers immediate glow, hydration, and pore refinement with no downtime, making it ideal for weddings, photoshoots, or special occasions.