There's a new generation of skin renewal available — one that doesn't involve mechanical devices, synthetic chemicals, or traditional needles, yet delivers results that rival some of the most advanced treatments in modern aesthetics. SQT Bio-Microneedling is rapidly gaining recognition across Australia as a genuinely transformative treatment, and at NBSkin in East Fremantle, Perth, it's now available as part of Nuala Briggs' carefully curated treatment offering.
Here's everything you need to know about what SQT Bio-Microneedling is, how it works, and what makes it unlike anything else available in the skin renewal space.
What Is SQT Bio-Microneedling?
SQT Bio-Microneedling is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment powered entirely by nature. Unlike traditional microneedling, which uses mechanical metal needles or a dermaroller device to create puncture wounds in the skin, SQT uses siliceous bio-microneedles — known as spongilla spicules — extracted from freshwater sponges.
These spicules are microscopic, naturally occurring needle-like structures that appear as a fine powder to the naked eye but reveal themselves under a microscope as sharp, barbed crystalline rods. When applied to the skin through gentle hand massage, they penetrate the epidermis and travel into the dermal layer — creating 3 to 5 million micro-channels within minutes, without any device, without any bleeding, and without any anaesthesia required.
The result is deep biological stimulation that triggers the skin's own healing, renewal, and collagen-building response from the inside out.
100% Natural, Vegan, and Free From Acids
SQT spongilla spicules are completely natural, vegan, and contain no acids, synthetic chemicals, or fragrances. They are sourced from freshwater sponges and purified using a patented nano-biological technology that ensures the highest quality and purity of the active spicule material. This makes SQT Bio-Microneedling suitable for virtually all skin types — including sensitive skin that may not tolerate more aggressive resurfacing treatments.
How Does SQT Bio-Microneedling Work?
During a treatment session at NBSkin, the spongilla spicule concentrate is applied to the skin and worked in through a controlled massage technique by Nuala. In just a matter of minutes, millions of natural bio-microneedles are delivered into the dermis — immediately stimulating microcirculation, activating basal skin cells, and initiating the skin's wound-healing cascade.
The spicules remain active within the skin for up to 48 to 72 hours after the treatment session, continuing to stimulate collagen and elastin production long after you've left the clinic. After this period, they are naturally discharged from the body as part of the skin's metabolic process — there is nothing left behind, and no foreign material remaining in the skin.
Faster Renewal Than Traditional Microneedling
This is where the numbers become particularly compelling. The natural skin cell renewal cycle takes approximately 28 days in a healthy adult. Traditional microneedling accelerates this process to some extent — but SQT Bio-Microneedling compresses the renewal cycle to just 5 to 7 days. New skin can be visible in as little as one week following treatment.
Furthermore, one SQT Bio-Microneedling session is considered equivalent to three to five traditional microneedling sessions — a significant efficiency advantage for clients who want meaningful results without committing to a lengthy treatment schedule.
The Different Types of SQT Bio-Microneedling at NBSkin
One of the most important things to understand about SQT Bio-Microneedling is that it isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are several distinct types of SQT treatment available at NBSkin, each formulated to address specific skin concerns — and Nuala will recommend the most appropriate type based on your individual skin assessment.
Nourishing
The Nourishing SQT treatment is designed for dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin. It delivers intensive moisture-replenishing actives through the micro-channels created by the spicules, restoring the skin's lipid barrier and improving overall hydration levels for a visibly plumper, softer result.
Anti-Ageing
The Anti-Ageing SQT treatment targets the visible signs of ageing — including fine lines, loss of firmness, and skin density. It combines the collagen and elastin stimulation of the spicule activity with targeted anti-ageing actives that support structural renewal from within, progressively lifting and firming the skin over the weeks following treatment.
Revitalising
The Revitalising SQT treatment is ideal for dull, fatigued, or stressed skin that has lost its natural radiance. It works to reactivate cellular energy and microcirculation, restoring vitality and glow to skin that looks tired or lifeless.
Resurfacing
The Resurfacing SQT treatment addresses textural concerns including rough skin surface, enlarged pores, acne scarring, and uneven skin tone. By maximising the exfoliating and renewal effect of the spicule activity, it accelerates the shedding of damaged surface skin cells and stimulates the emergence of smoother, more refined skin beneath.
Body Clarifying
SQT Bio-Microneedling is not limited to facial treatment. The Body Clarifying SQT treatment applies the same spicule technology to body concerns — including stretch marks, skin laxity, and textural irregularities on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and décolletage.
What Can SQT Bio-Microneedling Treat?
SQT Bio-Microneedling at NBSkin is effective across a wide range of skin concerns, making it one of the most versatile treatment options in the clinic's offering:
Acne and Congestion
The micro-channels created by the spicules help purge congested pores and stimulate the skin's natural clearing mechanisms. For active acne-prone skin, SQT can be used to reduce breakout activity and improve overall skin clarity — an area where many resurfacing treatments cannot be safely used due to infection risk.
Acne Scarring
By stimulating deep collagen remodelling and activating the skin's wound-healing response, SQT progressively softens and improves the texture and depth of acne scarring over a series of treatments. The natural healing process rebuilds the dermal tissue with new granulation cells, effectively remodelling the skin from within.
Pigmentation and Melasma
The accelerated cell turnover driven by SQT treatment helps shift accumulated surface pigment, while the deep collagen stimulation promotes a more even and luminous skin tone. Both sun-induced pigmentation and hormonal melasma respond well to a consistent course of SQT treatments.
Fine Lines and Anti-Ageing
As new collagen and elastin are produced in response to the spicule stimulation, fine lines soften, skin density improves, and the overall texture becomes smoother and more youthful. The lifting and firming effect develops progressively over the weeks following each treatment.
Large Pores and Uneven Texture
As the skin thickens and firms through repeated collagen stimulation, pores appear visibly refined and overall texture becomes significantly more even — one of the most consistent outcomes reported by SQT clients.
Stretch Marks
SQT Bio-Microneedling is safe and effective for use on the body as well as the face, making it suitable for addressing stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, and other areas where skin laxity and surface changes are a concern.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Before Your Session
Nuala will conduct a thorough skin assessment prior to treatment to confirm suitability and identify any contraindications. You'll be advised to discontinue the use of retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and other active exfoliants for at least seven days before your session, and to avoid recent sun exposure or IPL treatments in the area being treated.
During the Session
The treatment itself is comfortable — most clients describe the sensation as similar to a light exfoliation scrub that intensifies gradually as the spicules are worked into the skin. The needling component of the treatment takes only 5 to 15 minutes, followed by the application of a nourishing recovery mask. No numbing cream is required, and there is no bleeding or skin breakage at any stage.
After Treatment: What to Expect Day by Day
The post-treatment experience is part of the renewal process:
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Days 1 to 3 — The skin may feel warm, slightly tight, and sensitive to touch. A mild prickly sensation is normal and reflects the spicules actively working within the dermis. Some redness may be present for 24 to 48 hours.
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Days 3 to 5 — Mild flaking or peeling may occur as the old skin cells are shed and the renewal process accelerates. Not everyone peels visibly, and the absence of peeling does not mean the treatment isn't working.
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Day 7 — New skin is revealed. Most clients notice a visible improvement in texture, tone, and radiance within the first week following treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Recommended?
Meaningful improvement is often visible after a single SQT Bio-Microneedling session. However, for optimal and lasting results — particularly for concerns such as acne scarring, pigmentation, or more significant skin laxity — a course of treatments spaced two to three weeks apart is recommended. Nuala will design a personalised treatment plan based on your specific skin concerns and goals.
Why SQT Bio-Microneedling at NBSkin?
NBSkin is led by Nuala Briggs, Medical Aesthetician and Clinical Director with over 40 years of experience in skin treatment. Every treatment offered at NBSkin is selected for its genuine efficacy and clinical credibility — and SQT Bio-Microneedling earned its place in the clinic's offering on exactly those grounds. Nuala's boutique approach means every client receives a personalised assessment and a treatment plan designed specifically for their skin, not a generic protocol.
To book your SQT Bio-Microneedling consultation at NBSkin in East Fremantle, Perth, visit the NBSkin treatments page and get in touch with Nuala directly.
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