TWIST vs Procell microneedling — which one's right for your skin?
Both are microneedling. They produce very different results. Here's the honest comparison — written by the person who does both.
Most clients walk into the studio asking for “microneedling” — and assume it’s one treatment. It’s not. At Silkentouch we offer two: TWIST and Procell Microchanneling. They look similar on a price list. They produce very different results.
Here’s how to know which one is right for what you’re dealing with.
The 30-second version
| If your concern is… | Book… |
|---|---|
| Mild–moderate acne scars, early fine lines, enlarged pores, dull texture | TWIST (CA$250/session) |
| Deep acne scars, stretch marks, sagging/laxity, advanced ageing | Procell (CA$399/session) |
| Hair thinning on scalp | Scalp Microneedling (different treatment, CA$250/session) |
If you’re not sure, the free 15-min consult is genuinely the fastest way to decide. I see your skin in person, ask three questions, and tell you which fits.
What’s actually different
TWIST — rotational spiral-tip cartridge
TWIST uses a cartridge with a spinning spiral tip. It creates micro-channels via rotation rather than straight punching. Two benefits:
- Less lateral tearing. The spiral motion is more controlled, which means less tissue trauma per channel. Faster healing.
- More consistent depth. Straight-needle pens can drift depth-wise across the treatment area. Rotational tips don’t.
The result is collagen stimulation from your body’s natural wound-healing response. Over 3 sessions (4–6 weeks apart), you’ll see:
- Visible smoothing of mild acne scarring
- Refined pore size
- Softening of early fine lines
- More even texture overall
Results keep maturing for up to 6 months after your final session as new collagen continues to remodel.
Procell — flat-tip stamping + growth factor infusion
Procell uses a completely different tip — flat-stamp instead of rotational. It creates uniform parallel channels in the skin at a precisely controlled depth. Then — and this is the part that matters — proprietary stem-cell-derived growth factor serums are applied while the channels are open.
The growth factors penetrate to the dermis, where they activate your skin’s own regenerative systems. This isn’t “fancy skincare.” It’s a different mechanism of action.
Procell is what I reach for when:
- Scars are deep enough that you can feel them with your finger
- Stretch marks are wide and visible (red OR silver)
- Skin laxity has set in
- TWIST has been tried but hasn’t moved the needle far enough
- The client wants the strongest non-injectable option available
Why we charge more for Procell
Procell is roughly 60% more expensive per session (CA$399 vs CA$250). The reason isn’t fancy packaging.
The actual stem-cell growth factor serum costs significantly more than the surface serums used in TWIST. And the protocol is longer — typically 75 minutes vs 60 minutes for TWIST. You’re paying for the active ingredient and the time.
Honest assessment: for most clients with mild–moderate concerns, TWIST is genuinely sufficient. Don’t pay for Procell unless your concern is deep enough that it’ll matter.
The hair-restoration version
Procell isn’t only for face and body. The scalp version (CA$299/session) delivers growth factors directly to the follicle zone for hair restoration. If you’ve been considering scalp microneedling for thinning, the Procell scalp protocol is a stronger version of that — recommended when standard scalp microneedling has plateaued.
What downtime really looks like
For both treatments:
- Day 1: light redness (think mild sunburn). No makeup.
- Day 2: redness fading. Mild tightness. You can apply mineral makeup if needed.
- Day 3 onward: back to normal. Some clients have light pinpoint dots fade over a few more days.
Most clients book the treatment on a Thursday and are back to full social life by Saturday night.
Booking honestly
If you’ve been told to book “microneedling” without a clear conversation about which protocol fits — that’s a red flag. The treatments aren’t interchangeable, and the wrong choice means you either overpay or underdeliver.
Book the free consult. I’ll look, I’ll ask, I’ll tell you which one to book. Sometimes I’ll tell you neither — and recommend a peel or facial instead. That happens too.
— Maimoona Silkentouch Aesthetics · Cambridge, ON
