SQT Bio-Microneedling
- What: a skin treatment that uses a serum of microscopic marine sponge spicules, worked in by hand. No metal needles, no machine.
- Who: every treatment is done by Rita Thakur, VTCT Level 4, 15+ years' experience, one client at a time.
- Where: The Aeon Aesthetics, 12 Bath Road, First Floor, Hounslow TW3 3EB (opposite Hounslow House).
- Price: £130–£210 per treatment (Face & Neck £288–£378). £50 deposit when you book online, taken off the price on the day.
- Time: about 1 hour (Face & Neck about 90 minutes).
- Ages: Anti-Acne, Anti-Pigmentation and Nourish & Hydrate from 12 with a parent or guardian present; all other SQT treatments 18+.
- Hours: 11am–7pm, closed Tuesdays. Open 7 days from 4 December.
- Cancelling: please give 48 hours' notice; later cancellations and no-shows carry a 20% fee.
Key facts
SQT bio-microneedling doesn't use metal needles or a machine. A serum containing microscopic marine sponge spicules is worked into the skin by hand. The spicules sit in the top layer of the skin for a few days, creating tiny channels. This prompts the skin's own renewal and helps the active ingredients in each treatment to absorb.
Every SQT treatment at The Aeon Aesthetics is carried out by Rita Thakur, our founder. She's VTCT Level 4 qualified, has more than 15 years' experience and sees one client at a time. You'll start with an honest conversation about your skin, what SQT can and can't do for it, and whether it's right for you.
How it works
- Consultation and health check. Rita goes through a health questionnaire with you and looks at your skin type, any medication and your recent treatments. If there's a reason to wait, or SQT isn't the right choice, she'll tell you. Where it's needed, she'll do a patch test first.
- Choosing the right treatment. There are six SQT treatments: Anti-Acne, Anti-Pigmentation, Anti-Ageing, Nourish & Hydrate, Body Acne and Hair Loss. Each uses a different formula, and Rita picks the one that suits your skin and your main concern.
- The treatment. It takes about an hour. Rita cleanses your skin, works the spicule serum in by hand, then finishes with a calming step and SPF.
- The next few days. It's normal for your skin to feel prickly, warm or tight, and to look red. The prickly feeling is usually strongest in the first 24 hours and settles over 2–3 days. Some people's skin goes dry and peels from around day 2–3. Others don't peel at all, and that doesn't mean the treatment hasn't worked.
- A course, not a one-off. Most skin concerns respond best to a course. Sessions are usually spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the treatment and your skin, and Rita agrees the number of sessions with you at your consultation. She may recommend a home-care product to use between visits.
What SQT can help with
- Acne-prone skin and breakouts. It aims to calm inflammation and support clearer skin over a course.
- Pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Including dark spots, post-acne marks and some types of melasma. SQT uses no heat or laser, so after a consultation it can be an option for many skin tones.
- Underarm pigmentation. We assess this first, because darkening there has several possible causes, including shaving or waxing irritation. We treat underarms but not the bikini line.
- Fine lines, texture and dull skin. The Anti-Ageing treatment (the neck can be added).
- Dry, dehydrated skin and a weak skin barrier. The Nourish & Hydrate treatment.
- Body acne on the back, shoulders and chest.
- Hair thinning. A scalp treatment aimed at supporting healthier hair growth. It isn't suitable for some scalp conditions, such as lichen planopilaris. After a hair transplant you'll need to wait at least six months. For sudden or patchy hair loss, see your GP first.
Results vary from person to person, and we won't promise a particular outcome. Rita will give you a realistic idea of what to expect for your skin.
Treatments and prices
Nourish & Hydrate (dry skin): 1 hour, £160
Anti-Acne: 1 hour, £180
Anti-Pigmentation: 1 hour, £180
Anti-Ageing: 1 hour, £210
Body Acne: 1 hour, £130
Hair Loss (scalp): 1 hour, £130
Nourish & Hydrate – Face & Neck: 90 min, £288
Anti-Acne – Face & Neck: 90 min, £324
Anti-Pigmentation – Face & Neck: 90 min, £324
Anti-Ageing – Face & Neck: 90 min, £378
When you book online, a £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the price on the day.
Aftercare and recovery
Most people go back to work the next day. Plan for:
- Day of treatment: redness and a prickly, warm feeling. Don't wash the area until Rita says you can (often the rest of the day), and don't wear make-up on it.
- First 24 hours: the prickliness is at its strongest. Wait at least 24 hours before wearing make-up.
- First 48 hours: no exercise, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or swimming. After a scalp treatment, don't wash your hair for at least 48 hours.
- Days 2–5: your skin may feel dry and tight and may peel. Some people get a short itchy or red flare around day 3, which usually settles in a day or two. Contact us if redness lasts longer than 72 hours.
- First 1–2 weeks: wear SPF 30–50 every day, stay out of strong sun and off sunbeds, and don't use retinol, acids or scrubs until Rita says you can.
If you have an event coming up, book at least two weeks before it. Full instructions are on our aftercare page.
Who SQT isn't suitable for
Anti-Acne, Anti-Pigmentation and Nourish & Hydrate are available from age 12. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian with them for the whole appointment, who signs the consent form and brings their passport or driving licence plus your birth certificate or passport. Anti-Ageing, Body Acne and Hair Loss are for over-18s only.
SQT isn't suitable, or you'll need to wait, if you:
- are pregnant
- have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the last 6 months
- have an active skin infection, cold sore, warts, open wounds or sunburn on the area
- have a flare of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or rosacea on the area
- have had a peel, laser, IPL, waxing or injectables on the area in the last 2 weeks
- have used retinoids or acids on the area in the last 2 weeks
- have a known allergy to sponge or silica
- have been unwell in the last week
Please tell us if you're breastfeeding, have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, take blood thinners or immunosuppressants, have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the last 12 months, scar badly or get keloids, or often get cold sores. You may need your doctor's advice first.
FAQs
Does SQT hurt?
Most people feel warmth and a prickly, tingling sensation rather than pain. It's usually strongest in the first 24 hours.
Does SQT use needles?
No. There are no metal needles and no machine. The "microneedling" comes from microscopic marine sponge spicules in the serum.
Is SQT suitable for darker skin?
It can be, after a consultation. SQT uses no heat or laser, but darker skin can still react to inflammation and sun with pigmentation, so Rita checks your skin type, may do a patch test, and will ask you to be strict with SPF.
Will I peel?
You might. Peeling usually starts around day 2–3 and lasts a few days. You don't have to peel for the treatment to work.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your skin and your concern. Sessions are usually 2–4 weeks apart, and Rita agrees a plan with you at your consultation.
When can I wear make-up?
After at least 24 hours, and only when the skin isn't broken or very irritated.
Can I have SQT alongside other treatments?
Leave at least 2 weeks between SQT and peels, laser, IPL, waxing or injectables on the same area. Tell Rita about anything you've had done recently.
Can I have SQT while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Not while pregnant. If you're breastfeeding, tell us before booking; the UK distributor advises checking with your doctor first.
Do you treat intimate areas?
We treat underarms after an assessment. We don't treat the bikini line.
What does it cost, and is there a deposit?
Treatments are £130–£210 (Face & Neck £288–£378). A £50 deposit is taken when you book online and comes off your price on the day. Please give 48 hours' notice to cancel or rearrange; later cancellations and no-shows carry a 20% fee.
Ready to book?
Book your SQT treatment online, or message Rita on WhatsApp if you'd like to check whether it's right for your skin first.
Also read: SQT Bio-Microneedling in Hounslow · All SQT treatments · Aftercare · FAQs