Cell Story® is a professional Korean facial treatment that uses microscopic sponge-derived structures called spicules to provide superficial skin renewal. Often described as “liquid microneedling”, it is different from conventional microneedling because it does not use a mechanical device or sterile metal needles. At Woulfe Skin Specialists, we take an evidence-based approach to skin treatments. This means looking at your individual skin, concerns, medical history and skin-barrier condition before recommending a treatment.
What is Cell Story®?
Cell Story® is an eight-step professional treatment using a proprietary spicule technology called Microspear®. The treatment may be considered for adults concerned about:
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Rough or uneven texture
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Early fine lines
- Mild uneven pigmentation
- Congestion or blemish-prone skin
- Mild post-acne textural irregularity
- Skin lacking radiance or smoothness
The treatment takes approximately 60 minutes, costs €175, and requires a consultation before treatment. A course of four weekly treatments may be recommended where appropriate.
What are spicules?
Spicules are microscopic, needle-shaped structures naturally found in certain freshwater and marine sponges. Depending on the species, they are primarily composed of biosilica or calcium carbonate. Cell Story® uses a proprietary form known as Microspear®. According to the manufacturer, the professional formula contains approximately 50,000 purified spicules. During treatment, the spicule-containing formulation is carefully worked across the skin. The spicules create temporary microscopic pathways within the superficial epidermal barrier. This can produce a characteristic prickling or fine, sandy sensation and may increase the penetration of selected topical ingredients.
What does the science show?
The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as an important protective barrier. It helps limit water loss while also restricting the penetration of many topical ingredients. Laboratory and preclinical research suggests that appropriately prepared sponge spicules can temporarily disturb this barrier and increase the delivery of some hydrophilic molecules and peptides through the skin. However, this does not mean that every spicule treatment produces the same clinical result. A small human split-face study involving 20 participants reported improvement in periocular wrinkles following four weeks of treatment with a soluble micro-spicule formulation containing epidermal growth factor. Importantly, this was a different formulation and should not be interpreted as direct evidence for the complete Cell Story® protocol. Independent clinical evidence specifically examining the full eight-step Cell Story® treatment remains limited. For this reason, expectations should focus on realistic cosmetic improvements rather than claims of deep tissue regeneration or treatment of medical skin conditions.
How is Cell Story® different from conventional microneedling?
Despite the similar terminology, Cell Story® and conventional microneedling are not the same treatment. Cell Story® does not use a mechanical microneedling pen or adjustable metal needles. Instead, spicules are massaged topically into the skin. Conventional microneedling uses a device to create controlled channels at a selected and documented depth. Depending on the device and indication, this can reach the viable epidermis or dermis and is used to stimulate a wound-healing response. With a spicule treatment, penetration and distribution are not controlled in the same way as they are with a professional microneedling device. Cell Story® should therefore not be presented as an equivalent replacement for device-based microneedling where the objective is to address deeper acne scarring, established wrinkles or structural changes in the skin.
What ingredients are used?
According to the manufacturer, the eight-step Cell Story® protocol combines Microspear® technology with ingredients including:
- Amino acids
- Niacinamide
- Botanical extracts
- Hydrating and conditioning ingredients
- Cosmetic growth-factor ingredients
- A proprietary Yellow Calming Complex
Niacinamide has recognised roles in supporting the skin barrier and improving the appearance of uneven pigmentation, while amino acids can contribute to hydration and skin conditioning. The plant-derived extracts may provide antioxidant or soothing activity depending on their concentration and formulation. It is also important to distinguish cosmetic terminology from biological terminology. References to “plant stem cells” describe cosmetic plant-cell extracts; they should not be interpreted as living stem cells that transform into human skin cells.
What can Cell Story® improve?
Following consultation, Cell Story® may be considered for the appearance of:
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Rough or uneven texture
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Early fine lines
- Mild, superficial uneven pigmentation
- Congestion or blemish-prone skin
- Mild post-acne textural irregularity
- Skin lacking radiance or smoothness
Clients may notice that their skin feels smoother and looks brighter or more hydrated. Results vary depending on factors including skin condition, age, homecare, photoprotection and the number of treatments completed. Cell Story® should not be described as a treatment that cures acne, heals acne scars, permanently removes pigmentation or rebuilds lost facial volume. Conditions such as melasma, inflammatory acne and established acne scarring may require a different or combined treatment approach.
What happens during a Cell Story® treatment?
Cell Story® is delivered through a structured eight-step professional protocol. The skin is cleansed and prepared before the Microspear® formulation is applied and carefully worked across the selected areas. Hydrating, conditioning and calming products are then applied to support skin comfort. Pressure and application time are adjusted according to the condition and tolerance of the skin. Before treatment, a consultation and treatment record are completed as appropriate. Your skincare routine, medication, allergies, recent procedures and any history of pigmentation or impaired healing may also be reviewed.
What does Cell Story® feel like?
During and after treatment, you may experience:
- A fine prickling or sandy sensation
- Temporary redness
- Mild warmth or tightness
- Dryness
- Itching or sensitivity
- Mild swelling
- Light flaking, often between approximately days three and five
The prickling sensation may remain noticeable when touching or cleansing the skin for around 24–72 hours. Many clients can return to normal daily activities quickly, but Cell Story® is best described as having minimal visible downtime rather than no downtime. If you have an important event coming up, it is advisable not to schedule the treatment immediately beforehand until you know how your skin responds.
When should Cell Story® be postponed?
Cell Story® may not be suitable if you have:
- An active cold sore or other skin infection
- Open, broken or sunburnt skin
- An active eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis flare
- An active rosacea flare
- A significantly compromised skin barrier
- Highly inflamed or cystic acne within the treatment area
- A known allergy to a treatment ingredient
- A strong nut allergy, as the recovery cream may contain macadamia oil
- Poorly controlled diabetes or impaired healing
- Significant immune suppression
- Recent facial surgery or an unresolved treatment complication
Treatment may also need to be delayed following chemical peels, laser or IPL, conventional microneedling, mesotherapy, injectable treatments, waxing, electrolysis or other procedures that have irritated the skin. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should always be disclosed during consultation. Treatment should only proceed where current manufacturer guidance, ingredient assessment and healthcare advice support it.
Cell Story® aftercare
Aftercare is an important part of the treatment because the skin barrier is temporarily more vulnerable following a spicule treatment.
Unless your specialist advises otherwise:
- Do not cleanse the skin on the evening of treatment.
- Use only the supplied or recommended calming products for the first three days.
- From the following morning, cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a non-active cleanser.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
- Avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure.
- Avoid makeup for approximately 24 hours.
- Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other strong active products for seven days.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming, vigorous exercise and excessive heat for at least 24–48 hours.
- Do not pick, rub or manually exfoliate dry or flaking skin.
- Contact the clinic if redness, swelling, discomfort or irritation is increasing rather than settling.
Your specialist will provide aftercare based on your skin, the products used and your existing skincare routine.
How many Cell Story® treatments are recommended?
Some clients choose Cell Story® as an individual radiance treatment. Where the skin is suitable and responding well, a course of four weekly treatments may be recommended. The interval should always be adjusted according to skin-barrier recovery, sensitivity and the treatment objective. More treatment is not automatically better. Maintenance treatments may be considered following review, but your skin should be reassessed before scheduling further treatments.
Is Cell Story® right for your skin?
Cell Story® can be a useful option for clients looking for superficial skin renewal with limited visible downtime, but it is not the right treatment for every concern. Deeper acne scars, significant laxity, established wrinkles, persistent pigmentation and active inflammatory skin conditions may require a different treatment pathway. At Woulfe Skin Specialists, we do not select treatments based on trends or product names alone. We assess your skin and consider factors including:
- Skin-barrier condition
- Type and depth of the concern
- Risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Medical and medication history
- Previous treatment response
- Available recovery time
- Realistic treatment goals
Book a Cell Story® Consultation
If you're considering Cell Story®, a consultation allows one of our trained skin specialists to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for your skin or whether another option may provide a safer or more effective approach.
Book a consultation with Woulfe Skin Specialists to discuss your skin and find the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Treatment Information
Treatment: Cell Story® Liquid Microneedling
Duration: 65 minutes
Price: €250
Consultation: Required before treatment
Course: Four weekly treatments may be recommended where appropriate
Scientific References
- Zhang S et al. Skin Delivery of Hydrophilic Biomacromolecules Using Marine Sponge Spicules. Molecular Pharmaceutics. 2017.
- Zhang C et al. Enhanced Skin Delivery of Therapeutic Peptides Using Sponge Spicules. Pharmaceutics. 2021.
- Ha JM et al. The Effect of Micro-Spicule Containing Epidermal Growth Factor on Periocular Wrinkles. Annals of Dermatology. 2017.
- Cell Story UK and Ireland. Manufacturer and distributor information concerning the Cell Story ingredients and eight-step professional protocol.
