Do Spicules Actually Penetrate the Skin?
Spicules are tiny needle-like structures made from silica, often used in skin care treatments like peels and masks. They come from natural sources such as sea sponges and are shaped like small rods, usually measuring between 11 and 17 micrometers thick and 270 to 360 micrometers long. These sizes make them much smaller than the average skin pore, which is about 50 to 100 micrometers wide.
In treatments like the G-Peel Dual or Blue Spicule Peel, spicules are mixed with active ingredients such as PDRN for cell repair and retinol for skin renewal. Practitioners apply them through massage or direct application. The spicules are designed to go into the skin’s pores. Their small size allows them to fit through these openings easily.
Once inside the pores, spicules carry the active ingredients deeper into the upper layers of the skin, known as the dermis. This targeted delivery stimulates cell activity, boosts blood flow, clears blockages, and promotes smoother texture. For example, products with 50 percent spicules penetrate pores to trigger these effects without causing major irritation.
The process works because spicules have a dual coating in some advanced formulas. One layer might hold stabilizing agents like niacinamide, while another delivers the main actives. As the skin naturally sheds its top layer over a few days, the spicules dissolve or break down, releasing their benefits gradually.
In anti-aging treatments, a lifting massage helps push spicules into areas like the jawline where skin sags. This mechanical action ensures they enter the pores rather than just sitting on the surface. High-purity spicules, at 99 percent, are uniform in shape, making penetration consistent and efficient.
While spicules do not puncture the skin like a needle injection, their ability to slip into pores provides a gentle way to deliver ingredients deeper than creams alone. This makes them popular for brightening, rejuvenation, and texture improvement in professional settings.
Sources
https://ribeskin.com/gpeel-dual-brightening-rejuvenation-treatment/
https://www.pureraum.com/blogs/the-pure-raum-blog/why-the-blue-spicule-peel-is-becoming-a-go-to-choice-for-professional-treatments
https://sqtireland.ie/sqt-anti-aging-collagen-dermal-renewal/
