Spicule skin peeling and bio-microneedling with ANESI LAB
Lime Light Hair & Beauty · 23 October 2026 · 7 min read
What Spongilla spicules are, how bio-microneedling works, and how to use ANESI LAB Dermo Peel, Luminosity MelaBright and Bio-Needling Oxy Gel for resurfacing, acne, ageing and hyperpigmentation.
Published 22 October 2026 by Lime Light Hair & Beauty Products.
💡 The quick answer
Spongilla spicules are microscopic, needle-like silica structures from a freshwater sponge. Massaged into the skin, they create millions of tiny channels: a natural bio-microneedling action.
Why it works: skin renewal speeds up from 28 to 40 days to 7 to 14 days, and actives applied afterwards penetrate deeper.
ANESI LAB has more than 20 years of spicule science. Use Dermo Peel (3 strengths) for resurfacing, Luminosity MelaBright for pigmentation and Bio-Needling Oxy Gel to boost other facials.
Results with minimal downtime: no anaesthetic, and channels so fine they are invisible.
What are Spongilla spicules?
Spongilla spicules come from a freshwater sponge. They are the needle-like silica and calcium carbonate structures that give the sponge its skeleton. The sponge is extracted through biotechnology, then dried, purified, powdered and polished into micro-needles about 200 to 250 micrometres long and 10 micrometres wide.
What is the difference between green and white spicules?
How does bio-microneedling work?
When the spicules are massaged into the skin, they separate the outer layer and create millions of microscopic channels. This stimulates the basal layer, so the skin renews itself much faster, and anything you apply afterwards travels deeper through the channels.
Is spicule peeling better than metal microneedling?
Which Dermo Peel strength should I use?
ANESI LAB Dermo Peel is a professional skin peel in three strengths, each combining spicules with a unique botanical blend. Every kit has 6 treatments in individually sealed, measured doses that are freshly activated in the treatment.
| No.1 Expert | No.2 Corrector | No.3 Renewal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peel depth | Medium | Medium to deep | Medium to deep |
| Best for | All skin types | Acne, congested, blemish-prone skin | Ageing, sun damage, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation |
| Key actives | Pineapple stem enzymes, aloe, horsetail, peppermint | 2% hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, AHAs, centella | AHA blend, salicylic acid, Glypure |
| Acids | None | Salicylic and AHAs | AHA and BHA |
| pH | 5.7 to 6.7 | 5 | 3 to 3.5 |
How many Dermo Peel treatments does a client need?
- Course: 4 to 8 sessions, every 10 to 21 days depending on the skin.
- Before other facials: peel 7 to 10 days before to enhance the results.
- Maintenance: 3 to 4 sessions a year, at the change of season.
- Acne-prone skin may purge after the first session, with a significant improvement expected by the third.
| Skin concern | Combine with |
|---|---|
| Oily, congested with sensitivity or dehydration | Dermo Peel No.2 with the Dermo Control Purifying Facial, alternating every 7 to 21 days |
| Hyperpigmentation | Dermo Peel No.3 with Luminosity: one peel between 3 to 4 Luminosity treatments |
| Deep wrinkles | Dermo Peel No.3 with Epigenesse: one peel between 3 to 4 Epigenesse treatments |
How does Luminosity MelaBright treat hyperpigmentation?
Research shows around 65% of women experience hyperpigmentation, whether sunspots and age spots, melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne. Luminosity uses biotech and botanical actives that target the different pathways of dark spot formation, and the MelaBright Treatment is its advanced specialist facial, with bio-microneedling from MelaSpot Eraser.
What are the key Luminosity actives?
| Active | What it does |
|---|---|
| Azeloglicina | Azelaic acid and glycine. Inhibits melanin production by 15.93% compared with untreated melanocytes |
| Tranexamic acid and niacinamide | Encapsulated for 150% better delivery into the epidermis, reducing dark spots and evening tone |
| Licorice and Aspergillus ferment | Brightening botanical complex with natural kojic and lactic acid |
| Spongilla spicules | Bio-microneedling in MelaSpot Eraser helps break down dark spots |
How often should a client have MelaBright?
- Intensive correction: 8 to 12 sessions. Start every 10 to 21 days for 4 sessions, then every 4 weeks.
- Sun damage with deep pigmentation: a Dermo Peel No.3 Renewal 10 days before the course starts.
- PIH with acne: alternate with Dermo Peel No.2 Corrector every 10 to 21 days.
- Maintenance: one session every 4 to 8 weeks, with Luminosity homecare and SPF50+ every day.
What is Aqua Vital Bio-Needling Oxy Gel?
Bio-Needling Oxy Gel is a professional oxygenating gel with white Spongilla spicules that you can add as an extra step to most ANESI LAB facials. It adds about 15 minutes to the treatment and boosts results by improving absorption and skin renewal.
| Facial | Add Bio-Needling Oxy Gel? |
|---|---|
| Aqua Vital | Yes (not with the Thermal Mask) |
| Epigenesse and Cellular 3 | Yes |
| 3C Vitamin Glow | Yes, at the end after the Bubble Mask |
| Dermo Control | Optional, on top of Blemish Control Gel for a deeper action |
| Harmony | No, needling is not advised for sensitive skin |
| Dermo Peel and Luminosity | Not needed, they already include a strong needling action |
How do you apply Bio-Needling Oxy Gel?
- Cleanse, tone and exfoliate to suit the skin and treatment.
- Apply the ampoule, booster or concentrate for the treatment and massage until absorbed.
- Wearing disposable gloves, dot the gel onto targeted areas, or all over. About 6 to 7ml treats the full face and neck.
- Work it in with firm fingertip circular pressure: 2 to 3 minutes on local areas, or 8 to 10 minutes for the full face.
- Apply a compressed sheet mask soaked in Aqua Vital Toner or Harmony Hydra Calm Toner for 4 to 5 minutes, then use it to gently clean the skin.
- Continue with the professional protocol, using a drain-detox massage technique.
What about blemishes?
Dermo Control Blemish Control Gel is a gel-serum with white spicules, salicylic acid, agaric acid and allantoin. Applied to blemishes at night after cleansing, up to twice daily, it inhibits acne-causing bacteria and helps blemishes heal fast.
What precautions and aftercare apply to spicule treatments?
⚠ Do not treat
Clients taking Roaccutane or any medication that thins the skin, such as steroids.
Sunburnt, broken, highly inflamed skin, rosacea, or eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis flare-ups.
Close to the eyes or on the lips. Treat diabetic skin with caution; a doctor's permission may be needed.
Do not combine with microneedling devices or electro-therapy. Wear gloves and never over-rub the skin.
| ✓ | Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Spicules keep working for 48+ hours | Clients may feel them; avoid touching the skin |
| ☐ | Skin may be pink and warm for 12 to 48 hours | This is normal |
| ☐ | Avoid heat and flushing | No exercise, steam or sauna |
| ☐ | Avoid the sun completely | Apply SPF30 to SPF50 every day in the weeks after |
| ☐ | Some skins shed 3 to 5 days after | Allow 5 to 7 days before a special occasion |
| ☐ | Recommend ANESI LAB homecare | A gentle cleanser, repairing serum and SPF |
Frequently asked questions
What is spicule skin peeling?
A treatment that uses microscopic silica spicules from a freshwater sponge to exfoliate and create micro-channels in the skin, a natural bio-microneedling that speeds up renewal.
Is spicule peeling painful?
It is comfortable and needs no anaesthetic. A tingling or prickling sensation is normal.
How long is the downtime?
Minimal. Skin may be pink and warm for 12 to 48 hours and some skins shed after 3 to 5 days.
How long do spicules stay in the skin?
They keep working for 48 hours or more and are naturally pushed out as the skin renews.
Which Dermo Peel is best for acne?
Dermo Peel No.2 Corrector, with 2% hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid.
Which Dermo Peel is best for pigmentation and ageing?
Dermo Peel No.3 Renewal, with AHA and BHA, or combine it with Luminosity MelaBright.
Does Luminosity work on melasma?
Yes. Luminosity targets sunspots, age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and reduced melanin by 18% in 28 days in clinical testing.
Can I use spicules on sensitive skin?
Needling is not advised for sensitive skin. Use the Harmony Microbiotic Facial instead.
Where can I buy ANESI LAB Dermo Peel in South Africa?
Lime Light is the home of ANESI: online at limelighthb.co.za, at the Lime Light Super Store in Sandton and at our branches. Ask us about ANESI spicule treatment training.
Shop ANESI LAB at Lime Light
Lime Light is the home of ANESI. Ask about ANESI spicule treatment training and the ANESI LAB loyalty programme. Read our guide: What is ANESI LAB?
- Shop online: limelighthb.co.za, under ANESI LAB
- Visit the Super Store: Block B, Tripark, 17 Eastern Service Road, Kelvin, Sandton, the largest showroom of its kind in South Africa for dedicated wholesale hair and beauty products
- Open a trade account: visit our website and hit register, fill in the details and we will approve your account
- Call us: 011 262 2451 | Email: online@limelighthb.co.za
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