Frequently Asked Questions

1. SQT® Spongilla Spicules are a kind of siliceous bio microneedle that is extracted from the freshwater sponge.

2. It can be seen as powder by our eyes, and as sharp rod crystal or blunt bone needle under the microscope. Spongilla spicules are generally 200-250um in length and around 10um in diameter.

3. SQT® Spongilla Spicules are the core product of Sunshine Bio-Tech. Hunan Sunshine Bio-Tech Co.Ltd. is the pioneer of hydrolysed sponge purification and extraction, with 8 years of dedicated R&D and production, we deeply polish each bio microneedle to provide the highest quality spongilla spicules for the cosmetic industry.

Spongilla Lacustris is a freshwater sponge common in Europe. Sponge spicules are structural components functioning as a “skeleton” and defense system against predators and consisting of calcium carbonate, silica, and Chitin.

Spongilla Lacustris spicule extract is a multifunctional skincare ingredient that comprises all benefits of its natural components. Fine particles are used as an abrasive for mechanical exfoliation or dermabrasion, which polishes and eliminates old, pigmented, and dead cells from the skin surface, exposing a fresher, clearer, and radiant appearance.

Chitin is a long-chain polysaccharide consisting of glucose units, the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose with similar characteristics. Spongilla Lacustris spicule contains α-chitin. It provides flexibility and strength to spicules and insect exoskeletons. It is not soluble in water, but its derivative chitosan is water-soluble and widely used in skin care applications.

Chitin is a perfect texturizing and bulking agent that provides a rich and soft feel. It has similar properties to keratin and is used in hair care formulations for brittle or damaged hair. In addition, thanks to natural antibacterial action against Streptococcus and other bacteria, Chitin is an ideal ingredient for preparations against acne and other skin infections.

In addition, it protects skin from UV exposure, moisturizes and improves water-retention ability (especially in combination with glucans), and binds another active ingredient assisting in the delivery and enhancing the formula’s stability. Spongilla Lacustris spicule extract is a natural, sage, and renewable ingredient to preserve the skin’s beauty and radiant glow.

Sponges are live creatures and are important to the ecosystem and oceans.
Spongilla spicules have been famous for centuries and have been known for their use in skincare dating back to the 18th century in Europe. Sponge Spicules are sourced from the freshwater sponge in Lake Dongjang in China

Spicules sourced are completely natural, vegan, 100% ecological and at the same time unique in preparation using nano biological spicules.

Spicules are a hydrolyte of the purest organism in the world.  So far they have grown more than 10,000 types.

Sponge Spicules are a sustainable development, with no damage to the economy
Hunan sunshine biotech owns ISO series certification.(ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO 45001) which are available upon request.

We also strictly abide by laws and government standards when researching and producing sponge raw materials.

In just 5 Minutes, 3 -5 million natural siliceous microneedles are directly introduced into the dermis layer of the skin through hand massage to promote skin metabolism and stimulate collagen regeneration. There is no bleeding, no anaesthesia, and no skin breakage. The treatment shortens the skin cycle from 28 days to 7 days by activation of the basal skin cells, and achieves natural, safe, and
effective physical rejuvenation.

Spongilla spicules are an effective modality of skin resurfacing and provide a natural alternative approach to microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, chemical peels (glycolic acid, Jessner’s, phenol and trichloroacetic acid peels), CO laser resurfacing and Erbium laser peels to correct visual facial defects such as hyperpigmentation of various etiology, fine wrinkles, Sun damage, Superficial Scars, comedones, enlarged pores, and facial rejuvenation.

Upon massaging Spongilla spicules into the skin, the spicules mechanically separate the epidermal layers and reduce keratinocyte cohesion, thereby increasing stratum corneum sloughing and sebum plug and loose keratinocyte removal.

Watch our SQT Bio Microneedling Treatment Video on ABOUT SQT

Flaking or peeling can be expected on day 3-5 depending on the aesthetician’s level of penetration and the clients current skin condition. Not everyone will peel from treatment, and this does not mean it is not working, rather that the area is regenerating at a faster rate.

Spongilla spicules will not be absorbed but they can last in the skin for up to 48~72 hours. After 48 -72 hours they will be discharged with the stratum corneum that has fallen off.
Compared with a traditional metal microneedle, the procedure is much easier and the risk of infection is greatly reduced.

Compared with chemical peeling and herbal peeling, SQT® spongilla spicules therapy has NO SIDE EFFECTS, is suitable for all skin types and colours, because the ingredients are all natural and does not contain acid or ingredients that damage the skin.

SQT bio Microneedling is set to over take most machine based laser treatments in the next 5 years as the skin health is left in a much healthier position and heals much faster than traditional lasers and chemical peels.

SQT can effectively treat an array of skin problems including and not limited to: Acne, Acne scars, Pigmentation, melasma, Pimples, Whelk, Blackheads, Whiteheads, Large pores, Papules, Anti-Aging, Stretch Marks, Anti-wrinkle regeneration, Fine Lines, lifting and firming, Blemishes ,hydration and oil balancing.

A course of 4 sessions is recommended every 2 weeks for long term and effective results on the face.
For body parts and dependant on the conditon, a course of 6 – 8 sessions may be required.
As we still age and are prone to environmental aggressors daily, Maintenance sessions are required every 8-12 weeks for long term results and educational advice on homecare is vital

We do not advise SQT treatments to be combined with any other treatments apart from LED Photorejuvenation

The SQT treatment will feel like an exfoliation scrub which gets more intense throughout the treatment, the needling part of the treatment lasts only 5-10 minutes. Anaesthetic is not required, and the treatment is more of a sensation rather than a pain.

For anyone undergoing chemotherapy or for women who are breastfeeding: Yes, But may be very sensitive to everything, so it is best to consult a doctor before receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, this treatment is not suitable for women who are pregnant.

This product does not cause skin allergies, instead, it improves it and makes the skin healthy.  It is not recommended for people with severely thin skin layers.

S – Spirited

Full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination.

”A spirited campaigner for women’s rights”

Q – Quintessential

Representing the most perfect or typical example of quality or class

T – Transcend

Be or go beyond the range or limits of (a field of activity or conceptual sphere)

To train in the SQT Treatment you need to be a qualified professional with an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.

If you live in the UK or Northern Ireland, you can register for information on our SQT UK training on our UK Training Register

If you live in the State of Florida, United States,  you can register for information on our SQT UK training in Miami on our US training Register

You will be asked to provide a copy of your relevant qualifications in order to book a training space.

The SQT treatment is totally different from the peeling of algae.

Algae powder or Spirulina powder is an unpurified powder, which contains a lot of plankton, dead branches or fallen leaves, and other impurities. It is a gray, gray-green, or brown powder with a fishy smell. There are a lot of broken needles, mostly used for Exfoliating.  The ingredients cannot stimulate the basal layer and cannot be compounded into other products as a single ingredient.

With seriously exceeded microbes and heavy metals, algae peel patients are easily prone to skin allergies, inflammation, infections, and other damages.  SQT Bio Microneedling needles are a far more superior treatment with 99% pure needles working on the INSIDE layer of skin to activate the basal skin cell.  The SQT principle is mostly through needles.  Each gram of sponge spicules contains 3-5 million fine needles that penetrate the skin by pressing to open skin channels, absorb ingredients, and remove excess oil / promote skin microcirculation.

Microneedling, regardless of the specific device used (roller, machine or SQT biological microneedling) is a relatively safe procedure with minimal adverse effects, however, the procedure is not limited to, expected erythema, pain, edema, and temporary skin irritation.

We advise that clinicians and patients be informed about the adverse side effects associated with microneedling so that the risk of preventable complications can be reduced or avoided.

Broken and unpurified spicules can be more harmful than good to the skin for several reasons: