Corrective microneedling, grounded in Chinese medicine.
Dr. Mozelle Armijo is a certified MDPen provider in San Diego, offering advanced microdermal needling for acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, stretch marks, and skin texture. Every session is paired with acupuncture to regulate the nervous system and accelerate healing, a combination you won't find at a conventional medspa.
The MDPen difference.
MDPen is a professional-grade microdermal needling system used by dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners worldwide. It is distinct from the cosmetic rollers sold direct to consumers and from many of the entry-level devices found in general medspas.
MDPen is designed specifically for corrective work, meaning it is calibrated to treat structural skin concerns rather than produce a surface-level glow. The device uses ultra-fine, medical-grade needles that create controlled microchannels in the skin. These microchannels trigger the body's natural wound-healing cascade, stimulating fibroblast activity, collagen production, and elastin remodeling at the dermal level.
Certification to use the MDPen system requires specialized training in depth control, pressure technique, and treatment mapping for a range of skin concerns, from fine scars to deeper acne pitting. Dr. Armijo completed this certification to offer a level of precision that corrective cases demand.
Where MDPen at Daoist Aesthetics goes further than a standard medspa offering is in the pairing with body acupuncture and the broader diagnostic framework of Chinese medicine. We treat the skin as an expression of internal health, not as a surface to be sanded smooth.
Three reasons our microneedling outperforms a standard medspa treatment.
Nervous system regulation first
Every session opens with body acupuncture to shift you into a parasympathetic state before a single needle touches the face. A calm nervous system means lower systemic inflammation, which translates to faster recovery and cleaner collagen remodeling.
A certified MDPen device
MDPen is a corrective-grade microneedling platform, not a cosmetic roller or entry-level pen. The device allows for precise depth control which is essential for treating scars and pigment without damaging surrounding tissue.
Chinese medicine diagnostics
Before we map a treatment plan, we assess your constitution through facial reading, pulse, and tongue diagnosis. Hormonal acne, stress-driven breakouts, and post-inflammatory pigment each call for different support, and we adjust accordingly.
Corrective concerns, structural results.
MDPen microneedling addresses concerns that require true remodeling of the dermis, not just surface exfoliation. Dr. Armijo offers three distinct MDPen services: Holistic Microneedling for full-face collagen induction, Hair Growth and Restoration Microneedling for hair restoration, and Focused Microneedling for targeted areas like stretch marks or localized scars.
Before and after MDPen treatment.
Clinical results from MDPen practitioners. Dr. Armijo will be documenting her own patient results as her MDPen practice grows in San Diego.
Photos courtesy of MDPen practitioners and training clinics. Individual results vary based on skin condition, constitution, and adherence to the recommended package.
What a session looks like.
Your first visit is New Patient: Holistic Microneedling, a 90-minute session where we map your custom protocol and treat the same day. Every session then follows this four-part flow.
Three ways to use MDPen.
Microneedling is a cumulative treatment. Sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow the skin's natural remodeling cycle to complete between visits. The sessions below are for returning patients. If this is your first microneedling visit, start with New Patient: Holistic Microneedling.
A single holistic microneedling session using MDPen protocols and professional MDPen skincare, paired with restorative body acupuncture, red light therapy, and PEMF. Available to returning patients.
Book SingleIdeal for refreshing a dull complexion, refining light texture, and building a strong collagen foundation. Each session uses MDPen protocols, professional MDPen skincare, body acupuncture, red light therapy, and PEMF. Includes Copper + HA Recovery Mist ($60 value).
Buy PackageRecommended for corrective work including deep acne scarring, significant hyperpigmentation, and deep expression lines. Each session uses MDPen protocols, professional MDPen skincare, body acupuncture, red light therapy, and PEMF. Includes Copper + HA Recovery Mist ($60 value).
Buy PackageA single scalp microneedling session using MDPen protocols. Includes body acupuncture for systemic circulation, red light therapy, PEMF, and professional MDPen skincare. Available to returning patients.
Book SingleA single focused microneedling session on a 3-inch restricted area. Uses MDPen protocols with professional MDPen skincare, red light therapy, PEMF, and restorative body acupuncture. Available to returning patients.
Book SingleThe MDPen skincare protocol.
We use the MDPen Professional Skincare line in the treatment room. Each product is designed specifically to pair with corrective microneedling, supporting hydration, healing, and long-term skin health.
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PreHydrating Cleanser and Copper + HA Mist prepare the skin and set the stage for a comfortable treatment.
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DuringPure Hyaluronic Acid Serum serves as the glide, nourishing the treatment area throughout the session.
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PostHuman-Derived Growth Factor Gel is applied immediately after treatment to lock in hydration and accelerate collagen formation.
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At homeA personalized regimen from the MDPen line to extend your results and maintain skin health between sessions.
Want the full pre- and post-care protocol? Download the Microneedling Care Guide (PDF).
Start with your first microneedling visit.
New patients begin with New Patient: Holistic Microneedling, $425 for 90 minutes. The visit includes a structural skin analysis, a candidacy check, a custom MDPen protocol designed around your concerns, and your first full microneedling treatment the same day. You'll leave with a clinical Hyaluronic Acid serum to support your microneedling journey.
Book Your First Visit