What Is Tixel Fractional Skin Rejuvenation?

Alright, let’s get straight to it. Ever touched something hot for a split second? Like, you barely feel it but you know it was hot? That’s kinda how Tixel works on your skin — but in a controlled, safe, and super effective way.

Thermo-Mechanical Action® 

Tixel uses Thermo-Mechanical Action (TMA®). Sounds like a mouthful, right? But here’s the deal: it’s a fancy way of saying, “We use heat, not lasers or needles, to make your skin better.” A little titanium tip heats up to 400°C (yes, that’s hot — but don’t worry, it’s safe) and quickly taps your skin. Like, blink-and-you-miss-it fast.

The tip doesn’t poke or slice the skin. Instead, it presses gently, creating microthermal zones — teeny tiny spots that your skin reads as a "wake-up call." No bleeding, no wounds, no drama.

It’s Like Microneedling, But Without the Needles

If you’ve ever shivered at the thought of needles, good news — Tixel doesn’t use them. It skips the pokes and dives straight into what your skin needs: collagen stimulation. Imagine giving your skin a workout but without actually doing anything physically intense.

People often ask, “Does it hurt?” Honestly? It feels warm, maybe a bit like a quick zap, but nothing crazy. No numbing cream? Totally doable for most folks. And if you’re super sensitive? A fan or a bit of chilled air can help.

Why It’s Safer Than Traditional Methods

Tixel is non-ablative, meaning it doesn’t remove layers of your skin like CO2 lasers do. Your skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, stays intact. That’s your skin’s natural barrier, kind of like armor. Keeping it untouched means less risk of infection, faster healing, and less redness post-treatment.

Another win? It’s super friendly to all skin types. Darker skin tones often risk post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) with lasers. Tixel? Way less risk, so it's a safer bet for more people.

Oh, and it’s delicate enough for tricky areas — think eyelids, neck, or even the chest. Places where lasers might be a big no-no.

Boosting Collagen and Skin Permeability

Here’s the magic part: when Tixel creates those microthermal zones, your body kicks into healing mode. Collagen production ramps up. Over time, that means firmer, smoother skin. Fine lines? Diminished. Scars? Softer. Pores? Less noticeable.

And because the skin’s now more absorbent post-treatment, any serums you apply after will sink in deeper. It’s like giving your skincare a backstage pass to where it can really make a difference.

What Can You Expect?

After a session, you might look a bit pink — kinda like you had a brisk walk on a cold day. Maybe some mild swelling. But it fades fast. In 24–48 hours, most people look normal again, minus some subtle bronzing that flakes off naturally over the next few days.

No heavy creams, no complicated aftercare. Just moisturise, slap on some SPF, and you’re good to go.

Safety First: Lasers Burn, Tixel Warms

Have you ever touched a hot pan by accident? Yeah, that’s kinda what lasers do — on purpose. They burn the skin to force it to heal better. Harsh, right? With CO2 lasers, they literally vaporise skin layers. Effective? Sure. But risky.

Now, Tixel? Different ballgame. It warms the skin using Thermo-Mechanical Action (TMA®). No burning. No vaporising. The titanium tip heats up to about 400°C, but it touches your skin so fast there’s no real damage. It makes tiny microthermal zones that wake up your skin cells and get them to produce collagen.

Plus, it doesn’t break the skin barrier. That’s huge. With lasers, you’re left with raw, exposed skin. With Tixel, your outer layer stays mostly intact. That means a lower risk of infection or scarring.

Oh, and darker skin tones? Lasers can be risky. They can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — dark spots that stick around. Tixel’s gentle heat avoids that mess, making it safer for more skin types.

And here’s a weird but true fact — lasers create smoke. Like burnt skin smoke. You can smell it. Tixel? No smoke. No bleeding. No nasty smell. Honestly, that alone is a plus.

Let’s get into recovery. Because who has time to hide at home for two weeks?

• Lasers: You’ll probably be out of commission for 7–14 days. Your skin will be red, raw, oozing, and maybe even peeling. It’s intense. You’ll need thick ointments, even perhaps bandages. And the risk of infection? Real.
• Tixel: You’ll look a little flushed for a day or two, like you spent too much time in the sun. Maybe some micro-crusting — tiny bronzed dots that flake off naturally over a week. But you’re not housebound. Most people go back to work the next day. No heavy creams are needed. Just moisturise and use sunscreen.

Pain matters. Lasers hurt. Bad. Like, “give me all the numbing cream and maybe a sedative” bad. The burning sensation sticks around even after the session.

Tixel? It's way more tolerable. Most people describe it as a warm, tingling sensation. Like a heated stamp lightly tapping your skin. Some people don’t even need numbing cream. If you’re super sensitive? A fan blowing cool air is usually enough.

Post-treatment? With lasers, you’ll feel like your face is on fire. Tixel? Mild warmth that fades in a couple of hours.

Here’s the bottom line:

• If you want aggressive, deep skin resurfacing and can handle pain and downtime, go for lasers.
• If you want great results without the ouch and the hiding-out-at-home phase, Tixel’s your buddy.

Tixel gives you the collagen boost, smooths out fine lines, helps with acne scars, and brightens your skin — all while being safer and easier to handle.

Targets Multiple Skin Concerns: One Device, Many Fixes

Tixel isn’t some one-trick pony. Nope. It tackles a ton of skin issues all at once, it’s like having a multi-tool, but for your face.

• Smooths Fine Lines And Wrinkles:
  Think of Tixel as a little nudge for your skin to wake up and make more collagen. Those pesky crow’s feet? Frown lines? They start softening. It’s like ironing out wrinkles, but without actually using an iron (thankfully).
• Improves Skin Texture And Tightens Sagging Skin:
  You know that bumpy, uneven texture that just won't go away? Tixel smooths it. It also firms up sagging skin by heating the deeper layers. It’s like your skin’s getting a mini workout — no gym required.
• Fades Hyperpigmentation, Sunspots, and Melasma:
  Sun spots, dark patches, melasma — all of them can be stubborn. Tixel helps lighten them by breaking up excess pigment and encouraging fresh, even-toned skin to surface. It’s like hitting the reset button.
• Reduces Acne Scars And Active Acne:
  Yep, Tixel helps here too. It smooths out acne scars and, when paired with the right topicals, can even help fight active breakouts. Two birds, one stone.

One of the biggest complaints about lasers? Not everyone can use them safely. People with darker skin tones often risk post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). But Tixel? It plays nice with almost everyone.

• Works on Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–V:
  Because Tixel uses heat (not light or lasers), it’s much safer for medium to darker skin tones. No burning. No weird side effects.
• Customisable Settings for Personalisation:
  Your skin isn’t like anyone else’s. That’s why Tixel can be adjusted — deeper for acne scars, and gentler for sensitive areas. It’s tailored just for you. Like ordering coffee exactly how you like it.

Let’s be honest — no one wants to hide out for weeks while their skin recovers. That’s where Tixel shines.

• You’ll See the Results After One Session:
  Most people notice a glow-up after just one treatment. Smoother texture, tighter skin, smaller pores — all within days.
• Results Improve Over Time:
  The best part? The effects get better as your body keeps producing collagen. It’s like planting a seed — you won’t see the full bloom right away, but it’s coming.
• Downtime? What Downtime?
  After Tixel, you might look a little pink for a day or two, kind of like a light sunburn. Maybe some tiny bronze dots that flake off in a week. That’s it. No peeling, no oozing, no horror stories.

Who is Tixel Best For? (Is This Treatment Right for You?)

Let’s get straight to it. Tixel isn’t for everyone but for some? It’s a total game-changer. It’s kinda like finding the perfect pair of jeans — not one-size-fits-all, but when it fits. Magic.

If you’ve been thinking, “I want better skin but without needles or lasers,” then Tixel might be your thing.

• You Want Non-Invasive Skin Rejuvenation:
  Hate the idea of needles? Tixel gives you that glow without pokes, cuts, or scary machines. It’s like a warm stamp — gentle but effective.
• Sensitive Skin? No Problem:
  Lasers can be brutal on sensitive skin. Redness, burns, all that jazz. Tixel skips the light and uses heat instead, so it’s way gentler but still works wonders.
• Dealing with Fine Lines, Acne Scars, or Sun Damage?
  Tired of those pesky wrinkles or stubborn acne scars? Maybe sunspots from that beach trip years ago? Tixel smooths out the rough patches and fades discolouration over time. It’s not overnight magic, but it gets there.
• Minimal Downtime:
  Can’t afford to hide at home for a week? Tixel lets you get back to life quickly. A bit of redness, maybe some light flaking — but nothing that’ll stop you from brunching the next day.
• You Love Natural, Gradual Results:
  No shocking before-and-after here. Tixel works with your body, boosting collagen slowly. It’s like watching your skin hit the refresh button over weeks, not hours.

Now, here’s the flip side. Tixel isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

• Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
  Your body’s already working overtime, no need to add heat treatments into the mix. Hormones during pregnancy can make skin react unpredictably. Better to wait it out.
• Got Active Skin Infections or Autoimmune Conditions?
  If you’ve got a cold sore, cystic acne flare-up, or any active skin infection, it’s a no-go for now. Tixel’s heat could make it worse. The same goes if you have autoimmune disorders affecting your skin — always check with your doc first.
• On Medications That Make Skin Sensitive to Light or Heat?
  Some meds — think Accutane or certain antibiotics — make your skin super sensitive. Using Tixel during this time can lead to irritation or pigmentation issues. If you’re unsure, ask your provider before booking.
• Prone to Keloids?
  If your skin tends to heal with raised, thick scars (aka keloids), you’ll want to be careful. Tixel is gentle but better safe than sorry. Chat with a dermatologist first.

I get it — picking a skin treatment is tough. But here’s a quick mental checklist:

• Want smoother, tighter skin without needles or lasers? 
• Sensitive skin that freaks out over harsh treatments? 
• Need a treatment with minimal downtime? 
• Okay with gradual results instead of instant changes? 

If you’re nodding along, Tixel could be exactly what you’re after.

So, you're booked for your Tixel treatment? Awesome. But you're probably wondering, "What’s gonna happen?" No worries, I got you. Let me walk you through it — no fluff, just facts.

Before Your Appointment: Get Your Skin Ready

Prepping your skin is key. Think of it like marinating steak before grilling — better prep, better results.

• Dodge the Sun (2 Weeks Before):
  Stay outta direct sunlight. No sunbathing, no tanning beds. A sunburned face + Tixel? Bad combo. Slap on some SPF 50 if you're heading out.
• No fake tan 1 week prior should be recommended
• Pause Active Skincare (5–7 Days Before):
  Retinoids? Acids? Ditch them for now. These make your skin more sensitive, and we don’t want that when Tixel’s doing its thing.
• Hydrate Like Crazy:
  Drink water. A lot of it. Hydrated skin handles treatments better. Also, use a good moisturiser leading up to your appointment.

Skip Makeup on Treatment Day:
Arrive with a clean face — no foundation, no mascara, nada. Let the pros work on a fresh canvas.

During the Treatment: The Real Deal

Here’s where the magic starts. Spoiler: It’s quicker and less intense than you think.

• Setting the Scene:
  Your provider will clean your skin. Maybe they'll slap on some numbing cream — depends on your pain tolerance. Some people go without it, no biggie.
• The Procedure (15–30 Minutes):
  The session itself is fast. A heated titanium tip touches your skin in quick taps. It feels like warm stamps — odd but not terrible. Areas like around the nose or eyes might sting a tad more, but it’s super tolerable.
• What It Feels Like:
  Mild warmth. A little tingle. Some say it’s like tiny sunburn kisses. Others say it’s barely noticeable.
• Post-Treatment Cool Down:
  They might spritz your face with a soothing mist afterwards. No thick ointments or bandages — you’re not leaving looking like a mummy.

Aftercare And Recovery: What Happens Next?

The healing part is simple. No drama, just a bit of TLC for your skin.

• Redness And Swelling (First 24–48 Hours):
  You'll look flushed — like you did a cardio workout. Swelling? Maybe, but nothing major. It calms down in a day or two.
• The Bronzed Microcrusting (Days 2–7):
  Tiny bronze dots will show up. This is normal — it's the microcrusting. Think of it like speckles of bronzer that flake off over the week. Don’t pick at them, let them fall off naturally.
• Moisturise And SPF:
  Hydrate your face with a gentle moisturiser — nothing fancy. And slather on SPF 50. Your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun after treatment.
• Avoid These Post-Treatment:
• No makeup for 24–48 hours. Let your skin breathe.
• Skip the gym or hot showers for a day. Heat can irritate your freshly treated skin.
• No scrubs or active skincare until your face fully heals.

You’ll notice smoother skin once the microcrusting flakes off — usually around Day 5 or 7. But the real glow? That kicks in over the next few weeks as collagen production ramps up. Think 6–12 weeks for full-on results.

Most people need about 3–5 sessions (spaced 4–6 weeks apart) for max benefits. But even after one treatment, you’ll see a nice little skin boost.

Tixel is low-maintenance. Minimal downtime, minimal pain, solid results. You’ll get a nice glow-up without sacrificing weeks to healing.

As always, if you have any questions you can use our Tixel Q&A where you can ask for more advice.

Not sure Tixel is right for you? We have lots of Tixel FAQs, Tixel videos, Tixel reviews, and Tixel before and after images for you to do more research.

If you want to look for your nearest verified Tixel clinic, your local Tixel clinics are listed below.