Jennifer Tripucka 
As someone who’s tested her fair share of skincare products and treatments, I thought I had a decent handle on my skin. I cleanse, I serum, I SPF (religiously), and I also get monthly facials. But deep down, I still had questions — why am I still breaking out like a teenager? Are those wrinkles or just really intense smile lines? And is my skin texture just what it’s going to be forever? That’s when I booked a consultation and discovered the skincare trifecta I didn’t know I needed: VISIA skin analysis, the NeoElite laser, and microneedling at Studio 17 in Hoboken. Located at 601 9th Street, it’s a skin medspa + hidden gem right near the 9th Street light rail, across from Black Rail Coffee.
Let me walk you through what it was like, because this wasn’t just another facial, and it really changed my skin for the better over the course of a few months. (And no, this wasn’t sponsored. The sessions were gifted, but we never talk about things on our site that our team doesn’t like as a general rule.)
Step One: My Skin Got a Full Diagnostic with VISIA
Picture this: you rest your chin on a scanner, and in seconds, you’re face-to-face with everything going on underneath your skin. I’m talking years of sun damage, pore counts (yes, actual numbers), bacteria hanging out in places they shouldn’t be, and texture you didn’t even know existed.
The VISIA analysis breaks it down into six main categories:
- Spots
- Wrinkles
- Texture
- Pores (they get counted!)
- UV damage (this was… humbling)
- Porphyrins (a fancy word for acne-causing bacteria)
Read More: 12 New Beauty Spots Inside Hoboken’s Strand Salon Studios
It wasn’t scary, it was empowering. For once, I had a clear, data-backed understanding of what my skin was dealing with, and better yet, a customized plan to fix it. I’m 38, and it said my skin is age 34 (woo!), but from the looks of it, we need some work underneath the surface, and some of the lines (I’m trying to avoid botox these days days) are actually from dehydration, which is something I’m also working on. That’s when Studio 17’s treatment series really takes it to the next step to get things going.
Step Two: NeoElite Laser—aka Magic, But Make It Science
I’ll admit it: I’ve always been a little nervous about lasers. Downtime? Redness? Burning? No thanks. But the NeoElite laser completely changed my mind. It’s a no-downtime treatment (really, my skin looked fine after, not even red!), and it works beneath the surface, so the top layer of skin stays totally intact.
Becca tailored the treatment to tackle two big things in combination with a derma planing facial. No numbing involved, no burning, it was quite a simple process.
Here’s what the NeoElite can treat:
- Acne + inflammation
- Rosacea
- Sun damage + pigmentation
- Spider veins + vascular spots
- Fine lines + collagen boost
- Even scars, stretch marks, and bruises
My protocol? Six sessions spaced four weeks apart, with 3-4 touch-ups yearly for maintenance. After just one treatment, I saw a noticeable improvement in tone and glow.
Step Three: Microneedling — Surprisingly Not Painful + So Effective
If you’ve never tried microneedling, it sounds intense. But in reality? It felt more like a weirdly satisfying vibrating facial, and the results were 100% worth it. I actually recorded a video of myself getting it, and it was hilarious because I legitimately said, “Wait, is that it?”
Microneedling creates tiny, controlled injuries that tell your skin, “Hey, let’s rebuild better.” And rebuild it does, especially with:
- Anti-aging goals (hello, collagen!)
- Scar smoothing
- Hyperpigmentation correction
The best part? It’s a natural process: no harsh chemicals, just your own skin doing its thing. I was told to start with 4-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, then do 3-4 per year to keep the momentum going. I’m two sessions in, and my skin already feels firmer and more even. I do these every other month for my protocol, but I have already done three laser sessions.
The one big thing: recovery from microneedling.
I was a little nervous because I’ve heard mixed post-treatment experiences, but decided being a recluse for a few days was in the cards and necessary, especially with all the rain — easy peasy. It really did not end up being that bad. And in a few days, my new skin was looking GUUUD.
One of the most refreshing parts of this experience was Becca’s approach. She has skin like an ice skating rink/glass (in the best kind of way), so I immediately trusted her. She knew exactly the products I was using and confirmed they’re good to use, and recommended a treatment/skin protocol that was effective yet not overpowering, given my hectic schedule.
And regarding the practice, Dr. Walters (the doctor who heads the practice) has been in the skincare world since 2015 (originally as an Ob/Gyn, fun fact), and her journey into aesthetics came from seeing real-life gaps in how skin, hormones, and well-being were being addressed in traditional medicine.
The whole team’s vibe? Holistic, thoughtful, and deeply personalized. I have been to many medspas, and this one really brought it home for me.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
In a heartbeat. (And no, of course, this is not dermatological or medical advice — but it’s been working for me! Always consult with your physician or medical provider first.) I also get regular facials and peels at another local spot, and they’re amazing, but if you’re looking for intense, under-the-skin and texture-based work on your epidermis, this. Is. It. Studio 17 also has an array of facials, treatments, injectables, and more, but when it comes to this trifecta, it was super helpful for my skin.
See More: A Trip to Aura Head Spa in Montclair, New Jersey
(In fact, I’ve had several friends ask me about my *sKiNcArE rOuTiNe* and make appointments at Studio 17 since. No lie (or cap? …as the kids say).)
