The Cult Skin Needling Clinic Has Landed On James Street

Tucked behind James Street favourite Sixes and Sevens, The Skin Bar has officially opened in Fortitude Valley, marking the brand’s 12th location nationally and second Queensland clinic.

Samantha Appell

Founded by Samantha Appell in 2020 from a single treatment room in Cronulla, Sydney, The Skin Bar has rapidly expanded across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in just five years. The clinic has become widely known for its signature skin needling treatments and results-driven approach to non-surgical skincare, building a loyal following online and in salon alike.

Skin Needling sits at the centre of The Skin Bar’s treatment offering, described by the brand as “the foundation of healthier, stronger skin at every age for every skin type.” Designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production by creating tiny micro channels within the skin, the treatment can boost collagen production by up to 400 per cent, which explains the cult following.

The treatment also works to improve skin texture, pigmentation, acne scarring, congestion and fine lines, while boosting overall firmness and collagen production over time. With minimal downtime and suitability across all skin types, it’s become one of the clinic’s most booked treatments for people wanting brighter, smoother skin without injectables or invasive procedures. After hearing consistently good things about the brand, I popped in to try the treatment for myself on Tuesday during my lunch break. I arrived straight from a shoot wearing activewear, leftover makeup and an open mind. I’ve had various skin treatments over the years and already rate skin needling, but I’m always interested in how different clinics approach the experience itself, from the consultation and technique through to the atmosphere of the space.

The James Street clinic was inviting. Filled with its signature green tones and soft brown details throughout, the interiors were polished without feeling clinical. A silver ‘THE SKIN BAR’ sign anchors the reception area, while vintage furniture sourced from antique stores around Brisbane gives the space warmth and character. In a recent post with Samantha, she walked followers through the fit-out process and shared how much of the furniture had been collected locally, which is probably why the clinic already feels established despite only just opening.

The space felt easy to be in. Warm and moody, but relaxed and lived-in, with a welcoming energy that immediately put me at ease. Sam herself carried that same energy too, calm and approachable.

The treatment began with 10 minutes of LED therapy designed to warm and loosen the skin before moving into the needling component itself. This was definitely the relaxing part of the session before the more intensive side of the treatment began. As someone who’s tried more skin treatments than I can count at this point, I appreciated how straightforward the entire experience felt. Sam talked me through the process throughout the appointment, explaining that some redness, warmth and itchiness afterwards was completely normal. Immediately afterwards, my skin had that fresh post-treatment look — warm, flushed and very clear evidence that the skin needling had done its thing.

I posted a few Instagram Stories documenting the aftermath and later received a DM from Sam simply saying, “Hang in there until Saturday.” I told her I was heading to Byron Bay this weekend with my partner and was already hoping to see the post-treatment glow kick in by then. I wasn’t concerned. My skin already had that tight, flushed, soft glow straight afterwards, and I’d been here before. Honestly, any excuse to throw a cap and sunnies on and be on my way.

IG Stories @kirijohnston

What’s most impressive about The Skin Bar is the speed at which the brand has built such a strong following. In just five years, Appell has transformed the business into one of Australia’s most talked-about names in non-surgical skincare, with people booking in specifically for the clinic’s signature treatments and understated approach to beauty.

After spending an hour inside the new James Street space, it’s easy to see the appeal. The experience feels relaxed, the interiors feel welcoming and considered, and the treatment itself slots seamlessly into real life — whether that’s a lunch break appointment, a quick skin refresh before a weekend away, or simply carving out an hour for yourself in the middle of the week. At a time when people are becoming more intentional about where they spend their time and money, The Skin Bar feels aligned with that shift. Relaxed spaces, straightforward treatments and good results speak for themselves. As for my results? Well, ask me on Saturday.

The Skin Bar is now open at 65 James Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006.