Microneedling has surged in popularity as a go-to cosmetic procedure, celebrated for its swiftness, manageable discomfort, and remarkable skin enhancements. If you’ve recently undergone a microneedling session, you’re likely keen to know the best practices for aftercare. Navigating the days following treatment is crucial, and understanding what to do and what to avoid—from makeup application to face washing and sun exposure—is key to maximizing results.
To provide comprehensive guidance on post-microneedling care during the critical first week, we’ve consulted with leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons. This guide will detail the recommended products, practices to steer clear of, and insights into your skin’s healing journey to ensure the best possible outcome from your microneedling treatment.
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Microneedling treatment results on a woman’s face, showing improved skin texture and tone after a cosmetic procedure.
Understanding Microneedling and Its Benefits
Microneedling is a sought-after cosmetic procedure where a dermatologist or aesthetician uses a device equipped with fine, short needles to create micro-punctures in the skin’s surface. Despite sounding daunting, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. The needles are incredibly fine and contained within a device, minimizing any fear or discomfort associated with needles.
Microneedling’s appeal lies in its ability to address various skin concerns, from aging signs to acne scars, making it a favored in-office treatment. It’s minimally invasive, often completed quickly, and typically involves minimal downtime. Crucially, the benefits are enduring. “Microneedling stimulates the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production,” explains leading dermatologist Dr. Amanda Doyle, “making it excellent for overall skin rejuvenation, diminishing scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, and refining pore size.”
However, Dr. Doyle emphasizes a critical point: “Post-treatment skincare significantly dictates healing and the ultimate success of the procedure.” Adhering strictly to a recommended skincare regimen and aftercare instructions is essential for achieving optimal results and preventing complications. Avoiding specific products, ingredients, and sun exposure is crucial to support the skin’s natural healing process and prevent potential infections.
Day 0: Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Immediately following your microneedling session, it’s normal for your skin to feel tight and dry, possibly accompanied by a mild burning sensation. “Microneedling creates micro-channels in your skin, making it vulnerable. It’s important to minimize touching your face and avoid applying your regular skincare products to prevent irritation and infection,” advises Dr. Doyle.
Dos:
- Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleanser: In the immediate post-treatment period, simplicity is key. Dr. Ramanadham even suggests some patients forgo washing their face on day zero to allow serums, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), or stem cell/growth factors applied during the procedure to fully absorb. However, if SPF was applied post-procedure or if you experience discomfort from tightness or itchiness, Dr. Doyle recommends washing your face with a bland, fragrance-free, and oil-free cleanser and emollient.
- Minimal, Healing Skincare: Follow up with serum products recommended by your practitioner or healing gels that create a semi-occlusive protective layer. For those with dry skin, richer, post-procedure creams can be beneficial.
Don’ts:
- Strenuous Exercise/Sweating: Avoid workouts or any activity that induces sweating for the first few days. Sweat can clog pores, increasing the risk of infection or breakouts. This also includes saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths or showers.
- Sun Exposure: Strictly avoid sun exposure. If unavoidable, use a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and apply a high-SPF, moisturizing sunscreen.
- Makeup: Refrain from applying face makeup, as it can introduce bacteria and impurities to your sensitive skin.
- Active Ingredients/Exfoliation: Avoid all skincare products containing retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). Steer clear of scented products and any form of exfoliation, scrubbing, rubbing, or other facial treatments like laser, peels, or waxing.
- Skincare Devices: Put away skincare tools like jade rollers, gua sha, and circulation-boosting devices, which can irritate the skin and lead to infection.
- Ibuprofen: Since microneedling initiates the body’s natural inflammatory healing response, Dr. Engelman advises against taking ibuprofen during the initial healing phase, as it may interfere with this natural process.
Tip: If you regularly wear protective masks, consider scheduling your microneedling appointment when you can go mask-free for a few days. Dr. Ramanadham points out that the humid, potentially unclean environment under prolonged mask use can be detrimental to freshly-microneedled skin.
For enhanced healing, Dr. Ramanadham recommends using a rich, hydrating ointment like Aquaphor in the initial days to create a protective barrier.
Consider ZO Skin Health’s advanced moisturizing cream, which, while a premium option, is formulated with soothing colloidal oatmeal and antioxidants to protect and calm redness and irritation.
Day 1: Managing Redness and Sensitivity
On day one, expect your skin to appear red or pink, similar to a mild sunburn. You might also notice slight bruising, scratches, or swelling, and your skin may feel tight and dry. “Your skin is in an active healing phase,” explains Dr. Doyle, “so continue with the same gentle skincare routine from day zero for the first three to five days.”
Dos:
- Maintain Minimal Skincare: Continue using a gentle cleanser and moisturizing products. Dr. Engelman suggests adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your regimen for increased hydration, ensuring it’s free from the prohibited ingredients mentioned earlier.
- Hydrate Adequately: Proper hydration is vital for skin cell regeneration. Keep drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Daily SPF Application: “Post-microneedling, skin is highly susceptible to sun damage. Apply sunscreen daily and reapply frequently for at least two weeks following the treatment,” emphasizes Dr. Engelman.
Don’ts:
- Continue to Avoid: Exfoliating products, workouts, sweating, makeup, ibuprofen, skincare devices, and excessive sun exposure remain off-limits.
Day 3: Addressing Dryness and Peeling
By day three, most initial after-effects should subside. Redness, swelling, and sensitivity should be significantly reduced, although some sensitivity may persist depending on the intensity of the microneedling treatment. Dr. Ramanadham notes that many individuals experience skin roughness or dryness, feeling like sandpaper. Additionally, Dr. Engelman explains that peeling and the potential formation of milia or mild breakouts are normal at this stage.
Dos:
- Gradual Return to Normal Skincare: By day three, you can begin to gradually reintroduce elements of your regular skincare routine, still avoiding potential irritants. Focus on hydrating serums, moisturizers, and mild cleansers.
- Light Exercise: If your skin isn’t overly sensitive, you can cautiously reintroduce light physical activity. Avoid overexertion and remember to wash your face afterwards.
- Light Makeup (With Caution): Dr. Doyle advises that light makeup might be acceptable, but it’s best to consult your doctor first to ensure your skin is ready.
- Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water to support cell regeneration, as recommended by Dr. Engelman.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Active Ingredients: Even as your skin heals, it’s crucial to continue avoiding active ingredients that could irritate your still-recovering skin. This includes AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, vitamin C, other acids, exfoliants, and skincare devices.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Dr. Doyle recommends limiting outdoor activities to times before 8 am or after 4 pm and using both a hat and sunscreen when outside.
- Resist Picking Peeling Skin: It can be tempting to pick at peeling skin, but Dr. Engelman strongly advises against it. “Allow your body to naturally heal. Forcibly peeling skin can disrupt this process and introduce bacteria from your hands, which should always be avoided.”
Day 5: Skin Recovery and Reduced Sensitivity
By day five, the micro-channels created by microneedling have typically closed, and most redness, flakiness, and sensitivity should have diminished. However, Dr. Engelman notes that some individuals might experience increased peeling around this time due to accelerated cell turnover.
Dos:
- At this stage, focus on maintaining hydration and sun protection. Continue with gentle skincare practices and ensure regular application of moisturizer and SPF.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Skin-Stressing Treatments: Even if your skin feels improved, refrain from any potentially irritating procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments, tanning, or waxing. Continue to avoid beauty tools like jade rollers and gua sha for a few more days.
- No Picking: If peeling persists, reiterate the importance of not picking at the skin to prevent irritation and potential infection.
Dr. Engelman recommends GloSkin’s tinted SPF, which offers light moisture and a subtle tint to help even out any lingering redness, while providing SPF 30 protection.
Day 7: Complete Healing and Return to Routine
By day seven, your skin should be fully healed. Many people start to see visible improvements, including a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and enhanced skin texture. Dr. Ramanadham points out that collagen production and remodeling continue for several weeks, meaning you can expect further improvements.
Dos:
- Resume Normal Skincare Routine: By the end of the first week, all experts agree that you can typically return to your regular skincare regimen, including makeup. However, pay attention to how your skin feels to avoid disrupting its barrier function.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Invasive Procedures: Dr. Ramanadham advises against invasive procedures like microneedling, waxing, peels, or laser treatments for several weeks to allow your skin to fully benefit from the initial treatment and avoid over-stressing it.
Final Thoughts on Post-Microneedling Care
Our experts unanimously emphasize the effectiveness of microneedling when performed correctly and under sterile conditions. However, they consistently stress that proper aftercare is just as vital as the procedure itself for achieving optimal outcomes. If you aspire to radiant, healthy skin post-microneedling, diligently follow a comprehensive aftercare protocol.
