Skin Care Tips For Microneedling Aftercare

As we age, many of the challenges and stress in our day-to-day lifestyle start to show up on our faces. Microneedling has been proven to provide benefits that can combat these signs of aging and maintain that youthful glow.

One topic rarely discussed is the microneedling aftercare instructions needed following treatment. While your dermatologist or professional will handle all aspects of the treatment, it’s important to note that how you treat your skin after the procedure, is vital for long-lasting results.

If you are looking to try microneedling then you are probably looking at the most effective ways to get results out of your treatment.  Here are some simple tips that can be used to enhance the benefits.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is an advanced skin or cosmetic procedure used to treat signs of aging. With the use of microneedles, micro punctures in the skin are created so that the body can respond to these injuries and consequently produce more collagen.  

Microneedling reduces wrinkle and line lines, the appearance of acne scars, and shrinks pores with minimal side effects. It is generally effective in addressing many skin problems in just four to six treatments. It helps promote softer smoother skin and a younger and healthier appearance. 

Tips For Aftercare

The following advice is helpful if you want to obtain optimal results from microneedling treatments. However, proper preparations are a crucial component in ensuring effective treatment following an operation. 

Start With Self Care

The skincare world is fastly improving, but to truly enjoy these new and improved treatments, it’s important that you are properly taking care of your skin on a daily basis.  The current health of your skin will play a major role in how your microneedling treatment or other cosmetics procedures will turn out.

Having a daily skincare regime will set you up for success not only before treatment but as something to continue after to extend your microneedling results.

Avoid Make-Up

Applying makeup too early after microneedling might cause irritation or problems after treatment. This is because the skin is highly sensitive and will absorb the toxins and chemicals found in most of these products. 

Avoid makeup for the first 24 to 48 hours, but longer if you can deal without it.  It’s a good idea to receive a treatment towards the end of the week, so that you may have the weekend for your effects to subside.

Make sure to use a clean makeup brush as there known to carry bacteria.  Use light mineral makeup only, after 48 hours.

Stay Out Of The Sun

Use chemical-free sunscreen if you are going to be outdoors. Avoid direct sun exposure for the first two weeks following treatment if possible. Make sure to wear hats, scarves, and anything that will protect or block your skin from UV rays. 

Do not apply sunscreen in the first 24 hours following treatment.

How To Treat Temporary Redness

Due to the stimulation, your skin receives from microneedling, certain areas of skin may have redness due to sensitivity and the body’s natural inflammatory response.  This is a good sign, as it signals the healing process is underway.

While this may make you a little self-conscious about your appearance, it usually only lasts for the first 24 to 48 hours. After 24 hours, you can use nutritional oral supplements and topicals such as omega 3, vitamin c, vitamin e, and calcium.  Kiwi oil is also great for sealing and healing the skin. 

Should I Use Retinol After Microneedling

It is well known that Retinol (Vitamin A) can improve and work wonders for the appearance of the skin.  It is highly effective when treating uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation issues. Although it can provide many benefits, it can also be highly irritable on your sensitive skin. Avoid Retinol for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment to be safe.

Hyaluronic Acid

A hyaluronic acid serum will be your best friend throughout your entire microneedling process. Its normally applied during the process for its nutrient benefits and so that your device can easily glide over the surface of your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has been formulated to help restore skin to its natural equilibrium. The antioxidant serum is highly beneficial to the skin and helps to soothe and minimize skin irritation.

Hyaluronic acid is also applied after treatment, as it is easy for the nutrient benefits to absorb into the microchannels that were created during treatment.  Hyaluronic acid is the only product that should be applied for the first 24 hours following treatment. It will strengthen the skin and accelerate the microneedling healing process.

Avoid Bacteria Prone Environments

Just as you need to avoid the heat from the sun, you need to avoid it from other places as well. Gyms, saunas, pools, and tanning beds all harbor bacteria, especially when you begin to sweat. These environments should be avoided for 72 hours to a week period in order to keep your skin clean.

Final Tip

A proper aftercare routine is important to calm symptoms from treatment and to ensure long-lasting results. Contact your dermatologist if any adverse reactions occur or if any questions or concerns arise. If you are looking for general information about what treatments work best for you, ProNeedling provides resourceful guides and tips to better educate yourself before deciding your course of action.