What to expect after microneedling and what you should avoid are some of the subjects that aren't often discussed. Essentially, microneedling creates micro-injuries on the skin. So, you must be aware of what comes after microneedling and what to avoid to strategically protect the skin’s barrier as it heals.
Once you undergo a microneedling procedure, your skin will become more sensitive. And it's because the tiny micro-injuries are in the process of healing. For this reason, it's important that you don't follow your daily skincare routine. And, for the first 2 to 3 days, you need to also avoid some products.
So, let's find more on what to expect after microneedling and the 5 things to avoid afterward. Keep reading!
Microneedling Procedure — How it's Done
Now, microneedling is a non surgical and minimally invasive skin treatment. In this procedure, a trained cosmetic specialist uses a pen-like device or roller — fitted with tiny needles — to gently create micro‑injuries in the skin. This triggers natural healing and collagen production.
The procedure involves several steps. These include preparing the skin and using a microneedling device. Let's look at how this non surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure is done:
Step 1: Preparation
The first thing your cosmetic skin care specialist does in this treatment is cleansing the skin. And, if needed, the dermatologist will use a numbing cream to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Step 2: Microneedling
Then, using a handheld device with needles, the dermatologist creates tiny punctures through the skin’s protective barrier and into the epidermis and dermis. These tiny injuries are helpful in stimulating your skin's natural healing response.
The dermatologist adjusts the needle length depending on the desired depth of penetration. And, does microneedling hurt? Typically the procedure isn't painful. But it may feel uncomfortable for some individuals.
Most people describe the sensation as a mild prickling, vibration, or sandpaper-like feeling. But topical numbing creams help minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Post Microneedling Care
Now, immediately after undergoing this treatment, your skin may have slight redness. Or, you may experience some mild swelling after the procedure. And, as part of post microneedling care, you may need to protect it from direct sun exposure. Furthermore, you'll need to:
● Use only lukewarm water to cleanse the treated area for the first 24 hours.
● Take plenty of water to help in your skin’s healing.
● Avoid strenuous activities.
● Limit the use of makeup.
● Use gentle, hydrating moisturizers.
● For the first 3 to 7 days, after the procedure, avoid harsh skin care ingredients (e.g., exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, or products with retinols or acids) to support healing and prevent irritation.
● Use ice packs to help in reducing discomfort or swelling if you experience it.
● Follow your provider's instructions regarding aftercare, including any prescribed creams or medications.
Step 4: The Results
Improvements in skin texture, fine lines, and acne scarring may become visible within a few weeks, with full results emerging over several months.
Microneedling is helpful in addressing areas where you may notice damaged or aging skin. And the results? A smooth, youthful, and rejuvenated appearance of the skin. Probably, you'll need to undergo several microneedling treatment sessions to achieve your desired outcomes.
What to Expect After Microneedling
Sometimes, microneedling may also be referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). In this procedure, your dermatologist performs it using a Diaminy derma pen. The device gently creates controlled micro‑injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response.
This treatment enhances collagen and elastin production — the key proteins that help maintain firm, smooth, and more youthful skin. Results typically emerge over the following weeks to months as your skin rebuilds itself.
The treatment is useful for treating a variety of skin conditions. These include wrinkles, scars, and alopecia. In other words, microneedling is a popular non surgical cosmetic procedure that many people undergo to enhance the appearance of their face. And, here's what to expect after microneedling treatment:
Post Microneedling Treatment Expectations
Immediately after microneedling, you'll probably notice some redness and mild swelling, comparable to a slight sunburn. These effects typically subside within a few hours to 2 or 3 days, depending on treatment depth and skin sensitivity. You might also experience some flaking or peeling as your skin sheds old cells.
If you're wondering: How long does microneedling take to heal? Well, it generally heals within a few days. And within a week, most people return to normal activities. So, to break down what to expect after microneedling:
Day 1 to 2
Your skin may appear red, feel tight, and might have slight swelling. This is simply your skin’s immediate healing response to the controlled micro-injuries. These effects are usually most pronounced during the first 1 to 2 days. However, they should subside with time.
Day 3 to 5
Once the initial redness subsides, you'll start noticing light flaking or peeling. This is a completely normal part of the renewal phase as your skin heals and regenerates. It signals that your body is actively replacing the damaged skin from micro‑injuries with healthier tissue.
Day 6 and Beyond
By now, your skin will start to feel softer and look brighter. During this time, new collagen fibers and elastin are forming beneath the surface. This smooths the texture, plumps the skin, and helps restore an even tone.
1 to 2 Weeks
You'll see improvements in the:
● Texture of the skin.
● Fine lines.
● Hyperpigmentation.
● Scar and acne marks.
4-6 Weeks
You'll see the full benefits of the treatment. These include improved firmness, tone, and overall skin health. However, one common concern is: How many microneedling treatments to see results?
Microneedling Treatment Sessions Needed to See Results
Many individuals need to get several microneedling treatment sessions, usually spaced about 3 weeks to 4 weeks apart. However, how many microneedling treatments to see results depends on several things. That is, the condition of the skin you want treated, its severity, and how it responds to the treatment.
For some people, they'll need 4 to 6 microneedling treatments. These should be spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart if you want to see significant improvements. The outcomes will last for up to several months.
5 Things to Avoid Post Microneedling
Now, you understand what to expect after microneedling and the specific post microneedling care instructions. There are also several things you need to avoid if you want to improve the appearance of your skin concerns after microneedling treatments. These include:
1. Taking Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Generally, once you've had your microneedling treatment, it's recommended that you avoid anti-inflammatory medications (eg., ibuprofen, aspirin). Why? Microneedling stimulates the body's natural healing process, including inflammation. This is necessary for collagen production and skin repair.
So, when you take anti-inflammatories, it suppresses this inflammation. If you experience pain, use other alternatives for managing discomfort without interfering with the healing process. For example take acetaminophen.
2. Showering or Washing Your Face Too Soon
It's important that you don't shower or wash your face for at least 24 hours post microneedling. This allows the micro-channels created by the treatment to close and for the skin to heal. When you wash your face too soon, it may introduce bacteria into these open channels, increasing the risks of infections.
Here's what to do instead! If you need to cleanse, use a saline solution or cooled boiled water with a clean cotton pad to remove any residual serums or blood stains. But avoid hot water or direct high-pressure water. So, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry after 4 to 6 hours of the procedure.
3. Undergoing Other Facial Procedures
After undergoing microneedling, the only thing you need is giving the skin time to recover. That means you need to avoid other treatments that could irritate or interfere with the healing process. So, generally, you should wait at least 24 hours. And in some cases, up to 14 days, before getting other facial procedures.
When you get other facial treatments, it will interfere with the post microneedling healing process. Especially those that involve exfoliation or cause irritation. This will potentially lead to complications. So, you need to wait and consult your dermatologist before scheduling other facial procedures. This will ensure you get the best and safest outcomes.
4. Using Thick Comedogenic Oils
This is generally not recommended. Your skin is highly sensitive and prone to irritation after getting a microneedling treatment. Using thick oils will potentially clog pores, leading to breakouts or worsening inflammation. So what should you do instead? It's best to wait at least 24 hours.
Choose gentle, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizers. Also, you may go for light, water-based moisturizers or gels that won't clog pores. Hyaluronic acid is another excellent ingredient for hydration and helps support the healing process. Similarly, using snail mucin may be helpful in wound healing and it promotes collagen production.
5. Consuming Alcohol or Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine cause dehydration in the body and dilate your blood vessels as they are diuretics. This increases the potential risks of bleeding and bruising. So, after getting a microneedling treatment, it's important to avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.
A dehydrated skin is less likely to heal sufficiently, potentially prolonging the recovery time. So, the best thing to do is staying hydrated. And that is by drinking plenty of water, as this will help in skin repair after microneedling treatment.
Post Microneedling Care
Looking to get the most out of your microneedling treatments? Well, here's what to expect after micro needling: Probably, your cosmetic surgeon will recommend the following post microneedling care instructions:
● Applying hyaluronic acid serum on the treated skin. This should be for the first few hours. And, use a mild moisturizing cream for subsequent 2 to 3 days.
●Use topical antibiotics to prevent potential infections. But only under your dermatologist's prescription.
● Sleeping on your back with your head elevated for at least 1 week. This is important as it reduces pressure and bruising on the treated area.
● Using only a gentle cleanser on the treatment area. Also, dry this area with as little pressure as possible.
Remember: Taking good care of your skin post microneedling is the only thing to do if you want to get the most out of this non surgical cosmetic treatment. Furthermore, it's important to choose the right dermatologist to perform this procedure. And ensure that they're a qualified and board certified skin care professional.
Is Microneedling Right for You?
So, are you the right candidate for microneedling? Any person, irrespective of their ages or skin types qualify for this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure.
Microneedling is generally considered a safe and effective non surgical treatment, especially when it's performed by a trained professional, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Now, you can get microneedling, for example if you want to treat:
● Enlarged pores.
● Visible signs of aging (e.g., fine lines and deeper wrinkles).
● Loose skin.
● Mild scars (e.g., post-acne or superficial burn scars).
● Discolored or uneven skin tone — patches or areas where color appears darker or lighter than surrounding skin.
● Types of scars that form when skin is rapidly stretched, often appearing as lines or streaks (stretch marks).
● Hyperhidrosis.
However, there are specific cases where getting microneedling may not be right for you. These include, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of keloid scarring, severe eczema, psoriasis, active skin infections, or systemic infections. Furthermore, people with poorly controlled diabetes or those taking medications (eg., blood thinners) should also avoid getting microneedling.
Final Thoughts
So, looking to make a big difference in what to expect after microneedling treatment? You need to take good care of your skin. Not only will proper post microneedling care soothe your symptoms, but it will also protect your skin from damage as it heals sufficiently. In the first days, protect your healing skin by avoiding anti-inflammatory medications. This will help support collagen formation.
Other post microneedling care practices include avoiding showers and face washing until the skin begins closing, only using non-comedogenic moisturizers, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine consumption. Adhere to these guidelines and work with a qualified provider.
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