You just went through a microneedling session, so your skin is looking radiant. However, what you do after microneedling can be as significant as the procedure itself. Selecting the best products to use after microneedling isn’t an extra, it is necessary for healthy, attractive results without any issues or complications.
In fact, a recent study in the National Library of Medicine found that 89% of post-microneedling issues resulted from not following proper care afterward. So, whether you’ve been microneedling or it’s your first session, let’s discuss the products you should use (and avoid) and how to look after your skin after a microneedling session.
Ready to look radiant? Here we go!
Understanding Microneedling and Skin Healing
Microneedling is not simply a fad, it’s a science-backed skin rejuvenation method that works by stimulating your skin’s natural healing abilities. However, to achieve those results, you must understand what happens behind the scenes.
What Happens During a Microneedling Session?
Microneedling is another name for collagen induction therapy. It involves using little sterile needles to pierce the skin. These micro-injuries signal your skin to go into repair mode, producing more collagen and elastin—hello, smoother skin!
As a result of this controlled injury, the channels are perfect for absorbing products, explaining the importance for the best products to use after microneedling immediately after your therapy.
Stages of Skin Healing Post Microneedling
There are four stages through which your skin heals.
1. Inflammation (0–48 hours): Skin is red, tight, and a little tender. It needs to be treated with water and a soft touch.
2. Proliferation (2–5 days): Collagen production kicks in. You might notice dryness or flaking—normal!
3. Maturation (1–4 weeks): Your skin is rebuilding stronger than before.
4. Remodeling (4–6 weeks): Long-term changes in texture, firmness, and tone become visible.
At every point after microneedling, you need to use products that are suitable for the specific post microneedling care for your skin at that time.
Why Aftercare Isn’t Optional
Skipping the instructions given for aftercare during microneedling may result in irritation, infection, or the treatment might not show the desired results. Healthline mentions that insufficient aftercare can cause the skin to take longer to heal or become sensitive after microneedling treatment.
So, it’s not a surprise that most dermatologists agree: you should use the best serum for microneedling, a gentle cleanser, and the best moisturizer after microneedling to prevent hurting your skin and wasting the time and money you invested.
Immediate Aftercare: First 24 Hours After Microneedling
After a microneedling session, your skin may be tingling, may look glowy, and may be very sensitive. It is essential to make the right move next. The first 24 hours are where your post microneedling care routine sets the stage for how well your skin heals (and how good it looks).
What to Expect Right After Microneedling
Just after a microneedling session, your skin may look a little red, much like a mild sunburn. It’s normal for your skin to feel warm and slightly tight as it begins to repair the wound. Sometimes, there is a little swelling, mainly in more delicate areas of the face, and your skin may become more sensitive to touch and easy stimulation. Most of the time, the effects are light and disappear in just one or two days.
Dos: What You Should Do in the First 24 Hours
1. Use the best products to use after microneedling—hydration and healing only!
Hyaluronic acid serum is one of the best options available, as it has no irritating effects on the skin. You could try La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5. When selecting a moisturizer, look for one that contains Ceramides and peptides. You can try using CeraVe Healing Ointment.
In the opinion of Dr. Whitney Bowe, “The best serum for microneedling is one that strengthens the skin and deeply moisturizes it.”
2. Use a gentle thermal water mist
Microbiome-friendly brands such as Avene provide hydration to keep your skin calm and cool.
3. Let your skin breathe
Avoid using makeup, active serums, or anything that seals your skin.
Don’ts: What to Avoid in the First 24 Hours
After microneedling, you should not put on makeup or use exfoliating products such as AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs for at least the first 24 hours.
Retinoids and Vitamin C should not be used while your skin is recovering, because they can be irritating. And also, avoid direct sunlight and anything like exercising or using a sauna that makes you sweat.
Pro tip: The best products to use after microneedling should not contain any fragrance or be oily, non-comedogenic, and ultra soothing.
When to Wash Your Face After Microneedling
How long after microneedling can i wash my face? Waiting for at least 8 to 12 hours after your treatment is important. When you do, remember to use a cleanser that is pH-balanced and does not lather. Try using Vanicream’s Gentle Cleanser or Avene’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion and always use warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Essential Products to Use After Microneedling for Optimal Results
Your skin went through a transformation and is now more absorbent, more exposed, and needs attention. Now let’s look at the best products to use after microneedling to promote healing and hydration without causing irritation. This is the ultimate guide to post microneedling care that usually works.
1. Hydrating Serums: Fuel the Glow
Collagen is best regenerated when you are properly hydrated. A hyaluronic acid-rich serum is the best serum for microneedling. They moisturize the skin, reduce tightness, and prevent it from drying out.
Top Picks:
Diaminy Aesthetics Hydrating Recovery Serum: Thanks to its hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and peptides, this powerful serum is perfect for skin that has undergone treatments. The product is light, unscented, and absorbs quickly.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: A great product that is affordable and effective.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel: Dermatologists across the globe use it to provide medical-level hydration.
You might not know this, but… The skin can absorb 200% more substances after microneedling. Selecting the best serum for microneedling improves the outcome.
2. Barrier-Rebuilding Moisturizers: Lock It In
With proper hydration, the next step is to put on a cream that will help retain moisture on your face. The best moisturizer after microneedling will trap moisture and help reduce inflammation.
Recommended:
The Diaminy Aesthetics Calming Ceramide Cream has ceramides, squalane, and allantoin to fix and protect your skin when it is damaged. Perfectly soft and suited for the first 72 hours.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is recommended by dermatologists and contains a lot of ceramides.
For French pharmacy lovers, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is the perfect choice after a procedure.
The best products to use after microneedling should always include a ceramide-rich non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and prevent any peeling.
3. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: No Skipping This Step
Microneedled skin is easily affected by UV rays. A zinc-based SPF sunscreen is a safe choice as it won’t irritate your face and won’t leave white spots.
Top Picks:
Diaminy Aesthetics SPF 50 is very light, completely contains minerals, does not have fragrance, and includes niacinamide for skin after procedures.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is the preferred choice for people with acne.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica: Includes extra antioxidants and enzymes that repair DNA.
There is no doubt: Board-certified dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen as soon as you start your microneedling aftercare which should be as early as day two.
4. Soothing Mists & Sprays: Instant Relief
When your skin is hot or itchy, a sterile mist can make you feel better without influencing your healing.
Try:
Diaminy Aesthetics Post-Treatment Mist, A thermal mist for the skin that contains trace minerals and soothing chamomile, Avene Thermal Spring Water, and you can also use La Roche-Posay Serozinc Spray
Tip: For an even more soothing outcome, store your mist in the fridge for the first 24 hours.
5. Gentle Cleansers: Wash Without Damage
The main thing is to cleanse the skin but not remove its natural oils. Your post microneedling care kit should include a mild cleanser that does not foam and is balanced for pH.
Cleanse With:
Diaminy Aesthetics Sensitive Skin Cleanser, which is formulated for after skin treatments, with no fragrance, no sulfates, and contains oat and glycerin to soothe the skin. The Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, or Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion, can also work.
Pro tip: You should always use lukewarm water to rinse your face. Do not use a washcloth or scrub your skin for at least two days.
Products to Avoid After Microneedling (And Why It Matters)
While picking the best products to use after microneedling is important, it is equally important to know what to avoid. Since your skin is very sensitive, you may end up with irritated, red spots or acne if you use skincare products with harsh ingredients.
According to Dermapen World, 1 out of 3 people who have microneedling treatments experience irritation because they use the wrong products before the recommended time.
Let’s review what not to use, when, and why.
1. Exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, Scrubs)
Since microneedling creates tiny injuries on the skin that exfoliate the top layers, applying chemical exfoliants is not necessary. Avoid using ingredients such as Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid, Enzyme peels, and Physical scrubs (e.g., walnut shells, microbeads)
Why avoid? When used too soon on the skin after needling, they may burn the skin and cause peeling by thinning the skin’s layer.
2. Retinoids & Vitamin C
These two substances are fantastic for the skin, but not immediately after microneedling. Since retinol and L-ascorbic acid are very strong, they may burn, cause peeling, or irritate your skin during the healing phase.
Why avoid? Acidic ingredients can hasten your skin’s regeneration, making it dangerous for skin that is already in that process.
3. Fragranced Products & Essential Oils
Fragrances give skincare a luxurious feel, yet they also cause contact dermatitis in many people, especially those with sensitive skin. Avoid products such as Perfume, Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus), and Products that contain botanical ingredients
According to the National Eczema Association, many people experience sensitivity to fragrances in the first three days after applying them to their skin.
4. Makeup & Heavy Coverage Foundations
It might be tempting to hide your rosy face, but you shouldn’t. If you apply makeup before the skin has healed, it can clog your pores, lead to infection, and make healing slower. Don’t use makeup products altogether.
When to resume: You can resume wearing a non-comedogenic light mineral makeup after 48 to 72 hours.
5. Cleansing Devices & Harsh Tools
It’s a no for Clarisonics, silicone scrubbers, and washcloths. They cause irritation for already sensitive skin.
Pro tip: After microneedling, only clean your skin with your fingers or cotton pads for the first couple of days.
6. Alcohol-Based Products or Astringents
Many toners and acne products contain alcohol, which takes away moisture and lengthens the healing process. Watch out for SD alcohol, Denatured alcohol, and Witch hazel (if not alcohol-free).
7. High Heat & Sweat
Not technically a product, but still something to avoid! Sweating too much may irritate your skin and increase the possibility of new acne appearing. Avoid Saunas, Hot yoga, Intense cardio, and Steam rooms.
Safer Option: Walk slowly and stretch for a short time until days 3 or 4 have passed.
Remember, the best products to use after microneedling are those that protect, hydrate, and repair, but anything else can come later.
Tailoring Aftercare to Skin Types: Finding the Best Products to Use After Microneedling for Your Skin
Every person’s skin is unique. That’s the reason why even the best products to use after microneedling should suit the specifics of your skin type. Whether you're breakout-prone, flaky-dry, or sensitive to everything, your aftercare for microneedling should reflect your skin’s individual needs.
Let’s categorize it by type.
1. Sensitive Skin: Calm & Protect
Should your skin flush easily, react to skincare items, or be sensitive to fragrances, you fit into the sensitive group. Since microneedling can increase your skin’s sensitivity, go for mild and gentle products.
Use:
The Diaminy Aesthetics Calming Ceramide Cream: Thanks to the lipids, it is fragrance-free and perfect for rebuilding the skin
Vanicream’s Gentle Cleanser: This product does not contain sulfates, parabens, or any fragrance.
Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray: The gel soothes and cools when it comes in contact with the skin.
Avoid:
Anything that uses essential oils, fragrance, or alcohol, and also using very hot water or drying with a very rough towel.
When dealing with sensitive skin, start with only a few ingredients for the first 3-5 days.
2. Acne-Prone Skin: Hydrate Without Breakouts
When you tend to get breakouts, using heavy creams may seem a little bit frightening. But if you do not moisturize, your skin might overcompensate with oil that then clogs your pores.
Use:
Diaminy Aesthetics Hydrating Recovery Serum: This formula is light and won’t clog your pores.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 contains niacinamide and zinc to calm your skin and protect it from the sun.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is superb for dry areas because it isn’t greasy.
Avoid:
Occlusive oils such as coconut oil and any SPF that includes isopropyl myristate, as it often leads to comedogenesis.
Key tip: Always look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer to use after microneedling.
3. Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Feed the Barrier
After microneedling, your skin may become extra tight, flaky, and itchy if it is dry. Your goal? Select moisturizing products that also restore the skin’s barrier and apply them one by one.
Use:
Diaminy Aesthetics Peptide Recovery Complex: Hydrates the skin and improves the skin’s barrier with amino acids.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Light enough not to bother your skin, yet thick enough for the cold season.
Use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 before applying your moisturizer to seal in water.
Avoid:
Foaming cleansers and use exfoliants from day 10.
If your skin is not healing as fast as you would like, continue with the gentle products for another week.
4. Combination Skin: Balance Is Everything
If your face is oily across the forehead and chin and dry around your cheeks, care after microneedling must address both issues.
Use:
Diaminy Aesthetics Fragrance-Free Moisture Gel is suitable for oily areas because it is not heavy, and it provides the moisture needed for dry areas. Also, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is ideal for use on combination skin.
Pro tip: For the best results, use fragrance-free and water-based products.
Expert Insight: Customizing By Skin Tone
Microneedling can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation among people with darker skin tones. In this case:
Try not to use Vitamin C for at least 7 days. Serums made with niacinamide, such as Diaminy Aesthetics Mineral Defense SPF, help reduce both the chance of pigment and skin inflammation. Make sure to use SPF, even in your home or office.
Expert Tips & Common Mistakes in Aftercare for Microneedling
Often, little changes in your post microneedling care can have major effects. Here’s the advice from experts and the things most people misunderstand.
Expert Tips to Maximize Results
Start simple, then build: Make your first three to five days about healing, not about treating your injuries. Don’t forget to hydrate, moisturize, and shield your skin.
Try peptide serums: They help collagen develop without causing irritation. The Diaminy Peptide Recovery Complex is one of the most popular treatments.
Always wear sunscreen: Your skin is less protected from hyperpigmentation. Wear Diaminy Mineral Defense SPF 50 every day, even if you are indoors.
Being persistent is better than using fancy products. Choosing a great moisturizer and hydrating serum over trending beauty ingredients is more important after microneedling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid retinol: It’s tempting to use retinol right away, but this can actually irritate your skin. You don’t need to use many products all at once. Your skin is getting better—don’t overwhelm it.
Skipping SPF after using microneedling can lead to pigmentation and reverse all the treatment’s positive effects. Don’t try to remove flaking skin; it will come off by itself. Don’t overdo it when you exfoliate your skin.
Skin damage, redness, or burning indicates that your product isn’t working. If you feel this way, it’s time to slow down.
Conclusion: Let Your Skin Work, You Just Support It
Microneedling does more than treat your skin; it helps reset your skin’s appearance. But how you handle the time after the session matters equally to the treatment itself.
By selecting the best products to use after microneedling, you protect what you’ve paid for and allow your skin to heal more efficiently. Each item, from hydrating serums to barrier creams to the best moisturizer after microneedling and a mineral sunscreen, helps make a difference in your skin.
Don’t make typical mistakes, follow the treatment plan, and use gentle aftercare for microneedling. Your body’s skin takes care of itself. All that’s needed is strong support.
Upgrade Your Aftercare: Trust Your Skin with Diaminy Aesthetics
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Whether you're searching for the best serum to use after microneedling, the perfect post-treatment moisturizer, or a calming SPF that won't clog or sting, Diaminy has you covered.
Don’t try to guess your aftercare, but make it effective. Shop for our full Diaminy Microneedling Recovery Kit and experience healthy, beautiful skin Today!
