So, are you trying hard to achieve flawless, radiant skin? Microneedling may have left you feeling a little care, but don’t worry; the recovery process is easy peasy as long as you follow the proper aftercare instructions.
Microneedling treatment uses thin needles to address skin concerns like acne scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. While many people choose microneedling for cosmetic reasons, it can also benefit specific medical conditions.
To make you understand in detail about microneedling, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on what to do after microneedling. So, sit back, relax, and read on to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your treatment.
What to Use after Microneedling?
After microneedling, it is important to choose the right products for your skin to promote healing and avoid further damage. Here is some detailed information on what to use:
- Use hyaluronic acid or HA serum: Many dermatologists suggest using a hyaluronic acid (HA) serum before and after microneedling. This is because hyaluronic acid is a substance already present in our bodies, so it is less likely to cause problems or unwanted reactions.
- Choose gentle and non-irritating products: As post microneedling care, you should avoid using harsh or rough products that may cause irritation to your skin. Search products that are specifically made for post-micro needling care.
- Avoid heavy or oily products: Heavy or oily products may clog your pores and hinder the healing process. It’s best to opt for lightweight moisturizers or serums that contain soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or vitamin E.
- Consult with your skincare professional: Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to consult with your skincare professional for personalized recommendations and guidance. They can help you choose the best products for your skin type and ensure you use them correctly.
Who Needs Microneedling Sessions?
No matter who needs microneedling but they must take post microneedling care for long-lasting results. Microneedling is a treatment that can address both cosmetic and medical concerns. If you have any of the following concerns, you might consider microneedling:
- Enlarged pores.
- Fine lines or wrinkles.
- Loose or thin skin that appears wrinkled.
- Mild scars, especially from acne or burns.
- Skin discoloration or uneven skin tone.
- Stretch marks
Additionally, microneedling can help individuals with certain medical conditions, such as
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where a person sweats excessively.
In some cases, microneedling uses by healthcare providers to administer drugs or vaccines directly into the skin. This performs through microneedles present in a patch that individuals can apply themselves instead of receiving injections from a healthcare professional.
Essential Tips on Post Microneedling Care
After microneedling, it’s significant to follow the detailed instructions provided by your doctor carefully. These instructions may base on your specific medical history or skin type, so adhere to microneedling post care closely.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated after microneedling is essential to help your skin recover and promote healing. If you drink a lot of water in a day, it can help to improve blood circulation, which automatically assists in the recovery process. It can also help prevent dryness and promote a healthy glow. Remember to drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin looking and feeling its best!
Sun Protection
Microneedling after care, you should prioritize sun protection for the first two weeks. Apply sunscreen whenever you go outside during this time. Avoid spending extended time in the sun during the first week after your microneedling procedure. As a result, your skin gets more sensitive.
Prevent Infection
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and apply any prescribed topical antibiotic cream.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face to clean the treated area.
- Refrain from applying makeup, especially with brushes used before, for the first 24 hours after microneedling.
- Stay away from swimming pools, saunas, and situations where you may sweat heavily, including intense workouts, to safeguard your skin.
- You can resume these activities as directed by your doctor.
Keep the Area Clean
When we undergo microneedling, tiny needles puncture our skin during the procedure, creating micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. However, this also leaves our skin vulnerable to bacteria and other harmful substances. To care after microneedling, if we keep the area clean, we can prevent these substances that cause irritation or infection on your skin.
Follow-up Appointments
Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your skincare expert to assess your progress and deal with any problems. If you miss any appointment, you won’t get the desired results. On each appointment, your dermatologist will guide you properly to see your face condition.
Be Gentle
Regarding skincare after microneedling, avoid scratching, picking, or rubbing the treated area, as this can disrupt healing and lead to complications. Leave the area soft, if you feel itching or irritation on your skin, call your dermatologist and ask them what you should do.
Pros of Microneedling
If you appropriately focus on microneedling post care, you’ll get a lot of benefits for sure. Microneedling is popular for rejuvenating and plump the skin with minimal discomfort and a short recovery time. The treatment meets the individual needs. Some microneedling benefits include:
- Minimizing the appearance of scars such as acne scars
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Shrinking enlarged pores
- Fading hyperpigmentation or dark spots
- Smoothing out uneven skin tone
- Improving skin elasticity
- Diminishing the appearance of stretch marks
- Promoting hair growth in individuals with alopecia
Microneedling is generally more affordable than laser therapy and may be more suitable for certain people. Laser treatments involve heat, which can affect the skin’s pigmentation. That’s why you must take skincare after microneedling seriously.
What Result Can You Expect After Microneedling?
After undergoing a microneedling procedure, it’s normal to experience some side effects. When you leave your appointment, your skin might look flushed or bright red, similar to having a mild to moderate sunburn after spending a day in the sun.
The redness you experience from microneedling will mostly go away within 48 hours. Other symptoms like peeling and breakouts may take a little longer to resolve.
Even if you take good care of your skin after microneedling, the redness won’t go away immediately. Swelling is normal for up to 48 hours after the procedure. It’s also common to experience flaking or peeling of the skin.
You may notice other side effects, such as bumps, breakouts, and dry skin, but not everyone will experience them.
Using moisturizers and gentle cleansers can help reduce these side effects and take care of your skin. The good news is that the recovery time after microneedling is relatively short compared to other cosmetic procedures.
Most people require multiple microneedling sessions, usually spaced 3 to 8 weeks apart. It can take 3 to 6 months to see noticeable results. Afterward, maintenance treatments may be you need once a year. That’s why dermatologists suggest proper care after microneedling.
In Short!
So, hopefully, you understand well why you need to take care of your skin after microneedling to achieve good results. Proper aftercare not only helps soothe any discomfort but also protects your skin during the healing process.
It’s normal to have fear before taking the first session of microneedling because no one wants to take the risk when it comes to skincare. Once you get the first experience, you’ll be habitual of it.
Make sure to carefully follow any instructions given by your healthcare professional. If you have any questions regarding skincare routine, don’t hesitate to ask them before and after your appointment. They are there to help and provide guidance.
FAQs
What should you not do after microneedling?
To microneedling after care, it is important to avoid intense exercises that make you sweat, as well as activities like jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths for up to 48 hours after microneedling. After 24 hours, limit your makeup to mineral-based products only.
What should I put on my skin after microneedling?
If your skin feels dry after microneedling, you can simply use coconut oil to moisturize and hydrate your face. You can also cleanse dry skin with diluted, alcohol-free witch hazel. Make sure to use gentle and familiar ingredients that you trust.
What to do 3 days after microneedling?
Use any cleansers, toners, or scrubs in the 2 to 3 days after microneedling but make sure to consult your dermatologist. They can check the ingredients to ensure they won’t worsen any side effects or cause any harm to your skin.
How long after microneedling can I wash my face?
It’s best to wait for 24 hours to take a shower after microneedling. This allows the tiny openings created during the treatment to close, reducing the risk of bacteria entering. You can use a light cleanser to wash your face and then gently pat it dry. clean the towel after 4 hours of the procedure.