Ready for your microneedling treatment? Proper preparation and aftercare are crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you know what to do before and after your procedure.
Before the Treatment
5 - 7 Days Before the Treatment
Avoid Active Serums: Stop using serums with retinol, vitamin C, exfoliating acids (like AHAs and BHAs), alcohol-based products, and heavy fragrances. These can make your skin more sensitive and reactive to microneedling.
Gentle Hydration: Focus on using gentle hydrating serums and moisturizers. This helps maintain your skin’s moisture without adding stress, preparing it for the treatment.
Sun Protection: Limit sun exposure leading up to your appointment. If you need to be outdoors, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect against sunburn, which can increase sensitivity.
Skip Blood Thinners: Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can raise the risk of bruising during and after the treatment.
1 - 3 Days Before the Treatment
Optional Medical-Grade Face Mask: Consider using a medical-grade face mask daily to help improve your skin’s condition. This can enhance hydration and further prepare your skin for the treatment.
Day of the Treatment
Morning of the Procedure: On the day of your treatment, skip the makeup. Instead, apply a moisturizing cream to keep your skin hydrated.
Before the procedure: Thoroughly cleanse your skin and sanitize any tools that will be used.
Avoid microneedling during your period: Hormonal changes make skin more sensitive to pain and increase the likelihood of bruising, as blood flow and healing responses are affected.
After the Treatment
1 Hour After the Treatment: You may feel some burning, swelling, or tightness in your skin. This is normal and should subside within about an hour.
Within 24 Hours After the Treatment: If you notice redness and swelling or slight discharge, don’t panic. Avoid washing your face. Instead, apply a sterile medical repair mask or spray a medical repair spray. Protect your skin from the sun during this time to enhance recovery.
24 Hours After the Treatment: Wash your face gently with saline (avoid facial cleansers). If your skin feels dry, you can spray a medical repair spray or apply a repair ointment to help with hydration.
3 Days After the Treatment: You can start using moisturizing essence and creams, but focus on maintaining moisture and sun protection.
7 Days After the Treatment: If your skin feels comfortable, you can apply light makeup and sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid facial cleansers, sunscreen, and makeup until your skin has fully recovered.
Common Skin Reactions After Microneedling
Redness and Swelling: This is normal and can last for 24 hours, gradually subsiding as your skin heals.
Erythema/Bruising: You may see localized redness or bruising, which should resolve within 3-7 days, returning to normal skin color.
Uneven Skin Tone/Dark Spots: Some people may notice uneven skin tone or dullness, which usually resolves within a week. Remember to protect your skin from the sun for one week post-treatment to avoid further issues.
Itching: Occasional itching and dryness with small white flakes may occur during the healing process. This is normal, so keep your skin moisturized, protect it from the sun, and avoid irritants.
Each person’s skin is unique, and factors like treatment depth and goals for microneedling can make a difference. For the best results, it’s always wise to consult a doctor for personalized guidance.