It seems counterintuitive that controlled damage can benefit your skin, but that's exactly what microneedling does. When you go in for a microneedling treatment, a licensed professional uses an electric-powered device to push tiny needles evenly into your skin to stimulate collagen production, minimize scarring, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone.
While it's considered a minimally invasive technique, microneedling aftercare is vital to ensure the best results. Dive in for a closer look at what to expect and what to do after microneedling.
PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle Eye Patches all you to experience a professional grade microneedling treatment that works to hydrate and deliver anti-aging ingredients directly under your eye via self-dissolving microneedles all from the comfort of your home.
What to Expect after Microneedling
Before getting into microneedling aftercare, it's important to know what to expect after receiving a treatment. You might experience any of the following:
- Light swelling and redness for up to 48 hours after the procedure
- Flaking and peeling (due to dead skin cell stimulation)
- Breakouts or bumps
- Dryness
Most people notice significant recovery within the first two days after treatment, and side effects are typically minimal enough that you can return to work (or other usual activities) the next day. Your skin's deeper layers will continue to heal for up to two months after the procedure.
Microneedling Aftercare
Once you've left your Dermatologist's office, it's up to you to nurture and protect your skin. Here's what to do after microneedling to support recovery.
Cleanse Cautiously
Avoid scrubbing your face with a washcloth or electronic cleansing brush. Instead, gently cleanse your skin with your fingertips using light pressure. Rinse with tepid water and pat your skin dry.
Use a soothing, fragrance-free cleansing formula such as PCA SKIN Creamy Cleanser. It's formulated with nourishing Rosehip and Sunflower Seed Oils to gently cleanse the skin without stripping its natural moisture while Aloe Leaf Juice provides a soothing effect. This combination leaves your skin soft and smooth rather than tight and dry.
Moisturize
A good moisturizer is vital to microneedling aftercare to nourish your skin barrier. PCA SKIN ReBalance calms, soothes, hydrates, and protects with Borage Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Seed Oil, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E—everything you need right after a microneedling session.
Be Mindful of the Sun
Most resurfacing treatments leave your skin more susceptible to damage, so avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks after microneedling. While you should already be using sun protection daily, make it a priority after microneedling. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as PCA SKIN Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, and reapply at least every two hours. If you're experiencing dryness after treatment, opt for something like PCA SKIN Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
Temporarily Avoid Certain Ingredients and Treatments
Avoid physical and chemical exfoliating ingredients and treatments—including scrubs, microdermabrasion, alpha-hydroxy acids, and enzyme peels—for 10 to 14 days after microneedling. Hold off on using Vitamin C and Retinol for at least 48 hours.
Share your usual cleansing routine with your Derm to ensure none of your tried-and-true products contain ingredients that might interrupt recovery or worsen side effects.
Hold Off on Makeup
While it's understandable you might want to cover up any post-treatment redness with makeup, avoid doing so for at least 48 hours so your skin has ample time to heal. Applying cosmetics over freshly exposed skin puts you at risk of breakouts and means you'll need to put more effort into cleansing. The less you touch your face after microneedling, the better.
Put Your Exercise Routine on Pause
Since microneedling increases blood flow, hitting the gym afterward can make the treated areas more sensitive and lead to swelling. Sweat can also cause discomfort. So, wait 48 to 72 hours after your treatment before returning to strenuous physical activity.
Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
Like exercise, hot water increases blood flow. It can also strip the skin of its natural oils. Cleanse, shower, and bathe with tepid water for the first 48 hours after microneedling. Push pause on steam rooms, saunas, and other heat-based treatments for a couple of days, too.
Don't Pick and Peel
Picking at peeling skin can be tempting, but hands off! Doing so can disrupt the healing response and lead to scarring and infection.
Avoid Alcohol
Lay off the cabernet for at least 24 hours after treatment to prevent dryness and irritation.
Follow Up with Your Derm
How many treatments you need depends on your skin goals and needs. Follow up with your skin care professional around four to six weeks after your treatment so they can evaluate your skin's response and recommend next steps.
Microneedling is minimally invasive, yet it yields impressive results for a range of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Do your part to ensure the best results by adopting a gentle skin care routine, avoiding activities that raise your body temperature, and protecting your skin from the sun. Ready to level up your skin transformation? Find a PCA SKIN certified professional today!
Author:
Rebecca Taras
A Chicagoland native, Rebecca began her career catering to celebrity clientele as a licensed esthetician at the Peninsula Chicago Hotel. Her passion for skin care ingredients, formulations, and skin histology led her to create custom in-room skin, bath, and body amenities for the Sofitel Hotel Chicago. The Chicago Fashion Foundation recognized her efforts with the Style Maker, Rule Breaker award in the Beauty category. She later went on to co-found Terminal Getaway airport spas. Rebecca’s experience also includes serving as an editor for digital outlets such as Refinery29, PopSugar, Forbes Travel Guides, and Bustle. She continues to refine her skin care knowledge while spending time traveling the world with her husband.