How to Look After Your Skin After Microneedling

Microneedling aftercare

While a microneedling treatment typically only lasts 30-60 minutes, it can take a few days for your skin to recover. Afterall, microneedling causes trauma - albeit controlled - to your skin, so you need to, essentially, think of your newly treated skin as a wound that needs to be cared for. And we’ve got the microneedling aftercare dos and don’ts to do just that.

What you should do after microneedling

After a microneedling treatment, your skin will likely be red and sensitive, so here are a few things you can do to help calm and soothe it.

1) Stay out of the sun

Your skin will have just been punctured with lots of teeny weeny needles, so you can imagine how sensitive it might be feeling - and how red it will already be. Heat and sunburn on top of that? Ouch! No thanks. It’s best to let your skin rest and to avoid the sun for a good couple of days after the treatment.

2) Wear a good SPF

When you do eventually go out, it’s essential to wear a good broad spectrum SPF sunscreen of factor 30 or above. This will ensure your sensitive skin will be better protected against the sun’s powerful rays. However, you’ll want to avoid wearing this straight after the microneedling treatment as it could cause irritation.

3) Keep hydrated

Staying hydrated is key after a treatment like microneedling. This will flush out toxins, help your skin heal quicker and keep it nice and healthy.

4) HA is A OK

Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient for providing the skin with hydration too, and helps it look really glowing and glorious too. This is, generally, one ingredient that is a great option in the days following microneedling. But speak to your practitioner to make sure the HA product you have is fine to use and isn’t mixed with any ingredients that will prolong the healing process.

5) Use a gentle cleanser

After microneedling, you’ll want to use a lovely gentle cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. Nothing with those (usually amazing but not in this instance) active ingredients. Make sure your hands are clean, and wash your face with lukewarm water as opposed to hot, as this will allow it to feel more soothed and should help prevent further inflammation or sensitivity.

What you shouldn't do after microneedling

So, now you know the key microneedling post-treatment dos, here are your collagen induction therapy don'ts.

1) Don’t use actives

Active ingredients, like retinols, vitamin C and AHAs (glycolic acid) will only aggravate your skin when it’s at its most sensitive. So, lay off your active skincare for a good five days or so - although your practitioner should give you a good idea based on your skin. Another thing to avoid when it comes to skincare is fragrance, as this will cause further irritation.

2) Ditch the makeup

A common question people have is "can I wear makeup after microneedling?", but one of the best things you can do for your skin while it’s recovering from a microneedling treatment is to let it breathe. Ahhhhhhh! That means no makeup for two to three days. Can’t bare to go bare skinned in public? Consider getting the treatment on a Friday and using the rest of the weekend to hibernate, letting your skin breathe a sigh of relief at home. When you do go back to wearing makeup, make sure your brushes are nice and clean to avoid infection.

3) Put down the trainers and spots bra

Exercise causes skin to get hot, and you can imagine that this combined with redness and sensitivity is not a good combo. A better combination? Relaxing on the sofa with a good box set. But, in all honesty, take it easy, and don’t work up a sweat. This means no hot baths or hot showers, and no saunas either.

4) Don’t take anti-inflammatories

If you need pain killers, stick to paracetamol, but anti-inflammatories, like Ibuprofen, should, on the whole, be avoided. Of course, speak to your healthcare expert about prescription medications, as they’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action following your microneedling treatment.

5) Avoid the temptation to touch

When you’ve just had a skin treatment done, it can be tempting…intriguing, even, to touch it. But it’s best to just leave your skin be. Touching could lead to further irritation or even infection.

And there you have it. Ten top tips for taking care of and keeping your skin in check after microneedling. One last tip? Always make sure you do your research and only ever see a healthcare professional who really knows what they're doing. Your skin is precious, and by seeking out a microneedling treatment, you likely want to look after or improve it, so go to someone who will give it the love it needs.

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