Microneedling Aftercare – Tips and Instructions

Are you someone who is suffering from acne scars or wants to rejuvenate your skin because old age has caused wrinkles to show?

And you had tried many therapies, including tools for skincare, anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and serum.

Then finally, you resorted to micro-needling that helped you achieve your goals of restructuring your skin tone.

But, do you know the process does not end here?

Yes, probably one-third of the work still remains, that is, the microneedling aftercare. So, this is what we are going to elaborate on today. So, keep reading as we are unfolding microneedling aftercare in much detail.

What is Microneedling?

It’s a process in which small light needles are rolled over the face for the treatment of acne scar, fine lines, wrinkles, or large pores.

Also knowns as Collagen Induction therapy, it wakes your skin up in such a way that your skin starts to repair itself.

In other words, microneedling is done to renew the texture and overall tone of your skin.

The device used for microneedling is either a Dermaroller or a SkinPen.

What Benefits Would You Get From Microneedling?

• Treats Fine line and wrinkles
• Improvement in skin damage due to sun exposure
• Helpful in Melasma – discoloration of the skin
• Rejuvenates your skin tone and texture
• Tightening of pores for oily skins (olive skin tend to be oily too)
• Treats sunburns and hyperpigmentation

The skin improvement with microneedling can be observed in the following ‘Microneedling Before and After’ comparison.

The Microneedling Process

After you book an appointment with the concerned dermatologist or physician, it’s time you get your skin treated.

Microneedling takes about 2 hours to complete. It costs you anywhere between $160 t0 $300 for a one-time treatment.

The whole process will take 15-20 minutes and can be repeated after 30 days.

Preliminary Things before Microneedling

• You should not be using any medicine that is used to treat acne, like products having Retin-A, or products that can boost the immune.
• No exposure to the sun 24 hours prior to treatment.
• Keep your face clean and free of makeup on the day of treatment.
• If you are on some regular medicine, especially related to skin, inform your dermatologist before the treatment.
• Make sure you have no infections or open wounds before the treatment.
• Must not have any skin laser treatment in the week before microneedling.

Microneedling Aftercare Tips

Immediately after you are done with microneedling, you feel a little warm on your face. Redness or pink color may also appear, as the needles cause tiny bruises.

Now care needs to be taken, which, if not followed, will result in not getting the desired result or may even damage the skin – whether its microneedling aftercare at home or a clinic.

Taking care of your skin after microneedling is crucial to enhancing the results.

Dermatologist performing microneedling prescribes the following aftercare instructions:

1. Cleansing

In the first few days following the treatment, you need to use the microneedling aftercare products that are nourishing and hydrating.

For four hours after microneedling, do not wash your face; instead, cleanse it with some gentle moisturizing cleanser.

Don’t use makeup after microneedling, nor apply any brush on your face.

2. Avoid Direct Sun

Since your pores are open due to micro holes, ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can harm your skin severely. So, it’s recommended to avoid sunlight for 48 hours after the treatment altogether.

After 3-4 days, use broad-spectrum UVA sunscreen lotion or a mineral-based sunblock, as the skin is going to be more sensitive after micro-needling. So, sunblock should be a part of your microneedling aftercare kit.

Here, it’s pertinent to mention that you should make your habit of using a sunblock whenever you go in the sun, as the harmful rays of sunlight damage your facial skin badly.

3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Use Hyaluronic Serum

Keep your skin hydrated, as its healing. Don’t use any skincare product except recommended by the concerned dermatologist. Usually, after the treatment, the doctors recommend a microneedling aftercare serum, like Hyaluronic serum, to avoid excess flaking or peeling. It should be continued even after the treatment.

Also, make sure your hands are clean, and every tool you are using is clean and sterilized, if possible.

Also, keep drinking plenty of water and avoid things that cause dehydration like caffeine (coffee and tea) or alcohol.

Do You Know?

4. No Anti-Inflammatories

Since you want full benefits out of microneedling, it’s essential not to take any anti-inflammatories up to 3-5 days of treatment.

It’s helpful because microneedling causes automatic inflammatory response activation in your body to re-stimulate collagen and other growth factors in the skin. And when you take an anti-inflammatory, it puts a damper on the formation of collagen, combat against your body system.

5. Avoid Active Ingredients

It may sound odd, but you have to avoid active ingredients like vitamin C scrubs for several reasons. First, because it will burn like crazy. Second, it will irritate your skin and cause further issues.

However, after a week, you may start using Vitamin C scrubs.

6. No Make up for two days At least

It’s highly recommended not to wear any kind of makeup for the first 48 hours after the treatment. After two days, it’s ok to wear a light amount of makeup as you will be feeling less warm and sensation.

7. No Exfoliation

Even one week after the treatment, don’t use any exfoliation technique on your skin, either chemically or manually. Just let the skin heal itself naturally. Don’t speed up the healing process that may put you in skin issues.

8. No Harsh Facewash

Also, while you wash your skin, don’t use any active ingredient that can interfere with the healing process. Use products that are neither too strong nor irritating, like those having beads in them.

9. No Exercise For three days

There’s no microneedling aftercare exercise whatsoever. Any training or work out will lead to sweating. Sweating after microneedling is not viable as your pores are open and healing. So avoid doing any exercise or sporting activity for 72 hours after the treatment.

Are there any side effects of Microneedling?

It depends more on the length of the needles and the expertise of the person doing it.

Your face will become bright red for a couple of days following the treatment. If the irritation or redness continues for more than two days, you should consult your doctor.

In addition to this, you may also face swollen, dry skin.

Therefore, it is not recommended to get microneedle treatment if one is pregnant or is suffering from skin diseases like Eczema.

Microneedling Devices and the US law

The United States’ Food and Drug Administration Authority (FDA) has a law on the devices and tools used for microneedling.

This law clarifies what will be considered as a ‘device’ for microneedling and what not. Further, it explains the regulatory pathways to market such devices.

So, before you book an appointment with a dermatologist, try to ensure if the tools and devices he’s going to use are FDA recommended.

How to do Microneedling with PRP Care?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. The treatment with the addition of PRP means injecting it during the procedure to improve the healing and decrease the swelling time.

There is a little study to show the benefits of Microneedling with PRP.

Microneedling with PRP aftercare is not much different from the normal one. However, it’s much simpler than that.

Microneedling vs. Microblading

Some people confuse Microneedling with Microblading; however, both of them are entirely different processes.

Microneedling is as a treatment for face, whereas Microblading is a treatment for eyebrows.

Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion

There is a similar kind of treatment that is also well-known and widely practiced, called Microdermabrasion. The following points clarify the difference between them to avoid any confusion.

• PRINCIPLE. In Microdermabrasion, a device like a scrubber pen is used that forms small crystals on the skin, which are then immediately vacuumed to remove dead cells. On the other hand, in Microneedling, a Dermaroller or DermaPen is rolled over the face, which has micro-fine needles.
• COST. Microneedling is a costly process, almost double the price of Microdermabrasion. The average price charged for Microdermabrasion is $85, whereas microneedling starts from $160.
• RECOMMENDATION. Microdermabrasion is not recommended for those having active acne, whereas microneedling is for everyone, except pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• HARMS. Microdermabrasion doesn’t cause any bleeding or redness, whereas, in microneedling, patients may experience some bleeding.
• USAGE. Microdermabrasion is meant to treat blackhead, tired skin, clogged pores, whereas microneedling is used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, large pores.
• PAIN. Microdermabrasion doesn’t hurt in any way. Instead, a light suctions are felt. On the other hand, microneedling is a bit painful as it involves needles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When can I wash my face after Microneedling?

Experts say it’s better to wait for four hours before you wash your face, all because your skin may feel warm and look red for one to three days. A mild cleanser and moisturizer is the best thing to use after 2-3 days.

2. Can I moisturize after Microneedling?

It’s better to keep away from your regular moisturizing treatments and uses some special moisturizing. Use Hyaluronic acid after the procedure, which has the healing ingredients that can expedite the recovery.

3. How long does it take to heal from Microneedling?

After you get treated, your face becomes pinkish-red and dry. But usually, it takes up to 72 hours to heal. If, after that time, your skin is still feeling warm and is red, you should contact your doctor and get his advice.

4. How many treatments of microneedling do I need to get the best result?

Usually, after two treatments, you will see a noticeable result. However, for mere rejuvenating and collagen induction, it’s recommended to do three treatments with an interval of 30 days between each to get the best result out of microneedling. For the removal of scars, 3-6 treatments are recommended.

Conclusion

Microneedling, no doubt, is a great way to rejuvenate your skin. Like any other skin treatment, it has some precautionary and post cautionary measures. If done right and due care are taken by following microneedling aftercare instructions, you will get a glow that you won’t get with any other treatment.