Microneedling is a popular method to treat acne scars, fine lines, and it can keep skin looking youthful overall.
It's important to follow the right aftercare after microneedling as it can affect the results.
Here's what you should do after microneedling to achieve the best results!
Benefits Of Microneedling
There are numerous skin benefits of microneedling. According to board certified dermatologist Dr. Davin Lim practicing at Cutis Clinic in Australia, "Microneedling creates controlled microinjuries in the upper layers of skin, this in turn creates a cascade of cytokines of growth factors that seep down to the deeper layers of skin. This in turn stimulates collagen production."
Microneedling may treat various types of scars including acne scars, dark spots, fine lines, and stretch marks.
Studies show that microneedling even without topical products can improve acne scars by at least 50%.
Microneedling is not recommended for keloid scars.
Microneedling Aftercare
During a microneedling session it is normal for skin to become a little red.
If you are doing microneedling yourself, these aftercare guidelines below can be followed, and it's important to follow the steps to get the best outcome.
For in office microneedling treatments, your practitioner would provide detailed aftercare instructions on what to do after microneedling, so make sure you follow all aftercare instructions they provide you with.
Wear Sun Protection
You should reach for sunscreen for the next few days after microneedlnig. But technically, it's important to wear sun protection every single day you're exposed to the sun to get the benefits of your microneedling treatment.
During the day, apply at least SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to your skin.
A physical or mineral based sunscreen may feel more gentle on the skin after microneedling, but any sun protection is better than none.
No Makeup
We recommend you do not apply makeup for at least 8 hours after microneedling with the Banisher. In addition, make sure you use freshly washed brushes if you decide to apply makeup.
Avoid Getting Into Pools
You’ll also need to avoid swimming pools, saunas, salt water at the beach, since they may have a lot of bacteria and the salt and chlorine can irritate your skin after microneedling. With the Banisher, you can do these activities after 12-24 hours.
Apply Antioxidant Serum
Vitamin C serum can be applied afterward as vitamin c is necessary for collagen synthesis and usually gives better results compared to microneedling without vitamin c. Avoid using very high concentration of vitamin C as it may be irritating. Also avoid applying a skincare product that has a lot of fragrance or a new vitamin c serum that you haven't patch tested before.
Gentle Hydrating Products
Skin may feel dryer after microneedling and the skin barrier is temporarily disrupted.
Use a gentle moisturizer like the Vitamin C Creme to keep skin moisturized as it heals. Banish's vitamin c serum also contains glycerin which draws moisture to the skin. Any gentle non irritating moisturizer that your skin likes will do.
You can also use a simple hydrating product with hyaluronic acid.
In general, keep your skincare routine gentle, hydrating, and minimal after microneedling and avoid makeup or possible pore clogging products.
You can wash your face with a gentle cleanser the following day.
Avoid These After Microneedling
Wait at least the day after microneedling to use the products below if microneedling at home with a 0.5mm or under tool.
- Avoid using products that contain Retinol or Retinoids unless you know your skin is used to it and easily tolerates it. Wait until the next day.
- Avoid using exfoliating products such as physical exfoliants or chemical ones that contains ingredients like AHA/BHA, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid. Wait until the next day.
- Avoid skincare with fragrance.
- Avoid applying benzoyl peroxide, wait until the next day.
Again use your best judgement. If your skin feels a little sensitive still after 1 day, then wait 2 days to apply things like AHA/BHAs, retinol, benzoyl peroxide.
Don't Do Any Aggressive Treatments Too Close To Microneedling
You may want to avoid doing chemical peels, getting laser treatments, or microdermabrasion too close to your microneedling sessions because we want to give skin a chance to fully heal. Doing too much can cause too much inflammation to the skin which can lead to more pigmentation or scarring.
Do: Microneedle in the evening
A big reason we like microneedling at home is because you can do a session in the evening and not worry too much about activities that may cause irritation to the skin such as sun exposure.
With at home microneedling, skin can recover by the next day so there are little to no interruptions to your routine and usual schedule so you can wear makeup again the next day.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER MICRONEEDLING?
Skin tends to get red after microneedling which is a normal side effect. The redness will last a few hours and tends to go away by the next day.
Other common side effects is the skin may feel a little bit drier as it's healing and exfoliating.
In office microneedling may take 2-3 days for the redness and swelling to go down.
How long is the downtime?
Home microneedling is considered a no downtime treatment, as most people will recover the next day.
Don't microneedle every day, if you are microneedling at home then wait at least 1 full week or longer until you microneedle again. Your skin will continue to make collagen even weeks after a session!
In office microneedling may be done once every 4-6 weeks depending on the treatment.
A great microneedling aftercare routine is going to make the biggest difference in your skin.
Not only will proper aftercare give better results, but you’ll also be protecting your skin from damage as it heals.
Results will still vary from person to person so it requires patience and consistency as well so it may take a couple of months to really notice results!
References:
1. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468. PMID: 27559496; PMCID: PMC4976400.
2. Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.
3. Alster, Tina S. M.D.; Li, Monica Ka Yi M.D.. Microneedling of Scars: A Large Prospective Study with Long-Term Follow-Up. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 145(2):p 358-364, February 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006462
5 comments
Hafsah
Can i wash my face after 6 hrs of microneedling?
Brynnley Tompkins
Can I exercise after micro needling? If so, how long after?
Banish
@jennifer Wait 24-48 hours after to apply a retinol depending on your skin tolerance
Amy Saunders
Yoo-hoo! I must say, it was really nice of you to remind us to stay away from sunlight for at least a whole day after getting microneedling treatment to ensure long-lasting effect. I just got back from the beach after spending the entire weekend there and I already notice some unpleasant marks on my face. I think I should refer to a specialist to figure out how to fix the situation. https://www.drparkavebrick.com/microneedling
Jennifer Munoz
How soon after needling can I use a retinol?
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