How To Take Care Of Your Skin After Microneedling

Microneedling is an effective method to treat acne scars, fine lines, dark spots and more by replenish lost collagen in the skin.  

To get the most results out of your microneedling treatment, It's important to follow the right aftercare post microneedling.  Here's a guide on how to take care of your skin after microneedling.  

Why Microneedling Works

Microneedling has several benefits like softening scars and fine lines.   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 stimulates collagen production."

The healing process from microneedling may treat acne scars, fine lines, stretch marks, dark spots and enlarged pores.  

Studies show that microneedling even without topical products can improve acne scars by at least 50%, however microneedling isn't recommended for keloid scars. 

Essential Microneedling Aftercare Steps

During a microneedling session it's normal for the skin to turn a little red and sensitive, so aftercare is key!   

Wear Sun Protection

Microneedling causes the skin to be more sensitive to the sun so reach for sun protection each day whether it's cloudy or not.

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 a chemical based sunscreen works too. 

Skip Makeup For A Few Hours

We recommend you do not apply makeup for at least 8 hours after microneedling with the Banisher at home.  In addition, make sure you use freshly washed brushes before wearing makeup again. 

Avoid Pools, Saunas, and Ocean Water

You’ll also need to avoid swimming pools, saunas, and 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 tool, you can do these activities after 12-24 hours. 

Apply Antioxidant Serum

Vitamin C serum is great after microneedling because it's a building block of collagen. Research shows applying vitamin c serum provides better results compared to microneedling without vitamin c.  Try to use a lower concentration of vitamin c to avoid excess irritation. Avoid applying a skincare product that has a lot of fragrance or ingredients that you haven't patch tested before.  

Moisturize Skin

Microneedling can lead to dry skin when the skin barrier is temporarily disrupted. 

Use a gentle moisturizer like the Vitamin C Creme to keep skin moisturized as it heals.  Hyalaronic acid is also another non irritation option to keep skin moisturized.  

In general, keep your skincare routine gentle, hydrating, and minimal after microneedling.   

Keep Your Routine Simple

After microneedling, avoid products with retinol, exfoliating acids (like AHA/BHA), benzoyl peroxide, or fragrances for at least 24 hours. If your skin feels sensitive, wait an additional day before resuming these products.  

Use your best judgement. If your skin feels a little sensitive still after 1 day, then wait another day.  

Space Out Aggressive Treatments

You may want to avoid doing chemical peels,  laser treatments, or microdermabrasion too close to your microneedling sessions because we want to give skin a chance to fully heal and build collagen.   Doing too much can cause too much inflammation to the skin which can lead to more pigmentation or scarring.   

Do Microneedling At Night

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 negative results 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 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 with home microneedling.  Professional microneedling downtime can take several days longer. 

Tip:  Microneedle no more than once per week at home, depending on your device type and length of the needles.  Results take time, so stay consistent at give it at least 3 months, although many people can see results sooner than that. 

Quick Microneedling Aftercare Tips Recap

• Wear SPF daily
• No makeup for 8 hours
• Avoid pools and saltwater
• Use a gentle Vitamin C serum
• Hydrate with a gentle moisturizer
• Avoid strong actives for 24-48 hours
• Do your microneedling at night

 

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, but most likely you'll see good results within a couple months.

 

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