11 Oct
Your Guide to Microneedling Aftercare
Microneedling is a powerful and popular procedure for achieving smoother, more youthful skin, but its success depends on more than just the treatment itself. Proper after microneedling care is the key to maximizing the benefits and minimizing any potential side effects!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential aftercare steps, from immediate post-treatment care to long-term maintenance.
5 Ways to Take Care of Your Skin After Microneedling
It’s not uncommon to experience dryness, swelling, tightness, and redness on the skin after your microneedling treatment. The good news is that by taking the right steps, you can mitigate these discomforts and ensure you get the desired results.
As you await the rejuvenating results of collagen-induction therapy, here are five things we recommend doing to your treated skin:
1. Use Gentle Products
You should still follow your regular skincare routine, but with some changes. Start by switching to a gentle cleanser that’s paraben-free to minimize the possibility of irritation while cleansing your skin. Next, apply a lightweight moisturizer to help reduce any skin inflammation, dryness, or tightness.
When it comes to the best skin care after microneedling, we love AlumierMD’s Recovery Balm. It’s specially designed to rehabilitate your skin post-procedure. Rich in peptides and antioxidants, this facial treatment is safe for even the most sensitive skin.
2. Apply Topical Antibiotics
The tiny wounds created during microneedling can leave your skin vulnerable to infectious bacteria. As such, your clinical aesthetician may recommend a topical antibiotic cream to prevent any infections. Use as indicated to protect skin from pesky microorganisms—just don’t forget to wash your hands before applying!
3. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Right after your treatment make sure to stay in the shade and avoid direct sunlight. Post-procedure skin is more prone to sun damage. Add an extra layer of protection by applying sunscreen if you do go out.
4. Drink Lots of Water
Keep yourself and your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Doing so breaks down nutrients your skin cells use to regenerate and strengthen the skin barrier! Water is always a good idea, but is a must after a microneedling treatment.
5. Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid
Are you familiar with hyaluronic acid? While the word “acid” may seem counterintuitive for post-procedure skin, this stuff is ultra-hydrating. We recommend adding a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine to stimulate collagen production and assist the healing process by keeping the skin cells hydrated.
4 Things to Avoid After Microneedling
Now that we’ve covered what you should be doing for your skin post-procedure, we need to go over the things you should be avoiding:
1. Abrasive Skincare Products
This is not the time for abrasive or exfoliating skincare products. Avoid using the following for the first two weeks after your microneedling procedure:
- Vitamin C: These serums are too potent for fresh skin.
- Retinol: This abrasive exfoliator may prolong irritation and dryness.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): These may slow down your skin’s regeneration.
2. Make-up
Medical aestheticians recommend patients avoid applying make-up 24 hours after a microneedling treatment. The pores could clog and blister, which complicates your healing process. When you use make-up again, ensure all your brushes are clean—you don’t want a skin infection due to dirt and debris!
3. Physical Activity
For 72 hours after your treatment, you should not swim, lift weights, or run. Additionally, you should avoid saunas and any other activities or environments in which you will sweat as it can irritate the skin on your face!
4. Anti-inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications like Aspirin and ibuprofen could help relieve pain, but never use them after a microneedling procedure. Doing so may counteract the intended effects of the treatment, which is the last thing you want to do.
When to See a Doctor
Despite microneedling being a minimally invasive and generally safe procedure, there are certain situations where patients should see a doctor due to microneedling side effects. Here are some signs and symptoms that warrant medical attention:
- Severe or prolonged swelling that lasts more than three days or worsens over time
- Signs of an infection (warmth, tenderness, and pus or discharge at the site)
- Persistent pain
- Allergic reactions (hives, itching, or difficulty breathing)
- Unusual skin changes (blisters, scarring, persistent discolouration)
- Systemic symptoms (headache, nausea, vomiting)
Maintain Microneedling Results at Harmony Med Spa
It’s important to take proper caution after any skin-related procedure, and microneedling is no exception. However, the most definitive way to ensure you avoid complications and get the best results is by trusting the professionals at Harmony Med Spa.
Our doctor-owned and operated med spa in Oshawa prioritizes client safety and education over everything. We are committed to delivering customized treatments with the utmost care and expertise, from consultation to after microneedling care.