How to Care For Your Skin Before & After Microneedling

Microneedling is an extremely safe and effective cosmetic procedure. However, as with all treatments, it’s essential to take special care of your skin before and after the procedure for fast recovery and best results.

Microneedling Pre-Treatment Instructions:

Following the right pre-treatment instructions ensures that your treatment will go smoothly and helps minimize side effects.

Pre-Treatment Tips

Avoid Accutane in the six months prior to beginning your treatment sessions.
Do not use topical agents that may increase the sensitivity of your skin such as retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics or acids 5-7 days prior to your treatment.
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for at least 3 days prior to your microneedling session. These will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
No waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis to the area being treated for 5-7 days prior.
Do not shave the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation. If there’s dense hair present in the treatment area, shave the day before you arrive for your appointment.
If you’re prone to cold sores, take an antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and the day of the treatment. We will not proceed with the treatment if cold sores are present.
Avoid blood thinning agents for one week prior to your treatment.

The Day of Treatment:

Knowing what to expect on the day of your microneedling treatment will make this procedure as comfortable and worry free -as possible for you.

What To Expect At Your Appointment:

Your skin will be cleaned so it’s free of lotion, oil, makeup, powder, or sunscreen.
You will be asked to inform your skin care specialist about any relevant changes in your medical history and of all the medications you’re taking.
Your specialist will ask iif there are any cosmetic tattoos in the treatment areas.
30-45 minutes prior to your treatment, topical numbing cream will be applied to your skin.
The microneedling treatment is an in-office procedure that typically takes up to 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Post-Treatment Instructions:

As with any cosmetic skin treatment, it’s important to look after your skin – following a microneedling procedure for best results.

Post-Treatment Tips:

Do not do anything for at least 24 hours post-treatment unless it is hydroionic acid (We do sell this at the spa).
Change your bed sheets and sleep on a clean pillowcase.
Do not wash your face for the next 24 hours after your treatment.
Do not touch your face with uncleaned fingers.
Do not use Shampoo for 48 hours.
Do not wear makeup for the next 48 hours.
Avoid intense exercise and sweating for 48 hours.
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for ten days.
Avoid tanning and prolonged exposure to the sun for a minimum of 2 weeks.
After 24 hours apply SPF 30 or 50 before going outside.
Redness or sensitivity may be present for up to 72 hours.
Acne breakouts may appear temporarily.
Mild skin peeling may begin on days 3-5
Dry skin may persist for ten days or more after 24 hours use moisturizer do not scratch the treated skin.
Stay well hydrated, drink a lot of water
Do not use Retinol or exfoliating products for a minimum of 10 days.
It is recommended to repeat the treatment every 4-6 weeks
For best results, you may need 3-8 treatments.

The Healing Process: What to Expect After a Microneedling Treatment:

Microneedling is a quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure with minimal side effects. However, it’s quite normal to experience the following:

Day 1-3

A sunburn-like effect is normal. Your skin may feel tight, dry or sensitive to touch. Treat the skin gently by washing it with a gentle cleanser, cool water, and using only your hands to pat dry no earlier than 24 hours after treatment.

Some redness may also be present and temporary swelling for 2-4 days.

Day 2-7

Peeling may start 3-5 days after the treatment. You’ll notice skin dryness and flaking which is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. DO NOT pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin!

Important information: You must allow the old skin to flake off naturally and keep it moisturized at all times. Talk to your skin specialist about which products to use.

Day 5-7

You may start your regular skin care products again, once your skin no longer feels irritated. Most of our patients have noticed continued skin improvement over the months following their last treatment.

For best results:

We recommend follow-up and repeat microneedling treatments every 4-6 weeks, with a series of 3-6 treatments depending on your personalized care plan.