Microneedling Aftercare: Healing Stages, What to Wear or Avoid
Microneedling is a simple yet powerful skincare treatment designed to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating its natural ability to heal and produce collagen. This non-surgical procedure can improve fine lines, uneven texture, and even the appearance of scars, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, microneedling is one of our go-to treatments for clients looking to maintain youthful, healthy skin. Whether you’re new to advanced skincare or already a fan of facials, Botox, or fillers, microneedling could be the perfect addition to your routine.
How Microneedling Works
Microneedling involves the use of a device with fine, sterile needles that create tiny, controlled micro-injuries on the surface of your skin. These micro-injuries are small and purposeful, creating minimal damage that activates your skin’s natural healing response.
When this happens, your body ramps up its production of collagen and elastin—two key proteins that keep your skin firm, smooth, and resilient. This process also boosts cell turnover, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, scars, and even enlarged pores.
The treatment is safe, minimally invasive, and customizable to suit a variety of skin concerns, making it a highly versatile option for improving your complexion.
What to Expect After Microneedling
After a microneedling treatment, your skin begins a process of repair and renewal. While the results can be transformative, the immediate post-treatment period requires some care to ensure optimal healing and avoid irritation.
Initially, your skin may appear red, feel warm, and resemble a mild sunburn. This is normal and typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, your skin is in a delicate state, as the tiny channels created during treatment remain open, allowing for enhanced absorption of beneficial serums or products. However, this also means your skin is more vulnerable to irritants and environmental factors.
Over the next several days, you might notice tightness, slight peeling, or flaking as old skin cells make way for fresh, healthier ones. This part of the healing process allows you to achieve the smoother, more radiant complexion that microneedling is known for.
Because your skin is working hard to repair itself, following proper aftercare guidelines is essential. Eating a healthy diet, and avoiding harsh products, sun exposure, and strenuous activities, can help protect your skin while it regenerates. By taking the right precautions, you’ll set the stage for the best possible results.
Microneedling Healing Stages
The healing process after microneedling follows a natural progression as your skin repairs itself and reveals a healthier, more radiant appearance. While individual experiences can vary, these are the key stages your skin typically goes through:
Stage 1: Initial Response
Your skin will appear red and may feel warm or sensitive, a sign that the treatment has activated its natural healing response.
Stage 2: Cell Renewal
Over the next few days, old skin cells begin to shed, making way for new ones. You may notice some dryness or mild flaking during this stage.
Stage 3: Collagen Production
As your skin heals, collagen and elastin production increase, gradually improving firmness and texture. This process continues in the background long after the visible effects of the treatment have subsided.
Microneedling Recovery Time
Microneedling has minimal downtime compared to many other aesthetic treatments, but understanding the recovery timeline can help you plan your sessions effectively.
1. First 24-48 Hours
Your skin may look red, similar to a mild sunburn, and feel warm or tight. This redness typically fades within two days, but in some cases, mild sensitivity might linger a bit longer.
2. Days 3-5
You may still have slight redness (depending on the depth of the treatment) and you might experience some peeling or flaking during this time as your skin renews itself. This is usually subtle and easy to manage with the proper Post Procedure product.
3. One Week
Most people feel comfortable resuming their normal routines and notice a visible improvement in their skin’s texture and glow. While your skin may appear back to normal, collagen production is still ongoing!
4. Four Weeks and Beyond
The most noticeable results, such as improved firmness and reduced wrinkles or scars, appear around the 4-week mark. Consistent treatments are key to maximizing the benefits, with most clients seeing the best results after a series of 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
With proper aftercare and patience, microneedling offers impressive, long-lasting improvements, making it a great option for those seeking to invest in their skin’s health.
Best Products to Use After Microneedling
Choosing the right skincare products after microneedling helps support healing and improve treatment results. At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, we recommend the following Alastin products, specifically formulated for post-procedure care:
1. Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology®
This serum is designed to calm the skin and promote faster recovery after treatments like microneedling. Its unique formulation aids in clearing damaged collagen and elastin, paving the way for healthier skin regeneration. We recommend this both pre and post procedure to help the skin prepare and heal.
2. Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology®
This gentle moisturizer provides deep hydration without irritating sensitive post-treatment skin. It supports the skin’s barrier function, helping to maintain moisture balance during the healing process.
3. Gentle Cleanser
Formulated to remove impurities without stripping essential moisture, this cleanser is ideal for delicate, post-microneedling skin. It ensures cleanliness while preserving the skin’s natural hydration.
Incorporating these products into your post-microneedling skincare routine can significantly enhance comfort and results. Always follow your provider’s specific aftercare instructions and avoid using active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants until your skin has fully healed.
What to Put on Your Face After Microneedling
After microneedling, your skin is in a delicate, post-treatment phase where it needs minimal interference and maximum care. During the first 48+ hours, it’s generally recommended to avoid applying any products unless specifically advised by your provider. This allows your skin to begin its natural repair process without risk of irritation.
If a product is approved for immediate post-treatment use, it’s usually something like Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, which is designed to soothe and support the healing process without clogging pores and a high quality sunscreen like TIZO. After the initial period, gentle, hydrating products, like the Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, can be introduced to keep your skin comfortable.
How Long After Can You Wear Makeup?
It’s best to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours after microneedling, as your skin needs time to recover and the tiny channels created during the treatment remain open. Applying makeup too soon can clog pores and increase the risk of irritation. If you must wear makeup, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula and wait at least a full day before applying it.
Sunscreen After Microneedling
Protecting your skin from the sun after microneedling is as important as any other post-treatment precaution. You can begin using a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen immediately post treatment. Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, like a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen, which contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to shield your skin without causing irritation.
How Long to Avoid the Sun After Microneedling?
After microneedling, your skin is more sensitive to UV exposure, so it is highly advised that you avoid direct sunlight. Ideally, you should stay out of the sun as much as possible for the first one to two weeks after treatment. If you need to be outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen, being sure to reapply every 2 hours.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid activities that involve heat or steam during the first 48-72 hours after microneedling. This includes hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot yoga, and even long, hot showers. Heat can increase inflammation and delay healing, so sticking to cooler environments will help your skin recover faster. In fact, many people find that cooler temperatures feel soothing during the mild inflammation that happens after microneedling.
By avoiding these potential irritants and protecting your skin, you’ll ensure that your treatment delivers the best possible results while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Retinol After Microneedling
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient for improving skin texture and reducing signs of aging, but it’s too strong for the immediate post-microneedling period. Typically, you should wait at least 5-7 days after microneedling before reintroducing retinol or any products containing active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C. These ingredients can irritate your skin while it’s still healing. Always consult with your provider for personalized advice based on your skin type and treatment plan.
What to Eat and What Not After Microneedling
Your diet plays a surprising role in how your skin heals after microneedling. To support recovery and collagen production, focus on nutrient-rich foods such as:
Staying hydrated is just as important. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay plump and promotes faster healing.
Final Thoughts
Microneedling is an incredible tool for rejuvenating your skin and addressing various concerns, from fine lines to scars. To get the most out of your treatment, following proper aftercare—including avoiding harsh products, protecting your skin from the sun, and eating a nutrient-rich diet—is key. While initial results can be visible within a week, the best outcomes are often achieved after multiple sessions.
At ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel confident in your treatment and aftercare routine. If you’re curious about microneedling or have questions about what’s right for your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help!
FAQs
1. When can I steam after microneedling?
It’s best to avoid steam rooms, saunas, or facial steaming for at least 72 hours after microneedling. The heat can increase redness, irritation, and inflammation, slowing down the healing process.
2. How long do I have to wait to exercise after microneedling?
You should wait at least 24-48 hours before engaging in strenuous exercise. Sweating can introduce bacteria into the micro-channels created during the treatment, increasing the risk of irritation or infection.
3. How long after microneedling can I go in the hot tub?
Avoid hot tubs for at least 72 hours after microneedling. The combination of heat and bacteria in the water can irritate your skin and slow down recovery.
4. How long after microneedling can I do hot yoga?
Similar to other heat-related activities, it’s best to avoid hot yoga for 72 hours after microneedling to prevent excessive sweating and heat exposure, both of which can interfere with healing.
5. What happens if I sweat after microneedling?
Sweating too soon after microneedling can introduce bacteria into the tiny channels created during the procedure, potentially leading to irritation, redness, or breakouts. This is why it’s recommended to avoid activities that make you sweat for 24-48 hours.
6. How to speed up healing after microneedling?
To support faster healing:
- Use products like Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar to calm and nourish the skin.
- Stay hydrated and eat collagen-boosting foods rich in vitamin C and protein.
- Avoid sun exposure and use a mineral sunscreen once it’s safe to apply.
- Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions closely.
7. Can I drink coffee after microneedling?
Yes, you can drink coffee after microneedling. However, if you experience redness or flushing, you might want to limit caffeine for a day or two, as it can sometimes increase blood flow and make redness more noticeable.
8. What vitamins not to take after microneedling?
Avoid high doses of vitamin E or blood-thinning supplements like fish oil immediately after microneedling, as these can increase the risk of bruising. Instead, focus on vitamins like C and A (retinol) once your provider clears you to use them.
9. Can I exfoliate after microneedling?
Exfoliating should be avoided for at least 7-10 days post-treatment. Your skin is in a healing phase, and exfoliants can disrupt this process, causing irritation or prolonging redness. Let your skin shed naturally.
10. Can I moisturize after microneedling?
Yes, moisturizing is essential to keep your skin hydrated. Opt for a gentle, hydrating product like Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, which is formulated for post-treatment care and won’t irritate sensitive skin.
11. How long should I wait to get another microneedling session?
Microneedling sessions are typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This timeline allows your skin to fully recover and complete the collagen production cycle before undergoing the next treatment.
12. Can microneedling help with acne scars?
Yes, microneedling is an effective treatment for acne scars. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps smooth out the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of scars over time. With multiple sessions, microneedling can significantly improve the look of both shallow and deep scars, making the skin appear more even and refreshed.
13. Can I sleep on my side after microneedling?
It’s best to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first night after microneedling. This minimizes the risk of irritation and ensures that your skin stays clean while it begins to heal.
14. How soon can I shower after microneedling?
You can shower the same day, but avoid using hot water or letting high-pressure water directly hit your face for at least 24-48 hours. Stick to lukewarm water and keep your skincare routine gentle.
15. What food should I avoid after microneedling?
Avoid foods that promote inflammation, such as processed snacks, sugary treats, and fried foods. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and protein to support your skin’s recovery.
16. Can I put vitamin C on my face after microneedling?
It’s best to avoid vitamin C for at least 5-7 days after microneedling. While it’s great for boosting collagen and brightening skin, it can be too potent for freshly treated skin and may cause irritation.
17. Can you ice your face after microneedling?
It’s generally not recommended to ice your face after microneedling unless instructed by your provider. The treatment relies on your skin’s natural inflammatory response to stimulate healing and collagen production, and icing may interfere with that process.
18. How soon after microneedling can I wear sunscreen?
You can start wearing sunscreen after 24 hours, once the initial redness has subsided. Use a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin without irritation. We offer and recommend TIZO at ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness.
19. Is it okay to go in the sun after microneedling?
It’s best to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1-2 weeks after microneedling, as your skin is more sensitive to UV damage. If you need to be outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply mineral sunscreen.
20. How soon can I wash my face after microneedling?
You can gently wash your face with a mild cleanser about 8-12 hours after your treatment. Avoid harsh scrubbing or hot water to prevent irritation during the healing process.
21. How soon after microneedling can I use moisturizer?
A gentle, hydrating moisturizer can be applied as soon as 24 hours post-treatment, or earlier if your provider has recommended a specific post-procedure product like Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for comfort and healing.
