So you've just completed a skin needling treatment and are now looking for aftercare tips. Today we go over everything you need to know regarding skin needling after care.
Aftercare for Skin Needling
The moment after you finish your microneedling procedure or dermarolling session is when your skin is primed and ready to absorb skincare products. You have a short window of time to maximise your serums to their ultimate potential and boost your skin needling results.
This can be the difference between results that take 1 month or 6 months, so you must take your skin needling aftercare seriously.
What to Put on Your Skin After Microneedling
The best product to use after microneedling is hyaluronic acid serum. At this stage, you've created microchannels in your skin, which are now primed and ready for hydration.
Microneedling with hyaluronic acid is the number one thing you can do to get excellent results.
This applies to both in a clinic and at home, so if you're doing it yourself (we hope so) and you're wondering what to put on your skin after microneedling at home, then the answer is the same - Hyaluronic acid serum.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Microneedling
You should go for a multiple molecular weight serum like the Tri-Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Multiple molecular weights mean you give yourself the best chance at absorbing as much of the serum as possible. Single molecular weight hyaluronic acid serums sit on the skin's surface and don't get absorbed properly.
Best Moisturizer After Microneedling
If using a moisturizer after skin needling, you should look for one with no harsh or active ingredients. Water-based products are the best option to absorb some of it into your micro-channels.
Remember, hyaluronic acid will hydrate within the skin, and moisturiser will hydrate from the outside. Combining both products is the best option if you have them available.
Other Serums to Use with Micro Needling
Honestly, it's impossible to answer this question without knowing your goals. Someone targeting premature aging, wrinkles and fine lines should always use hyaluronic acid. But someone targeting scalp hair growth is better off using a hair serum such as the Revitalizing Hair Serum.
Collagen stimulating peptides are another excellent option for people who want to take their recovery to the next level.
You must break down your skin or hair goals and research the best options for skin needling aftercare products. We urge you to stay away from serums with strong, active ingredients until at least the next day following your skin needling treatment - More on that later!
Makeup After Skin Needling Treatments
Makeup after microneedling at home (or in a clinic) should be avoided for as long as possible to ensure no nasty ingredients break the skin barrier. Depending on the needle length used, you should only feed the micro-channels in your skin with high-quality hydrating ingredients.
The good news is it doesn't take long for these channels to close up on the surface, and then you can apply your makeup as usual - Aim for at least 24 hours of a makeup-free face.
For more detailed information check out the article - How long after skin needling can I wear makeup?
Skin Needling Downtime
After microneedling there is a short downtime period that needs to be observed. This all depends on the needle lengths used and the face or body area you had the session for.
Skin Needling Recover Time (By Needle Size)
0.25mm: The 0.25mm only goes deep enough to help absorb skincare serums. Aim to use this size at night before bed, and you can go about the following day as usual.
0.5mm: The 0.5mm requires a 2-week break between sessions.
1mm: The 1mm requires a 4-week break between sessions.
1.5mm: The 1.5mm requires a 6-week break between sessions.
2mm: The 2mm requires an 8-week break between sessions.
2.5mm: The 2.5mm or larger requires an 8-week break between sessions.
If using a derma roller of 1mm or smaller for your microneedling, you'll notice that you'll feel recovered the next day (or perhaps immediately).
It's important to remember that the skin's surface may feel recovered, but the magic is happening underneath the surface. There are several microneedling healing stages in effect, and they must be respected to ensure you get excellent results.
People often worry about microneedling downtime, but it's not even worth thinking about. Skin needling is a minimally invasive procedure you can do yourself at home in a few minutes before you go to bed. You'll wake up fresh the day after and go about life as usual.
Skin Needling Redness
Micro needling redness is 100% normal and can be expected in most sizes of derma roller or microneedling pens. The redness is usually very minor and will disappear on its own after an hour or 2. When you have a skin needling session, you're creating tiny holes in the skin which signals the body to "heal". This is when all the blood rushes to the area to heal it.
Don't worry; this all happens beneath the surface, and you will not bleed.
With nano needle sizes such as 0.25mm, you may not experience any redness, but this depends on your complexion. For all other needle sizes, you will experience some minor redness for a short period. We recommend you derma roll before bed so you don't even have to worry about redness as it will be gone by the time you wake up.
Peeling After Micro Needling
Peeling after microneedling can happen when using a larger needle size. It's uncommon when using 1mm or smaller, but it can happen. This is nothing to worry about; if it happens, it is usually very minor and unnoticeable to most people.
How to remove dead skin after microneedling
If you're peeling or flaking, it's best to combat this with hydrating serums or moisturisers. Do not pick or exfoliate the skin, as this will worsen. Give it time and hydration, and it will resolve quickly on its own.
Dead skin cells are an entirely normal experience and a sign of cell turnover and wound healing response.
Sun Exposure & Microneedling
We should avoid sun exposure after our skin needling procedure as the skin is now very sensitive. Limit exposure for as long as possible, then ensure sun protection is worn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vitamin c serum after microneedling?
Vitamin C Serum should be avoided for 24-48hrs after a microneedling session. This ingredient can be harsh under the skin's surface and may result in skin irritation in some skin types. For more detailed information check out this article.
Can I use retinol after microneedling?
Retinol should be avoided for 24-48hrs after professional microneedling as it may irritate the skin. Retinol after dermarolling at home is also not recommended for at least 48hrs.
Can I use glycolic acid after microneedling?
Using glycolic acid is not recommended after microneedling as it can cause dryness and irritation. Only use glycolic acid on days you are not doing your skin needling.
Can I use alpha hydroxy acids after skin needling?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA's) should be avoided for at least 7 days as these will slow down the healing process from your microneedling session.
Can you exercise after skin needling?
Exercising immediately after microneedling is not recommended because you must keep the area as clean as possible from sweat and bacteria. Exercising the following day will not cause any problems.
When can I exfoliate after microneedling?
Exfoliation should be avoided for at least 3 days when microneedling with a 0.5mm or larger. If microneedling with a nano needle, you can exfoliate as usual the following day.
Can I wash my face after microneedling?
After microneedling, it's best to apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser. However, washing your face is also fine with water only. Stay away from cleanses or soaps for at least 24 hours to ensure no nasty ingredients penetrate the skin's surface and cause irritation.
After 24-48 hours, slowly introduce a gentle cleanser into your skin care routine.
For more detailed information on this topic see - When to wash face after microneedling.
Summary of Skin Needling Aftercare Instructions
Microneedling post-care is very important and should not be ignored. Whether you're looking for skin rejuvenation, collagen production, glowing skin, skin firmness, or even reducing your acne scars, it's essential to realise that skin needling aftercare should be your number one goal.
Please check out our learning zone for more helpful articles on skin needling procedure like these ones:
How Many Skin Needling Sessions Do I Need?
Skin Needling Stretch Marks: The Complete Microneedling Guide