Maybe you’ve heard great things about microneedling but you’re still not sure what the process is and what microneedling aftercare looks like. Or, maybe you just had a microneedling procedure done and need a refresher on how to properly take care of your skin after this type of treatment. In both scenarios, you’ve come to the right place! Knowing and following the suggested microneedling aftercare instructions will help you reap all of the benefits of your treatment and keep your skin looking its best longer.
What is a Microneedling Treatment Like?
Microneedling is a cosmetic dermatology procedure that is minimally invasive. Microneedles, which should be used by trained and board-certified dermatologists, create tiny holes in the skin. While these tiny holes are healing, your body is stimulated to produce new collagen. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that helps keep the skin youthful and full.
Microneedling Benefits
While microneedling can help your skin stay youthful looking, you can receive other benefits from the procedure as well. In case you’ve forgotten what the list of microneedling benefits are, let us refresh your memory. Microneedling helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of acne scars, and can shrink pores. It can also help diminish sun damaged patches of skin and stretch marks. Microneedling can help treat these areas of concern, which improve the texture of the skin. It’s a long-lasting solution when microneedling aftercare is followed properly.
Should I Moisturize After Microneedling?
Yes, moisturizing after microneedling with a light, calming moisturizer may help to reduce the tingling sensation you may feel after the treatment. It can also be applied to help with dry skin and to restore your skin’s balance in the targeted treatment areas.
How Soon Should I Wash My Face After Microneedling?
You can rinse your face with lukewarm water 8 hours after your treatment. However, do not apply anything to your skin within 24 hours. You can begin to use a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser when washing your face 24 hours post-treatment. Use gentle hand motions when washing your face and avoiding any facial brushes, which can irritate your skin and reopen the puncture areas.
Our highly trained, board-certified dermatologists and staff are proud to offer microneedling in Pittsburgh, and will provide you with personal microneedling aftercare instructions following treatment. But it’s important to have easy access to this information, so below are some of our top suggested aftercare instructions following a procedure.
Microneedling Aftercare Instructions: How to Care for Your Skin After Microneedling
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Avoid Sun Exposure
Although your skin may be sensitive to the sun for 72 hours following a microneedling procedure, you may return to your normal sun protection routine after 24 hours. However, if you can, avoid sun exposure and applying sunscreen while the skin is healing. Instead, we recommend wearing protective clothing such as sunglasses and hats when going out into the sun. Try to avoid planning sunny outside activities for a few days following the procedure. This will give your skin the time it needs to properly heal.
It’s important to know that a sunburn-like effect is normal for 1-3 days after the procedure. The skin may feel tight, dry, swollen, or sensitive to the touch. It’s common for the skin to peel after treatment, but this may not occur until up to 1 week.
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Skip Makeup
Since microneedling leaves tiny holes in the skin, it is important to avoid wearing makeup during the first 24 hours of your microneedling aftercare. While these tiny holes are open, anything that is placed on the face can easily access the under layers of your skin. This can cause excess irritation or infection. After 24 hours, you may return to your normal skin care routine and wear makeup. If you can avoid makeup for longer than 24 hours, your skin might even feel a little better.
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Limit Sweating
It is important to limit sweating for the same reason it’s important to limit your makeup use. While your skin has small punctures, it is more easily susceptible to bacteria. When you sweat, your pores open, which allows even more bacteria to gather. Since you shouldn’t use harsh cleansers while your skin is healing, you’re not able to effectively wash away the bacteria.
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Hydrate
Staying hydrated is a key health staple. During your microneedling aftercare, staying hydrated can help your skin to repair faster, just like staying hydrated all the time can help your skin reap benefits. Decreasing your caffeine and alcohol intake during the aftercare not only helps avoid dehydration but can also help speed your skin’s healing process.
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Be Gentle with Your Skin Care Routine
Your dermatologist can help you create an individualized skin care routine, but here are some common suggestions. Avoid any cleansers that include active ingredients such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide. These can irritate your skin more and can cause an adverse reaction. Instead, use a gentle cleanser. Use gentle motions when washing your face and avoid using any brushes, as they can cause irritation and can reopen the skin punctures.
Your dermatologist may suggest other microneedling aftercare instructions, such as using antioxidant serums or medicated topical ointments to help reduce redness and irritation. We always recommend speaking to your dermatologist about your plans following your microneedling procedure to have the most effective plan for your skin specifically.
Are you interested in learning more about microneedling or do you have questions regarding your microneedling aftercare instructions? Contact us at any of our three Pittsburgh area locations.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.