Microneedling Aftercare: Dos & Don’ts, Side Effects, & Treatment

Microneedling, also called induction therapy, is a popular dermatological procedure that helps improve blood circulation and collagenⁱ  XThe main structural protein responsible for the structure and function of connective tissues, bones, skin elasticity, and stretchiness. production (1). Though most of us know about it, many are unaware of the microneedling aftercare process.

During microneedling, the skin is punctured to stimulate collagenⁱ  XThe main structural protein responsible for the structure and function of connective tissues, bones, skin elasticity, and stretchiness. production and fade acne, scars, stretch marks, rosaceaⁱ  XA common, chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes small, pus-filled red bumps on the face. , wrinkles, and tighten sagging skin. So, one must take necessary aftercare measures to help the skin heal after the procedure. It is also used to help in the transdermal delivery of drugs (2).

Trivia

Microneedling was first carried out in Philadelphia by Dr. Desmond Fernandes. He used hypodermic needles to treat scars and wrinkles.

What To Expect After A Microneedling Procedure?

Here is what you can expect after a microneedling procedure:

• Your skin might appear slightly red. This redness usually will subside within 24 hours. Avoid using makeup to cover the redness up or hide it.

• You might feel mild pain as the numbing agent wears off. However, the pain will subside soon.

• You might feel your skin has become dry and flaky. This is absolutely normal after a microneedling procedure.

• The microneedling procedure involves pricking your skin with a minute needle. Hence, you also may notice small bleeding spots in some places.

• Your skin may also peel after the microneedling procedure (up to a week). This is normal. This indicates your skin is renewing.

• Around four to five days after the procedure, your skin will begin to settle down and glow. But your skin would still need immense care.

• Your skin can become tight post-treatment. This tightness will reduce in one to two days.

Did You Know?

Microneedling is commonly done on the face. However, you can use it for skin tightening around your stomach, thighs, or buttocks.

Microneedling Aftercare: The Dos and Dont’s

• Always clean your skin with lukewarm water and a gentle face cleanser. The skin might be slightly tender after the treatment. Hence, you must be very gentle while applying and washing away the cleanser.

• Ensure your hands are clean before touching your face.

• If your skin feels dry, apply the skin hydrant gel (recommended by your doctor) to hydrate your skin and prevent any flaking or irritation.

• A topical antibiotic cream might be prescribed to prevent any skin infections during your healing phase.

• Stay away from makeup and other perfumed or scented face products for at least 72 hours after your procedure. Such products may irritate raw skin.

• Use only clean brushes to apply any product to your face.

• Avoid sun exposure for at least a week after your microneedling procedure. If you have to go out, use a high SPF, chemical-free sunscreen.

• Avoid swimming and tanning for one to two weeks after your procedure. The chlorine in the pool and the tanning agents can irritate your skin.

• Avoid any skincare products meant for exfoliation. You do not want to scrub away newly formed, raw skin.

• Keep your skin sweat-free and avoid any physical activities for a few days. The salts in the body sweat can irritate and further dry your skin out. You also may want to avoid exercising for a few days after the procedure.

Inflammation following a microneedling procedure is a necessary evil and an integral part of the healing process.

After the procedure, your skin may take about two weeks to heal and rejuvenate. In some cases, it also may take about 6 to 8 months. Burn scars can take much longer to respond to the microneedling treatment.

Morgan Reed Parlett, a YouTuber, shares her experience with microneedling in her video. She discusses getting the treatment for acne scarring, starting with applying numbing cream, the actual microneedling process, and the post-treatment care. She said, “I might have just rinsed it with water, I was patting it dry being really gentle ‘cause my skin was sore. As far as the aftercare goes, I applied the gel that they gave me. That felt really good on my skin– like I said it felt like a bad sunburn, so putting gel felt really good on my skin (i).”

Quick Tip

While traditional makeup is a strict no-no, experts say you can use tinted moisturizers 24 hours after treatment.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Microneedling?

Just as with any surgical procedure, microneedling can also cause adverse effects (3):

• Erythema

This is a temporary effect wherein the treatment site becomes red and swollen. This skin redness after microneedling usually resolves by itself within 48 hours (4).

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

When the needles used in the microneedling procedure go beyond the designated depth, they irritate the pigment-forming cells in the skin (also called melanocytes). This can result in inflammation post the treatment procedure and subsequent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentationⁱ  XA common, harmless condition in which you observe dark patches of the skin due to excess melanin (natural skin pigment) production. . This hyperpigmentationⁱ  XA common, harmless condition in which you observe dark patches of the skin due to excess melanin (natural skin pigment) production. is usually transient and resolves by itself.

• Aggravation Of Acne

The skin tends to become more sensitive after the microneedling procedure. It may also cause or aggravate acne in individuals with a history of acne breakouts.

• Reactivation Of Herpes

Performing microneedling in individuals with active herpesⁱ  XA viral infection that causes blister-like, contagious sores, most often around the mouth and or on the genitals. is not recommended. In individuals with a history of oral herpesⁱ  XA viral infection that causes blister-like, contagious sores, most often around the mouth and or on the genitals. , microneedling may increase the risk of cold sores. In such cases, the dermatologist will usually prescribe an antiviral for one week post-treatment. If a microneedling procedure is planned in someone with active herpesⁱ  XA viral infection that causes blister-like, contagious sores, most often around the mouth and or on the genitals. , the treatment is postponed until the infection subsides.

• Systemic Hypersensitivity

Local or systemic hypersensitivity is observed when topical products are applied before the microneedling procedure. The immunogenic components from these products may enter the dermis and cause hypersensitivity (5). They can also cause an allergic reaction.

• Local Infection

Infections in the microneedling aftercare phase are less common but are characterized by swelling, pus, and edema on the face. The skin may also get irritated and take a longer time to heal. Infection following a microneedling procedure can occur due to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections at the treatment site.

Tram track effect

This is a type of acute erythema observed when excess pressure is applied during the microneedling procedure (or when larger needles are used) (6).

It is important you be informed of these adverse effects of microneedling. Most of these subside with time and can be prevented with the right precautions. However, there could be times when you may have to visit your doctor.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Microneedling is a low-risk dermatologic procedure that requires you to follow easy, simple aftercare steps. However, in some cases, the adverse effects may not subside and may require you to visit your doctor. These include:

• Fever of over 100o F after the procedure
• Hives or allergic rashes
• Nausea
• Yellow or green discharge from the treatment site on the face
• Bleeding or pus discharge
• Headaches

Infographic: A Quick Guide To Microneedling

Collagenⁱ  XThe main structural protein responsible for the structure and function of connective tissues, bones, skin elasticity, and stretchiness. induction therapy, also called microneedling, is characterized by tiny needles that repeatedly puncture the skin to stimulate collagenⁱ  XThe main structural protein responsible for the structure and function of connective tissues, bones, skin elasticity, and stretchiness. production. This is considered a relatively inexpensive cosmetic procedure to help manage scars, stretch marks, and even alopecia.

Related: 30 Effective Home Remedies To Reduce Stretch Marks

In the infographic below, learn more about microneedling, how it helps, who can benefit from it, and who should avoid this procedure.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Take note of the insights discussed in this post. Follow your doctors instructions carefully. With the right measures, your skin can show recovery much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can I wash my face after microneedling?

You should wait a few hours after microneedling to wash your face. Ensure that you use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face.

Can I use vitamin C serum after microneedling?

Do not use vitamin C immediately after microneedling as it may cause skin irritation. Wait for 2 to 3 days before using a vitamin C serum.

Should you moisturize after microneedling?

Yes. You can use a gentle moisturizer instead of your regular moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and nourished after microneedling.

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Dr. Sruthi Alla MBBS, DDVL

   

Dr. Sruthi Alla is a certified dermatologist, trichologist, and aesthetic physician with over 10 years of experience. After graduating from the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, she went on to do her postgraduation from Rajah Muthiah Medical College. She is a member of the Indian Medical Association, Indian Association Of Dermatologists, Venereologists, And Leprologists, and Facial Aestheticians and Aesthetic Surgeons...more

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more