Microneedling Aftercare: Tips for Getting the Most of Your Treatment

Spa quality at-home skincare routines have become the latest popular beauty trend due to the pandemic. One of the hottest new additions to at-home skin care routines is microneedling. 

Microneedling is a recent trend in the U.S., but it has been a common treatment in the Middle East and Asia for years. In the U.S., a microneedling treatment can be done by a dermatologist or even at home with “rollers, stampers, [or] pens”, according to the National Institutes of Health. Microneedling can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine, so here’s some information on microneedling and tips for microneedling aftercare.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a skincare treatment that uses tiny needles to superficially stimulate the skin. Also referred to as collagen induction therapy, a microneedling procedure causes an increase in collagen production, which is the protein that gives skin its structure. Essentially, microneedling tricks skin cells into thinking that the skin is damaged, which makes the skin produce new collagen in order to repair skin that isn’t damaged. Therefore, the extra collagen that the skin produces can help fix a variety of skin afflictions. For example, microneedling can help with acne scars, stretch marks, melasma, hair loss, and more.

For best results, microneedling tools should not be used on dry skin. Microneedling makes skin absorb products more effectively, so try out your favorite antioxidant serums (like a vitamin C serum) or a face oil with your favorite active ingredients during your microneedling session.

There is a plethora of microneedling tools available, but microneedling rollers are the most used tool. Tools used for microneedling contain hundreds of needles that are anywhere from “0.1 to 0.25mm in diameter and 0.5 to 3mm in length”. If you’re using a roller at home instead of visiting the dermatologist, be sure to gently roll the needles over your skin in multiple directions vertically, horizontally, and diagonally in order to best stimulate the skin.

Additionally, microneedling is great for all skin types and skin tones, as it does not cause “post-inflammatory pigmentation” in darker skin types like some other collagen induction treatments. Altogether, microneedling is a safe skincare treatment for most skin types.

What to Expect After Microneedling

The superficial stimulation that you’ll experience during your microneedling session will may cause some minor bleeding, also called “pinpoint bleeding,” over the treated area of your skin, which is totally normal! When done properly, microneedling can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles, and microneedling can help cause overall “skin rejuvenation” and a more youthful appearance.

 Acne scars can also be reduced even more by using acne scar products during the microneedling process. Microneedling helps you get the most out of your products, so don’t be afraid use your favorite serum at home or vocalize your product preferences to your dermatologist. It is also important to note that you won’t see a complete overhaul in your skin’s appearance after just one microneedling session. Some people will need about three treatments to really minimize the appearance of acne scars, so be patient with the process. Keep in mind that when done by a professional, you will have to wait about six weeks before going in for another round because your skin will need that time to rebuild its collagen.

Overall, microneedling is a safe and gentle procedure that doesn’t require much recovery time. However, after your microneedling session is over, you may experience some side effects. Most side effects are mild and will go away quickly, but it’s a good idea to be aware of them before booking your first session. Some of the most common side effects include redness, discomfort, and irritation. Redness is the most common side effect, so don’t be surprised if you experience skin irritation and redness after your session.

Tips for Microneedling Aftercare

Like with any skincare treatment, it’s important to take care of your skin after a microneedling procedure. There are certain things that you’ll want to do and things that you’ll want to avoid in order to ensure that you’re doing the proper aftercare. Here are some microneedling aftercare instructions to help make the healing process as effective as possible:

What to Do:

1. Use Anti-Inflammatory Medications: If you notice that your skin is still inflamed after your session is over, feel free to use some anti-inflammatory medications to help your skin calm down.
2. Use Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid will help further reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by moisturizing your skin. This is the ideal ingredient to pair with microneedling because both target visible signs of aging, so using both together will help you achieve the best results.
3. Use Sunscreen: Help keep your skin protected from the sun’s rays by using sunscreen every day. And be sure to reapply as needed!
4. Use Ice Packs: To help reduce inflammation or irritation, ice packs can be used to help manage discomfort.
5. Clean Your Derma Roller: If you’re microneedling at home, use hot water and air dry your roller to help keep it clean. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to help keep it extra clean.

What to Avoid:

1. Avoid Unprotected Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can be very damaging to skin after a microneedling session, so avoid sun damage by minimizing direct sunlight and be sure to use sunscreen. Therefore, also be sure to avoid things like tanning beds after a microneedling session.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Your skin may be a bit sensitive after microneedling, so try to use a gentle cleanser without harsh chemicals to avoid irritating your skin.
3. Makeup: Avoid applying makeup for 24 hours after treatment (especially with an unclean makeup brush). Makeup and bacteria entering the tiny holes caused by microneedling can cause adverse effects.
4. Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise that will cause you to sweat for 72 hours. Your pores open even more when you sweat, allowing more bacteria to enter your skin.

Whether you decide to try microneedling at the dermatologist’s office or at home, make sure that you take the necessary precautions and follow through on your aftercare. Additionally, if you decide to try it with your dermatologist, don’t be afraid to ask all the questions that you have about the process.

If you’re trying microneedling at home, be sure to use the best tools to make sure you don’t hurt yourself. Cosmedica’s Instant Glow Kit is a great option for all your at-home microneedling needs. Our kit comes with a Derma Roller and 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to help keep your skin healthy and youthful looking. Be sure to read our instructions and keep your roller clean. Microneedling is a safe, beneficial way to help minimize the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, fine lines, and more. If microneedling sounds like something that might be for you, then give it a try, and enjoy the latest addition to your skin care routine!

 

Watch our Microneedling 101 video and learn how to microneedle at home with our best-selling dermaroller and pure hyaluronic acid