How to Care For Your Skin Pre and Post Microneedling?

Unlock the actual benefits and comfort post-Microneedling when you perform the proper skincare procedures.

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a TGA-registered mechanized stamper with tiny needles. Fine needs or surgical-grade steel filaments are used to create tiny punctures in the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing process. Collagen and elastin are produced, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

The benefits of microneedling may include the following:

• Stimulating collagen production, leading to improved skin texture and firmness
• Reduction of acne and chicken pox scar appearance and fine lines, crow’s feet, forehead, and frown lines
• Improved skin tone and texture
• Reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation
• Improves Rocasea, a skin condition that causes blushing, flushing, and visible blood vessels on your face
• Reduces stretch marks
• Reduces Large Pores
• Enhanced penetration of skin care products, leading to better and more effective results from the products applied.
• Treats hyperpigmentation, melasma, as well as any sun damage
• Reduces oil level in the skin
• Improves the appearance of your puffy eyes

Regardless of its benefits, do not that this treatment is not recommended for people with active acne and other skin conditions. Always consult your dermatologist or any other skincare professional before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure. And to do this, you only need to use a gentle cleanser and warm water.

Most dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or cosmetic surgeons highly recommend using an exfoliator to remove any dead skin cells at least a week or two before the procedure. Please avoid using scrubs or exfoliants the day before or during the process since this can cause irritation, redness, and skin sensitivity. 

You must also avoid using products that have retinoids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) for at least 24 hours before the procedure.

Here’s a detailed list of medications you should avoid before the treatment:

• Aspirin
• Warfarin
• Heparin 
• Other blood thinning medications

As for the topical products that you should avoid, the following may include:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
• Topical Retinoids or Retinol Products
• Topical Antibiotics like Clindamycin or Erythromycin
• Topical Steroids
• Products that Contain High Levels of Fragrances or Essential Oils
• Products to Lighten or Bleach the Skin
• Products with Vitamin C with a 10% concentration

Always consult with your licensed aesthetician or dermatologist before your microneedling procedure. You must always wait for their final say if you have doubts about which products you should or should not use.

Why Should You Avoid Sun Exposure Before a Microneedling Procedure

You must avoid sun exposure before microneedling because this procedure creates tiny punctures on your skin. Once your skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, this causes inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Thus, this leads to uneven skin tone, redness, and an increased risk of scarring. Moreover, this also increases the risk of infection after the procedure.

If you’re planning on going to the beach, it is highly recommended to do this at least two weeks before you get a microneedling so it heals properly. Moreover, you must use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on any exposed skin.

How Is the Microneedling Procedure Done?

As mentioned, this cosmetic procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create small punctures in the skin. The steps of the procedure are mainly the following:

1. Cleaning the skin. The area that needs some treatment needs to be clear of any makeup or oil; otherwise, you won’t fully receive the benefits of microneedling.
2. Numbing cream application. A numbing cream is applied to the area to be treated to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
3. Begin microneedling. The device is used to create tiny punctures on the skin, in varying depths, depending on the area to be treated and desired results.
4. Serum application. Depending on the treatment, a serum or growth factor may be applied to the skin following microneedling.
5. Post-treatment care. The licensed esthetician handling you will advise you on how to take care of your skin post-treatment.

The microneedling procedure takes around 30 minutes to an hour to finish, depending on the depth and reason for the treatment. Some effects that you can expect after the treatment are the following:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring (rarely)
• Hyperpigmentation (rarely)

What is the Proper Aftercare for Microneedling for Optimal Results

Before you proceed with doing the proper aftercare tips, please know beforehand that some of them may only apply to some. You should consult with the licensed aesthetician that’s handling your treatment to avoid any severe post-treatment effects:

1. Cleanse the treated area gently with a mild cleanser and cool water. Do not use hot water, as this may cause inflammation.
2. Pat your skin dry using a soft towel. Avoid rubbing the skin too much.
3. Apply a thin layer of hyaluroni acide-based moisturizer or a prescribed healing ointment to the treated area. This helps to hydrate your skin. As mentioned, please consult your licensed aesthetician, who knows your medical skin history.
4. Avoid sun exposure without sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
5. Do not use any exfoliating products like scrubs or acids on the treated area for at least 24 hours.
6. Avoid using heat treatments like saunas, steam rooms, or the treated area for at least 24 hours.
7. Do not do any strenuous exercises for at least 24 hours to avoid sweating, as this can contribute to irritation and swelling due to bacteria exposure.
8. Avoid other skin treatments, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing, for at least 24 hours.
9. Do not pick or scratch the treated area to prevent infections or scars.
10. Avoid using makeup or skincare products for the first couple of days post-treatment, as they may irritate.
11. Apply a cold compress on areas where you experience any discomfort or redness.

Here are the products you must avoid post-treatment:

• Exfoliating products: scrubs, acids, etc
• Retinoids
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
• Products with essential oils or other botanical products
• Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide
• Products with fragrances, alcohol, and other harsh ingredients

Microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure that many people undergo to get glowing, elastic, and younger-looking skin. To ensure that you’ll receive the full and more long-term effects of this treatment, it is highly recommended to take proper care of your skin before and after it.

Do note that you must always follow your practitioner’s instructions since not all treatments and products apply to different skin types. Remember to do a patch test before using any topical cream or moisturizer for any other medicine, such as microneedling.

Overall, you must always consult with your medical aesthetician or dermatologist to get prescribed the right medicine and the proper practices.