Microneedling Aftercare: Get the most out of your treatment

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy which is a great way to fade acne scars, fine lines, and keep skin looking youthful overall.  

We’ll discuss more details about microneedling and what important microneedling aftercare steps to take so you can get the best results after a microneedling session. 

Benefits Of Microneedling

There are numerous benefits of microneedling such as: 

• Increased collagen production
• Firmer feeling skin
• Improved Appearance of Acne Scars
• Fading away hyperpigmentation 
• Reducing melasma
• Reduced fine lines
• Reduced Stretch Marks
• Smoother skin texture
• Increased product absorption

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling (1) is known as collagen induction therapy.  Thisprocedure  involves pressing several small needles into the skin to trigger the skin’s wound healing system.  Microneedling is often done in a clinical environment however home options with shorter needles like the ones from Banish are available too.

Microneedling works by making controlled microchannel injuries.  The body will respond to these injuries by sending collagen and elastin to heal the “injured” area. In other words, the collagen and elastin will not only heal the damaged area but also the areas around it, eventually smoothing out acne scars, and diminishing fine lines by promoting elasticity in the skin.  

Microneedling is mostly used on the face, but can be done on the body too and may treat various scars (except keloid scars).  

Microneedling Aftercare 

For in office microneedling treatments, your doctor would provide detailed aftercare instructions on what to do after microneedling, so make sure you follow all aftercare instructions they provide you with. 

During the initial microneedling session, it is normal for skin to become a little red. 

If you are doing microneedling yourself, these aftercare guidelines below can be followed. 

Microneedling aftercare tips:

• Sun Protection: You should reach for sunscreen the next few days after microneedling.  But technically, it’s important to wear sun protection every single day to get the benefits of your microneedling treatment. The morningafter microneedling, or immediately after if you microneedle during the day, apply at least SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to your skin.
• We recommend a physical or mineral based sunscreen if possible because it’s more gentle.  Sunscreen should be worn everyday regardless, but it is extra important to protect your healing skin as it can be more sensitive to sun damage during the recovery process.
• Stay Clean: Wash your hands before touching your face and avoid touching your face for the first 24 hours.
• No Makeup: We recommend you do not apply makeup for at least 8 hours after microneedling with the Banisher.  In addition, make sure you use freshly washed brushes if you decide to apply makeup. 
• Avoid Getting Into Pools: You’ll also need to avoid swimming pools, saunas, salt water at the beach since they may have a lot of bacteria and the salt and chlorine can irritate your skin after microneedling.  With the Banisher, you can do these activities after 24 hours. 
• Avoid prolonged sweating: Heat and sweat could cause bacteria to grow on the skin, and heat itself can also be irritating to the skin too. Try to wait until the next day to do activities that will break a sweat or take a tepid water shower immediately afterwards. 
• Apply Serum: Vitamin C serum can be applied afterward as vitamin c is necessary to synthesis collagen, but avoid using very high concentration of vitamin C as it may be irritating. Also avoid applying a skincare product that has a lot of fragrance or a new one that you haven’t patch tested before. 
• Avoid Prescription products: Make sure not to apply strong prescription acne products right after microneedling.  Wait at least 24 hours or longer to apply any exfoliating products.  The point is to be gentle and not use ingredients that would either irritate or increase turnover of skin until a day or two later. 
• Hydrate Skin: Skin may feel a little dryer than usual after microneedling. Use something gentle like the Vitamin C Creme to keep skin moisturized as it heals 

Do Use:

• Gentle cleanser and tepid water. 
• Gentle, natural ingredients.  It’s important to be gentle and minimalistic after microneedling so there’s time for skin to recover. 

Make Sure To Avoid:

• Don’t use AHAs, BHA, Retinol and scrubs
• Don’t use Highly fragranced skincare – fragrance is known to be irritating or cause allergic reactions
• Don’t use a physical brush such as a spinning brushes when cleansing the following day

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER MICRONEEDLING?

Here are things you mayexpect after getting your microneedling treatment done during the healing process.

Skin tends to get rid after microneedling which is a normal side effect. The redness will last a few hours and tends to go away by the next day.  Other common side effects could include some tingling sensation, and skin may feel a little bit drier as it’s healing and exfoliating. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MICRONEEDLING

There may be some of the questions that pop into your mind every time you hear about microneedling. 

Can I microneedle over active acne?

No, do not microneedle over active acne, I repeat do NOT microneedling over acne acne. Make sure you avoid active acne – including blackheads and whiteheads –  do not derma roll or microneedle if you have active acne.  This can cause bacteria to spread.

Can I Microneedle while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Microneedling itself isn’t recommended while pregnant because the healing process may take away some resources in the body on repairing skin. 

Are microneedling results permanent?

Yes, it is to an extent. Given that the skin continues to age, we must continue to take care of skin as maintenance.  However, the results are permanent unlike fillers which dissolve over time.  

How long is the downtime?

Home microneedling is considered a no downtime treatment. You can already apply makeup the next day after using the Banisher, but please wait at least 8 hours before doing so.

Microneedling at home should have a rest period of 1-2 weeks so your skin has time to heal and create some collagen before doing another session. Yes, your skin will continue to make collagen even weeks after a session! 

In office microneedling may have a downtime of 3-7 days depending on your procedure and how aggressive it was. 

A great microneedling aftercare routine is going to make the biggest difference in your skin. Radiant, glowing skin with a reduction in acne scars can be achieved when you make the commitment to taking care of your skin  when following all the instructions of your microneedling tool with the proper aftercare. 

Taking care of your skin after microneedling can make a huge difference in the results you get. Not only will proper aftercare give better results, but you’ll also be protecting your skin from damage as it heals.

Results will still vary from person to person so it requires patience as well.  While acne scars may still remain, they can be improved and remember that there is no such thing as perfection!

References:

Microneedling of Scars: A Large Prospective Study with Long-Term Follow up

“How Much Does Microneedling Boost Product Absorption?” from Cadogan Clinic: https://www.cadoganclinic.com/how-much-does-micro-needling-boost-product-absorption