What to expect after microneedling

If the idea of reducing fine lines and wrinkles and indulging in preventative anti-ageing treatments appeals to you, then no doubt you’ve researched microneedling.

If you’ve yet to try this amazing skin rejuvenation treatment for yourself, you might be wondering about what to expect after microneedling.

Let’s break down the downtime, aftercare and how you can expect your skin to feel.

Is microneedling invasive?

Microneedling is an anti-ageing treatment that’s minimally invasive - it’s also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT) and uses tiny needles to make hundreds of microscopic punctures into the top layer of your skin. 

These punctures are invisible to the naked eye and are known as microchannels. They stimulate your body’s natural healing process to promote cell turnover and increase the production of collagen and elastin, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, acne marks, pigmentation and more. 

Is microneedling painful?

Tiny puncture marks to the top layer of skin might sound unpleasant, but microneedling is a relatively fast process and virtually painless, as topical numbing cream is generally used with each treatment.

Some people may choose to microneedle without using numbing cream, however we generally recommend it to make the treatment more comfortable. 

What will my skin look like after microneedling?

After microneedling your skin, it will be red. You may experience some pinprick bleeding (petrichae) and your skin will be red overall - as such, we recommend microneedling when you’ll have time to relax at home without feeling self-conscious.

Your skin will also be a little swollen and you may experience some bruising, especially around areas of thin tissue (such as the delicate skin around the eyes). 

The bruising is generally faint.

What will my skin feel like after microneedling?

After microneedling, your skin will look and feel different. 

It may feel a little rough to the touch for a few days and you may notice some visible marks on your skin, both caused by the microchannels created during microneedling. 

However, this is harmless and all part of the skin’s healing process. As the skin heals, the marks will fade and your skin will begin to feel smoother than it was prior to microneedling.

What is the downtime of microneedling?

The body’s inflammatory response to microneedling is minimal, so there is only  a little downtime to be expected after microneedling your skin. The inflammatory effect lasts around 12-24 hours and within those first 24 hours post treatment, the skin should fade from red to pink as the swelling reduces.

You may experience some sensitivity for up to 48 hours, so proper aftercare is important.

What is the aftercare for microneedling?

24 hours after

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing moisturiser. Avoid products with fragrances or active ingredients (vitamin C, A/Retinols), acids (lactic acid, AHA, BHA), scrubs or toners which may cause irritation. 

Your skin may experience mild swelling, bruising, peeling and flaking. To minimise these effects by keeping the skin moisturised, this will reduce shedding and alleviate tightness. 

Avoid exercising, sweating excessively, swimming or applying makeup. You must apply a high protection mineral-based sunscreen when going outdoors, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. 

48 hours after

Gently exfoliate the dry or flaking skin to speed up the recovery process, and continue to hydrate the skin, morning and night. 

3 - 5 days post-treatment

Continue to apply a high protection sunscreen daily and avoid direct and extended sunlight for up to 1-week post-needling. Your skincare routine should focus on hydrating and moisturising products, continuing to avoid active ingredients, acids, scrubs and toners. 

7+ days post-treatment

You may return to your regular skincare routine. 

When should I perform my next microneedling treatment?

Although your skin will be looking and feeling amazing within just a few days of treatment, you should wait for 4-6 weeks before repeating the treatment again. 

This is because it generally takes your skin cells 4-6 weeks to turn over a full cycle, so although immediate results are seen after microneedling, the true benefits continue for the full cycle of your skin cells. 

You can safely repeat the process of microneedling every 4-6 weeks until you reach your desired result, and then every 4-6 weeks as often as you desire to maintain your results. 

What if I have questions about microneedling?

Not sure where to start? Don’t know if microneedling is right for you? Have some skin concerns that you’d like to talk through?

Never fear, we’re here to help! Just give us a call and our in-house Beauty Advisor will be more than happy to answer any questions you have, run through your queries and recommend the best course of action to help you achieve your skincare goals.