You will want to refrain from using abrasive skincare products, such as retinol, exfoliants, topical antibiotics and acids, for at least 48 hours before microneedling. It is crucial to avoid harmful UV ray exposure from direct sunlight and tanning beds for the five days before your treatment.
Beginning one week before each microneedling treatment, you should avoid sun exposure and stop using any topical retinoids, like RetinA. This helps prepare your skin for treatment and minimizes downtime.
You may resume prescription retinoid products (Retin A, Renova, Tretinoin, Avita, Alustra or other brands of Tretinoin and other prescription retinoid products (Adapalene, Avage, Differin, Tazorac, Tazarotene) 7-10 days after treatment or as instructed by your Esthetician.
As a general rule of thumb, microneedling treatment can be safely done about once a month or every 4 to 6 weeks.
You MUST NOT pick, scratch or use any exfoliant (gentle exfoliation may be allowed after 3-5 days) as this may damage the new skin and introduce bacteria leading to skin infections. Avoid using any skincare that contains AHA, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid or Retinoic Acid (eg Retin A) for 3-5 days.
Please wash your face with a gentle cleanser and do not wear any lotion, perfume, or serums when you go to your appointment. If you are wearing make-up that day, please remove make-up before your appointment.
Vitamin C pairs wonderfully with nano-needling though, so definitely try to include this ingredient into your routine without any risk of irritation.
Hyaluronic acid serums should be used post-microneedling. Use this from days 1 to 14 after microneedling to hydrate and replenish the skin. After 1 to 4 days, you can apply hyaluronic acid, toners, or moisturisers with a base of green tea extract, Vitamin E, kiwi oil, and linseed oil to the skin.
As far as washing your face after microneedling goes, you should only use lukewarm water for the first 48 hours. On days two and three, it's safe to cleanse with a gentle, non-exfoliating face wash. Make sure to apply the product using light, circular hand motions, and don't use a facial cleansing brush.
Discoloration caused by skin needling is rare, but can occur if the needle depth is 1.5 mm or deeper, and the procedure is done too frequently. This negligence can cause irritation in the skin which can be one possible cause to post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.
Microneedling with dermaroller causes collagen induction along with enhancing absorption of tretinoin cream. Fifteen percent TCA peel causes improvement in skin texture as well as collagen induction.
Hyaluronic acid serums are the best and most commonly used type for microneedling because of their hydrating properties. Other great alternatives include peptides, ceramides, and EGF. Just make sure to avoid retinoids, Vitamin C, and other serums that contain acids (AHA, BHA, and lactic acid).
“Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate ingredient to look out for and apply post-microneedling.
After Microneedling Treatment
Wait at least four hours to wash your face. Your skin may feel warm and tight and look red for one to three days. During this period, use a delicate cleanser and moisturizer, and apply 1% hydrocortisone cream as needed to soothe skin irritation.
Using ingredients like glycolic acid, retinol and vitamin C too soon after microneedling can irritate your skin and prolong the healing process. For this reason, it is best to wait two to three days after a microneedling session to start using products with these ingredients again.
The frequency of your treatments will depend on the length of your derma roller's needles and your skin's sensitivity. If your needles are shorter, you may be able to roll every other day, and if the needles are much longer, you may need to space out treatments every three to four weeks.
First Few Days: Continue gentle cleansing and moisturizing over the next few days. Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using exfoliants for 1 week. Apply sunscreen daily and you can use makeup if needed starting the day after treatment.
Retinol and vitamin C serum should be avoided for at least the first 48 hours after microneedling. Once 2 full days have passed, you might want to gradually add products back into your daily beauty routine instead of doing your usual regimen, especially if you use products that have strong anti-aging formulas.
Integrate Supportive Diet & Lifestyle Habits
Maintaining these wellness habits will significantly aid in the healing process and optimize collagen production. You should not consume any alcohol within 24 hours before and refrain from having any caffeinated foods or drinks the day of your microneedling procedure.
Avoid saunas, steam rooms and hot baths or showers until the redness is gone. -Avoid waxing and any other skin care treatment for two weeks following the treatment. -After 2-3 days you can return to regular skin care products or as soon as it is comfortable to do so.
It's recommended that you use a serum (or some similar "priming" product) with a derma-roller. It acts as a buffer between the needles and your skin, and even increases the absorption.
Do not take anything with Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, Dong Quai, Feverfew, St. John's Wort or Ibuprofen for at least 3 days before your appointment.
Conclusion: Microneedling with topical vitamin C is an effective and safe treatment option for epidermal melasma especially in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I-III.