Does microneedling make your skin flake?

Author: Brain Waters  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Common Side Effects of Microneedling The procedure causes short-term redness, swelling, and skin flaking, often lasting a few days. You should call your doctor immediately if you notice more severe side effects, such as bruising, bleeding, peeling, and infection.

Can microneedling cause shedding?

Yes, it can cause shedding. One way it does that is if the needle goes through the hair follicle itself.

Does microneedling change skin texture?

Popular Treatment

Microneedling is becoming increasingly sought-after as people begin to understand its effectiveness. It helps rejuvenate and refresh skin by correcting uneven tone and texture.

What are the downsides of microneedling?

Possible Complications After Microneedling
  • Infection. Infections do not always look the way you think.
  • Allergic or irritant reactions. Ranging from barely visible or extreme (as in you just want to hide).
  • Pain and itching. Are not normal for skin if they last more than a few days!
  • Scars and texture changes.

Why do I look older after microneedling?

Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.

How microneedling works

What happens if you microneedle too deep?

Improper Technique: Applying excessive pressure or using incorrect needle depth can lead to skin trauma, scarring, and permanent damage. Infection Risks: Poor hygiene practices, unsterile equipment, or microneedling over active lesions increase the chances of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Does microneedling dehydrate skin?

In the days and weeks after microneedling, you might notice that your skin burns or feels tight. Some people also have dry, flaking skin that improves with moisturizer.

Is it worth having one microneedling session?

Microneedling, even after just one session, can significantly diminish signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, offering both immediate rejuvenation and lasting improvements in skin health. This microneedling treatment stimulates collagen production, a vital process that enhances skin elasticity and firmness.

How often should you microneedle your face?

Microneedling results are relatively easy to maintain, and the best way to keep the skin looking its best after treatment is with regular appointments. Most people can sustain their results with an appointment every six months to preserve the effects of collagen production.

Does microneedling damage skin over time?

Any microneedling device has the potential to cause side effects that last a short time or a long time. Skin damage is a risk that commonly occurs with microneedling devices.

What is the best moisturizer after microneedling?

It is best to stick to gel-based moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and do not cause acne. You can also opt for oil-free options such as those made with vitamin E or other natural ingredients like aloe vera gel which are known for their healing properties.

Can microneedling cause telogen effluvium?

Recent papers have shown that early microneedling can markedly improve telogen effluvium as it reduces hair fall & stimulates new follicles to grow. Microneedling can also extend the anagen or growth phase of hair follicles. Microneedling not only increases the hair density, but also increases the hair shaft diameter.

How long does skin purge after microneedling?

If you're prone to breakouts and oily skin you may also experience breakouts in lots of lumps like pimples. But these'll go away in 2-3 days. I want to assure you these're also normal and it's just your body purging itself of toxins.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.

Why is my scalp flaking after microneedling?

Microneedling can sometimes leave the scalp feeling dry and flaky as it heals. Keeping your scalp hydrated is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and to nourish the newly stimulated hair follicles. However, the type of moisturizer you use is just as important as the act of moisturizing itself.

How to maximize microneedling results?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  1. Boosting progress with supplements.
  2. Avoiding intense activities.
  3. Staying out of hot showers and baths.
  4. Letting the skin rest before further treatments.
  5. Not wearing makeup.
  6. Protecting your skin from the sun.
  7. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Is microneedling better than Botox?

As stand-alone treatments, these are both fantastic in their own ways. Botox will provide good visual results on the skin, as the area will look and feel smoother – although for firmer, plumper, healthy-looking skin, microneedling wins, hands-down.

Does microneedling look bad at first?

Sometimes skin can look slightly swollen after microneedling. This is due to the natural and mechanical injury of the treatment. Degree of swelling (if any) will depend on skin sensitivity and the aggressiveness of the treatment. When swelling does occur, it is subtle and subsides in about three days.

Why is my skin peeling after microneedling?

As a result of accelerated skin cell turnover, microneedling peeling and flaking may occur three to five days following microneedling treatment. Within two to four weeks, the benefits of microneedling will be apparent.

What are the disadvantages of microneedling?

Common, expected complications include:
  • Pain during the procedure (minimal when topical anesthetics are used appropriately)
  • Erythema, irritation, and mild edema (which generally subsides in hours-to-days)

Should you drink a lot of water after microneedling?

To help moisturize your skin after microneedling, many recommend drinking a lot of water. Drinking water will help replenish your body's moisture levels, which will help promote the health of your skin's moisture barrier.

How to know if microneedling went wrong?

And when it's done incorrectly, microneedling risks have a higher chance of happening. So what's not normal? Any type of redness, bruising, inflammation that doesn't go away. If you have any signs of infection, any signs of an allergic reaction, if your skin is really painful.

Is it better to microneedling fast or slow?

As a general rule, the faster you set the speed on your microneedling pen, the deeper the needle will penetrate your skin. If you're using the pen on your face or other sensitive areas, we recommend using a lower speed - this gives you more precise control of the pen and its movements.

How hard do you press when microneedling?

Use a light, even pressure. If you have some loose skin, you may need to hold this area taut also.

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