Follow a Skincare Regimen
Following a consistent skincare regimen can help to maintain the results of microneedling. A skincare regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing regularly can help to improve the texture and tone of the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the big reasons bad microneedling results happen is a practitioner performing needling on someone who isn't a good candidate ... you absolutely need medical training to be able to determine who is and isn't a good candidate. This is seconded by lack of education, practice and technique.
Drinking plenty of water is crucial, but so is using the right topical products. Use a hydrating serum: Look for serums containing hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. This can significantly aid in the healing process by keeping your skin hydrated and plump.
Results will depend on the severity of the area being treated. The tightened and final results will be seen gradually over 6-9 months which is the time it takes for each individual's body to produce collagen naturally and for the skin to rebuild after injury.
You should especially refrain from applying makeup, sunscreen, or other potential irritants. If you need to apply moisturizers or Vaseline to reduce itchiness or dryness, that's fine, but do not scrub, exfoliate, or massage the area roughly.
Taking oral supplements that benefit the skin, such as Omega 3, Zinc, and Vitamin C can help improve results and promote healing. Glucosamine is another good supplement you can try. Some microneedling aftercare products that can help soothe your skin and speed up healing include: Vitamin A.
Why Do I Look Older After Microneedling? You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers.
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. Most people need multiple microneedling treatments, usually about 3 weeks to 8 weeks apart. It can take 3 months to 6 months to see results.
If you're looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, four to six sessions should suffice. For more severe skin concerns, such as acne scars or stretch marks, you may need eight to twelve sessions.
We recommend our Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, available for purchase. It is important to apply every 3 hours for the first 24 hours after the microneedling. These can also be continued twice a day for the first week.
Only once your skin heals from these wounds and has had time to stimulate the extra collagen and have some cell turnover, will you see the full benefit from your treatment. This means results usually aren't visible until four to six weeks after your microneedling treatment.
Lidocaine, Prilocaine & Epinephrine Numbing Cream
This combination is widely regarded as the best numbing cream for microneedling, laser treatments, and other cosmetic procedures like injectables. Numbing lasts up to 3-4 hours after removal.
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.
Hyaluronic acid after microneedling is always a safe bet.
Keep your skin clean and hydrated
After microneedling, your skin will be more sensitive than usual, so it's important to keep it clean and moisturized to avoid any irritation or infection. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face twice a day, avoiding any harsh scrubs or exfoliants.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment.
Even though microneedling benefits the skin, overdoing it can cause serious risks, including skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, leading to discomfort. Overdoing treatments or not allowing ample time between sessions can lead to scarring and even hyperpigmentation.
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.
Professional microneedling is more expensive than its at-home counterpart, yet it also offers greater results in terms of safety, efficacy and longevity. At-home microneedling can still provide excellent results if done correctly; however, it may need to be repeated more often than a professional treatment would.
Microneedling is generally considered a safe treatment that should not make conditions worse. In fact, microneedling is actually proven to help improve the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. However, if the procedure is not performed properly, it is possible that it could make wrinkles worse.