Should I ice my face after microneedling?

Author: Mallie Muller V  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Avoid the use of arnica/bromelain and ice on your face. Skin renewal depends on the natural inflammatory process, and these products may interfere with it. Stay away from skin irritations by not picking or scratching them.

How soon can you ice your face after microneedling?

A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment. Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally.

How do I cool down my face after microneedling?

If the redness is extremely bothersome, ask your microneedling practitioner if it's OK to use a cool compress. To do this, simply run cool water over a clean washcloth, wring it out, and gently rest it on the skin. If you get the all-clear from your provider, you could also try using an ice pack wrapped in a dry towel.

What is the fastest way to heal skin after microneedling?

Here are five essential tips to help speed up your microneedling healing process and get you back to your glowing self in no time.
  1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated. ...
  2. Protect Your Skin From the Sun. ...
  3. Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine. ...
  4. Avoid Strenuous Activities. ...
  5. Nourish Your Body From Within.

What is the best thing to put on your face after microneedling?

What to Put On Your Skin After Microneedling
  • Avoid harsh scrubs or products.
  • Only clean your skin with a professionally formulated cleanser.
  • Apply targeted skincare serums that will penetrate deeply into your skin.
  • Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle moisturizer.
  • Apply medical-grade sun protection.

Post Microneedling Care - Step-By-Step Instructions From L&P Aesthetics In Palo Alto, CA

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.

What does your face look like 2 days after microneedling?

Skin that is pink and a bit sandy-looking is common for some clients in days 2 – 4 after the treatment. Just like any time you're kick-starting cell turnover with a treatment or skin exfoliation, your skin will be sensitive to UV rays.

Should I use Aquaphor after microneedling?

What is the recovery like? As you have seen, your face will be red and sensitive for about a day. You will want to moisturize well. For the first day after the treatment, you'll want to use Aquaphor or some other nourishing serum that we will give you.

Can I sleep on my side after microneedling?

Can I sleep on my side after microneedling? It's best to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first night after microneedling. This minimizes the risk of irritation and ensures that your skin stays clean while it begins to heal.

How often should I microneedle my face?

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. Afterward, you might need the procedure once a year for maintenance.

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 does my skin 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.

Can I put moisturizer right after microneedling?

Once the 24 hours have passed, it is wise to use moisturizers on your face as they will help prevent dryness and irritation. It is recommended that you use a hydrating moisturizer after your microneedling treatment because it will retain moisture in your skin and promote healing.

Can you do too much microneedling?

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.

Why can't you wash your face after microneedling?

Microneedling results in tiny injuries that could make it easier for cleaning products to penetrate your skin, which could cause damage and irritation.

How to speed up healing after microneedling?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips
  1. #1. Avoid the sun after microneedling. Stay out of the sun and it goes without saying to avoid the sunbed or the solarium.
  2. #2. Avoid active topical skin care products after microneedling. ...
  3. #3. Do not use makeup after microneedling. ...
  4. #4. Applying face masks after microneedling.

How long after microneedling can I shower?

How soon can I shower after microneedling? You should wait 24 hours after your microneedling treatment to shower, as the openings will have closed by then, and there is less of a chance for bacteria to get in. You can wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel 4 hours after your procedure.

How to remove dead skin after microneedling?

1. Exfoliation. The most common technique used at DFA is to remove the dead skin from the face by exfoliation after you treat your skin following microneedling. It's advisable to limit exfoliation to just a few times weekly, ensuring you give your skin ample time to heal before exfoliating again.

When do you see full results of microneedling?

However, the most dramatic results will not be visible until four to six weeks after treatment. It takes roughly this long for your body to create new, strong, healthy collagen. During your initial consultation, we will advise you of when you can expect to see results based on the results you are trying to achieve.

What is the best aftercare for microneedling?

A gentle cleanser should be used for 24 hours following the treatment to avoid irritation. Choose your skin care products with this in mind, a fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic cleanser is best.

Should you microneedle your neck?

There are a few areas on the body where microneedling is especially beneficial, and the neck is one of them. The skin on the neck is thin and delicate, making it more prone to wrinkles, sun damage, and other signs of aging.

Is it better to microneedle in the morning or at night?

Myth: sun is the enemy of microneedling!

This is why we'd never recommend microneedling during the day. To keep your skin happy and healthy, always microneedle in the evening – this means your skin has the whole night to restore itself, and you can wake up to sensational skin.

Can you mess up microneedling?

The Common Microneedling Mistakes To Avoid Are:

Using Low Quality Derma Rollers. Applying a serum containing high amounts of fragrance after. Microneedling too often.

What numbing cream is good for microneedling?

Lidocaine, Prilocaine & Epinephrine Numbing Cream

Each tube contains the active numbing ingredients lidocaine, prilocaine, and epinephrine. Once the anesthetic is applied on clean and dry skin it can provide effective anesthesia for microneedling as early as 15 minutes after application.

Previous article
How much does electrolysis cost for white hair removal?
Next article
Is facial hair attractive?