Should I moisturize before or after microneedling?

Author: Kristian Johnston  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Immediately after your micro-needling procedure, we will apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen topically. Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Do you microneedle before or after moisturizer?

It is recommended that you use a hydrating moisturizer after your microneedling treatment because it will retain moisture in your skin and promote healing. However, you should avoid using heavy creams or oils as they may clog pores and cause acne breakouts.

What should I put on my face before microneedling?

Before you start needling your skin, apply enough hydrating serum on the area of concern. This is to help lubricate the skin and ensure the pen glides across the skin while maximising the benefit of microneedling treatment. Use serums such as ​​Hyaluronic Acid serum, peptides, ceramides, or EGF for microneedling.

How do you 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 should you not do before microneedling?

What You Should Avoid Before Microneedling
  • NSAIDs. You should avoid NSAIDs in the week leading up to your microneedling treatment session. ...
  • Accutane and Other Drugs and Supplements. ...
  • Certain Hair Removal Methods. ...
  • Heat-Based Cosmetic Treatments and Others. ...
  • UV Damage. ...
  • Cold Sores. ...
  • Makeup and Other Cosmestics. ...
  • NSAIDs.

Microneedling: 5 Tips You MUST Know BEFORE & AFTER | Doctorly + Esthetician

How do you prep your skin for microneedling?

How to Prepare for Your Microneedling Appointment
  1. Avoid other treatments: Refrain from laser therapy, waxing, or dermal filler injections for at least two weeks before microneedling.
  2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment.

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 overdo micro needling?

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.

How to increase the effectiveness of microneedling?

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.

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.

What is the best aftercare for microneedling?

Keep your skin clean with a Gentle Cleanser. 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.

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.

Should I put anything on my face before microneedling?

Keep your skin clean before needling, avoid using lotion or make-up, and clean your face in-office if feasible. Inform your doctor of any adjustments you've made that may have an impact on microneedling. 45 minutes before the surgery, your doctor will apply topical anesthetics to your face.

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.

What face moisturizer is best after microneedling?

It is recommended to use hyaluronic acid serums after your microneedling treatment for at least 2 weeks to hydrate the skin. Skin Technique recommends the Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier. After 1-4 days, you can apply toners or moisturizers with green tea extract, linseed oil, kiwi oil, and Vitamin E.

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.

What are the cons of microneedling?

Skin damage is a risk that commonly occurs with microneedling devices. The damage may include bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching and peeling, and these typically go away without any treatment after a few days or weeks.

How to prep skin for microneedling?

To get your skin healthy for your microneedling, we recommend avoiding things that may irritate your skin, such as:
  1. Direct sun exposure 24 hours before your session (unless protected with sunscreen)
  2. Tanning lotions 48 hours before your session.
  3. Acid-based skin care products.
  4. Retinol-containing skin care products.

How soon can I drink coffee after microneedling?

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.

How to speed up healing 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 vitamins to avoid after microneedling?

Avoid high doses of vitamin E or blood-thinning supplements like fish oil immediately after microneedling, as these can increase the risk of bruising. Instead, focus on vitamins like C and A (retinol) once your provider clears you to use them.

When can I apply moisturizer after microneedling?

Applying moisturizer is particularly crucial after microneedling, especially from day two to four, when the skin tends to experience trans-epidermal moisture loss. Due to the micro-injury caused by the treatment, water can temporarily pass more easily from the dermis through the epidermis and evaporate.

Will microneedling help crepey arms?

Microneedling RF helps firm and tighten crepey skin and reverses the early signs of skin laxity. This is ideal for the face, skin around the eyes, jowls, skin on neck, chest and arms.

How many minutes should you microneedle for?

A treatment session itself only lasts between 20 and 30 minutes depending on how many areas need to be treated. However, you must wait for the numbing cream to take effect and have your treatment area disinfected. Expect to spend at least an hour or two from start to finish.

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