What are the do's and don'ts after microneedling?

Author: Soledad Hayes  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

Some redness may also be present and in some cases, patients may experience slight bruising that can last for 5-7 days and temporary swelling for 2-4 days. Avoid strenuous exercises that cause sweating as well as jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths for up to 48 hours. Use only mineral makeup after 24 hours.

How do I get the best results after microneedling?

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.

What is the best aftercare for microneedling?

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

How soon after microneedling can I wash my face?

Within the first 6─8 hours after the treatment, one can wash their skin with clean, lukewarm water, because the active chemicals in the face wash are absorbed directly through the pores, which may occasionally cause further irritation and can also hurt skin if applied too soon after the procedure.

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.

Microneedling Aftercare Tips (best results for anti-aging skincare)

How soon after microneedling can I use moisturizer?

-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.

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.

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's the best cream to use after microneedling?

When used after microneedling, hyaluronic acid is even more effective as it can dive even deeper to plump and hydrate, complementing the hard work your microneedle has already started to help give you firmer, better quality skin.

How long will my face look bad after microneedling?

It's normal to experience certain side effects after a microneedling procedure. Your skin can be flushed or even bright red when you leave your visit. Within 48 hours, the majority of the redness you experience after microneedling will go away. Peeling, flaking and breakouts may take a little longer.

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.

How to sleep after microneedling?

Germ-free skin is essential to promote healing, prevent infection, and achieve a healthy glow after microneedling. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Only touch your face when washing it or applying serums and moisturizer. Sleep on your back for the first week or at least 3 days after microneedling.

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.

Can you see results from microneedling after 1 session?

Yes, you'll notice results after just one microneedling session. Your skin will appear smoother and more radiant, although individual outcomes can vary. Continuous improvements occur over the following weeks, enhancing texture and tone.

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.

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.

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.

How long do microneedling results last?

In general, you can expect the results of SkinPen microneedling to last for four to six weeks. The longevity of these results can be attributed to the length of your natural cellular turnover cycle, as well as how long newly produced collagen can last in the skin.

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.

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.

How can I make my microneedling last longer?

Hydration Is Key:

Microneedling can temporarily deplete skin moisture, leading to dryness. Maintaining proper hydration is paramount for extending your treatment's longevity. A glycerin cleanser's ability to cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture is beneficial in this regard.

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.

Why is my face so tight after microneedling?

Microneedling pricks the skin, creating invisible wounds that trigger healing. In response, your skin will likely feel tight and dry, maybe as if you have a mild sunburn. Because the tiny wounds are fresh, there is a risk of infection.

How much is microneedling?

The average cost of microneedling with an aesthetician is between $300-$350, and with a physician, that rises to between $600-$800 thanks to the depth of needles and the expertise of your provider. The addition of PRP can add between $300-$500 to your cost.

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