What face moisturizer is best after microneedling?

Author: Prof. Sean Cole MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

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.

What moisturizer should I use after microneedling?

Answer: Post Treatment Microneedling We typically recommend using a moisturizer starting 24 hours after the procedure. You can use hyaluronic acid or even a gentle aquaphor for the area! You will want to avoid exfoliating or acidic creams as the skin can be very sensitive.

What should I put on my face immediately after microneedling?

Keep your skin hydrated, using only products your skincare professional recommends. Typically, we suggest a hyaluronic serum after microneedling to avoid excess peeling and flaking.

Can I use CeraVe moisturizing cream on my face after microneedling?

After the procedure it is recommended that you do not wash your face with any cleansers and only apply a gentle moisturizer, such as CeraVe. Feel free to splash cold water on your skin if it is feeling tight and hot, but only use your hands. No washcloths.

What cream to use when microneedling?

This is to avoid getting numbing cream into the microchannels. Apply Serum: Use a hydrating serum such as Hyaluronic Acid before microneedling to lubricate the skin, helping the needles to glide and preventing drag.

Microneedling Aftercare Do's and Don'ts & Recommended Skincare Ingredients

What is the best cream or serum after microneedling?

Your skin will be more sensitive than usual immediately after microneedling, so it's important to choose a serum that's gentle and kind to skin, while still giving you that extra nourishing boost. Enter, hyaluronic acid.

What do estheticians use with microneedling?

Your healthcare provider uses thin needles to make tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. The damage helps stimulate your skin's healing process, so it produces more collagen and elastin. These proteins keep your skin firm and smooth.

What is the best healing ointment after microneedling?

There is a growing variety of suitable ointments to choose from which include:
  • Vanicream Ointment.
  • CeraVe Healing Ointment.
  • Vaseline.
  • Aquaphor.

Can I use CeraVe moisturizer after tretinoin?

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This skin barrier–restoring cream from CeraVe helps lock in essential moisture with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and petrolatum. It's great for mitigating the dryness and irritation that can come with using retinoids.

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 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 is the best face wash after microneedling?

Make sure to use a gentle cleanser free of harsh chemicals so as to not irritate or dehydrate the skin. It is also important to wash your hands before touching your face. The ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser is one of the best products to use after microneedling since it is specially formulated for sensitive skin.

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's 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.

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.

Can I put Aquaphor on my face after microneedling?

FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT…

Avoid scrubbing, scratching or shaving. Moisturize with over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either aloe, Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily or as needed to help reduce irritation or itching.

What is the best moisturizer when using tretinoin?

Three inexpensive moisturizers that our physicians love are Vanicream Daily Facial Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum. All three of these are affordable, non-comedogenic,and blend well with tretinoin.

What is the best face moisturizer?

Some of the best brands include:
  • CeraVe: Known for their gentle, dermatologist recommended moisturizers.
  • La Roche-Posay: Offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, including non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Kiehl's: Known for their effective, high end skincare products.

Is Vanicream better than CeraVe?

Ingredient-splaining

Bottom line: Vanicream has less ingredients, so it's better for people who are allergic to, you know, EVERYTHING. Otherwise, Cerave has better, more sophisticated ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid—it's the clear winner in this round.

Can I use CeraVe after microneedling?

Hydrating Moisturizer: Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer. We recommend Vivier LEXXEL Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.

How often should I microneedle my 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.

What is the best product to use with microneedling?

The Micro Needle Dermaroller can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to minimize wrinkles. Incorporate anti-aging ingredient serums such as Matrixyl 3000, Coenzyme Q10 or Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C serums after micro needling to help invigorate and smooth the skin.

What are the long term effects of microneedling?

Despite its many advantages, there are some risks associated with microneedling such as infection, inflammation and discoloration. Long-term effects may include scarring or changes in pigmentation so caution should be taken when undergoing this treatment.

Is Dr pen as good as SkinPen?

When it comes to choosing between SkinPen and Dermapen, SkinPen is the clear winner. Not only does it offer superior precision and safety, but shorter treatment times make it more convenient for busy patients. In addition, SkinPen's technology provides a more even distribution of needles across the skin.

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