What happens if you don't moisturize after microneedling?

Author: Ed Kuhlman  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

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.

Do you moisturize 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 happens if microneedling is done incorrectly?

If you're considering this treatment, thorough research is essential—but one thing is sure: microneedling should never be attempted at home. When done incorrectly, the potential side effects can be severe, ranging from scarring, pockmarks, and infections to enlarged pores, track marks, and premature ageing.

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 to remove dead skin after microneedling?

You shouldn't wash your skin at all during the first 72 hours. After that, gently exfoliate the skin after 3 – 5 days to remove the flaky dead skin that commonly forms after treatments. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and make sure your hand motions are as gentle as possible.

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

How long does skin look bad after microneedling?

After Microneedling Treatment

You may notice that your skin is red and swollen for up to three days. During this time, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and if necessary, use 1% hydrocortisone cream.

What is the best thing to put on skin 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 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.

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 are the long term side 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.

Why does my face look bad after microneedling?

Common Side Effects of Microneedling

The procedure causes short-term redness, swelling, and skin flaking, often lasting a few days. You should call your doctor immediately if you notice more severe side effects, such as bruising, bleeding, peeling, and infection.

Is it hard to mess up microneedling?

The Common Microneedling Mistakes To Avoid Are:

Using the wrong needle size. Not using sunscreen. Microneedling over skin infections, active acne, or sores. Applying Wrong Products After Microneedling.

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 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 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 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.

How long does it take for collagen to rebuild after microneedling?

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.

Is there purging after microneedling?

Breakouts after microneedling may occur due to skin purging, where clogged pores surface as the skin regenerates. The procedure also opens microchannels in the skin, making it more sensitive to bacteria, leading to temporary breakouts. Proper aftercare can help minimize this issue.

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.

Does microneedling bring out age spots?

As collagen production increases the skin gets plump and thicker, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. The process of microneedling also breaks up melanin in the skin absorbing it into the body, so it is an effective treatment for age spots.

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.

Should I moisturize 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.

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.

What products can I not use after microneedling?

Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products

Patients should avoid using makeup or skincare products for the first 2 days following microneedling treatment. This includes cleaners, toners, exfoliants. The treated skin requires time to heal and each of the aforementioned products can cause irritation and lead to further damage.

Previous article
Is there an alternative to showering?
Next article
How much is a hair transplant in the USA?