What happens if you use retinol after microneedling?

Author: Kailee Balistreri  |  Last update: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Combining retinol with microneedling can be a powerful tool to get youthful skin but using it too close in time can become the cause of redness and irritation on the skin. By knowing when to use retinol after the treatment, you can avoid these skin sensitivity issues.

What happens if you use retinol too soon after microneedling?

Answer: Retinal after microneedling At our practice we tell all of our patients to avoid any retinal or retinoid for 48-72 hours after treatment. Applying it directly after can burn the skin or cause prolonged redness and irritation.

How long does purging last after microneedling?

Purging after microneedling typically lasts about 3 to 7 days. During this time, dead skin cells and clogged pores are being expelled. As the skin heals and renews, purging should gradually subside, leaving smoother and clearer skin.

What happens if I use vitamin c serum after microneedling?

Vitamin C serum after microneedling helps your skin to recover from the treatment and increases your collagen production. Unfortunately not all vitamin C serums are created equal. I recommend my own serum because it is not acidic and will not irritate your skin.

What ingredients not to use after microneedling?

Avoid Exfoliants, Retinoids, And Acids

Those who undergo microneedling are advised to avoid retinoids and acids such as glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) at least 1 week following the treatment. 72 hours following treatment, patients can wear makeup again. It is important that mineral based makeups are chosen.

My MICRONEEDLING Experience| + Skin Updates | Before & After

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.

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.

How to prevent hyperpigmentation after microneedling?

Sun Protection: Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun after microneedling, and UV exposure can diminish your results. Avoid extended time outdoors, and if you need to be outside, use a sunscreen with SPF 50. Reapply every two hours for the best protection.

What cancels out vitamin C serum?

In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.

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 does skin purging look like?

In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.

Why does my skin look awful after microneedling?

As a result of accelerated skin cell turnover, microneedling peeling and flaking may occur three to five days following microneedling treatment. Within two to four weeks, the benefits of microneedling will be apparent.

How to know if microneedling went wrong?

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 soon can you sleep on your side after microneedling?

If you received collagen induction therapy treatment on your face, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach or side for the first week after your session. Sleep on your back with your head elevated.

How long does it take for retinol to absorb?

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product. Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas.

Why does my face look dark after microneedling?

This happens as a response to the way that the skin heals, leading to an overproduction of melanin in the treated areas.

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.

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.

Why can't you use retinol after microneedling?

Don't use any products that have active ingredients such as retinol or alpha acids since these can irritate your skin even more. Only use products that your microneedling practitioner has recommended. It is vital that you let your skin breathe for 24 hours after the 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.

How often should you microneedle your 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.

When to resume retinol after microneedling?

Your skin must feel natural and normal after healing, and then you can apply retinol to maximize the benefit. Normal Needles: The most common treatment is when microneedling is done at the normal depth, which will take about 3-5 days to heal. So, you can only take retinol after a week.

Why am I not seeing microneedling results?

This treatment is all about 'repair' and stimulating collagen. This takes time and occurs deep within the skin, so the effects of Microneedling may not be seen immediately. RF Microneedling causes small wounds (pinpricks) in your skin which stimulates the skin's repair mode.

What happens if you overdo 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.

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