What products can I not use after microneedling?

Author: Prof. Charles Hayes  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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.

How long after microneedling can I use products?

Answer: Care after microneedling I tell my patients not to use their own products for 48 hours and offer a recovery kit which is compatible with microneedling. Most home products are not designed for deeper absorption through the microchannels.

What ingredients should I avoid after skin needling?

The Skin Needling procedure will leave your skin in a highly sensitive state, so we recommend that you avoid all skin care products that contain any kind of 'active ingredients' such as retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids and Vitamin C.

What products are best to put on 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.

Can I put moisturizer 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.

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

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 are the don'ts of microneedling?

Don't take a bath for 1 day, and don't go for long baths and showers during the first week of your recovery. Avoid spas and saunas. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean. This includes cosmetic tattooing such as Microblading.

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 use Aquaphor after microneedling?

What is the recovery like? As you have seen, your face will be red and sensitive for about a day. You will want to moisturize well. For the first day after the treatment, you'll want to use Aquaphor or some other nourishing serum that we will give you.

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.

Can I use CeraVe moisturizer after microneedling?

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

What is a normal routine after microneedling?

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.

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.

What compliments microneedling?

4 Best Treatments To Pair With Microneedling
  • Chemical Peel. On its own, Chemical Peels are powerful exfoliating tools, removing the outermost layer of skin to treat texture concerns and trigger cell signaling. ...
  • HydraFacial. ...
  • Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) ...
  • Radiofrequency.

Why does my skin look more wrinkled after microneedling?

You might look older after microneedling because your skin is temporarily inflamed and shedding older layers. This initial phase is crucial for the rejuvenation process, leading to improved texture and reduced wrinkles later.

What is the best moisturizer after microneedling?

Aftercare Following Lasers and Microneedling Can Be Summarized In Two Words: Kind & Gentle-Larisa Lehmer M.D
  • Vanicream Ointment.
  • CeraVe Healing Ointment.
  • Vaseline.
  • Aquaphor.

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 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.

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.

What is negative about 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.

What cleanser to use after microneedling?

Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser (such as Alastin Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil/Cerave gentle cleanser) and tepid water to cleanse the face for the following 72 hours and gently dry the treated skin. Always make sure that your hands are clean when touching the treated area.

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.

What is the best numbing cream for microneedling?

Lidocaine, Prilocaine & Epinephrine Numbing Cream

This combination is widely regarded as the best numbing cream for microneedling, laser treatments, and other cosmetic procedures like injectables. Numbing lasts up to 3-4 hours after removal.

How to get maximum results from microneedling?

BOOST YOUR MICRONEEDLING RESULTS WITH THESE 12 TIPS
  1. USE SUN PROTECTION. ...
  2. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN. ...
  3. AVOID HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENTS. ...
  4. ARRIVE WITH CLEANSED SKIN. ...
  5. AVOID STRENUOUS EXERCISE. ...
  6. ELEVATE WHEN SLEEPING. ...
  7. SKINCARE & MAKEUP. ...
  8. CREATE A SAFE MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT PLAN. Make sure you have a set treatment schedule and stick to it.

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