Microneedling: Preparation & After Care
Proper Microneedling preparation and attentive aftercare are essential to achieving optimal results from your microneedling treatment. Whether you’re undergoing classic collagen induction therapy or advanced systems like Infini RF or Morpheus8, how you treat your skin before and after the session significantly impacts the outcome.
Beyond just arriving for your appointment, the real work starts days before and continues for weeks after. Understanding proper microneedling aftercare, what to avoid, which products to use, and how to care for your skin during recovery helps to reduce side effects and improve long-term results. This guide covers everything from skin prep to aftercare, including timelines and product suggestions tailored to sensitive, post-treatment skin.
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Preparation
Taking care of your skin before your microneedling appointment will reduce side effects and help you heal more quickly. Begin these steps about a week in advance unless otherwise directed by your provider.
Adjust Your Skincare
- Stop using topical agents that increase skin sensitivity—such as retinoids, exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic), benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics—5–7 days before treatment.
- Discontinue any products containing strong exfoliants or harsh ingredients 24 hours before your session. Keep your skin clean and well‑hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment.
- If you have a history of cold sores, discuss taking a preventive antiviral medication with your provider starting two days before treatment.
- Avoid Accutane for at least six months prior to microneedling, and postpone IPL or laser procedures and unprotected sun exposure for at least two weeks before your session.
Medications & Lifestyle
- Do not take anti‑inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil) for at least three days prior; these can interfere with the natural inflammatory process that promotes skin rejuvenation.
- Avoid blood‑thinning agents and supplements for one week before your appointment to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Refrain from waxing, depilatory creams or electrolysis on the treatment area for 5–7 days before your session. If dense hair is present, shave the area the day before (but not the day of) your appointment.
Day‑of Guidelines
- Arrive with clean skin free of lotion, oil, makeup, powder or sunscreen. You may wash your face at the clinic upon arrival.
- Inform your provider of any changes in your medical history or medications since your consultation. Let them know if you have any cosmetic tattoos in the treatment area.
- Approximately 30–45 minutes prior to treatment, a topical numbing cream (lidocaine) will be applied to maximise comfort.
- Avoid shaving on the day of your procedure to prevent irritation.
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After Care
Following your microneedling treatment, your skin may feel sensitive and look slightly sunburned. The healing process is typically quick, but careful aftercare will help you achieve the best results and avoid complications.
First 8 Hours
- Do not apply anything (makeup, sunscreen, serums or moisturizers) to the treated area for 6–8 hours after your session.
- Avoid wearing clothing or accessories that may rub against the treatment area. If clothing is necessary, choose soft cotton fabrics without fabric softener residue.
- Some redness and swelling are normal and typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Hours 8–24
- After 8 hours, gently cleanse the skin and apply a hyaluronic acid serum recommended by your clinician. Do not apply any other products at this stage.
- Avoid sun exposure and continue to refrain from makeup. Sleep on your back with your head elevated to help reduce swelling.
Days 1–3
- Morning: cleanse with cool water and a gentle cleanser, then apply hyaluronic acid serum and follow with a physical sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Keep skin moisturized throughout the day.
- Evening: cleanse again and reapply hyaluronic acid serum. Avoid applying active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C.
- Avoid anti‑inflammatory medications for one week after treatment; use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed for discomfort.
- Do not use ice on your face, and avoid arnica or bromelain; these can interfere with the natural healing process.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, jacuzzis, saunas and steam baths for 48 hours. Keep your environment cool and avoid activities that cause sweating.
- You may wear mineral makeup after 24 hours, but leaving skin bare can aid healing.
Days 3–7
- Peeling or flaking may begin around day 3 and last for several days. Do not pick, scratch or scrub; let the skin shed naturally.
- Continue hydrating with hyaluronic acid and moisturizers recommended by your provider. Keep skin protected with sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks.
- Bruising, pinpoint bleeding, minor scabbing or breakouts may occur. These side effects typically resolve within 7–10 days.
- Continue avoiding heat and sweaty workouts. Gentle walking is acceptable if you stay cool.
After Week 1
- You may resume your regular skincare routine once peeling and irritation have subsided. Reintroduce active ingredients gradually and discontinue if irritation returns.
- Maintain consistent sun protection. Apply broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ daily and wear a hat when outdoors.
- Contact your provider if you experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, hives, unusual discharge or bleeding, as these may indicate infection.
- For best results, discuss a series of microneedling treatments with your provider (commonly 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart).