Before & Aftercare for Smoother, Healthier Skin

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.

“microneedling Preparation and aftercare are as important as the treatment itself—skipping either step can diminish results or even harm your skin.”

Kamal Alhallak Ph.D. in Pharmacy, MBA

Microneedling preparation

7 Days Before Treatment: Early Preparation

Discontinue retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), exfoliants (glycolic/salicylic acid), and vitamin C serums to avoid increased sensitivity. If using clinical-grade actives like ZO Brightalive or Vivier Radiance Serum, pause them as well.
Do not undergo waxing, chemical peels, or laser treatments in the treatment area.
Limit alcohol intake and avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) unless prescribed—this helps reduce bruising.
Switch to a barrier-repair moisturizer. Excellent choices include ZO Hydrating Crème and Vivier Lexxel Soothing Cream for calming and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier.

3–5 Days Before Treatment: Hydration Focus

Hydrate your skin from the inside and out. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily and apply a medical-grade hyaluronic acid serum like Vivier Hydraskin or ZO Daily Power Defense twice a day to boost moisture levels.
Avoid direct sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30–50 daily. Recommended: ZO Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 for tinted protection or Vivier Sheer SPF 45 for lightweight, invisible coverage.
Pause all active treatments including exfoliants, acne treatments, and any skin-lightening agents to allow the skin barrier to rebuild fully.

1 Day Before: Final Touches

Stop applying makeup or heavy skincare products by the evening to ensure clean, clear skin for your appointment.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine to minimize swelling, sensitivity, and dehydration the next day.

Microneedling aftercare

Immediately Microneedling aftercare (First 24 Hours)

Expect redness and a sunburn-like sensation. Some swelling and pinpoint bleeding may occur.
Do not touch your face with unclean hands. Avoid sweating, saunas, or heat exposure.
Use only the post-procedure serum provided by your provider, typically a hyaluronic acid-based or stem cell serum.

Days 1–3: Active Healing Phase

Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a non-foaming, pH-balanced cleanser like La Roche-Posay Toleriane.
Moisturize 2–3 times daily using a barrier-repair cream such as CeraVe, Avène Recovery Cream, or Alastin Skin Nectar.
Apply mineral sunscreen even indoors—sun exposure can worsen pigmentation during healing.
Expect tightness, dryness, and flaking. Do not pick or exfoliate manually.

Days 4–7: Skin Rebuilding

Resume gentle actives if advised by your provider—start with niacinamide or ceramide-rich products.
Continue sun protection and limit outdoor activity during peak sunlight hours.
You may begin to see initial glow and texture improvements.

Days 7–14: Return to Routine

You may return to your regular skincare routine, including retinoids or brightening agents, based on your skin’s tolerance.
Consider layering serums with peptides or growth factors for enhanced collagen support.

Month and Beyond: Maintenance & Results

Schedule your next session in 4–6 weeks, especially for concerns like acne scars or deep wrinkles.
For comparison and planning multiple sessions, refer to our treatment comparison guide.
Maintain your results with a consistent at-home routine and clinical treatments as advised by your provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear makeup after my treatment?

You should avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. During this time, your skin is healing and more vulnerable to irritation. Once your provider gives the green light, you may resume using mineral-based or non-comedogenic makeup—ideally paired with a protective SPF base.

What should I absolutely avoid before the procedure?

Stop using any active skincare ingredients such as retinol, glycolic/salicylic acids, or strong exfoliants for at least five days before your appointment. Also, avoid chemical peels, waxing, and laser treatments in the treatment area. Alcohol and blood thinners should be avoided 24–48 hours prior to minimize bruising.

How long does redness last after the session?

Redness usually lasts between 24 and 72 hours depending on your skin type and the depth of the procedure. Advanced treatments like Morpheus8 may result in slightly longer redness and mild swelling. Applying healing products such as ZO Skin Health’s Rozatrol or Vivier V-STAT Advanced Repair Gel can help soothe inflammation and speed up recovery.

When can I restart my active skincare products?

It’s generally safe to reintroduce active ingredients like retinoids or AHA/BHA products 5 to 7 days after treatment, but only once skin sensitivity subsides. For a gentle reintroduction, try products like ZO Daily Power Defense or Vivier’s GrenzCine Serum, which support skin barrier repair and anti-aging benefits without irritation.

What products are best to use after the treatment?

Stick to calming and hydrating medical-grade skincare. We recommend ZO Skin Health’s Hydrating Crème or Vivier’s Lexxel Soothing Cream to restore the skin barrier and minimize flaking. Avoid any products containing alcohol, fragrance, or acids for at least a week.

Which sunscreen should I use during recovery?

Daily sun protection is crucial after treatment. Opt for mineral-based, non-irritating sunscreens. Our top recommendations are ZO Skin Health’s Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 for a tinted matte finish, and Vivier’s Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 45 for lightweight, invisible coverage. Both provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection ideal for sensitive, post-procedure skin.