If you’ve just had a microneedling treatment—or you’re considering one—knowing a few aftercare tips will help you to make the most of your results. Microneedling can leave your skin feeling tender and extra sensitive for a day or two, so knowing how to keep it calm and happy is key.

That’s because microneedling (which is sometimes called collagen induction therapy) creates tiny channels in your skin, during the treatment, that trigger your skin’s natural healing process and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. As your skin repairs itself, these new collagen and elastin fibres help smooth out fine lines, improve texture, and even out skin tone, making microneedling a popular choice for addressing acne scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

So whether you’re already feeling that post-treatment tenderness or you’re planning ahead, keeping your skin hydrated, avoiding sun exposure, and being kind with your skincare routine will support a smooth recovery. With a little prep and care, you’re on your way to glowing, revitalized skin!

Post-Treatment Timeline

In the first day or two after microneedling, close friends or coworkers might notice some redness or slight swelling, as if you’ve had a mild sunburn. By day three, though, most of the redness typically subsides, and any remaining sensitivity isn’t usually obvious to others. 

By the end of the week, others are more likely to notice a glow and more youthful looking skin rather than suspecting you had a procedure done. See the day by day breakdown below.

• Day 1 (Immediately After Treatment):
  Your skin will likely feel sensitive, red, and slightly swollen, much like a mild sunburn. Avoid touching your face, and refrain from applying makeup. Only use hydrating products or masks recommended by your microneedling provider. We recommend you sleep on your back with your head elevated if possible.
• Day 2:
  By the second day, redness should be diminishing, and any swelling will likely be minimal. Your skin may still feel tight and slightly dry, as it begins to repair itself. There might be a slight glow emerging, though your face will still feel sensitive. Gentle hydration can bring comfort to any lingering dryness.
• Days 3-5:
  Around day three, a gentle glow will start to come through as redness continues to diminish. During this period, the skin is actively renewing, which can cause mild flaking, but a smoother texture and a healthier-looking radiance will become noticeable. Expect an increasingly even tone as the skin turnover progresses.
• Days 5-7:
  By the end of the first week, you’ll see a clearer, more radiant complexion taking shape. Skin will feel smoother, and that coveted post-microneedling glow should be visible. This is the point when many people notice the refreshed look and subtle brightness they were hoping for, and this glow will continue to develop and intensify over the coming weeks.

While initial healing happens within the first week, the real transformation occurs as collagen production ramps up over the next 4-6 weeks. With each passing week, you may notice smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin, with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and a diminished appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.

Microneedling Aftercare Tips

Achieving the best results doesn’t end when the session does—it requires some thoughtful aftercare to let your skin recover and thrive. Here’s some general tips you need to know. 

For more specific recommendations based on your skin’s specific needs and treatment, ask your microneedling provider. They will be able to provide aftercare instructions and recommended skincare products.

1. Avoid Touching Your Face

Right after treatment, your skin is sensitive and more prone to irritation. Keep your hands off your face to avoid introducing bacteria. Touching your face can introduce oils, dirt, and bacteria that may lead to breakouts or even infections, especially while your skin is healing. It’s tempting to feel the texture or check for improvements, but keeping your hands away ensures a cleaner, healthier recovery.

2. Avoid Sun Exposure

After microneedling, your skin is more vulnerable to UV rays. For the first 24-48 hours, it’s best to avoid sun exposure entirely to protect your healing skin. During this period you are more susceptible to sun damage. If need to go outside, consider covering your face with a wide-brimmed hat or using a physical barrier like an umbrella to shield your skin from direct sunlight.

Once the initial redness and sensitivity subside, usually around the 48-hour mark, apply a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if you’ll be outdoors. Mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often ideal as they sit on the skin’s surface, forming a protective layer without irritating freshly treated skin. Check in with your skin treatment team about which sunscreen they would recommend to protect your skin.

3. Skip Make Up for the First 48 Hours

The first 48 hours after your microneedling treatment are the most important. Wearing makeup during this period, especially foundation or powders, can clog microchannels, introduce bacteria, and slow down the healing process. Giving your skin a full 48 hours without makeup allows it to “breathe” and repair without interference, helping prevent potential breakouts or reactions.

Once you resume makeup, consider using clean, gentle, and non-comedogenic products that won’t irritate sensitive, healing skin. Also, make sure to clean your brushes or applicators thoroughly to avoid introducing bacteria when you wear makeup after your microneedling treatment.

4. Get Your Workout in Before Your Treatment

During the microneedling healing process, it’s essential to skip the gym or any strenuous exercise for at least 24-48 hours. Sweating can introduce bacteria to the tiny channels created in the skin, increasing the risk of infection or irritation. The heat and friction from exercise can also aggravate post-treatment redness and sensitivity, potentially slowing the healing process. Giving your skin time to recover in a calm, cool environment helps ensure the best results.

5. Avoid Heat Exposure

In the same way, you should avoid the gym for the first couple of days post-treatment, you should also avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, hot tubs, and steamy baths. Heat can dilate blood vessels and intensify post-treatment sensitivity, slowing the healing process and increasing discomfort. Keeping your skin in a cool, stable environment allows it to calm down and recover smoothly. Embrace cool or lukewarm water for cleansing, and wait until the sensitivity subsides before reintroducing any heat to your routine.

6. Avoid Chlorination Swimming Pools

Chlorine in swimming pools is a strong chemical that can irritate and dry out freshly treated skin, potentially causing redness, stinging, and even prolonging the healing process. To protect your results and allow your skin to heal without irritation, it’s best to avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and any chlorinated water for at least 48 hours after your microneedling treatment.

7. Skip Active Ingredients

For at least a week after your microneedling procedure, avoid using any products with strong active ingredients such as retinol, acids (AHAs, BHAs), vitamin C, or any other exfoliating agents. These ingredients can be highly stimulating, and while they’re typically beneficial for skin renewal, they can lead to irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity to healing skin. As much as you would like to boost the look of your skin even further, during the recovery process, it is important to let the body’s natural healing response take its course, otherwise, you could do more harm than good.

8. Avoid Exfoliating for a Week

Post-microneedling, it’s best to let your skin naturally shed any flakiness, peeling skin, or dry patches without additional scrubs or exfoliating products. Although we know it is tempting to do otherwise! Exfoliation, whether chemical or physical, can disrupt the skin’s healing process and potentially cause irritation. Allow your skin to renew on its own, as microneedling already stimulates the shedding of old skin cells and the creation of new ones. After a week, and once your skin feels completely healed, you can gradually reintroduce gentle exfoliation.

9. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Keeping the skin consistently hydrated after your microneedling procedure is essential to comfort and healing. A hydrating, gentle moisturizer, ideally one with hyaluronic acid, can replenish the skin and lock in moisture, helping to soothe any dryness or tightness. Hyaluronic acid is particularly beneficial because it attracts moisture to the skin, creating a plump and refreshed look without skin irritation. Apply moisturizer regularly throughout the day to support healing, maintain hydration, and keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable.

10. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration is a key part of your healing process. Drinking water helps flush out toxins and promotes healthy skin cell renewal from within, which can enhance the glow and smoothness you’re looking for post-treatment. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day to try and avoid dry skin. If you can, steer clear of coffee and other caffeinated beverages during this time, and avoid alcohol as well which could cause dehydration.

11. Use Gentle Cleansers

After your microneedling treatment, your skin is more sensitive and requires a gentle touch. Opt for mild, fragrance-free gentle cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils or disrupt the healing process. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals, sulfates, or exfoliating agents, as these can irritate and dry out the skin. Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or glycerin that clean effectively while keeping your skin calm and balanced.

Avoid cleansing altogether on your freshly microneedled skin. During the first 24 hours, just splash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry, gently with a clean, soft towel.

12. Avoid Ibuprofen and Icing Your Face

After microneedling, it’s recommended to avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, for at least 24-48 hours. Both these medications, as well as ice applied directly to your face, can reduce inflammation. This might sound helpful, but inflammation is actually part of the skin’s natural healing and collagen-building process stimulated by microneedling. If you experience discomfort, consider using acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead, as it relieves pain without impacting inflammation.

Activate Your Skin’s Full Potential

When it comes to microneedling, expertise and care make all the difference in your results. Our team at Bloom Health and Wellness Studio is dedicated to providing you with a safe, and comfortable skincare journey. Whether you’re looking to improve skin texture, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, brighten your complexion, or reduce the appearance of acne scars, we’re here to help you achieve glowing, revitalized skin.

Choose us for microneedling and skin rejuvenation in Moncton, and experience more radiant skin! Book your free consultation and get started today.