Aftercare Guide for Microneedling

Microneedling has become one of the most simple and effective ways to achieve a youthful look. Using hundreds of micro-tears in the skin to encourage the body’s natural healing process, participants can reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and improve skin texture & tone.

If you have had or are planning to have Microneedling treatment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects and appropriate aftercare.

In this Aftercare Guide, the skin specialists at our clinic in Essex will provide all the information and guidance needed to ensure that you maximise and protect your results. We’ll cover potential side effects and extensive aftercare tips for the weeks following your treatment. If you still have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with our friendly team, who will be able to advise you.

Side Effects

Are there any side effects to be expected from Microneedling?

Side effects from SkinPen Microneedling are often minor, temporary, and contained to the area treated. Side effects to be aware of for this treatment include short-term redness, light swelling, and in some cases, skin flaking.

The good news is that these effects will only last for a few days, and you should be able to enjoy your results within a week following treatment.

Aftercare Guidance for Microneedling

Follow your practitioners’ guidance

Following your treatment, it is common for you to be provided with aftercare advice for your unique situation, if this is not provided, be sure to request this. You must listen to the aftercare guidance provided by your practitioner. Although this guide is a broad overview of aftercare, it should not replace the advice provided by a qualified medical professional.

Keep the treated area clean

Although the treated area may be sensitive to touch, it’s important that you still keep it clean. We recommend gently cleansing the area with a mild cleanser on a soft, clean cloth and lukewarm water.

Although it may be tempting, avoid using hot water as this may irritate and prolong your side effects. Brush your skin gently and do not apply pressure when scrubbing as this can also impact side effects.

When finished, pat the treated area with a dry, clean cloth or towel. Remember to be gentle.

Avoid skincare & makeup products for 48 hours

As Microneedling involves creating micro-tears in the skin, you want to avoid getting any unwanted substances into the injuries. Failing to do so can worsen your side effects and can even be painful.

We strongly recommend avoiding makeup or skincare products for the first 48 hours following treatment. If you have an event that you would like to wear makeup for, you should aim to book your treatment a week in advance.

Use a gentle moisturiser after the first 48 hours

Once the skin has been left to heal for the first 48 hours, you should ensure that you keep the skin hydrated with a gentle moisturiser. Keeping the treated area hydrated will encourage healing and avoid dryness which could impact results.

When choosing the right moisturiser following a microneedling treatment, be sure to look for one that is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. This will prevent any open pores or tears from getting clogged and causing irritation.

Protect your skin and avoid prolonged time in the sun

Easier said than done, especially during summer, but you will need to avoid being in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time for the first week following treatment.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 or higher for maximum protection. Opt for a cap or other types of clothing that can protect the skin from the sun. If you are out in the sun, try to look for shade or some sort of cover to retreat to for the day.

Avoid hot environments like saunas, steam rooms, & hot tubs

Similar to keeping out of direct sunlight, please avoid excessively hot environments for 48 hours following treatment. This includes saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and excessively hot showers. Hot temperatures can irritate side effects and prolong the recovery period.

Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating for the first 48 hours

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise that can cause sweating for the first 48 hours following treatment. An activity such as a leisurely walk is absolutely fine, however, sweating can increase the risk of bacteria entering the treated area which can irritate side effects and, in rare cases, cause infection.

Avoid picking, scratching or rubbing the treated area

This should go without saying, but please fight the urge to scratch, itch, pick at or rub the treated area for the first 48 hours following treatment. It is likely that your skin will be sensitive and will be urging you to itch, but please do not.

Scratching or picking at the treated skin will increase the risk of unwanted bacteria entering the micro-tears in the skin. This can worsen side effects and prolong your recovery.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay hydrated

Two of the best things you can do for your skin, regardless of whether you’ve had a treatment, are staying hydrated and living a healthy lifestyle. Not only do both of these things prevent ageing by keeping skin plump, hydrated and nutrient-rich, but they can also do wonders for your microneedling results.

Eating a nutrient-rich diet, drinking plenty of water daily, and avoiding negative health influences like smoking, alcohol and fast food, will give your skin the best chance of providing the best results possible.

Book follow-up appointments in advance with your practitioner

It is common for people to have multiple microneedling treatments in order to reach their optimum results. Be sure to book in your follow-up treatments and check-ups in advance to avoid your practitioner being booked up. This will allow your practitioner to monitor progress, provide any top-up treatments, or address any concerns and questions you may have about your results.

Book a consultation to discuss your skin goals with a Microneedling treatment specialist in Essex

We hope the information above has helped inform you about the appropriate aftercare for this incredible skin rejuvenating treatment. We always recommend this treatment for those looking to improve the radiance of their skin, treat acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, or for an overall rejuvenated look.

At our clinic in Essex, we use the patented SkinPen Microneedling device. This leading skin remodelling device creates temporary microchannels in your skin to activate your body’s natural skin-healing power to increase collagen and elastin. Perfect for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and pigmentation issues.

If your questions weren’t answered or you would like to discuss your future Microneedling treatment, contact our team to take the first step to softer, more vibrant, and youthful skin. You can also check out our Ultimate Guide to Microneedling for more information about this excellent treatment.

We hope to see you soon!