Microneedling Aftercare: Exactly How to Treat Your Skin for the Best Results

Microneedling creates tiny microchannels in the skin that can remain open for up to 24 hours. During this window your skin is highly receptive to hydration—but also more vulnerable to irritation or infection. It’s normal to look and feel mildly sunburned for several hours after your session. Follow the steps below to protect your results and support healthy healing.

You’ll leave your appointment with an aftercare kit designed to last up to 5 days post session.

Immediately After Treatment (Day 0)

Redness, tightness, and a mild sunburn sensation are normal (typically 12–24 hours depending on the intensity of your treatment).

  1. You may see pinpoint bleeding or light swelling—this resolves quickly.

  2. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

  3. Apply a little of the remainder of your Skinfuse gel from your aftercare kit. Do not wash your face until morning.

First 24 Hours (Healing Window = Microchannels Open)

Increase hydration: drink extra water and apply only the Microneedling Solution from your aftercare kit.

  1. No makeup, sunscreen, or active ingredients. Avoid retinoids, AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, salicylic), vitamin C serums, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, or devices.
    Unless instructed otherwise, do not wash your face until morning. Use a bland cleaner like Cetaphil when you do wash.

  2. Avoid sweating, strenuous workouts, hot showers, saunas/steam, and swimming (pool or beach.)

  3. Avoid direct sun exposure (you won’t be wearing sunscreen yet).

  4. The morning post-procedure, cleanse with a gentle wash containing no actives. Think: original Cetaphil, Vanicream, or similar. Next apply a any Skinfuse left from your kit and/or a simple moisturizer without SPF or actives. Think: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Still unsure what to use? Go with what you might apply to a baby’s skin.

Days 2–5 Morning and Evening

Keep avoiding actives (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide).

  1. Continue twice a day with your bland cleansing and hydrating routine.

  2. You may now apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and makeup during the day.

  3. Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate. Flaking should be left alone.

  4. You may resume sweaty exercise.

Day 6 and Beyond

Resume your normal skincare routine as directed. You can reintroduce actives (retinoids, acids, vitamin C) if your skin feels calm.

  1. Continue daily sunscreen to protect your results.

  2. Plan on a series: treatments spaced 6–12 weeks apart yield the best outcomes (we’ll set your cadence based on your skin goals).

  3. You may resume swimming, sauna, steam room, and strenuous exercise.

Additional Guidelines

Avoid alcohol, smoking, and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, aspirin) for 24 hours post-treatment.

  1. Wait at least 2 weeks before Botox, fillers, lasers, or other medical cosmetic treatments.

  2. Contact your dermatologist if you notice unusual swelling, prolonged redness, spreading warmth, pus, fever, or any signs of infection.

Quick Answers FAQ:

When can I work out again?
After the first 24 hours—once the microchannels have closed and redness has settled.

When can I wear makeup?
After 24 hours, provided the skin is calm. Choose clean, non-irritating formulas and remove gently.

When is sunscreen okay?
Start on Day 2 with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (mineral formulas are often the most comfortable early on).

What if I feel dry or tight?
Use more of your bland hydrator and drink extra water. Tightness is common and temporary.

Peeling or flaking?
Hands off. No scrubs, brushes, or peeling masks. Let skin shed naturally.

Products & Ingredients Snapshot

Yes (first 24 hours):

  • Gentle cleanser

  • Bland hydrating serum/oil/cream (fragrance-free, no actives)

Add from Day 2:

  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+; mineral preferred)

Avoid until Day 5+:

  • Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin)

  • AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic)

  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

  • Benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, devices, steaming

Questions:

Call or text Angela at 919-980-9074. I’m happy to advise on which products you already own are safe to use during each stage.

Where can I get microneedling or microchanneling in Chapel Hill or Carrboro, NC?
You can experience both services at Monarch Brow + Facial Studio, a private and relaxing esthetic studio offering professional microneedling and microchanneling in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Triangle area. Enjoy expert care in a calm, one-on-one environment designed to support healthy, radiant skin.