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

Microneedling creates tiny microchannels in the skin that remain open for 12–36 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.

Immediately After Treatment (Day 0)

Redness, tightness, and a mild sunburn sensation are normal (typically 12–36 hours).

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

  2. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

First 24 Hours (Healing Window = Microchannels Open)

Increase hydration: drink extra water and apply only the gentle, hydrating serum or moisturizer I recommended.

  1. No makeup, sunscreen, or active ingredients. Avoid retinoids, AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, salicylic), vitamin C serums, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, or devices.
    Use only a gentle cleanser and bland hydrators (serums/oils/creams without actives). Think: what you’d use on a newborn’s skin.

  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).

Days 2–4

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

  1. You may now apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.

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

  3. Light exercise is permitted, but do try not to sweat.

Day 5 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 4–12 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.