Why Proper Skin Care Is Essential After Microneedling

Microneedling is one of the industry’s leading minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. This procedure uses skin pricks to stimulate circulation, collagen growth, and new cell turnover, taking your skin from wrinkled, scarred, and uneven to smooth, bright, and radiant.

But we don’t often discuss what happens between your appointment and your final results. It’s in the recovery phase where much of the magic skin repair happens, and much of it depends on you. 

Dr. Chinyere Orafu and our team at Ohio Laser & Wellness Center love what microneedling does for our patients, but results often fall short because of a lack of care. Here, we cover the basics of post-microneedling skin care to show you how easy it is to maximize your results and support your skin’s health. 

Your skin after microneedling

You turned to microneedling because you wanted a minimally invasive approach to skin rejuvenation. However, there’s no getting around the fact that your skin has to undergo some level of trauma to reap all the benefits of microneedling. 

The microscopic punctures we make in your skin kickstart your body’s natural healing process, and as a result, your skin may look flushed or bright red as if you spent the day in the sun. 

The redness eventually fades after a few days, along with the swelling, flaking, peeling, and breakouts. Some of our patients need to take extra care of their skin for up to two months while their skin fully heals. 

Why skin care is so important after microneedling

Skin care is always essential, but it’s even more so after a treatment like microneedling. After microneedling, your skin has lost its protective barrier, meaning it’s much more vulnerable to infection and sun damage. 

Our experts know your skin type and tailor your aftercare instructions based on your unique needs, but everyone should follow a few basic rules of thumb. Here’s a closer look. 

Lather on the sunscreen

We recommend applying (and reapplying) sunscreen throughout the day for at least the first two weeks after your microneedling treatment. Even during an Ohio winter, the sun can poke through the clouds and damage sensitive skin. 

Do your best to stay out of the sun during the warmer months, or wear a wide-brimmed hat if you can’t avoid it. 

Steer clear of infection

We usually prescribe an antibiotic cream to help you avoid infection — make sure you use it as directed for as long as we’ve recommended. 

You can sidestep infection by washing your hands before you touch your face and not wearing makeup for at least 48 hours. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and other situations where your face might sweat. 

Switch up your routine

You may need to pump the brakes on your regular skin care routine if it includes exfoliants, retinol, and vitamin C. These products contain ingredients too harsh for your delicate skin, so avoid them for at least a few days. 

Tell us what other cleansers and moisturizers you typically use, and we can help you determine if they’re safe. 

You can use some products, including hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, and diluted alcohol-free witch hazel. 

We’d love to talk with you if you have more questions about your upcoming microneedling appointment. You can request a consultation online or call our friendly staff today. We serve patients in the Dover and Canton, Ohio, area.