Microneedling is a fantastic way to help the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars and stretchmarks, and correcting pigmentation variations and skin imperfections. The process is minimally invasive, and uses fine needles to stimulate your own body to produce new collagen. While it may sound intense, the results are worth it! You’ll be looking younger, with glowing skin and fewer wrinkles. Like any skincare procedure, there are best practices in your aftercare that will optimize your results. We are invested in you getting your absolute best results, so let’s get into it!
Don’t take any anti-inflammatory medications for one week
Microneedling relies on your body’s natural inflammatory process to stimulate cell regeneration, so it is highly recommended that you stay away from anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, motrin, or advil. In other words, these medications will interfere with the recovery process that was initiated by the microneedling in the first place, and affect your end results.
Use Tylenol to alleviate soreness
While you are cautioned to stay away from anti-inflammatory medications, Tylenol is a viable option to help with the pain you may experience. While it’s not ideal, especially if you’re used to something a little stronger like ibuprofen or motrin, it’s an option to keep in your back pocket if you’re feeling a little too much discomfort after your microneedling procedure.
Stay away from cold compresses!
Are you noticing a pattern here? It may seem counterintuitive, but inflammation is actually part of the process, and ice packs or cold compresses will interfere with the skin rejuvenation process. While you may feel uncomfortable, it’s a fleeting feeling that typically won’t last more than 3 days. Some have likened it to a sunburn-like effect. Just know that this is perfectly normal, and you can still cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanse and cool water. Just stay away from the ice packs for a couple of days.
Do not apply makeup for 24 hours after your treatment
Most makeup is made from an oil base or uses minerals that block pores and potentially interfere with natural skin shedding, both of which can make it more difficult for your skin to recover after microneedling treatment. We know you want to glow, but think about the natural glow you’ll have after 24 hours!
Avoid excessive heat, exercise, hot tubs and pools for 48 hours
Your goal is to keep the treated area clean and hydrated, so it’s best not to hit the gym right after treatment. Don’t worry, you’ll be back to chasing gains in no time! Take a couple days to relax and recover, and you’ll be back to your routine in no time.
Avoid direct, prolonged sunlight for at least 2 weeks
You might be thinking that we’re always trying to keep you out of the sun, but we promise it’s for good reason. We’re not trying to keep you from the beach, or the basketball court, or your daily runs, we swear! The simple fact is that treatments such as Botox, chemical peels, and microneedling make your skin quite sensitive. Failing to pass this information along would be an incredible disservice to you. And since we always repeat this part, maybe we’re saying it with good reason! For good measure, we also recommend at least 30 SPF, and wearing a hat.
Do not pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin!
Your skin may start peeling a few days after your treatment. Dryness and flaking are a natural part of the process due to an increased turnover of skin cells. It’s best not to interfere with the process by picking or scratching at the treated areas. Your skin has a mind of its own and knows what it’s doing! Just trust the process, and you’ll be fine.
Maximize your results!
For maximum results, we recommend beginning with 4-6 treatments, spaced every 4-6 weeks. If you have scars that you would like to reduce, we suggest 6-8 treatments. Maintenance based treatments every 12 weeks post help reduce the signs of aging and continually stimulate the collagen production as we age keeping your skin youthful. Everybody’s skin is different, so it’s best to find a treatment routine that works for you!