How To Care For Your Skin After Microneedling: Do's and Don'ts

banish microneedling aftercare

Microneedling is a popular form of collagen induction therapy which is a great way to treat acne scars, fine lines, and it can keep skin looking youthful overall.  

When you're microneedling at home, the steps you take afterwards can affect the outcome of your microneedling treatment. 

Here's what you should do after microneedling to achieve the best results!

Benefits Of Microneedling

There are numerous benefits of microneedling such as: 

  • Firmer feeling skin
  • Reduction of Acne Scars
  • Reduction of hyperpigmentation and melasma
  • Reduced fine lines
  • Reduced Stretch Marks
  • Smoother skin texture
  • Increased product absorption 

Microneedling is mostly used on the face, but can be done on the body too and may treat various types of scars including acne scars. 

Studies show that microneedling even without topical products can improve acne scars by at least 50%.

Microneedling is not recommended for keloid scars.   

Microneedling Aftercare 

@banishacnescars microneedling aftercare - for after using the banisher 2.0. #banishacnescars #acnescars #skincare ♬ original sound - BANISH

For in office microneedling treatments, your practitioner would provide detailed aftercare instructions on what to do after microneedling, so make sure you follow all aftercare instructions they provide you with. 

 

 During a microneedling session it is normal for skin to become a little red. 

If you are doing microneedling yourself, these aftercare guidelines below can be followed. 

Sun Protection:

You should reach for sunscreen the next few days after microneedling.  But technically, it's important to wear sun protection every single day you're exposed to the sun to get the benefits of your microneedling treatment. 

During the day, apply at least SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to your skin.

We recommend a physical or mineral based sunscreen if possible because it's more gentle.  It is extra important to protect your healing skin as it can be more sensitive to sun damage during the recovery process.

No Makeup

We recommend you do not apply makeup for at least 8 hours after microneedling with the Banisher.  In addition, make sure you use freshly washed brushes if you decide to apply makeup. 

Avoid Getting Into Pools

You’ll also need to avoid swimming pools, saunas, salt water at the beach, since they may have a lot of bacteria and the salt and chlorine can irritate your skin after microneedling.  With the Banisher, you can do these activities after 24 hours. 

Apply Antioxidant Serum

Vitamin C serum can be applied afterward as vitamin c is necessary to synthesis collagen, but avoid using very high concentration of vitamin C as it may be irritating. Also avoid applying a skincare product that has a lot of fragrance or a new one that you haven't patch tested before.   

Some articles reference vitamin c serum causing granulomas, however after we read the whole article it states that most likely an unlisted fragrance or presevative found in one particular brand's vitamin c serum caused the reaction - not necessarily vitamin c itself.  Remember, not all vitamin c serum formulas are the same! 

Hydrate Skin

Skin may feel dryer than usual after microneedling and the skin barrier is temporarily disrupted.  Use something gentle and moisturizing like the Vitamin C Creme to keep skin moisturized as it heals.   Banish's serum also contains glycerin which draws moisture to the skin.  Any gentle non irritating moisturizer that your skin likes will do.

    In general, keep your skincare routine gentle, hydrating, and minimal after microneedling and avoid makeup or possible pore clogging products. 

      Avoid These After Microneedling

      For the products below, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours or longer after microneedling at home to use those types of ingredients to avoid over irritation of the skin, especially if it is your first time microneedling at home.  

      - Avoid using products that contain Retinol or Retinoids

      - Avoid using exfoliating products such as physical exfoliants or chemical ones that contains ingredients like AHA/BHA, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid. 

      - Avoid skincare with fragrance. 

      - Avoid applying benzoyl peroxide 

          Microneedle in the evening

          A big reason we like microneedling at home is because you can do a session in the evening and not worry too much about activities that may cause irritation to the skin such as swimming, or sun exposure.  

          With at home microneedling, skin can recover by the day so there are little to no interruptions to your routine and usual schedule.

          microneedling aftercare tips

          WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER MICRONEEDLING?

          Skin tends to get red after microneedling which is a normal side effect. The redness will last a few hours and tends to go away by the next day.  Other common side effects is the skin may feel a little bit drier as it's healing and exfoliating. 

          How long is the downtime?

          Home microneedling is considered a no downtime treatment. You can already apply makeup the next day after using the Banisher, but please wait at least 8 hours before doing so.

          Microneedling at home should have a rest period of 1-2 weeks so your skin has time to heal and create some collagen before doing another session. Yes, your skin will continue to make collagen even weeks after a session! 

          In office microneedling may have a downtime of 3-7 days depending on your procedure and how aggressive it was. 

          A great microneedling aftercare routine is going to make the biggest difference in your skin.

          Radiant, glowing skin with a reduction in acne scars can be achieved when you make the commitment to taking care of your skin  when following all the instructions of your microneedling tool with the proper aftercare. 

          Not only will proper aftercare give better results, but you’ll also be protecting your skin from damage as it heals.

          Results will still vary from person to person so it requires patience and consistency as well.  While acne scars may still remain, they can be improved and remember that there is no such thing as perfection!

           

          References:

           

          1. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468. PMID: 27559496; PMCID: PMC4976400.

          2.  Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.

          3. Alster, Tina S. M.D.; Li, Monica Ka Yi M.D.. Microneedling of Scars: A Large Prospective Study with Long-Term Follow-Up. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 145(2):p 358-364, February 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006462 

           

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          5 comments

          Hafsah

          Hafsah

          Can i wash my face after 6 hrs of microneedling?

          Brynnley Tompkins

          Brynnley Tompkins

          Can I exercise after micro needling? If so, how long after?

          Banish

          Banish

          @jennifer Wait 24-48 hours after to apply a retinol depending on your skin tolerance

          Amy Saunders

          Amy Saunders

          Yoo-hoo! I must say, it was really nice of you to remind us to stay away from sunlight for at least a whole day after getting microneedling treatment to ensure long-lasting effect. I just got back from the beach after spending the entire weekend there and I already notice some unpleasant marks on my face. I think I should refer to a specialist to figure out how to fix the situation. https://www.drparkavebrick.com/microneedling

          Jennifer Munoz

          Jennifer Munoz

          How soon after needling can I use a retinol?

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