Microneedling puts skin into a delicate state. “Patients may not realize their channels are open for at least the next few hours, but some clinical research does show it can take up to 24 hours for full closure,” says Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD. “Therefore, common mistakes can cause dermal disasters and skin compromise.” We asked the experts what rules we should follow post-microneedling to keep skin safe and achieve the best results possible.
Featured experts
- Ava Shamban, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, CA
- Tina Alster, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
Avoid makeup, skin care and touching the face for 24 hours
Dr. Shamban advises avoiding touching the face, applying makeup or even washing the face within the first 24 hours of microneedling. Even after the 24-hour mark, she recommends sticking to a super gentle cleanser and more skin-centric makeup. Additionally, “some chemical sunscreens can irritate immediately following, a mineral-based formula is best post-treatment.”
Don’t mix microneedling and sun exposure
Avoiding excess sun exposure before and after a microneedling treatment is more than just a suggestion. Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina S. Alster, MD warns that treating recently sun-exposed skin can increase the risk of the dreaded post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Additionally, exposing skin that’s recently received a microneedling treatment to the sun can also lead to unwanted hyperpigmentation. So make sure you have your SPF and sun hat ready to go pre- and post-treatment if you have to spend time outside.
Skip your workout
Dr. Shamban notes that working out immediately after a microneedling treatment is ill-advised. Wait at least 24 hours after the treatment before working up a sweat.
Avoid active ingredients post-microneedling
“Application of active serums or other non-approved topicals immediately after (and during the initial healing stage) could cause dermatitis and possible infection or scarring,” warns Dr. Alster. Dr. Shamban notes that this includes eliminating all retinoids and even salicylic and glycolic acids for five to seven days.
Change your pillowcase
We should all be changing our pillowcases more frequently, but Dr. Shamban says it’s especially important after microneedling. Post-treatment, “We recommend sleeping on a clean pillowcase that has been washed with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.”
Be mindful of cold sores
“Treating the perioral/lip region in a patient with a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus) without prophylactic oral antiviral medication” is ill-advised, says Dr. Alster. “If a herpetic breakout occurs after treatment, it can lead to scarring.”
Don’t treat irritated or inflamed skin
Dr. Alster warns that microneedling areas that are irritated or inflamed with conditions like eczema or acne can worsen the condition and possibly cause scarring.
Never share a microneedling device
Sharing a microneedling device or dermal roller can compromise the cleanliness of the tool and lead to infection, says Dr. Shamban. Always use your own clean, sanitized device and be sure to store it dry, and ensure your practitioner is doing the same.
Don’t microneedle too hard or too often
Microneedling in moderation can be a miracle for skin, but too much of a good thing can sour it. “One of those where more is not necessarily better, in fact, it usually proves the opposite,” says Dr. Shamban. “Microneedling too often can be too harsh on the skin.” Additionally, “Improper use of the device or excessive pressure can cause issues tearing the skin as it moves across.”
