Microneedling has become one of the most simple and effective ways to achieve a youthful look. Using hundreds of micro-tears in the skin to encourage the body’s natural healing process, participants can reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and improve skin texture & tone.
If you have had or are planning to have Microneedling treatment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects and appropriate aftercare.
In this Aftercare Guide, our skin specialists in Essex provide all the information and guidance needed to ensure that you maximise and protect your results. We’ll cover potential side effects and extensive aftercare tips for the weeks following your treatment.
If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact our friendly team, who will be able to advise you.
Side effects from SkinPen Microneedling are often minor, temporary, and contained to the area treated. Side effects to be aware of for this treatment include short-term redness, light swelling, and, in some cases, skin flaking.
The good news is that these effects will only last for a few days, and you should be able to enjoy your results within a week following treatment.
Following your treatment, it is common for you to be provided with aftercare advice for your unique situation. If this is not provided, be sure to request it. You must listen to the aftercare guidance provided by your practitioner.
Although this guide is a broad overview of aftercare, it should not replace the advice provided by a qualified medical professional.
Although the treated area may be sensitive to touch, it’s important that you still keep it clean. We recommend gently cleansing the area with a mild cleanser on a soft, clean cloth and lukewarm water.
Although it may be tempting, avoid using hot water, which may irritate and prolong your side effects. Brush your skin gently, and do not apply pressure when scrubbing, as this can also have side effects.
When finished, pat the treated area with a dry, clean cloth or towel. Remember to be gentle.
As Microneedling involves creating micro-tears in the skin, you want to avoid getting any unwanted substances into the injuries. Failing to do so can worsen your side effects and can even be painful.
We strongly recommend avoiding makeup or skincare products for the first 48 hours following treatment. If you have an event that you would like to wear makeup for, you should aim to book your treatment a week in advance.
Once the skin has been left to heal for the first 48 hours, you should ensure that you keep the skin hydrated with a gentle moisturiser. Keeping the treated area hydrated will encourage healing and avoid dryness, which could impact results.
When choosing the right moisturiser following a microneedling treatment, look for non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. This will prevent open pores or tears from getting clogged and causing irritation.
Easier said than done, especially during summer, but you will need to avoid being in direct sunlight for prolonged periods for the first week following treatment.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 or higher for maximum protection. Opt for a cap or other types of clothing that can protect the skin from the sun. If you are out in the sun, try to look for shade or some sort of cover to retreat to for the day.
Similar to keeping out of direct sunlight, please avoid excessively hot environments for 48 hours following treatment. This includes saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and excessively hot showers. Hot temperatures can irritate side effects and prolong the recovery period.
This should go without saying, but please fight the urge to scratch, itch, pick at or rub the treated area for the first 48 hours following treatment. It is likely that your skin will be sensitive and will be urging you to itch, but please do not.
Scratching or picking at the treated skin will increase the risk of unwanted bacteria entering the micro-tears in the skin. This can worsen side effects and prolong your recovery.
Two of the best things you can do for your skin, regardless of your treatment, are staying hydrated and living a healthy lifestyle. Both of these things prevent ageing by keeping skin plump, hydrated, and nutrient-rich, and they can also help you achieve the best microneedling results possible.
Eating a nutrient-rich diet, drinking plenty of water daily, and avoiding negative health influences like smoking, alcohol and fast food will give your skin the best chance of providing the best results possible.
We hope the information above has helped inform you about the appropriate aftercare for this incredible skin rejuvenating treatment. We always recommend this treatment for those looking to improve the radiance of their skin, treat acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, or for an overall rejuvenated look.
At our clinic in Essex, we use the patented SkinPen Microneedling device. This leading skin remodelling device creates temporary microchannels in your skin to activate your body’s natural skin-healing power to increase collagen and elastin. Perfect for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and pigmentation issues.
If your questions weren’t answered or you would like to discuss your future Microneedling treatment, contact our team or book a treatment online to take the first step to softer, more vibrant, and youthful skin. You can also check out our Complete Guide to Microneedling for more information about this excellent treatment.
We hope to see you soon!