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Suppose you struggle with acne, scarring from acne, loose facial skin, lines, wrinkles in addition to other signs of aging, discoloration, among other skin ailments. In that case, microneedling is an excellent solution for any of those. The procedure is safe, inexpensive, and involves using an instrument to slightly puncture the outermost layer of your skin to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen are what helps your skin become plump and youthful-looking. However, even though it is safe, it is still a procedure that can cause discomfort, among other side effects. That is why you will need to know how to care for your skin before and after microneedling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do that. Let’s start with how to care for your skin before you go for the procedure.
How To Care For Your Skin Before Microneedling
There are not many steps that you need to take per se before preparing for your microneedling treatment. However, you need to know many do’s and don’ts before the procedure to minimize the odds of any complications. In addition, you will want to maximize your chances of the procedure working in your favor. The tips to utilize before you decide to book your microneedling treatment are:
- Avoid using any topical agents that can cause extra skin sensitivity, such as acids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, and retinoids, from five to seven days before your treatment.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen three days before the procedure because it will impede the natural inflammatory process.
- Do not expose yourself to the sun for too long, at least two weeks before the treatment, as sunburn can complicate the healing. The same goes for IPL/Laser procedures.
- Do not shave on the same day as the procedure, as you will end up with skin irritation, but you can shave the day before you arrive at the appointment if there is dense hair in the area. However, do not wax, use depilatory creams or use electrolysis one week within the day you are having the procedure.
- Avoid blood thinners for one week before the treatment, as you will experience bruising as a common side effect.
- If you have canker or cold sores, you will want to take an antiviral agent for two days before the treatment and on the same day.
- If you are on Accutane, you will not have the microneedling procedure as you will need to be off of it for six months before going in for your treatment.
Now you know what to do before you go in for your microneedling treatment. Let’s now talk about what to do on the day of your procedure.
How To Care For Your Skin On The Day Of The Procedure
On the day of your appointment, you will not need to do very much as the practitioner will be the one to take care of you. Expect to inform your skin care specialist if you have any medical changes and are on any medications. Allow the practitioner to know if you have tattoos in the area as well. After that, they will clean your face, so there is no lotion, makeup, or sunscreen, and you can wash your face. Then a half-hour to 45 minutes before they begin the procedure, they will apply a numbing cream to your face. The session will take around an hour to complete.
If you are microneedling at home, you will need to clean your face so there is no makeup, sunscreen, or lotion residue, and ensure that you apply numbing cream a half-hour to 45 minutes before you begin. In addition, you will need to know how to take care of yourself after the procedure.
How To Take Care Of Your Skin After The Microneedling Procedure
After you have the procedure done, you will want to apply more numbing cream to your face. You will have some redness, inflammation, slight bruising, and some irritation for a few days. That is normal. However, you shouldn’t take any anti-inflammatory medications for a week after the treatment. If you do experience pain, you can take Tylenol. You also do not want to apply ice to your face or take bromelain or arnica, interfering with the normal inflammatory process.
It is also essential that you do not expose yourself to prolonged periods of the sun and go for any sun tanning treatments for two weeks after the procedure. Always use at least 30 SPF sunblock and wear a hat if you end up in the sun after 24 hours of the treatment. Now, let’s go over what to expect for a week after the treatment. And what you need to do to care for your skin for those days.
What To Expect And Do From Day One To Three After Microneedling
As mentioned, you will have soreness, and your skin will be sensitive and dry. Do not use ice, but you can use cool water and a gentle cleanser to wash your face. Clean your hands well and pat dry with your hands, and do not do this earlier than four hours after the procedure. You will want to avoid any strenuous lifting or exercise and keep away from jacuzzis and saunas for at least two days after the treatment. If you must wear makeup, ensure that it is only mineral makeup you use after one day of the procedure. You will also want to sleep on your back so you do not irritate your skin further.
What To Expect And Do From Day Two To Seven After Microneedling
Expect to notice some peeling from three to five days after your treatment, as your skin will become dry and begin to flake. That is because your dead skin cells are peeling off as your new skin is making its way to the surface. It will be annoying and uncomfortable. However, you shouldn’t scrub, pick, or scratch your skin as it needs to flake away naturally. Instead, you will want to use a moisturizer and talk to a professional or your practitioner about the best moisturizers to use.
What To Expect And Do From Day Five To Seven After Microneedling
At this point, you can begin your regular skincare routine again with your products as long as you no longer have the irritation. Follow the instructions of what else you should not do for the time being so your skin has the best chance to heal and to perform the job intended. Depending on your needs and situation, you will need microneedling treatments every four to six weeks, and be sure to follow up with your practitioner or dermatologist.
Conclusion
If you are dealing with aging skin, acne‘, scarring, loose skin, and other ailments, then one excellent solution to those problems is going for a microneedling procedure. That can help fix those issues as it promotes collagen and elastin production, which is responsible for healing and giving your skin a plump, youthful look. However, you will need to ensure that you follow the steps carefully before you have the treatment and after the treatment to reap the benefits. In addition, you have to expect to have extra microneedling sessions along the way so you can enjoy having youthful and healthy skin.