Microneedling Aftercare: The First 72 Hours
Good aftercare protects your results and lowers the risk of irritation, breakouts and pigmentation. The first three days matter most.
The first 24 hours
Skin will look and feel like mild sunburn: red, warm and a little tight. This is expected.
- Use only a gentle cleanser and the serum your practitioner gave you
- Skip make-up
- Avoid the gym, saunas and anything that makes you sweat
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase
24 to 48 hours
Redness usually fades to pink. Skin may feel dry or tight.
- Add a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser
- Apply mineral SPF 30 to 50 before going outside
- Keep your hands off your face
48 to 72 hours
Light flaking may start. Let it shed naturally.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs and steam rooms
- Keep skipping retinoids, exfoliating acids and strong vitamin C, usually for three to five days
- Mineral make-up is usually fine from now on, if your practitioner agrees
The next two weeks
Keep up daily SPF and avoid tanning, including sunbeds. New collagen is still forming, and freshly treated skin is more prone to pigmentation.
Contact your clinic if you notice
- Increasing pain, swelling or heat after day two
- Yellow crusting, pus or spreading redness
- Blisters or a rash
- Cold sore symptoms
FAQs
When can I go back to my normal routine?
Most people return to their full routine, including retinoids, about five to seven days after treatment. Reintroduce active ingredients one at a time.
This article is for education. It doesn't replace a consultation with a qualified practitioner, and treatment plans should be tailored to each client.
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