Best Skincare Products to use after Microneedling

Skincare ProductsMicroneedling
Written By India Gabrielle

How to Care for Your Skin After a Microneedling Treatment

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, has become one of the most popular treatments in the skincare world due to its impressive ability to improve skin texture, reduce scarring, and promote collagen, elastin and fibroblast production. However, the success of your microneedling treatment isn’t just about what happens in the clinic—it’s equally important to care for your skin afterward.

While microneedling is a powerful treatment for skin rejuvenation, it’s important to remember that it’s not an instant fix. The process of collagen, elastin and fibroblast production takes time—typically 4 to 6 weeks for optimal results. During this time, your skin will continue to heal and regenerate. For the best outcome, it’s often recommended to undergo a series of treatments, followed by periodic maintenance sessions. And with the right skincare, you’ll be able to enhance your results and keep your skin looking vibrant for the long term.

If you’ve recently had a microneedling session, you might be wondering what steps you should take to ensure that you maximise your results and keep your skin looking its best. Let’s explore the essential steps to care for your skin after microneedling, ensuring that you get the most out of your treatment, starting with what to do immediately after the procedure, how to maintain your results, and long-term care recommendations.

Immediately After Microneedling: What to Expect and How to Care for Your Skin

After your microneedling session, your skin will likely appear red and may have the texture of mild sunburn. The tiny micro-channels created by the treatment will allow for better absorption of skincare products, so this is the time to use specific products that will enhance your recovery.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Your skin will be sensitive, so opt for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won't strip away the skin's natural oils. Avoid exfoliating cleansers for at least a week to prevent further irritation. We recommend Dermaesthetic MD® Gentle Cleanse Botanical, a lightweight, antioxidant-rich gel cleanser that gently removes impurities without disrupting the skin's natural moisture balance. Enriched with glycerin, it keeps skin hydrated and soft, while soothing sensitive skin. Ideal for all skin types, it helps enhance the absorption of post-treatment skincare, ensuring that your skin is fully nourished and prepped for healing.

2. Hydrate and Apply Growth Factors

Hydration and growth factors are crucial for your skin’s recovery after microneedling. Your skin will likely feel drier and more sensitive than usual, so it’s essential to nourish it with soothing, hydrating products. This is the ideal time to incorporate ingredients that support healing and skin regeneration.

Look for serums and moisturisers containing peptides, ceramides, and growth factors, which help improve skin elasticity and promote cell renewal. It’s important to choose products that are free of irritating ingredients like fragrances and alcohols, as these can exacerbate sensitivity.

Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient to seek out—it helps attract moisture into the skin, boosting hydration. Growth factors are particularly beneficial after microneedling, as they accelerate tissue regeneration, stimulate collagen production, and support the skin’s natural repair process, helping to rejuvenate and restore its appearance.

For optimal results, we recommend incorporating Dermaesthetic MD® Intensive GF5+ Serum into your routine. This powerful serum, enriched with five plant-based growth factors, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. It also fades dark spots, evens skin tone, and diminishes acne scars, leading to a smoother, more youthful complexion. Using this serum twice daily will support faster healing and ensure long-lasting, rejuvenated skin.

Moisturise with Dermaesthetic MD® Intensive Rejuvenation Cream. This rich formula, also enriched with five plant-based growth factors, plant stem cells, peptides, and essential vitamins, works to enhance hydration, accelerate collagen production, and reduce hyperpigmentation. It rejuvenates the skin, leaving it soft, refreshed, and radiant. Applying this cream both morning and evening will support your skin’s recovery while promoting a glowing, youthful complexion.

3. Avoid Makeup for at least 24 Hours

You may be eager to cover up the redness or minor irritation, but it’s important to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. Your skin needs time to heal and recover, and makeup can block pores, potentially causing irritation or breakouts. If you need to go out, focus on using soothing, breathable products like mineral sunscreens instead.

4. Stay Away from Direct Sun Exposure

After microneedling, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily and wear a wide-brimmed hat or seek shade whenever possible whilst healing. Microneedling makes the skin more sensitive to UV damage, and unprotected sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and slow down healing.

5. Avoid Heat

Avoid hot showers, saunas, or strenuous exercise for at least 24-48 hours, as heat can increase irritation and sensitivity. Your skin will be in the process of healing, and adding heat can inflame or aggravate it.

6. Avoid Potent Actives for a Week

For about one week after your microneedling procedure, refrain from using products with potent active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). These ingredients can irritate the skin and disrupt the healing process.

2-4 Weeks Post-Treatment: Enhancing Results & Reintroducing Active Ingredients

By now, your skin should feel much smoother and healthier, with reduced redness or irritation. This is when you can start to see the full benefits of the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling. It’s also the right time to begin reintroducing more active ingredients into your routine, carefully and gradually.

1. Introduce Retinol Slowly ( Wait 2-4 weeks after your Final Treatment)

Retinol is a powerful ingredient that boosts collagen production and enhances the long-term results of microneedling. However, if you're undergoing a course of treatments, it’s best to wait 2-4 weeks after your final session before reintroducing retinol, as we recommend avoiding it prior to treatment to minimise sensitivity.

Since your skin may still be slightly sensitive, start by reintroducing it slowly. Apply it once a week at night, then slowly increase the frequency as your skin tolerates it. After a few weeks, you can move up to 2-3 times per week, then every other night. Once your skin has fully adjusted, you can use retinol nightly for maximum benefits. Always apply it at night, not the morning, and remember to follow up with SPF during the day.

We highly recommend Dermaesthetic MD® Intensive Retinol Night Treatment, which features a potent 4% Retinol and 1% Retinal Palmitate. This formula harnesses the skin-rejuvenating power of Vitamin A, known for stimulating collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin visibly smoother and firmer. It also accelerates cell turnover, helping to enhance your complexion’s radiance while fading dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and treating acne and clogged pores. What sets this retinol apart is its micro-encapsulated time-release technology. By encapsulating retinol in tiny spheres, it delivers a controlled release of the active ingredient over time. This not only maximises the benefits but also minimises the potential for irritation, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin or those new to retinol.

2. Vitamin C for Brightening

If you didn’t already use a vitamin C serum, 2-4 weeks post microneedling is a good time to start incorporating it into your morning skincare routine. Vitamin C can help brighten the skin and further improve texture by promoting cell turnover. Just make sure you layer it under sunscreen, as it can increase sun sensitivity.

Some of our favourite vitamin C products include:

3. Introduce Chemical Exfoliation

Once your skin is fully healed, you may want to introduce chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. These gentle acids can help remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion. However, they should be used cautiously to avoid irritation in the weeks following your microneedling procedure and it’s important to choose products that are gentle and non-abrasive.

We recommend Dermaesthetic MD® Exfoliate Cleanse Botanical, a facial wash with Lactic, Glycolic, and Salicylic Acids. This formula helps brighten the skin, improve texture, and reduce pigmentation, while also hydrating and preventing breakouts. Start by using it once or twice a week, spaced apart. Gradually increase usage to every other day as your skin becomes accustomed to the product. Over time, you can build up to once daily use if your skin responds well. This gradual approach ensures effective exfoliation without irritation.

Long-Term Skincare After Microneedling

Microneedling stimulates collagen production, which can take up to six weeks to show visible results. That’s why maintaining a consistent skincare routine is essential for prolonging the benefits.

1. Maintain Sun Protection

Sun protection is non-negotiable. Continue applying SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days, to protect the new collagen from UV damage. Exposure to the sun can break down the newly formed collagen and undo some of the benefits of microneedling.

2. Repeat Treatments for Optimal Results

One microneedling session is fantastic, but for optimal long-term results, most people benefit from a course of treatments. Typically, six treatments spaced a minimum 6 weeks apart can yield the best results. Your practitioner will consult you to determine the right treatment plan for you.

3. Long-Term Hydration & Skin Barrier Care

To maintain healthy skin post-microneedling, always prioritise products that maintain and strengthen your skin barrier. Regular hydration, the use of nourishing products that support the skin’s natural barrier (like ceramides and fatty acids) will keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. The Dermaesthetic MD® Firm and Hydrate Serum is a potent formula designed to nourish and strengthen mature skin while protecting the moisture barrier. Meanwhile, the Dermaesthetic MD® Lift & Firm Serum targets skin laxity, offering cellular-level protection, promoting rejuvenation, and enhancing skin firmness, hydration, and resilience.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Remember that skincare is not only about what you apply but also about what you do. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating nutrient-dense foods, sun protection and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. These lifestyle factors can enhance or detract from the results of your microneedling treatment.

Final Thoughts

Microneedling is an incredible way to rejuvenate your skin, but your results will largely depend on how well you care for your skin afterward. Immediately after treatment, keep your skincare routine simple with gentle, hydrating products. Over the next few weeks, gradually reintroduce actives like retinol and vitamin C to boost results, and protect your skin with SPF at all times. With patience, consistency, and proper care, you’ll enjoy smoother, healthier skin for months to come!

If you'd like to discuss a personalised treatment plan or learn more about building a routine of medical-grade skincare products tailored to your skin type, book a consultation with our expert team at The India Gabrielle Clinic.

India Gabrielle
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