How To Take Care Of Your Skin After Microneedling

Microneedling is a go-to cosmetic procedure for a lot of women. It helps with many skin problems — such as acne, large pores, hyperpigmentation, scars, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and more (via WebMD). The procedure is done by a licensed medical practitioner, and they use tiny needles to prick the skin, stimulating blood circulation. It has similarities to lasers and peels, but it costs less. According to Dr. Jason Emer, a dermatologist based in California, microneedling is "an inexpensive approach for someone who may not be able to afford expensive lasers or peels to get something that makes their skin look brighter and younger" (via RealSelf).

Microneedling sounds divine, right? While you can easily book an appointment and get the procedure, it's always good to know more about it and how you should care for your skin after the treatment. As the cosmetic procedure uses needles, you can expect to have redness and swelling afterward. Depending on the person, this will last for about a day or longer (via Healthline). But the side effects are nothing to worry about. "There's a little bit of redness, and there might be some areas of pinpoint bleeding, but really, it's a no-downtime kind of treatment, so most people leave here a little bit red. A couple of hours later, you're pretty much back to normal, and the next day, you can resume your normal skincare and normal activities," Dr. Sejal Shah of SmarterSkin Dermatology tells Byrdie.

After a microneedling session, your skin is vulnerable, as the pores are open. "The skin may be slightly swollen the next day due to the mechanical injury of microneedling," says Dr. Jordan C. Carqueville, a dermatologist based in Chicago (via NewBeauty). The expert also notes that mild bruising around the under eyes may also happen, but this is completely normal and will improve after a few days. 

That said, you want to avoid going to a sauna or swimming pool for at least three days or until your skin heals (via SkinMD Seattle). Heavy workout sessions should also be avoided, as you want to avoid sweating as much as possible. This may be hard for avid gym-goers, but it is needed to prevent skin problems. Just think of this time as your rest days. You shouldn't wear makeup for 24 hours following microneedling, per Healthline. And it's extremely important to keep your skin moisturized as it heals, per RealSelf. But once the healing is over, you will have bright, glowing skin. In addition to aftercare, you will need to use a gentle cleanser for your face. Never use a harsh or abrasive cleanser as it can irritate the skin more.