Microneedling Aftercare, Day by Day
Calm skin, simple steps.
Microneedling aftercare is simple: keep the skin clean, bare and out of the sun for the first days. Here is what to do after microneedling, and what to skip.
- No makeup for 24 hours
- Sunscreen every day
- Pink for a day or two
What should you do after microneedling?
For the first 24 hours, keep your skin clean and bare: no makeup, no active skin care and no workouts. Skin is often pink, like a mild sunburn, for a day or two, then may flake. At Magic FemTouch MedSpa in Oak Lawn, your provider gives you aftercare steps before you leave.
Updated
Microneedling aftercare, day by day
This is a typical week. Your provider may give you steps for your skin. Follow those first.
- 1The day of
Skin feels warm and tight, and looks pink. Rinse with lukewarm water that evening. Use only what your provider gave you.
- 2Day 1
Gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer and sunscreen. Makeup is usually fine after 24 hours.
- 3Days 2 and 3
Pink fades. Light flaking may start. Keep moisturizing and let it shed on its own.
- 4Days 4 to 7
Most people are back to their usual routine, apart from strong actives like retinol and acids.
- 5The weeks after
The skin keeps rebuilding. Your provider tells you when the next session is.
What to use and what to skip
| Product or habit | After microneedling |
|---|---|
| Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser | Yes, from the evening of your session |
| Plain moisturizer | Yes, as often as your skin feels dry |
| Sunscreen | Yes, every day |
| Makeup | After 24 hours, with clean brushes |
| Retinol, acids and vitamin C | Skip for a few days; ask your provider when to restart |
| Scrubs and cleansing brushes | Skip for about a week |
| Workouts, saunas and pools | Skip for a day or two |
Your provider may give you different steps for your skin. Follow those first.
What not to do after microneedling
- Do not pick or peel flaking skin. It can leave marks.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Use a clean pillowcase that night.
- Do not tan or sit in strong sun.
- Do not book a peel, laser or waxing on the same area until your provider says it is OK.
The tiny channels close within a day or two. Until then, your skin is more open to irritation. See microneedling in Oak Lawn for how a session works.
Consult first. Walk-ins welcome.
Want a provider to look at your skin first? Book a consult on 95th Street.
“The entire office is always very warm, welcoming, and professional. Everyone is extremely attentive and always answers all of my questions.”
Aftercare after microneedling with PRP
After microneedling with PRP, your provider may ask you to leave the plasma on your skin for a few hours before the first rinse. The skin can feel a little tight. The rest of the aftercare is the same. See microneedling with PRP for the treatment itself.
When to call the clinic
Call (708) 529-7655 if redness gets worse after day 3, or if you see pus, swelling that spreads, or you get a fever. If you get cold sores, tell your provider before your session.
Consult first. Walk-ins welcome.
Your provider goes over aftercare before you leave, so you know each step.
“She really is descriptive on how the process works and makes you feel comfortable throughout the whole process.”
Questions
Microneedling aftercare questions
When can I wear makeup after microneedling?
Wait 24 hours. Makeup on fresh skin can clog the tiny channels and irritate it. After that, use clean brushes and a gentle product.
Can I wash my face after microneedling?
Yes, gently. Rinse with lukewarm water that evening, then use a mild cleanser with your fingertips from the next day. Pat dry with a clean towel.
When can I work out after microneedling?
Wait a day or two. Sweat and heat can irritate the skin while the channels close. A walk is fine.
When can I use retinol after microneedling?
Wait a few days, until any flaking settles and your skin no longer stings. Restart slowly. Your provider can give you a date for your skin.
Why is my skin peeling after microneedling?
Light flaking in the first few days is common. It is the outer layer shedding as the skin rebuilds. Keep moisturizing and do not scrub. Call the clinic if the skin cracks, oozes or gets redder.
How soon can I get microneedling again?
Sessions are usually several weeks apart, so the skin has time to rebuild. Booking sooner does not speed up the result. Your provider sets the spacing for your plan.
When can I go in the sun after microneedling?
Keep treated skin out of strong sun for at least a week. Wear sunscreen every day after that too. New skin burns and darkens more easily while it heals.
Can I get a facial after microneedling?
Wait until your skin has settled, and ask your provider first. They know how deep your session went and how your skin is healing.
Book a visit
Request an appointment
The front desk calls or texts you back during opening hours, Tuesday to Saturday.
- Consult first, then the plan
- Walk-ins welcome
- Free parking
“The entire office is always very warm, welcoming, and professional. Everyone is extremely attentive and always answers all of my questions.”