Microneedling can be an excellent method of anti-aging and also of helping to improve scarring. However, it can leave your skin a lot more sensitive than before.
Causing most people with dry skin to experience dryness and itchiness.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to care for your skin after micro-needling to keep it looking fresh and glowing.
Here are some of my favorite tips for moisturizing after micro-needling:
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Allow skin to heal: Wait 24-72 hours after micro-needling before applying makeup, depending on skin sensitivity.
- Use gentle products: Opt for non-comedogenic, mineral-based makeup to avoid clogging pores or causing irritation.
- Practice proper hygiene: Apply makeup with clean tools and remove it thoroughly at the day’s end to prevent complications.
ALSO READ: Derma Roller vs Microneedle: What’s the Difference?
What Happens to Your Skin After the Micro-needling Session?
Micro-needling is a skincare procedure requiring repeatedly puncturing your face with a derma roller. Therefore Skin swelling and redness are widespread.
Your skin also experiences dry skin, tightness, irritation, and in some extreme cases, bleeding. So, I suggest applying jojoba oil after a derma rolling session.
However, all these side effects will disappear within 48 hours of the procedure. After that, I can tell you you’ll fall in love with your skin!
Check this video out from Maya Lee as she discusses her experience with medical microneedling in treating her active acne and acne scars:
READ MORE: Best Serum for Microneedling
Is it Safe to Apply Makeup After the Micro-needling?
Even though it is safe to apply makeup about 48 hours later, the real question is can you apply makeup immediately after the micro-needling session?
Due to the mild side effects of this skin rejuvenating system, it is better not to use any products aside from serum or moisturizer after microneedling.
The different ingredients from makeup can react severely on your already sensitive skin and damage it beyond recovery.
Let’s dive into it deeper. Is it safe to use a moisturizer after a session of microneedling?
Can I Use a Moisturizer After Microneedling, Is it Safe?
The most common question asked after a session of microneedling is, “Can I use a moisturizer after microneedling?”
Healthline suggests asking your dermatologist about certain moisturizers and cleansers after a session of microneedling [1]. Why? –Because it has the possibility of worsening side effects.
However, if you have a tinted moisturizer, it is safe to use it even if you just had a microneedling session.
“Immediately after treatment, cleanse your face with mild soap daily, and then pat it gently to dry. If it feels tighter, apply a gentle moisturizer,” says Cloudlake Dermatology. [2]
How Long After Microneedling Can I Use a Moisturizer?
You must wait at least 24 hours after a session to apply any supplementing skin care product. This will help the skin heal from the trauma deliberated from micro needling.
“It’s best to avoid makeup and heavy skincare products for the first 24-48 hours after a micro-needling treatment to allow your skin to fully recover.”
– Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist
The procedure will leave your skin feeling sore, and burnt, and in some cases, it’ll be pinkish to reddish because of the activity.
Your skin needs to be hydrated after treatment so it will need safe products such as moisturizers and sunscreens.
Kate Bancroft, Founder of Face the Future and independent nurse prescriber, says that hyaluronic acid or HA, is considered the critical ingredient after a micro-needling treatment.
“It’s the ultimate ingredient for post-micro-needling. Choose a moisturizer that contains different molecular weights and forms of this molecule to maximize absorption and penetration.”
ALSO READ: How Often Can You Microneedle?
Can I Wear a Mascara After Microneedling?
Your skin will be in its best state three days after micro needling. And that’s when it’s safest to use mascara.
Following a micro needling session, you’ll feel like your face is heavier, tighter, and warmer. After 24 hours, it’ll feel lighter and more susceptible to certain products.
After a treatment session, the usual recovery time of the skin’s top layer is about 72 hours. This will be the point that applying makeup won’t cause problems that can tamper with full recovery.
Can I Wear Sunscreen After Microneedling?
But before you start slathering on the SPF, we want to give you some context.
No, it’s not advisable to use sunscreen immediately after a microneedling session. Similar to tinted moisturizers, you can use them after 24 hours from the time of treatment.
After the 24hrs have elapsed, be sure to apply a moisturizer with SPF 30 minutes before heading outside and then reapply every 2 hours (or after sweating or swimming).
Sun Exposure After Microneedling?
You don’t want to add up to the flame, pain, and redness of your face after a microneedling session, right? So, avoid sun damage by staying in!
In case it’s not possible, that is when you have to apply sunscreen but after a timeframe of 24 hours.
What Can I Put on My Face After Microneedling?
Experts advise not to put anything on your face right after a microneedling procedure. Wait for around 72 hours before putting on anything.
However, if your face feels burning, you can subtly apply a tinted and safe moisturizer. Doing so will result in a faster healing process.
NOTE: For makeup and other skincare products, avoid ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids and scrubs and those that contain vitamin A and vitamin C.
6 Tips on How to Apply Makeup After Micro-needling
Even 48 hours after the micro-needling session, you must be careful when you want to apply makeup on your face as you don’t want to irritate or hurt your skin.
Here are some tips that you should follow to avoid damaging your new skin.
1. Check the Skincare Ingredients List
Many products might do wonders to your face, but they might be harmful when your skin is in such a sensitive condition.
After the micro-needling session, avoid products with fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and hydroquinone to keep your face from rashes, allergies, and other adverse chemical reactions.
Also, try to keep your distance from products with vitamin C and vitamin A. These amazing skincare ingredients also have the potential to irritate your freshly punctured skin.
“Look for makeup that says ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label to ensure it won’t clog your pores or cause further irritation.”
– Dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman
2. Avoid Wearing Complexion Products
As your face will be extra sensitive right after the micro-needling session, it is very natural that you might want to hide the redness with foundation, concealer, or powder.
However, this temptation can harm your skin; makeup and several skin care products help prevent your skin from responding to the treatment, hampering its purpose.
Your foundation or concealer can cause further skin irritation.
But then again, even though putting on complexion products might be harmful, you can still control the redness a bit and give your face a luminous glow by using a tinted moisturizer.
A tinted moisturizer like this bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 will not only moisturize your treated skin perfectly but, at the same time, will also help to cover the redness by a few notches.
Remember to use a hypoallergenic cream to avoid any additional harm to your face.
3. Use Sanitized Tools for Makeup Application
Immediately after getting your micro-needling procedure done, don’t forget that your face is compassionate, even for a second.
Even when applying just a moisturizer, using freshly sanitized brushes is vital.
Right before you put on your tinted moisturizer, sanitize your applicator brush with an alcohol-free brush gentle cleanser such as this Ecotools Makeup Brush Cleaner Cleansing Shampoo.
Of course, before using it, make sure that it is spotless and free from germs and bacteria.
If these germs and bacteria contact your freshly punctured skin, it might react very adversely and result in extreme allergies and rashes.
NOTE: After about 3 or 4 days, experts suggest applying aloe vera after micro needling. This will hasten up the soothing and hydrating of your skin and reduce further inflammation.
4. Don’t Forget About SPF
It doesn’t matter if you are applying makeup or not, putting on sunscreen is a must for your micro-needled face.
The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are highly damaging to your skin in its most vulnerable state, and protecting it completely is a must.
Try to use sunscreen with an SPF 25 or higher (I prefer the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60) to make sure that it can heal and go back to its normal state without any interruption.
5. Avoid Rigorous Physical Activities and Strenuous Exercise
Another thing you want to take note of is to avoid physical activities such as swimming, jogging, or exercising for at least 72 hours after treatment.
These strenuous and rigorous activities can attract harmful bacteria that cause unwanted skin reactions.
NOTE: It’s also not advised to be under direct sunlight for the same timeframe. Doing so can irritate your skin more and worsen the situation.
6. Try a Sheet Mask Before Makeup Application
To protect your freshly punctured face and enjoy a flawless look, you can try out a cooling mask before putting on sunscreen and moisturizer (try out the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask).
The serum from the mask will penetrate deep into your face and help you with redness and inflammation. After microneedling (after 24 hours), wearing a mask can refresh your skin.
Check out this video for more tips:
Make sure to also check out the informative articles “Can You Wear Makeup After a Facial” and “What Happens If I Wear Makeup After Botox” for some helpful tips and insights on post-treatment care. Keep your skin happy and healthy!
FAQs
Here are some other questions on what you need to know about applying products after microneedling.
What Should I Put On My Face After Microneedling?
What Should I Avoid After A Treatment Session?
This can lengthen the inflammatory process and can make things worse.
Wrapping Up
It’s best to keep your face bare right after a micro-needling session.
However, if you need to get out and about, we hope this piece of writing will guide you and help you get a flawless look without hurting your micro-needled skin.
Resources
- 1. How to Heal After Microneedling [Internet]. Healthline. 2022. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/microneedling-aftercare#aftercare
- 2. Microneedling Treatment [Internet]. Available from: https://cloudlakedermatology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Microneedling-Aftercare.pdf
- 3. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients [Internet]. 2017;9:866. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
