Microneedling
BEFORE & AFTERCARE
Microneedling treatments are designed to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and support overall skin rejuvenation through your body’s natural healing response. Following proper before and after care is essential to achieve optimal results, minimize irritation, and support healthy skin recovery.
What to Do Before Your Treatment
Preparing your skin properly before microneedling helps reduce sensitivity and allows your body’s natural repair process to work effectively. Please follow these guidelines prior to your appointment:
Avoid Accutane for at least 6 months before treatment
Discontinue retinoids, retinol, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, acids, and acne treatments 5–7 days prior
Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for 3 days before treatment
Avoid IPL, laser treatments, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for 2 weeks prior
Do not wax, use depilatory creams, or undergo electrolysis on the treatment area for 5–7 days before
If you are prone to cold sores, begin antiviral medication 2 days before and the day of treatment
These steps help reduce the risk of irritation and support optimal skin regeneration.
What to Do After Your Treatment
After microneedling, your skin enters a healing phase. You may resume most daily activities, but proper aftercare is critical for results and comfort:
Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the treated area for 24 hours
Do not apply makeup for at least 48 hours
Use only gentle, approved skincare products as directed
Keep skin hydrated and apply SPF daily once approved by your provider
Expect redness (erythema) similar to a sunburn for up to 3 days
Mild warmth, tightness, or redness is normal and part of the skin’s healing response.
Important Precautions to Follow
To protect your skin and prevent complications, avoid the following after treatment unless otherwise directed:
High-intensity exercise for at least 72 hours
Heat exposure such as saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers for 24 hours
Direct sun exposure or tanning for at least 2 weeks
Waxing, bleaching, threading, or laser hair removal for 2 weeks after treatment
Self-tanning products for 2 weeks before and after treatment
Active acne or cold sores should not be treated
Avoiding these factors helps prevent irritation, pigmentation issues, and delayed healing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While microneedling is very safe, contact your provider if you experience:
Severe or worsening redness beyond expected healing time
Signs of infection such as excessive swelling, warmth, or discharge
Unusual pain or delayed healing
These symptoms are uncommon but should be evaluated promptly.
A Quick Takeaway
Microneedling is a powerful, collagen-stimulating treatment with minimal downtime when proper before and after care is followed. Preparing your skin in advance and protecting it during recovery helps ensure smoother texture, brighter tone, and long-lasting results.
If you have questions before or after your treatment, the Integrated Aesthetics team is always here to guide you through every step of your skin rejuvenation journey.
