Microneedling Aftercare: The Complete Dos and Don’ts for the First 7 Days
Good microneedling aftercare keeps your skin clean, calm, hydrated and protected for the first week. For the first 24 hours, leave the calming product on, skip makeup, avoid sweating and keep your hands off your face. For the next several days, wash gently, moisturize often, wear sunscreen and avoid retinol, acids, scrubs and heat. Most people are back to their normal routine after about a week, once redness and flaking have passed.
This guide gives you a simple day by day plan, a clear list of dos and don’ts and answers to the questions people ask most after treatment. Keep it handy for the week after your session. Your provider may adjust a step for your skin.
Microneedling Aftercare Day by Day
Your aftercare changes a little each day as your skin heals. This plan follows a standard facial microneedling session. Always follow any extra instructions your provider gives you.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| First 6 to 8 hours | Leave the calming product on, no makeup, hands off |
| Evening of day 1 | Rinse with lukewarm water, apply a plain moisturizer |
| Day 2 | Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, mineral sunscreen, no sweating |
| Days 3 to 5 | Moisturize often, let flakes shed, keep sun protection |
| Days 5 to 7 | Restart gentle products, light exercise if skin is calm |
| After 1 week | Slowly bring back retinol, vitamin C and exfoliants |
If your skin is still red or raw at any step, stay at the gentler stage a little longer. Our guide to microneedling healing stages shows what your skin should look like at each step. Healing at your own pace is normal.
Microneedling Aftercare Dos and Don’ts
The main rule after microneedling is to keep things gentle and simple. These are the most important dos and don’ts for the first week. Most of them matter most in the first 48 hours.
Things to do in the first week:
- Wash your hands before touching your face.
- Use a gentle, fragrance free cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Moisturize two or three times a day.
- Wear broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher from the day after treatment.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase and drink plenty of water.
Things to avoid in the first week:
- Wear makeup for the first 24 hours.
- Sweat, use a sauna or swim for 48 hours.
- Use retinol, acids, scrubs or vitamin C for about a week.
- Pick, scratch or peel flaking skin.
- Get a facial, wax or use other treatments on your face for one to two weeks.
What to Do After Microneedling
After microneedling, focus on hydration, protection and rest. Leave the soothing product your provider applied on for several hours, then rinse gently in the evening. Apply a plain moisturizer and keep your face clean and cool. The next morning, add a mineral sunscreen before going outside.
Washing Your Face After Microneedling
You can usually rinse your face gently the evening of your treatment and use a mild cleanser from the next morning. Use your fingertips and lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean towel. Skip washcloths, brushes and scrubs for the first week. A softer touch protects the tiny channels while they close.
Makeup After Microneedling
Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours after microneedling, which the American Academy of Dermatology also advises. Makeup brushes and products can carry bacteria into the open channels. After 24 hours, choose clean, simple products and fresh applicators. Our guide to makeup after microneedling covers which products are safest.
Exercise and Sweating After Microneedling
Skip workouts, saunas and hot yoga for at least 48 hours after microneedling. Sweat and heat can irritate fresh skin and increase redness. Light walking is fine after the first day. Return to hard exercise once redness has settled, usually after two to three days. Our guide to working out, washing and sun after microneedling gives the full timeline.
Sun Protection After Microneedling
Stay out of direct sun for the first 48 hours and wear sunscreen every day after microneedling. Healing skin burns and darkens easily, which can lead to dark spots. A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide is often the gentlest choice. In South Florida, add a wide brimmed hat and plan errands for early morning or evening.
Skincare Products After Microneedling
Keep your skincare to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen for the first few days. Hyaluronic acid is usually fine early, while retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids should wait about a week. Bring products back one at a time so you can spot anything that stings. Our guide on what to put on your face after microneedling explains when to restart each one.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Microneedling?
It is best to avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours after microneedling. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can increase redness and swelling while your skin heals. A glass of water is a better choice for the first couple of days. Coffee in normal amounts is fine, but drink extra water too.
Can You Take Ibuprofen After Microneedling?
Most people do not need pain relief after microneedling, because discomfort fades within hours. If you do need something, ask your provider or pharmacist what is right for you. Some providers prefer that clients avoid anti inflammatory medicines for the first day or two, since healing depends on a natural inflammation response. Never stop a medicine your doctor prescribed without asking them first.
How to Sleep After Microneedling
Sleep on your back on a fresh, clean pillowcase the night after microneedling. This keeps pressure and bacteria away from healing skin. Tie hair back and skip heavy night creams or oils. Change your pillowcase again after a couple of nights.
Shaving, Facials and Other Treatments
Wait at least 3 days before shaving the treated area, and longer if your skin is still red or tender. Wait one to two weeks before a facial, waxing, dermaplaning or a chemical peel. Your skin needs to heal fully before another treatment touches it. Book your next microneedling session four to six weeks later for the best results. If you get cold sores, tell your provider before treatment, since Cleveland Clinic notes that people with a history of them may need an antiviral before and after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not do after microneedling?
After microneedling, avoid makeup for 24 hours, sweating and saunas for 48 hours and retinol, acids, scrubs and vitamin C for about a week. Do not pick at flaking skin, skip direct sun and wait one to two weeks before facials or waxing. Keep your hands off your face.
How soon can I wash my face after microneedling?
Most people can rinse with lukewarm water the evening of treatment and use a gentle cleanser from the next morning. Use your fingertips, not a washcloth or brush, and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow your provider’s timing if they give different advice.
Can I drink alcohol after microneedling?
It is best to avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours after microneedling. Alcohol dehydrates skin and can make redness and swelling last longer. Drink plenty of water instead. After two days, moderate drinking is unlikely to affect your results.
How long after microneedling can I get a facial?
Wait one to two weeks after microneedling before getting a facial, so your skin can heal fully. Facials often involve steam, exfoliation and extractions, which can irritate healing skin. Tell your esthetician about your recent microneedling before any treatment.
Book Your Microneedling in Deerfield Beach
At SkinExpert LaPiel, Luzmila sends you home after every microneedling session with personal aftercare instructions and the ideal timing for your next visit. She performs every treatment personally.
Call or WhatsApp (561) 929-0945 to book a complimentary consultation in English or Spanish. Visit us at 1000 E Hillsboro Blvd, Unit 201, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. We welcome clients from Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Coconut Creek and across South Florida.
About the Author
Luzmila Dahlstrom, Licensed Esthetician. Luzmila is the founder of SkinExpert LaPiel and has more than 23 years of experience caring for skin in South Florida. She holds specialist certifications in microneedling, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and European facial technique. She personally performs every treatment at the spa and consults in both English and Spanish. Learn more about Luzmila.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Follow your own provider’s aftercare instructions, and seek medical care for pus, fever or spreading redness.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more.
- Cleveland Clinic. Microneedling.
