Microneedling is one of the hottest skincare trends right now, and it’s easy to understand why. As a minimally invasive procedure that involves thin needles, microneedling can reduce the appearance of common skin concerns, such as

  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Burns
  • Stretch marks
  • Skin discoloration from sun damage

Microneedling procedures are generally fast, painless, and effective. However, following your clinician’s aftercare instructions (or not) can impact your results. If you’re considering this skin rejuvenation procedure, you probably have many questions. How does healing happen? How long until you see results? What sorts of aftercare will the treatment area require?

Don’t worry. We’ve got answers, from when you can wear makeup again to what skin care products to avoid, but first, here’s a look at what happens during the procedure.

What Happens During Microneedling?

During a microneedling treatment, our clinicians use very thin, sterilized needles to lightly prick your face. This creates tiny channels in your skin, stimulating your skin cells to produce new collagen. It also makes it easier for serum to infuse more effectively. This ultimately gives your face a more youthful and smooth appearance. 

If it sounds painful, it’s not! The healthcare professionals performing the procedure will apply a topical cream to numb the treatment area.

What to Expect After Microneedling

One of the benefits of microneedling is that it has less downtime or recovery time than chemical peels or lasers.

Here’s a quick look at the healing process:

  • Days 1–2: Redness, warmth, tightness
  • Days 3–5: Mild dryness, flaking
  • Day 7: Skin appears more balanced, hydrated, smooth, and radiant

Possible Side Effects

Following treatment, you may experience a few temporary side effects, including redness, itching, warmth, visible scratches, light bruising, and tightness. These reactions are all normal, but they’re minimal. Most people who receive this skin treatment compare the immediate effects to those of a mild sunburn that lasts anywhere from a day to 72 hours.

 

After three days, the redness and swelling will have usually faded, but you may begin to experience some dryness and skin flaking as the treated area recovers. The deeper your treatment, the more likely dry skin or flaking are.

When Will You See Results

Visible results will begin to show up within a week, and the new collagen and elastin production will last for several weeks. Those results will continue to improve over time, especially with a series of microneedling treatments.

How to Care for Your Skin After Microneedling

Microneedling procedures can be highly effective, but the results won’t last unless you properly care for your skin. Below is a closer look at some of the best practices in the first week post-treatment.

Cleansing & Moisturizing

  • Avoid washing your face unless sunscreen was applied or skin feels uncomfortable.
  • Use only gentle, unscented, dye- and oil-free cleansers
  • Apply recommended serums or healing gels from your provider
  • Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer to soothe any dryness or tightness
  • Avoid exfoliants, scrubs, and any active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, AHAs, or BHAs
  • Stick to mild, hydrating skincare products

Sun Protection

  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outside
  • Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible

Makeup

  • Avoid wearing makeup for the first 2 days
  • Use tinted sunscreen for light coverage if needed

What to Avoid During Recovery

During recovery from microneedling, you’ll want to avoid a lot of common skincare products. You’ll also want to be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Here’s a list of what to avoid during your recovery from microneedling:

  • Skin care products with retinoids or Retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), vitamin C, and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)
  • Any skin care products or cleansers with scents
  • Exfoliation
  • Scrubbing
  • Rubbing
  • Direct sun exposure without adequate sunscreen
  • Heat (no saunas, tanning, hot baths or showers, etc.)
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Picking at dry skin
  • Sweating (it can lead to breakouts)

When to Seek Medical Attention

At VITRA, we prioritize client safety and comfort above all. While microneedling is extremely well-tolerated and rarely has negative or lasting side effects, problems can still arise. Be sure to seek medical attention if you experience bleeding that won’t stop, an infection, or a fever.

In addition to these concerns, some people are not ideal candidates for microneedling. This includes people who are pregnant, people who recently used Accutane, and people with poor wound healing, clotting disorders, active acne, and more.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Treatment

Aftercare extends far beyond the first treatment. There are still day-to-day responsibilities that lie with you. Here are a handful of tips to make sure you get the most out of your microneedling treatment:

 

  • Commit to and schedule a series of microneedling treatments
  • Practice good hydration
  • Use sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30)
  • Only see a licensed clinician
  • Combine microneedling with Botox, PRP Therapy, or Rejuran Healer (Salmon PDRN)
  • Keep your stress levels low with meditation and yoga

Boost Your Microneedling Results With Add-On Treatments

At VITRA Aesthetics, we offer powerful add-on treatments that can take your microneedling results to the next level. Whether you’re treating fine lines, acne scars, or uneven tone, these optional upgrades can help your skin heal faster, boost collagen production, and deliver even better results.

Here are three of the most effective boosters we recommend:

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

Often referred to as a “vampire facial,” PRP therapy is created by drawing a small amount of your own blood and separating the platelets using a centrifuge. These concentrated platelets are rich in growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration. When applied during or immediately after microneedling, PRP supercharges your body’s repair process.

Benefits of Combining PRP With Microneedling

  • Accelerates healing and reduces redness
  • Increases collagen and elastin production for firmer skin
  • Enhances scar reduction and smoothing of fine lines
  • Boosts the effectiveness of of PRP by helping it penetrate below the surface

Rejuran Healer (Salmon PDRN)

Rejuran, also known as PDRN therapy, is a regenerative treatment that uses polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) extracted from salmon DNA. When done with microneedling, Rejuran can significantly improve skin structure and elasticity.

Benefits of Combining Rejuran (PDRN) With Microneedling

  • Deeper penetration of PDRN for enhanced tissue repair
  • Strengthened skin barrier and improved elasticity
  • Calming effect for inflamed, sensitive, or acne-prone skin
  • Enhanced skin texture, tone, and hydration with faster recovery

Botox

Botox is a popular injectable that relaxes facial muscles to smooth frown lines, crow’s feet, and more. When paired with microneedling, it creates a comprehensive anti-aging approach targeting skin texture and movement lines.

Benefits of Combining Botox With Microneedling

  • Smoothes fine lines while microneedling improves texture and tone
  • Helps prevent new wrinkles from forming
  • Enhances overall skin rejuvenation with a more youthful look
  • Supports a longer-lasting and more refreshed appearance when used together

Schedule Your Microneedling Treatment (and Add-Ons) With VITRA Aesthetics

With an expert team and various locations in Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, and Massapequa, we offer skin care and body care services that you’ll love. 

 

If you’re ready to get started, all you need to do is contact us today.