Many people think that after they have had microneedling done at their favorite spa, they can go home and slather on the most potent anti-aging product they can find. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In fact, your skin needs to heal before you start using other products like retinol. When a device like a microneedle roller treats your face, it leaves tiny wounds in the top layer of your skin that need time to heal before other topical treatments are introduced.

In this guide, we find out: Can I Use Retinol After Microneedling, can i use vitamin c serum after microneedling, what to put on skin after microneedling at home, and how soon can you use retinol after microneedling.

Can I Use Retinol After Microneedling

Microneedling is a treatment that uses small needles to make tiny holes in your skin. The idea is that these micro-injuries prompt your body to promote collagen and elastin production as it repairs itself, resulting in smoother, tighter, more evenly-toned skin over time. But there is a caveat: Your skin needs time to heal after microneedling before other products are applied. When the tiny wounds caused by microneedling close up, they can become more susceptible to damage from things like retinol — which sounds like what you want right after microneedling! Unfortunately, using retinol too soon after microneedling can be counterproductive for some people because it could cause irritation or even breakouts on top of any existing side effects from the procedure itself.

Microneedling is a safe, effective way to improve the texture of your skin

Microneedling is a safe, effective way to improve the texture of your skin.

This treatment works by causing micro-injuries to the skin, which prompts your body to promote collagen and elastin production as it repairs itself. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, scarring from acne or other types of trauma (like burns), as well as stretch marks caused by pregnancy or weight gain/loss.

Microneedling works by causing micro-injuries to the skin, which prompts your body to promote collagen and elastin production as it repairs itself.

Microneedling is a safe, effective way to improve the texture of your skin. It works by causing micro-injuries to the skin, which prompts your body to promote collagen and elastin production as it repairs itself. The result? Younger-looking skin!

In addition, if you’re using retinol after microneedling, there’s no need to worry about irritation or redness–your body will be able to handle whatever products you choose without any issues at all!

This results in smoother, tighter, more evenly-toned skin — but there is a caveat.

The skin needs time to heal, and it’s more susceptible to damage from other products. Retinol can actually be counterproductive for some people because it can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive than normal–it’s best to wait until your face has had time to recover before using retinol products.

Your skin needs time to heal after microneedling.

You’ll need to give your skin at least a week to heal after microneedling. During this time, it’s important to:

• Cleanse and hydrate your skin daily. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate or dry out the skin. Avoid harsh exfoliants like scrubs or washcloths (especially if you have sensitive skin).
• Apply a moisturizer immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture and prevent dryness as well as flaking/peeling/redness associated with some forms of microneedling. Try applying it in small amounts throughout the day instead of all at once so you don’t overload on product and cause irritation again!

When the tiny wounds caused by microneedling close up, your new skin is more susceptible to damage from other products.

When the tiny wounds caused by microneedling close up, your new skin is more susceptible to damage from other products. Retinol can cause your skin to peel off and regenerate faster, which may be counterproductive for some people. Other products may cause irritation or redness that could lead to new breakouts in addition to those caused by microneedling itself.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is typically used to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is typically used to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production. It’s available as a cream, gel or serum and can cause dryness and irritation in some people.

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that help regulate cell growth by increasing cell turnover rates. This means they encourage cells to divide more quickly so they die faster than normal–which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Retinoids also promote new skin cell growth by boosting collagen production within the dermis (the layer below your epidermis).

Retinol also causes your skin to peel off and regenerate faster — which sounds like what you want right after microneedling!

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, and it’s used to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production. It can also cause your skin to peel off and regenerate faster — which sounds like what you want right after microneedling!

Retinol isn’t just for those who have already experienced some sort of damage from UV rays or aging; this potent anti-aging ingredient can be applied before any kind of damage happens in order to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Unfortunately, using retinol too soon after microneedling can actually be counterproductive for some people.

Unfortunately, using retinol too soon after microneedling can actually be counterproductive for some people. Retinol is a potent ingredient that can cause irritation and redness if your skin isn’t used to it. It’s important to wait until your skin has had time to heal from your treatment before introducing retinol into your routine.

If you have sensitive skin or have used corticosteroids in the past (like prednisone), then using retinol may also increase the risk of side effects like peeling and sensitivity.

Whether you can use retinol after microneedling depends on the severity of your side effects. Some people find that their skin becomes irritated if they use retinol too soon after microneedling

Can I use retinol after microneedling?

The answer to this question depends on the severity of your side effects. Some people find that their skin becomes irritated if they use retinol too soon after microneedling, so it may be best to wait for a few days or weeks before trying out a new skincare product. If you’re thinking about adding retinol into your regimen and want to make sure it won’t cause irritation, try applying it in small doses on one part of your face at a time (such as around the eyes) first. This way, if there is any reaction from using the product with micro-needles in place then it won’t affect the rest of your face too much!

can i use vitamin c serum after microneedling

Vitamin C possesses remarkable properties for the skin. As a potent antioxidant, this vitamin corrects sun damage, combats pollutants, and firms up the skin. Yet, despite all of its incredible benefits, it is not ideal to use following certain skin treatments – specifically microneedling. You will not want to use vitamin C after microneedling because it can be too abrasive on vulnerable skin. Here are the ins and outs of why you don’t want to use vitamin C right after microneedling and when you can start using it again.

Why Can’t I Use Vitamin C Serum After Microneedling?

Microneedling causes microtraumas in the skin. Tiny needles prick the skin so that it forces nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to the surface of your skin to promote tissue healing and regeneration. Another benefit of creating small tears in the skin is that it enables more collagen and elastin production. These two proteins help give the skin firmness and reduce the visibility of wrinkles and lines.

Because of the minute traumas to the skin, you will want to avoid certain products immediately after a microneedling session. A vitamin C serum is one such product you won’t want to use for 2-3 days following your microneedling treatment. Serums are highly potent, meaning they may irritate your skin after your procedure.

Incidentally, you will also want to avoid scented products, Retinol A, alcohol-based toners, and glycolic acid following microneedling. Indeed, anything that exfoliates your skin will be too harsh in the immediate days following your treatment. If you have someone perform microneedling, they should instruct you on what products you can use in the aftermath of your procedure and should let you know when to start using your products again.

Skin Healing After Microneedling

Following your microneedling appointment, your skin will likely be slightly red and swollen. You have these side effects because of the increased blood flow to the area to help heal and repair the skin. Your skin will be doing a lot of work in the first days after your treatment, including repairing tissues, getting rid of pollutants and toxins, and rebuilding skin cells and proteins.

Because of all your skin is doing, you will want to avoid using too many products on your skin. Serums, toners, and exfoliants will be too strong for your skin, and you will not want to put make-up over your skin.

Your goal is to allow your skin to heal with as little intervention as possible. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer are likely all the support your skin needs in the days following your procedure. If either your moisturizer or cleanser contains vitamin C, it should be just fine, as it will not be in high concentrations like a serum. Lastly, you will want to be sure to wear a good mineral-based sunscreen. After microneedling, your skin will be susceptible to sunburn, which can be pretty painful.

what to put on skin after microneedling at home

Microneedling is an extremely beneficial treatment, however, it can be harsh on your skin. Causing hundreds of micro-wounds on purpose means you need to provide your skin with some additional care.

Microneedling and serums help amplify each other’s effects. The treatment boosts the serum’s impact, while serums provide substances that speed up skin rejuvenation or other desired effects.

But what products should you be using and when? Here’s a quick explanation of what to put on skin after microneedling.

Why Use a Serum After Microneedling?

By now you probably know that a serum isn’t just a fancy word for a face cream. It’s a lighter and much more impactful product. Serums contain a higher concentration of powerful ingredients that penetrate the skin deeper than thicker creams would be able to do.

When to Apply the Serum?

On the day of the procedure, especially if you’re getting a professional treatment, just 1 product should be applied right after the treatment and you shouldn’t be doing anything else to your skin for the rest of the day (unless your tech tells you).

Before you leave the salon, your technician will apply everything your skin needs. You should only wash your face gently and without a cleanser after a few hours.

Your tech will prescribe the best serums to use in the days after the treatment. They’ll recommend a specific product or tell you which ingredients to look for (see our suggestions below).

If you’re DIY-ing it, be careful with what you’re using right after microneedling. Not all serums you can buy are suitable for use on broken skin. Double-check if the serum is suitable for this, or if it’s an exclusively topical product.

Applying your go-to serums, no matter how beneficial they normally are, can trigger a skin reaction or irritation as they may contain unsuitable ingredients, or suitable ingredients but in too high concentrations for the compromised skin barrier.

In terms of serums you use in the days to follow, be aware that the microchannels in your skin will close up relatively fast, but regeneration processes will continue internally.

So, begin with gentler, non-irritating ingredients. After about a week or two, you can start reintroducing stronger formulas again. Read on for a timeline with specific ingredients.

What to Put on Skin After Microneedling?

After microneedling, you should opt for ingredients that promote skin regeneration and healing, encourage collagen and elastin production and keep the skin hydrated.

Here’s what you should use at each stage post-microneedling. Quick disclaimer – if you’ve consulted a dermatologist beforehand or are getting a professional treatment, use whatever they prescribe.

Immediately After Microneedling

The following ingredients are fine to put on skin after microneedling immediately (just make sure the rest of the product formula is also fine for this use):

Hyaluronic Acid

When it comes to what to put on skin after microneedling immediately, hyaluronic acid is the best choice.

The hyaluronic acid serum is universally beneficial for all skin types. It’s a component of the connective tissue in your body, and since our body produces it, it’s unlikely this ingredient will cause any reaction.

It helps bind the water, creating a temporary barrier, and keeps the skin moisturized as it heals.

Hyaluronic acid is used in so many skincare products because of its hydrating properties. That means there are many serums out there that work great for microneedling aftercare (just double-check if it’s okay for use on broken skin).

We recommend Cosmetica Skincare’s Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Peptides

In general, if you’re already using a peptides serum, you can use it immediately after microneedling. If you’re not, postpone use for a few days.

Peptides, or polypeptides, are amino acids that make up collagen. Collagen is too big to be absorbed through the skin, but peptides are not! They sink deep, stimulating the cells to produce more collagen and elastin.

Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine can help improve the skin barrier, reduce wrinkles and make your skin more elastic.

The Complete Skin Solutions Copper Peptide Face Serum is a good choice and the brand claims it’s approved for microneedling on Amazon.

Days 1-7 After Microneedling

From the day after microneedling, you can keep using the serums mentioned above, or switch to a different ingredient. The microchannels will have closed up, but the skin is still sensitive and prone to irritation.

Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF)

EGF is a protein in our skin that is involved in the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It’s in charge of maintaining the skin healthy, dense, and youthful.

EGF was developed to speed up wound recovery which is why it’s referred to as a healing agent. It stimulates skin growth at the cellular level. And although wrinkles aren’t exactly injuries, because of this property, EGF is often used as an anti-aging ingredient.

If you are looking to incorporate it into your skincare routine or just use it after microneedling sessions, the Icelandic brand BIOEFFECT has one of the best EGF serums.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids that make up about half of your skin’s uppermost layer. They help replenish and repair the skin barrier when it’s healing. In other words, ceramides help to seal in moisture and protect the skin from harmful elements.

Products with this ingredient, like Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum are a great choice to aid in skin recovery.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient. It keeps moisture locked in and thus aids the skin’s natural cell turnover process. It also balances oil production and makes your pores look smaller.

It’s a great ingredient overall, but it shouldn’t be used sooner than about 72 hours after microneedling so it wouldn’t disturb the skin’s natural inflammatory process.

We’ve explained the effects of niacinamide after microneedling in this article, plus offered some product suggestions.

Days 7-14 After Microneedling

Your skin is now ready to handle more ingredients. You can reintroduce the following to your skincare routine:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great skincare ingredient, especially because it can accelerate the healing process. However, you need to wait a while to start using it after microneedling.

Even if your technician applied it after the procedure, that doesn’t mean you can apply it on your own without checking with them first. The concentration of vitamin C and other ingredients might differ and you can’t know how your skin will react to a different serum.

Vitamins work great when paired together. One of the best combinations is vitamin E and C. Vitamin E scavenges free radicals, while vitamin C helps regenerate vitamin C molecules.

how soon can you use retinol after microneedling

Getting cosmetic procedures and rejuvenations is a great way to help your skin look youthful, clear, and bright. Not only do processes like microneedling help boost collagen and elasticity, but they help fight the signs of aging at a cellular level, and they can also help with acne. Microneedling is done with small, thin needles that are quickly applied to the outermost layer of the skin. By creating tiny holes in this layer, the epidermis kicks into healing action and stimulates elastin and collagen production. Cleveland Clinic notes that unlike microdermabrasion, microneedling penetrates the skin deeper, so the results can be more effective when it comes to issues below the surface of the skin. Aftercare following microneedling is incredibly important and will make all the difference to how your skin heals and looks afterwards. You might be tempted to go back to your regular routine, but before reaching for the retinol, make sure you’ve waited the recommended amount of time. Serums, creams, and lotions could interfere with the healing process, or irritate sensitive skin. Patience is a virtue, and your complexion will thank you for reading this.

Getting cosmetic procedures and rejuvenations is a great way to help your skin look youthful, clear, and bright. Not only do processes like microneedling help boost collagen and elasticity, but they help fight the signs of aging at a cellular level, and they can also help with acne. Microneedling is done with small, thin needles that are quickly applied to the outermost layer of the skin. By creating tiny holes in this layer, the epidermis kicks into healing action and stimulates elastin and collagen production. Cleveland Clinic notes that unlike microdermabrasion, microneedling penetrates the skin deeper, so the results can be more effective when it comes to issues below the surface of the skin.

Aftercare following microneedling is incredibly important and will make all the difference to how your skin heals and looks afterwards. You might be tempted to go back to your regular routine, but before reaching for the retinol, make sure you’ve waited the recommended amount of time. Serums, creams, and lotions could interfere with the healing process, or irritate sensitive skin. Patience is a virtue, and your complexion will thank you for reading this.

Hold off for 48 hours

Once your microneedling procedure is finished, the specialist will most likely send you home with care instructions. One of the most important of these is how long to wait before adding your skincare products back into the mix. Harsh ingredients and mixtures, especially ones that feature exfoliating properties, should be avoided right after getting microneedled. Scented products are also a big no, because they can irritate the skin and dry it out. Retinols shouldn’t be used for at least 48 hours, according to Healthline. Two full days is the minimum amount of time to wait before you can use them, but always make sure your complexion looks and feels healed before applying. Retinols are extremely potent, and they can cause dryness or irritation in all skin types. Because of their intense nature, skin that has just been damaged during microneedling will be too sensitive to come into contact with them. Hyaluronic acid is helpful in the healing process, but consult with your dermatologist about the timeline for using it to ensure it doesn’t get in the way of your skin’s recovery.

Once your microneedling procedure is finished, the specialist will most likely send you home with care instructions. One of the most important of these is how long to wait before adding your skincare products back into the mix. Harsh ingredients and mixtures, especially ones that feature exfoliating properties, should be avoided right after getting microneedled. Scented products are also a big no, because they can irritate the skin and dry it out. Retinols shouldn’t be used for at least 48 hours, according to Healthline. Two full days is the minimum amount of time to wait before you can use them, but always make sure your complexion looks and feels healed before applying.

Retinols are extremely potent, and they can cause dryness or irritation in all skin types. Because of their intense nature, skin that has just been damaged during microneedling will be too sensitive to come into contact with them. Hyaluronic acid is helpful in the healing process, but consult with your dermatologist about the timeline for using it to ensure it doesn’t get in the way of your skin’s recovery.

Aftercare tips

Sticking with gentle or all-natural products is the best way to go after a microneedling treatment. Some people might experience dryness as the skin heals, so The Blushing Bliss recommends using sulfate-free cleansers that also leave out potent chemicals. If you can find a hyaluronic acid cream, this can be beneficial to your complexion, as can hydrating moisturizers. Coconut oil and witch hazel are both more natural options that will help with dryness, discomfort, and cleansing needs. If using witch hazel, make sure to purchase a product that doesn’t contain any alcohol and that has been diluted. After the 48-hour period has passed, you can go back to applying your retinol as normal. If you notice irritation, talk to the dermatologist to make sure there isn’t a reaction you should be concerned about. Microneedling offers a variety of benefits, but aftercare is important to ensure the results last longer and keep your skin happy, healthy, and thriving.

Sticking with gentle or all-natural products is the best way to go after a microneedling treatment. Some people might experience dryness as the skin heals, so The Blushing Bliss recommends using sulfate-free cleansers that also leave out potent chemicals. If you can find a hyaluronic acid cream, this can be beneficial to your complexion, as can hydrating moisturizers. Coconut oil and witch hazel are both more natural options that will help with dryness, discomfort, and cleansing needs. If using witch hazel, make sure to purchase a product that doesn’t contain any alcohol and that has been diluted.

After the 48-hour period has passed, you can go back to applying your retinol as normal. If you notice irritation, talk to the dermatologist to make sure there isn’t a reaction you should be concerned about. Microneedling offers a variety of benefits, but aftercare is important to ensure the results last longer and keep your skin happy, healthy, and thriving.