Can I Use Tretinoin After Microneedling
Microneedling is one way to markedly rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkling. In fact, our present protocol for rejuvenation of sun damaged, wrinkled, crinkled skin is beginning tretinoin, injection of the wrinkles to reduce as much as we can using Juvederm Volbella®, and then doing a series of Microneedling procedures. This has proved as effective as other methods with significantly less down time and expense.
Skin care to prevent wrinkling:
The cornerstone of skin care to prevent wrinkles has been, for many years, the use of a retinol or tretinoin (Retin-A) particularly after the age of 25 to 30. This is because the skin stops continually making collagen, the substance that thickens and stiffens the skin at around that age. If the skin is not stimulated to continue the process of collagen production, the dermis, the support layer of the skin, thins and multiple crinkles and wrinkles result. If you have failed to use these in the past and have developed significant crinkles and wrinkles, then use of the more potent tretinoin is still the mainstay of skin rejuvenation.
Procedures to reduce wrinkling:
Once you had developed aged appearing skin, the only treatment we used to have to correct the wrinkling/crinkling quickly was a leveling peel or laser resurfacing that removed the surface of the skin between the wrinkles to the level of the bottom of the wrinkles and allowed the skin to grow a new surface epithelium over a smoother dermal base. Since the surface of the skin was removed to the mid dermal level and, if the right laser or peeling agent was used, the dermis was stimulated to make significant new collagen and became thicker and smoother from within. The problem with both of these is that, because of the limitation of the body’s ability to resurface the skin quickly, like healing a scraped knee, they became the procedures with the longest downtime of any of the modern plastic surgical procedures. Although we could push the body some, the minimum downtime where the skin remains somewhat raw and oozing with either of these techniques is about 1 ½ to 2 weeks.
Because some lasers did not cause collagen stimulation, we learned a lot about the body’s ability to create its own collagen and what turned on its system to do so. This led to the development of the Fraxel Laser that did not remove the skin’s surface but simply poked multiple small holes in the dermis to stimulate significant collagen production. This laser, however, is quite expensive and its use is uncomfortable. Microneedling, a less expensive technology that can be done with topical skin analgesia, was developed to answer these problems. It does the same thing by using multiple small needles that create holes in the dermis and also turns on the body’s healing processes, markedly stimulating collagen production.
The procedure, done in the office or spa, uses a device that pushes the needles absolutely perpendicular to the skin so that there is only a very minute entry point. It also extends to a very precise adjustable depth, depending upon the skin in the area where it is used. Because of the marked success of this process, “Microneedling” rollers are now being sold for home use. The problem is that they do not produce uniform holes to the proper depth of the dermis and, instead of entering and leaving absolutely perpendicular, they enter and exit at an angle actually tearing the skin. These, therefore, either do not work or cause significant harm.
What People Say About Us!
“I have been a patient for many years. Dr. Buchanan is knowledgeable and experienced in aesthetics and takes time to discuss thoroughly any questions you may have. He promotes skin care and and sun protection. He carries many professional skin care lines as well as Jane Iredel cosmetics and Clarisonic. The staff is always professional and knowledgeable yet personal.”
Combining Microneedling with other procedures:
Although fillers have been called “dermal fillers” for many years, until recently no one actually injected the filler into the dermis, the support layer of the skin. If they did, frequently a greenish or bluish line would appear when light reflected off the filler within the dermis. Only in the last 10 years have we had fillers that did not cause this blue line, the Tindal effect. Belotero Balance® introduced in 2011 was the 1st. Juvederm Volbella®, a better option, was approved in 2016. These allowed us to actually inject fillers into the dermis elevating the surface of the wrinkle to reduce or eliminate it. We have also discovered that if the product is placed just at the bottom or under the dermis perpendicular to the wrinkles, it can stiffen the skin and prevent further wrinkling and allow the tretinoin to use some of the product to thicken and stiffen the skin more permanently. Using Microneedling also increases the body’s use of the hyaluronic acid in the filler to produce its own collagen. Other than some mild swelling and occasionally minimal bruising that can be covered with camouflage makeup, there is essentially no down time with this technique, a marked improvement over that of leveling peels and laser resurfacing.
What else does Microneedling help?
Microneedling was actually 1st tested on reducing acne scars. It was found to do an excellent job of this. It also reduces other skin irregularities and can improve the appearance of large pores. Additionally, because the body’s natural tendency when healing is for the healing tissue to contract, it can tighten minimally loose skin in the treated area.
How is Microneedling performed?
We perform Microneedling in the Spa. After cleansing the face, an anesthetic is applied and left long enough to allow the skin to become somewhat numb. The Microneedling device is moved over the area of concern. A soothing emollient is then applied.
Is Microneedling painful?
Because of the numbing cream, most people find this only minimally uncomfortable.
How often do I need to do Microneedling?
Microneedling turns on the body’s healing system to cause it to repair itself and build new tissue. This activity tends to slow after a while although we are trying to get the body to continually create new collagen. We, therefore, generally recommend repeating the Microneedling once every 4-6 weeks for at least 6 sessions. Your body, however, will determine how often this needs to be repeated.
When will I see results?
Because the body’s system is slow it will take some time to see significant results. When used with injecting the wrinkles, visible results will be even slower since most of the wrinkles have already been mostly corrected. However, at the time the filler should wear off, generally at about a year, the filled wrinkles should still be looking significantly better than before treatment. If we are treating acne scars or skin irregularities that have not been injected, they should gradually improve over time and reasonable results should be apparent within several month
Can I Use Tretinoin After Microneedling
Microneedling is one way to markedly rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkling. In fact, our present protocol for rejuvenation of sun damaged, wrinkled, crinkled skin is beginning tretinoin, injection of the wrinkles to reduce as much as we can using Juvederm Volbella®, and then doing a series of Microneedling procedures. This has proved as effective as other methods with significantly less down time and expense.
Skin care to prevent wrinkling:
The cornerstone of skin care to prevent wrinkles has been, for many years, the use of a retinol or tretinoin (Retin-A) particularly after the age of 25 to 30. This is because the skin stops continually making collagen, the substance that thickens and stiffens the skin at around that age. If the skin is not stimulated to continue the process of collagen production, the dermis, the support layer of the skin, thins and multiple crinkles and wrinkles result. If you have failed to use these in the past and have developed significant crinkles and wrinkles, then use of the more potent tretinoin is still the mainstay of skin rejuvenation.
Procedures to reduce wrinkling:
Once you had developed aged appearing skin, the only treatment we used to have to correct the wrinkling/crinkling quickly was a leveling peel or laser resurfacing that removed the surface of the skin between the wrinkles to the level of the bottom of the wrinkles and allowed the skin to grow a new surface epithelium over a smoother dermal base. Since the surface of the skin was removed to the mid dermal level and, if the right laser or peeling agent was used, the dermis was stimulated to make significant new collagen and became thicker and smoother from within. The problem with both of these is that, because of the limitation of the body’s ability to resurface the skin quickly, like healing a scraped knee, they became the procedures with the longest downtime of any of the modern plastic surgical procedures. Although we could push the body some, the minimum downtime where the skin remains somewhat raw and oozing with either of these techniques is about 1 ½ to 2 weeks.
Because some lasers did not cause collagen stimulation, we learned a lot about the body’s ability to create its own collagen and what turned on its system to do so. This led to the development of the Fraxel Laser that did not remove the skin’s surface but simply poked multiple small holes in the dermis to stimulate significant collagen production. This laser, however, is quite expensive and its use is uncomfortable. Microneedling, a less expensive technology that can be done with topical skin analgesia, was developed to answer these problems. It does the same thing by using multiple small needles that create holes in the dermis and also turns on the body’s healing processes, markedly stimulating collagen production.
The procedure, done in the office or spa, uses a device that pushes the needles absolutely perpendicular to the skin so that there is only a very minute entry point. It also extends to a very precise adjustable depth, depending upon the skin in the area where it is used. Because of the marked success of this process, “Microneedling” rollers are now being sold for home use. The problem is that they do not produce uniform holes to the proper depth of the dermis and, instead of entering and leaving absolutely perpendicular, they enter and exit at an angle actually tearing the skin. These, therefore, either do not work or cause significant harm.
What People Say About Us!
“I have been a patient for many years. Dr. Buchanan is knowledgeable and experienced in aesthetics and takes time to discuss thoroughly any questions you may have. He promotes skin care and and sun protection. He carries many professional skin care lines as well as Jane Iredel cosmetics and Clarisonic. The staff is always professional and knowledgeable yet personal.”
Combining Microneedling with other procedures:
Although fillers have been called “dermal fillers” for many years, until recently no one actually injected the filler into the dermis, the support layer of the skin. If they did, frequently a greenish or bluish line would appear when light reflected off the filler within the dermis. Only in the last 10 years have we had fillers that did not cause this blue line, the Tindal effect. Belotero Balance® introduced in 2011 was the 1st. Juvederm Volbella®, a better option, was approved in 2016. These allowed us to actually inject fillers into the dermis elevating the surface of the wrinkle to reduce or eliminate it. We have also discovered that if the product is placed just at the bottom or under the dermis perpendicular to the wrinkles, it can stiffen the skin and prevent further wrinkling and allow the tretinoin to use some of the product to thicken and stiffen the skin more permanently. Using Microneedling also increases the body’s use of the hyaluronic acid in the filler to produce its own collagen. Other than some mild swelling and occasionally minimal bruising that can be covered with camouflage makeup, there is essentially no down time with this technique, a marked improvement over that of leveling peels and laser resurfacing.
What else does Microneedling help?
Microneedling was actually 1st tested on reducing acne scars. It was found to do an excellent job of this. It also reduces other skin irregularities and can improve the appearance of large pores. Additionally, because the body’s natural tendency when healing is for the healing tissue to contract, it can tighten minimally loose skin in the treated area.
How is Microneedling performed?
We perform Microneedling in the Spa. After cleansing the face, an anesthetic is applied and left long enough to allow the skin to become somewhat numb. The Microneedling device is moved over the area of concern. A soothing emollient is then applied.
Is Microneedling painful?
Because of the numbing cream, most people find this only minimally uncomfortable.
How often do I need to do Microneedling?
Microneedling turns on the body’s healing system to cause it to repair itself and build new tissue. This activity tends to slow after a while although we are trying to get the body to continually create new collagen. We, therefore, generally recommend repeating the Microneedling once every 4-6 weeks for at least 6 sessions. Your body, however, will determine how often this needs to be repeated.
When will I see results?
Because the body’s system is slow it will take some time to see significant results. When used with injecting the wrinkles, visible results will be even slower since most of the wrinkles have already been mostly corrected. However, at the time the filler should wear off, generally at about a year, the filled wrinkles should still be looking significantly better than before treatment. If we are treating acne scars or skin irregularities that have not been injected, they should gradually improve over time and reasonable results should be apparent within several months.
why cant i wear makeup after microneedling
When you leave the clinic after your microneedling treatment, one of the first things you will want to know is when you can wear makeup again. Post-treatment, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to ensure optimal healing. In this post, we will discuss when you can resume wearing makeup after microneedling and how to care for your skin during the healing process!
1. What is microneedling and how does it work?
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the skin. During the treatment, tiny needles are used to create microscopic wounds in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, which leads to the production of new collagen and elastin. The result is smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Microneedling can be used to treat a variety of concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, and more.
2. How long should I wait before applying makeup after a microneedling treatment session?
The length of time you should wait before applying makeup will depend on your individual skin type and how well it tolerates the treatment. For most people, it is recommended to wait 24-48 hours before applying makeup. This will give your skin time to heal and reduce the risk of infection.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wait longer before applying makeup. It is important to listen to your skin and give it the time it needs to heal.
Applying makeup too soon after a microneedling treatment can also lead to irritation and inflammation. If you do decide to apply makeup, be sure to use gentle products that are non-irritating and free of fragrances, dyes, and other harsh ingredients.
When it comes to microneedling, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure about when to apply makeup, be sure to consult with your dermatologist or skincare professional.
3. What are the best types of makeup to use after a microneedling treatment session has been completed?
When choosing makeup to use after a microneedling treatment, it is important to select products that are non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores. Look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These products will help to keep your skin clean and clear while it heals.
It is also important to choose makeup that is gentle and will not irritate your skin. Opt for products that are fragrance-free and free of harsh chemicals.
Some of the best types of makeup to use after microneedling include:
– Foundation: Choose a light, oil-free foundation that will not clog your pores.
– Concealer: Look for a non-comedogenic concealer that will help to cover up any blemishes or redness.
– Powder: A light, oil-free powder can be used to set your makeup and help control shine.
– Blush: A gentle, non-irritating blush will add a pop of color to your cheeks.
– Eyeshadow: Choose an eyeshadow that is non-comedogenic and will not irritate your skin.
– Mascara: A gentle, non-irritating mascara will help to enhance your eyes.
4. Are there any other tips that should be followed when it comes to wearing makeup after a microneedling treatment session has been completed?
In addition to choosing the right products, there are a few other tips you should follow when it comes to wearing makeup after a microneedling treatment:
– Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can lead to irritation and inflammation. If you must touch your face, be sure to wash your hands first.
– Be gentle: When applying makeup, be sure to use gentle strokes. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin, as this can lead to irritation.
– Don’t forget sunscreen: It is important to wear sunscreen when you are outdoors, even if you are wearing makeup. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
mineral sunscreen after microneedling
When you’re having skin texture issues, makeup application can be tricky. Some skin conditions can cause makeup to sit heavily on the face, or cause makeup to enhance flaws rather than mask them. Luckily, the experts at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI know that one of the most effective treatments for uneven texture is microneedling.
How Soon Can I Wear Makeup After Microneedling?
If you’re using this treatment as a way to correct your skin texture so makeup application will be easier and look better, it makes sense if one of your first questions is how soon you can wear makeup after your treatment. Many patients are surprised to learn that they will need to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before any makeup products can be applied to the skin.
This temporary ban on makeup even applies to a tinted moisturizer or tinted sunscreen. While your skin must remain hydrated after your treatment, it’s not advisable to use any products made from pigmented minerals for the sake of not irritating your skin. However, unlike traditional makeup, you can use a tinted moisturizer or sunscreen within 24 hours after your treatment.
Why This Time Frame?
Foundation makeup is an excellent choice to correct pigmentation concerns about the natural appearance of your skin, but the way makeup is formulated makes it a less than ideal option after microneedle treatments. Most makeup is made from an oil base or uses minerals that block pores and potentially interfere with natural skin shedding, both of which can make it more difficult for your skin to recover after this treatment.
It’s important to wait before the application of makeup products so that your skin has a chance to breathe and start recovering from the micro-injuries caused by the treatment. After 24 hours, your skin will be in a better state to handle the chemicals used in tinted products; after 48 to 72 hours, the top layer of your skin will be healed enough that regular makeup application won’t pose any potential problems for recovery.
What Can You Put on Your Face After Microneedling?
If you can’t wear makeup after a microneedling treatment, then what can you put on your skin? For the first one to three days after your treatment, the majority of your skincare routine needs to be focused on promoting skin health, maintaining skin moisture, and protecting your skin during this crucial and highly vulnerable period. The good news is that you have several options for products you can safely use on your skin, which include:
Sunscreen
You must use sunscreen at all times, but especially after microneedle treatments for about two weeks. While you can’t use sunscreen for the first 24 hours after your treatment for the same reason you shouldn’t use other mineral-based products, you should be using sunscreen the day after your treatment.
Ideally, the sunscreen you use should be graded SPF 30 or greater. For those who have fair or sensitive skin, stronger sunscreen may be advisable; you may also want stronger sunscreen during the spring and summer months when the risk of sun exposure is greatest. For patients with acne-prone skin or sensitive skin, you should always opt for non-comedogenic sunscreen.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an incredibly useful natural skincare ingredient that has been used for thousands of years. While aloe vera is most commonly known to help your skin heal after burns, the healing properties of aloe vera are also useful for treating abrasions, dryness, and uneven skin tone. In fact, aloe vera is one of the best products to use to protect the natural function of your skin barrier. Using aloe after your treatment can help your skin heal faster and reduce any redness or irritation following your appointment.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a powerful emollient that can help maintain the moisture balance in the skin, which is your top priority after your treatment. Natural or organic coconut oil applied to the skin two to three times a day can help your skin stay hydrated and make it easier for your skin to recover. Using coconut oil may even be a preferable option if you have sensitive skin that is highly reactive to skincare ingredients normally found in over-the-counter moisturizers.
Moisturizers
Speaking of moisturizers, applying moisturizer throughout the day after your treatment will keep your skin supple and soft after your treatment. General daily moisturizers tend to combine the kind of ingredients that support skin health. However, be careful to check all of the ingredients in your favorite moisturizer; if you have one that uses Vitamin C or retinoids, you will need to switch to a moisturizer without these ingredients during your recovery period.
Hyaluronic Acid
While you will be instructed to stay away from most acid-based skincare ingredients during your aftercare, there is one acid that you may want to stock up on. Hyaluronic acid is a natural acid found in the skin that is responsible for retaining skin moisture. Since hyaluronic acid can carry many times its own weight in water, it’s an important ingredient to use either as a serum or in your moisturizer.
Even more importantly, hyaluronic acid is also friendly to collagen production – in fact, studies indicate that collagen production is more sustainable in the presence of hyaluronic acid. As microneedle treatments are also called collagen induction therapy, it can be helpful to support your collagen production with hyaluronic acid.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Some patients also like to use hydrocortisone cream, which can help soothe irritation and encourage natural healing. Hydrocortisone cream is best at 1%, which is strong enough to support your skin’s regeneration, minimize irritation, and reduce the risk of itching, peeling, or redness after your treatment. You can find hydrocortisone cream at your local pharmacy.
Mild Cleansers
It’s also important to note that your normal cleanser might be too harsh for your skin for the first one to three days of your appointment. Patients should ideally use mild cleansers that don’t contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, or certain ingredients like acids. The best mild cleansers to use are oil-based, as they will not strip your skin any further or cause additional dryness. It’s also important to not use exfoliating cleansers or scrubs during this time.
Other Microneedling Aftercare FAQs
1. What Should You Not Put on Your Face After Microneedling?
Other than makeup, is there anything else you should avoid putting on your skin after treatment? It turns out there are quite a few products and ingredients you should steer clear of until your skin is recovered, while is usually within 7 to 10 days of your treatment. The list of skincare products to avoid after this treatment consists mostly of skin actives.
Why You Need to Avoid Skin Actives
Skin actives are ingredients that are used to specifically target certain concerns on the skin. For example, Retinol is used for age-related concerns, while glycolic acid may be used to manage acne, and Vitamin C is used to manage sun damage.
However, most skin actives are based on acids, and the primary purpose of acids is to further strip and exfoliate your skin for more rapid skin cell turnover. Since microneedle treatments are already causing skin cell turnover, adding acid products will only prolong your recovery time – and potentially damage your skin.
2. How Long Will Your Skin Need To Recover?
Most people will require about 7 to 10 days for the skin to be mostly recovered, with those who have mature skin requiring about fourteen days for a full recovery. Your skin requires this much time to shed dead skin cells, correct skin redness and tightness after treatment, and be less vulnerable to harsher chemicals and ingredients.
can i use chemical sunscreen after microneedling
What to apply after microneedling? It is best to apply a small amount of green tea oil twice a day to protect your skin. The oil can be mixed with a little water to allow it to better spread across the skin. Microneedling opens tiny holes in the skin which allow the bodies natural fluids to leak out and leaves the skin feeling slightly dry. This is commonly known as Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
Green tea oil naturally moisturises the skin to alleviate this dryness in a way water based moisturisers cannot. The green tea oil also contains microneedling aftercare vitamin C to assist healing in a natural way.
Can I use Hyaluronic Acid After Microneedling
As it further drys out the skin we do not recommend hyaluronic acid serum after microneedling. The microneedles create tiny channels in the skin which allow some of the body natural moisturising fluids to leak out. This can leave the skin feeling very dry for several days afterwards. Any form of hyaluronic acid will increase this feeling.
Exercise After Microneedling
We are often asked when can I exercise after microneedling? This depends on the type of exercise. Doing exercise that involves a lot of sweating like going to the gym after microneedling can increase the risk of the treated skin becoming infected. This often looks like a little red rash.
How long you should avoid the gym after microneedling depends on how intense the microneedling was. If using a 0.5mm dermaroller then 2 days is usually plenty. However if a more invasive technique has been used and derma rollers of 1.5mm or longer have been used then you may need to wait up to a week.
Swimming after microneedling procedures should also be avoided for a couple of days in most cases as salt water may sting and chlorinated pools are not always as clean as they should be. This can increase the risk of skin infections, which can feel like an itchy rash after microneedling. This is rare especially with smaller 0.5mm microneedle rollers but it is still best avoided.
If in doubt wait at least 3 days after microneedling before resuming normal activities and longer than 72 hours if using microneedles longer than 0.5mm. This should avoid any microneedling side effects like skin rashes.
Can you Shower After Microneedling
Yes and it is recommended post treatment. After microneedling the tiny punctures will have allowed a small amount of the skins natural moisture to leak onto the face. This can make the skin feel more dry and sticky. It is best rinsed off in a luke warm shower with a gentle cleanser a couple of hours after micro needling. If using longer needles 1.5mm or longer then there is the potential for blood on the skin which will also need to be rinsed off. Longer microneedles like this are not recommended.Showers are preferable to baths after skin needling treatments as they create a lower risk of infection. Baths can be unhygienic especially around the plug holes and this bacteria can increase the risk of skin infections
Can I wear sunscreen After Microneedling / Tanning After Microneedling
Microneedling can create photosensitivity after treatment. This sensitivity to sunlight can last for up to a week and longer if using very long microneedles. For this reason it is best to avoid the sun and to not plan treatments in the middle of beach holidays or other sun soaked activities.
If at all possible it is best to avoid the use of sunscreen for the first 24 hours after microneedling. However if you do need to go in the direct sun during this period then the best sunscreen after microneedling is usually the zinc based sun creams that stay on the surface of the skin and block the suns rays rather than those that absorb deeply into the healing skin.
Drinking Alcohol After Microneedling
There is no set time limit which you must wait for before drinking alcohol after microneedling but it is usually best to wait a day or two before drinking. Remember that alcohol is a vasodilator and so if your skin is already more red than usual then the alcohol will make this worse. In the rare case that you experience any dizziness after a microneedling treatment do not drink alcohol and contact your health professional.
Can I do a Peel After Microneedling
It is best to avoid a chemical peel after microneedling. Microneedling initiates the bodies natural wound healing cascade and this is how it creates collagen induction. Chemical peels like microdermabrasion also use this process to create collagen production but in a much more invasive way. This wound healing process should not be overused. It is best to do one treatment at a time and wait to experience the results before moving onto the next treatment. This way you also know which treatment works and is therefore worth spending your money on.If you are wondering how soon after microneedling can I dermaplane? The answer is the same. Wait until the skin has finished healing after microneedling before commencing the next treatment.
Microneedling Aftercare Makeup
Where possible it is best to avoid applying make up for 24 hours after microneedling. Many forms of makeup can block the pores and increase the risk of skin infections. If absolutely necessary then apply the minimum amount possible for the first week after treatment to allow unhindered skin rejuvenation.