As one of the most popular types of cosmetic procedures, microneedling has become a great way to treat a range of skin issues for many people. Whether you’re looking for a faster healing process, smoother and softer looking skin, or reductions in hyperpigmentation, the benefits of microneedling are difficult to argue. But when is it safe to shower after microneedling? Is it fine to exercise after microneedling? Would hyaluronic acid be beneficial? And what should you avoid doing after a treatment? We’ll cover everything in this guide!
There’s a debate among dermatologists and estheticians about whether you should shower after microneedling. Some doctors recommend waiting at least 24 hours to allow the skin to heal before showering, while others say a quick rinse before your next appointment is fine. In this guide, we find out Can You Shower After Microneedling, what happens if you exercise after microneedling, hyaluronic acid after microneedling, and What should you not do after microneedling?
Can You Shower After Microneedling
Microneedling is a popular treatment for acne scars and stretch marks, but is it safe to shower after? That depends on your doctor’s recommendation. Most dermatologists and estheticians recommend that you wait at least 24 hours before showering after microneedling, but whether or not you can take a quick rinse beforehand is up for debate.
You should wait at least 24 hours after microneedling to shower.
You may have heard that you should wait 24 hours before showering after microneedling. This is because the skin will be more sensitive to damage, and hot water can cause irritation and redness. If you want to wash your face or body, you should wait at least two days after treatment so that your skin has time to heal itself before exposing it again.
Microneedling can cause swelling in the area where it was performed, which means it’s important not only for you but also for anyone else who might see your treated areas (like a partner) not only during this period but also afterwards when there’s no visible evidence of injury left behind!
As for taking a shower before treatment, it’s okay to take a quick rinse beforehand.
As for taking a shower before treatment, it’s okay to take a quick rinse beforehand. Do not wash your face or apply any products. You can use the water in the shower as part of your microneedling routine: simply lather up with soap and rinse off after treatment!
Do not use any products on your skin after treatment—including moisturizer or makeup—unless they are prescribed by your doctor (or found in our list of approved brands).
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your dermatologist or esthetician.
If you have any questions about the procedure, be sure to ask your dermatologist or esthetician. Your esthetician can give you all the information you need about how best to care for your skin following microneedling. They may also be able to answer any questions about how soon after a treatment it is safe for you to shower.
what happens if you exercise after microneedlin
If you’ve had microneedling, you’ve probably been told that you shouldn’t workout afterwards – but do you know why that is, how long to avoid exercise after microneedling and what might happen if you do head off to the gym before you should? That’s what this post aims to answer.
We asked two leading cosmetic experts the rules for working out after microneedling – and got their top tips and best advice to protect your skin and maximise your results.
What is Microneedling?
‘Microneedling is a process where the skin is put under controlled trauma to kick start the body’s natural healing process,’ explains Dr Yalda Jamali, a medical doctor specialising in aesthetic medicine and founder of the Dr Yalda Clinics in Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds.
‘Small punctures to the skin are made using a device containing many small needles. As the needles touch the middle layer of the skin called the dermis, the blood flow to the area is increased, improving overall skin nutrition.
Microneedling also improves the skin cell turnover by boosting collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. This encourages skin renewal resulting in brighter and smoother skin.
Microneedling has many benefits; it is the perfect all-round treatment for reducing: acne scarring, stretch marks, surgical scarring, open pores, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage and a dull complexion..’
The process, which is also known as collagen induction therapy, can be done alone, or in conjunction with the application of serums or other skin nutrients. It’s not quite the same as mesotherapy which actually injects vitamins and other skin nutrients under the skin – although much of the advice in this piece about when to exercise can also apply to mesotherapy too.
Results will vary depending on your skin type and the skill of your ‘needler’ but in one US trial looking at the effects of microneedling in skin aging, a 23 per cent reduction in the look of fine lines and wrinkles (according to a measure called the Lemperle Grading Scale) was seen after four treatments over four months. Measures of skin laxity and skin texture also improved.
Is Microneedling the Same as Dermaroller?
Not quite. ‘Microneedling is an umbrella term used for the micro-injuries that are created during this procedure. It can either be performed using a dermaroller or, for more accuracy and precision, a clinical needling device. The needling device is a safer and more comfortable option. The device also allows the practitioner to control the depth of the injury for noticeably better end results,’ says Dr Yalda.
Our second expert, Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetics specialist, member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Director of Illuminate Skin Clinics agrees saying. ‘A dermaroller is a brand of micro needling, and these were the first devices that came to market.
However, I personally choose not to use rollers in my current practice for a few reasons. The most important one is that a roller has needles of just one depth, which limits us to treating you at that one depth all over your face. If you feel your forehead it is far less fleshy than your cheek, and so is ideally treated at a more superficial depth than the plumper areas.
I also personally find that dermarollers are more uncomfortable for patients than the newer pen-type devices.
Microneedling pens are automated and drive the tiny needles into the skin many times per second at the depth you program the device to. It allows for a comfortable treatment which is easier to tailor to the individual face.’
Why Can’t You Exercise After Microneedling?
The first reason is bruising…
”If you exercise post-procedure, you’re going to increase your body temperature and increase your blood flow to the recently treated areas,’ says Dr Shotter. ‘This can increase the risk of swelling and discomfort post-procedure, and in occasional situations even lead to bruising.’
IF you do get bruising, you’ll find some tips in our guide to bruising after fillers that might help you conceal things – or stop things getting worse. But, as we say below, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before you try and cover a bruise.
The other issue is sweat…
What Happens if I Sweat After Microneedling?
Hopefully nothing, but ‘sweating after microneedling can irritate the skin when it’s still a little compromised afterwards, leading to more discomfort,’ says Dr Shotter.
‘I normally suggest leaving at least 48 hours between your microneedling treatment and a workout – and if if you’ve had a deeper treatment, you may even need to leave it slightly longer before returning to your exercise routine.’
Dr Yalda adds. ‘Avoiding sweating will also decrease the risk of infection following treatment. I suggest that avoiding exercise for 72 hours following the treatment is ideal. That’s enough time to allow the small tiny holes to heal up and for the swelling to start reducing.’
Of course, it’s not just exercise that leads to perspiration so you might be wondering ‘can I sweat afrer microneedling for other reasons?’
And the answer is, it’s best avoided. Keep out of saunas and steam rooms for at least 48 hours after your treatment, and, where possible, try and keep your face cool outside of the house for at least 48 hours.
If you do sweat, make sure you have a clean towel, or hanky to wipe things away – the last thing you need is dabbing off sweat with an old towel that might be carrying bacteria that could enter the skin and lead to breakouts.
These breaks in the skin happen with lots and lots of procedures – including microblading and tattooing.
Any Extra Rules for Cardio After Microneedling?
‘Again, it depends how deep the treatment you have had has gone into the skin,’ says Dr Shotter. ‘For a more superficial treatment 48 hours is plenty. But if your technician has worked at deeper levels then it may even be a week before you will want to feel hot and sweaty.’
When Can You Swim After Microneedling?
‘Swimming should be avoided for a week. Chlorine in the water can aggravate the already irritated skin following needling,’ says Dr Yalda.
On top of this, whenever the skin is broken there can be a risk of infection if water isn’t properly chlorinated. You may not be able to see or feel the tiny holes that microneedling causes in the skin after your treatment, but they are there and while they do close pretty quickly (some estimates say within 60- 90 minutes) it’s best to wait long enough for the healing process to progress a bit further.
This is another reason why you should avoid hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for at least 48 hours after your treatment.
What about Yoga or Pilates?
‘Hot yoga in particular can be an issue, as the increased heat, sweat and body temperature can make the treated area stingy and uncomfortable,’ says Dr Shotter.
‘I would also avoid inversions during other types of yoga, for the same reasons as outlined above – the increased blood flow can increase swelling and bruising.’
If you’re just doing gentle yoga or Pilates though you should be okay to start back the next day.
Bending too much also isn’t recommended after Botox, find out why in our guide to when, and how you can bend after Botox.
If you do head out to a class or studio that soon though, remember the skin can look kind of like it’s sunburned for a few days after treatment. Don’t try and hide any redness that you might be experiencing, you shouldn’t put anything on the treated skin for at least 24 hours after a microneedling treatment.
What About Home Dermaroller?
It is possible to use dermaroller type devices to use on the skin at home. These should have smaller needles than devices used by professionals and so don’t damage the skin in the same way. ‘It is safe to use a device up to 0.25mm at home,’ says Dr Shotter. ‘This is extremely superficial and will aid the penetration of products, without causing significant compromise of the epidermis.’
Can You Workout After Microneedling at Home?
Now, if the treatment is less damaging to the skin you might wonder what that means for your gym session? Can you work out after dermaroller at home? ‘I would still avoid immediate exercise after using a dermaroller at home or too soon before you use the device, but if you’ve exercised in the morning and are using a device at home in the evening that would be fine. Don’t overdo the derma rolling at home though. 2-3 times per week is plenty.’
You might find professional-length dermarollers sold online and be tempted to get one for home use but don’t do it. ‘Incorrect technique can permanently damage your skin, leaving scarring and hyperpigmentation. You are also less likely to be able to adhere to a sterile standard at home and this can increase your risk of a skin infection following treatment,’ says Dr Yalda.
hyaluronic acid after microneedling
The use of a derma roller (or microneedling treatment in general) has been pushed heavily by celebrities and aesthetic specialists alike as a way to restore the natural appearance of the skin. Aside from increasing elastin and collagen production, derma rollers can also make the absorption of skincare products more efficient, which is why serums like hyaluronic acid (HA) solutions have been paired with the microneedling treatment.
So when is it safe to use a hyaluronic acid serum post-derma roller treatment? Most experts would recommend using HA products directly after treatment, or at least 24 to 48 hours after the microneedling session. There are plenty of reasons why hyaluronic acid serum can actually be one of the best treatments to use on the skin after a microneedling session, even only after a couple of hours after the procedure is done.
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Why Does Hyaluronic Acid Pair So Well With Derma Rollers?
Hyaluronic acid serums contain hyaluronic acid as their main ingredient: one of the most important components that are responsible for keeping the skin in good condition. Aside from being an essential ingredient in helping the skin stay hydrated, it also works in wound healing and stimulates the production of collagen.
The reason why hyaluronic acid works so well with a microneedling tool is that the microneedling procedure itself makes it work faster on the skin. Most applications of HA products are topical, meaning that they’re usually applied on the skin. But since the skin works as an active barrier between the body and outside agents, topical applications of hyaluronic acid can take some time to work.
Derma rolling creates micro-injuries in the skin that can stimulate cell regrowth and repair while increasing collagen production, but these micro-injuries also make the treated site more efficient at absorbing beauty products. As a cosmetic procedure, derma rolling can be considered as an effective way to both stimulate natural collagen production and increase the efficacy of serums and lotion on the treated area, even hours after microneedling.
Hyaluronic acid also works with skin repair after microneedling, since the natural ingredients found in most HA products can promote faster wound healing and skin regrowth. Even if the derma roller system doesn’t create significant wounds that normally call for the usual response the skin has for injuries, it still creates a long enough window for skin products to work without the risk of infection.
Products to Avoid After Derma Roller Use
An easy mistake to make is to assume that any serum or lotion will work well with microneedling or derma rolling because of the increased absorption process. However, there are specific active ingredients and products that a patient should never apply on their skin at least after 24 to 48 hours after using a derma roller, like:
The reason for this is that while the micro-injuries caused by derma roller treatments aren’t serious, they still create sensitive skin that can have adverse reactions towards strong skincare products. This is particularly crucial to keep in mind if the person has had a long rolling session since the more a microneedling tool is used on the skin, there’s an increased likelihood that their micro-injuries run deeper than anticipated.
Coupled with the fact that most microneedling and derma rolling treatments are done at home, patients need to be extremely careful about the skincare products they apply to themselves after their treatment sessions. For people who have questions about the kinds of products they can apply to themselves after derma rolling, they can find answers in product info and packaging of their derma rollers. Otherwise, they can consult an aesthetic professional for a complete guide on the acceptable skincare products to take.
How About People With Sensitive Skin Types?
Most medical professionals would outright advise people with sensitive skin types against using derma rolling since the risk of skin infections and other adverse reactions are high. However, for medical micro needling or derma rolling sessions done in clinics or med spas, it’s possible to still apply hyaluronic acid serums to the skin hours after treatment. Keep in mind that this doesn’t prevent side effects from occurring as a result of derma rolling, so the patient should always monitor themselves after treatment.
Outside of derma rolling treatments, people with sensitive skin types should have no problem with using hyaluronic acid serums and lotions after their skincare routines. Since HA products can help speed up wound healing while keeping the skin hydrated, they’re an excellent way to make sure that the body recovers from the microneedling treatment more efficiently.
Even a couple of days or hours after microneedling can be a safe enough window for people to use hyaluronic acid serums on sensitive skin. By boosting the production of collagen and adequately hydrating the treated area, patients can boost the effects of their micro-needling sessions significantly.
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Provide patients with the highest-quality hyaluronic acid serum for microneedling and normal topical use. Checkout today to get 20% off your first order.
The coupon code is active for logged-in users only.
Are There Side Effects to Using Hyaluronic Acid After Derma Rollers?
In most cases, the side effects after microneedling or using a microneedle roller aren’t because of the product applied after the rolling session – rather, it’s because of improper handling or a subpar microneedling session. Hyaluronic acid in particular is a natural ingredient that’s produced and found in the body, which means that there are very little to no side effects expected with its use.
On the other hand, improper application of hyaluronic acid products can result in adverse reactions like skin infections and other skin conditions if the area isn’t sanitized or the person uses dirty tools in a non-sterile environment. A skin professional should be the only one to apply a skincare product to a person who has no experience with microneedling or derma roller use since it drastically cuts down the possibility of getting adverse effects with the procedure.
A simple way people can check if using hyaluronic acid serums will give them side effects is to apply a small amount to a test patch on their skin. If there are no adverse reactions, it’s generally safe to apply the HA product after the microneedling session.
PEP Growth Factor Products: An Alternative to Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The hyaluronic acid serum is an excellent way to recover the micro-injuries sustained during the rolling process, but the increased absorption from the procedure doesn’t apply to hyaluronic acid alone. Almost any kind of serum, lotion, or beauty product can be absorbed by the skin more efficiently after the derma rolling procedure, as long as the active ingredients work on the skin. Aside from hyaluronic acid, there are other compounds and ingredient lists that work on sensitive skin or irritated skin – but for cases like hair rejuvenation or regrowth, PEP Growth Factor products are an excellent choice.
Made from a proprietary mixture of copper peptides and fibroblast growth factor, PEP growth factor products are applied directly to the scalp after micro-needling. Since the product doesn’t interfere with how a microneedle roller works, it’s safe to apply to the skin after treatment. The microneedling procedure itself also doesn’t interfere with how effective the product works – for best results, it’s advisable to apply PEP Growth Factor products no less than 2 days after microneedling.
PEP Growth Factor products may help improve hair density, promote scalp growth, and may possibly increase the benefits of a microneedling session, even if the patient has a darker skin tone or sensitive skin. Since it doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, it’s unlikely to cause any severe side effects.
Buy High Quality Medical Tools and Supplies From FACE Med Store
Hyaluronic acid serums are a great way to manage dry skin and micro-injuries sustained during the derma roller process, but the serums must come from a trusted source. Given the sensitivity of the skin after the microneedling process, getting the right serum helps in the recovery process, and even improves the overall results.
FACE Med Store has been a reliable supplier of hyaluronic acid serums and other medical tools and supplies to clinics and aesthetic practices for years. We have a variety of cosmetic creams and serums that help manage conditions from acne scars to correcting uneven skin tone, suitable for almost all skin types. We provide these high-quality skincare products and supplies at affordable prices, allowing our customers to balance quality without worrying about the cost.
What should you not do after microneedling
Microneedling has become one of the most popular in-and-out procedures thanks to its ability to effectively tackle a wide range of skin concerns—from signs of aging to acne scars. It’s minimally invasive, takes only a matter of minutes, and often requires minimal downtime. Best of all, its effects are lasting. “Microneedling helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, so it can be great for overall facial rejuvenation, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing pore size,” explains dermatologist Dr. Amanda Doyle.
However, she adds a caveat: “The treatment of the skin afterward determines the healing and, ultimately, the result.” This means following a guided skincare plan and instructions to a T to ensure you get the best possible outcome while avoiding certain products and ingredients (as well as the sun) that could interrupt the skin’s natural healing process and even lead to infection.
To better understand the dos and don’ts of proper microneedling aftercare, we assembled a team of top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to help navigate the first seven days of post-procedure care. Here, you’ll find what to use, what to avoid, whether it’s safe to wash your face after microneedling, and what’s happening with your skin during this crucial time period.
Just a quick note before we dive in: although the advice you’re about to read comes from doctors who are specialists in their field, it’s not meant to override any instruction your own doctor has given you regarding post-microneedling aftercare. If you have questions about certain ingredients or feel your healing process isn’t going according to plan, consult your doctor or practitioner.
Day 0
On the day of your microneedling procedure, Dr. Ramanadham says it’s common for skin to feel dry and tight, and you may even experience a mild burning sensation. “Your skin will have small openings after the microneedling is done, so you need to minimize touching your face and avoid applying your typical skincare routine to avoid irritation and infection,” Dr. Doyle adds.
Tip: Frequent protective mask wearers: it may be best to schedule your microneedling treatment for a time when you can go mask-free for a few days, as Dr. Ramanadham pointed out that the moist, dirty environment that comes with prolonged mask use could be harmful for freshly-microneedled skin.
Dr. Doyle recommends this rich, super gentle cleanser because it whisks away any dirt and debris from skin while protecting its delicate moisture barrier.
Dr. Ramanadham says a rich, hydrating ointment like Aquaphor can be used in the first few days to provide a protective barrier on skin to help aid the healing process.
This advanced moisturizing cream from ZO Skin Health may be a splurge, but it’s loaded with soothing colloidal oatmeal and antioxidants to protect skin and help calm the appearance of redness and irritation.
Day 1
Dr. Engelman says that skin will appear red or pink, resembling a moderate sunburn. You may also see scratches, bruising, or slight swelling and the skin could feel dry and tight. At this point, “Skin will be actively healing,” Dr. Doyle says, “so you’ll want to continue the original gentle skincare for the first three to five days.”
Day 3
By the third day, most of the after-effects have calmed down, but there are still a few variables to consider. Dr. Doyle says redness, sensitivity, and swelling should all be greatly reduced, however, some sensitivity may linger, depending on how aggressive the treatment was. Dr. Ramanadham adds that at this point, many people also experience a roughness or dryness to their skin that makes it feel like sandpaper. Finally, Dr. Engelman explains that peeling is also normal at this stage, as well as the formation of milia or even a mild breakout.
Day 5
By day 5, Dr. Doyle says the channels in your skin that were created by the microneedling have sealed up, and most of the redness, flakiness and sensitivity will have subsided by this point. However, Dr. Engelman says a small number of patients experience more peeling by the fifth day, due to increased cell turnover.
This lightweight hydrating serum is packed with hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate skin and deliver hours of quenching hydration. It’s ideal for helping to top up moisture levels as your skin heals post-procedure.
Dr. Engelman loves this tinted SPF from GloSkin because it provides a touch of light moisture with a glowy tint to help even out redness, thanks to mineral pigments, while its SPF 30 shields skin from the sun’s rays.
Day 7
By day seven, Dr. Doyle says that skin should be completely healed, and some people even begin to see a noticeable difference in their skin, namely an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as well as overall texture. Dr. Ramanadham adds that collagen is still being produced and remodeled over the following weeks, so you can expect even more improvement.
The Final Takeaway
All three of our experts touted the benefits of microneedling as extremely effective when done correctly and under sterile conditions. However, they continually stressed that the healing process is as paramount to good results as the microneedling procedure itself, so if you want stunning skin, follow a proper aftercare protocol.