Proper microneedling aftercare is the secret to a smooth and radiant complexion. Keep your skin hydrated for the next week with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and ceramides. Avoid stronger ingredients to ensure the best possible results.

You just finished your microneedling appointment and your skin feels tight, looks pink and is a bit more sensitive—but it’s also ready for a fresh start. To keep your skin soft and comfortable, you'll need to make a few thoughtful adjustments to your post-procedure routine. Here are all the details you need to maximize your glowing final results.

QUICK ANSWER: WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT ON YOUR SKIN AFTER MICRONEEDLING? 

You should focus on gentle, hydrating and supportive ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and ceramides immediately following your service. These ingredients help soothe sensitivity and lock in essential moisture.

Avoid any strong or highly active ingredients in your microneedling aftercare. Keep your routine as simple as possible in the first few days to protect your delicate skin barrier. Using basic cleansers and gentle moisturizers will prevent unnecessary irritation while your skin recovers.

WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING TO YOUR SKIN AFTER MICRONEEDLING? 

Microneedling can sound a little intimidating, but it's actually a simple and clever way to boost your skin's natural glow. The treatment uses tiny, sterile needles to create micro-channels in your skin's surface, which sends a gentle signal to your body to ramp up collagen and elastin production. This process helps to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture over time.

Immediately after a treatment, your skin is extra receptive to whatever you apply. This is great news because it means all those nourishing ingredients can get to work on a deeper level. However, it also means your skin is more vulnerable. Getting your microneedling aftercare right is the key to supporting your skin through this delicate and important phase.

WHAT TO PUT ON YOUR FACE AFTER MICRONEEDLING

Your main goal after microneedling is to keep your skin well hydrated and shielded from the outside world. Look for gentle, soothing products that replenish moisture without causing any extra fuss or irritation. Here are some of the best ingredients to reach for while your skin is in microneedling recovery mode:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration booster for your skin. It pulls moisture from the air and traps it in your skin to keep it plump, dewy and hydrated, so make sure to keep a product like Ultra Hydro Gel on hand.
• Peptides: These are little messengers that encourage your skin to rebuild itself. They help strengthen your skin's foundation, making it feel firmer and more resilient.
• Ceramides: These are essential lipids that act like the glue between your skin cells. They help lock in moisture and protect your skin's barrier from outside irritants.
• Gentle, Hydrating Moisturizer: A simple, soothing moisturizer will be your best friend to calm any redness and create a protective seal.
• SPF: This is non-negotiable! Your skin is extra vulnerable to the sun after microneedling, so a good sun protection product like Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30 will shield it from UV damage and help it recover beautifully.

A SIMPLE POST-MICRONEEDLING ROUTINE USING GLYMED+ PRODUCTS

Navigating your skincare routine after a procedure is much easier when you have a clear plan. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide using some of our favorite gentle GlyMed+ formulas to get you started.

DAY 1

Gentle Cleanse

Keep your microneedling aftercare routine very minimal. Start with a gentle cleanse using the Mega Cream Cleanser to carefully remove impurities without stripping the skin. Follow up with Ultra Hydro Gel and Restoring Fulvic Elixir. Finish with a nonactive moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF if you are going outside.

DAYS 2 - 3

Repeat

Continue following the same routine as day one. You might notice some pinkness or tightness during this time, which is completely normal! Keep applying your Ultra Hydro Gel with Hyaluronic Acid and gentle moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry.

DAYS 4 - 7

Reintroduce Gentle Actives

Begin reintroducing gentle actives as your skin settles. You can start bringing back mild serums or your standard daily moisturizers if your skin is no longer red, swollen, tight or itchy. Always listen to your skin and hold off if you notice any stinging.

AFTER DAY 7

Gradually Resume Full Routine

You can generally ease back into your routine and fully resume it once a full week has passed. Slowly incorporate your usual exfoliants and targeted serums one at a time to make sure your skin tolerates them well.

WHAT TO AVOID

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as what to put on your face after microneedling. Let’s keep your skin happy by setting aside a few things for at least the first week of your microneedling aftercare. Putting on strong active ingredients too early can irritate your skin and slow down your microneedling recovery, so it's best to take a little break from:

• Retinol
• AHAs
• Vitamin C
• Salicylic Acid
• Makeup

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR SKIN TO RECOVER?

After your appointment, it's normal to see some mild redness, which usually fades within a few days. You might also notice light flaking as your skin sheds. This usually wraps up by the end of the first week.

Patience is key. Improvements in your skin's texture happen gradually as your body gets to work producing new collagen and elastin. True results often take a few weeks to reveal themselves. Staying consistent with your microneedling aftercare is the best way to support your skin and get the glowing outcome you're looking for!

CONNECT WITH A GLYMED+ PROFESSIONAL

Every complexion is unique, and having customized advice makes all the difference in your skincare journey. A licensed aesthetician can help you select the perfect gentle products to support your skin after any cosmetic service. They can also guide you on exactly when to reintroduce your favorite active ingredients.

Ready to make sure your routine is just right for you? Find a local GlyMed+ Pro today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I WASH MY FACE THE NIGHT AFTER MICRONEEDLING? 

Yes, you can gently wash your face the night after your procedure. Use lukewarm water and a very mild cleanser like the Mega Cream Cleanser. Avoid using hot water, washcloths or cleansing brushes that could irritate your sensitive skin.

WHY DOES MY SKIN FEEL SO DRY AFTER MICRONEEDLING?  

 Your skin feels dry because the micro-channels temporarily increase transepidermal water loss. This means moisture escapes from your skin much faster than usual. To help, give your skin a big drink of water with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides to restore that plump, moisturized feeling.

WHEN CAN I USE RETINOL AFTER MICRONEEDLING?

Avoid using Retinol for at least 5 – 7 days. Because Retinol speeds up cell turnover, it can be a bit too much for your skin while it's recovering. Once any redness, flaking or sensitivity has calmed down, you can gently reintroduce it into your routine.

CAN I WEAR MAKEUP AFTER MICRONEEDLING?

Avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 – 48 hours after your appointment as part of your microneedling aftercare. Makeup can easily enter the micro-channels and cause irritation or breakouts. Wait until the micro-channels have closed and your skin feels less sensitive.

WHY IS MY SKIN BREAKING OUT AFTER MICRONEEDLING?

Sometimes, it's just your skin's natural purging process as it clears everything out. Other times, heavy products might be clogging your freshly opened pores. To support proper recovery after a microneedling treatment, keep your post-treatment routine clean and simple. After 48 hours of no makeup, use freshly washed makeup brushes and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.