Introduction
Quick Navigation
If you have problematic skin, such as a poor complexion, acne, acne scars, loose skin, or rapid aging, you chose to utilize one of the least expensive and most minor invasive procedures to help improve your skin. That is through microneedling, as it is so much less invasive than chemical peels or laser. The tiny needles that superficially puncture your skin help to promote collagen and elastin production, which helps improve your complexion and reverse aging. You can do microneedling at home if you have the training and knowledge, or if you do not, you can rely on a practitioner to do the work for you.
Even though microneedling is less invasive than some other procedures, it does not mean you will be free of having any side effects. First, you have to remember that microneedling involves puncturing the top layer of your facial skin with needles. The punctures may be superficial, but they are still injuries no matter how mild they are.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of Microneedling?
Whether you do the microneedling at home or in a clinic, you will have side effects. After the treatment, you will have bright red or flushed skin that looks and feels like a mild sunburn. Therefore, there will be some mild stinging that goes with the redness. You may also experience some mild swelling that will last for at least 24 hours. It may last longer, depending on how well your skin tolerates the treatment. Unfortunately, you can do nothing to get rid of the redness and swelling before it settles naturally – and it will. However, you can utilize methods to help minimize the side effects and help take care of your skin after.
That means you may wonder what to put on the skin after microneedling. Aside from the numbing cream that you applied to your face before and after the procedure, there are other things to know. So let’s talk about that now.
What Can You Put On The Skin After Microneedling?
The redness that you will have after the microneedling procedure will make you want to put makeup on to cover it. However, that is the last thing you should ever do. That is because the makeup will block the pores on your freshly exposed skin which will likely cause you to develop acne breakouts. However, know that the redness will disappear, and it won’t take long. After the redness and swelling are no longer there, you can resume wearing makeup. If you are dealing with discomfort, you can apply gentle, unscented, natural cleansers and lotions to help ease the pain. You can also apply moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out.
It is also imperative that you apply sunscreen on your face when you go out, as your newly exposed skin will be extra sensitive to the sun. You will want to do that for two weeks each time you leave your home unless it is raining. But, again, the season does not matter. You could even get a sunburn in the middle of winter because of the sun’s rays bouncing off the snow. That is the same reason that skiers and snowboarders need to wear sunglasses and sunscreen on their faces.
After 48 hours of the procedure, you may find that the side effects begin to subside. However, within that timeframe, you will experience peeling. There may also be mild breakouts, bumps, and dry skin, which you must expect after microneedling. Once again, applying moisturizer and gentle, natural, and fragrance-free cleansers and lotions will help to keep those side effects to a minimum.
What Are The Microneedling Aftercare Tips?
Whether you plan to do the microneedling at home or have the treatment conducted at the clinic, your dermatologist will discuss what to expect and the aftercare tips. Once again, if you plan to do the treatment at home, it is imperative to consult with your dermatologist, so you have the safest microneedling experience. If you do the procedure at home without talking to your dermatologist first, you will be at risk for a botched job and infections. That is not what you want.
The microneedling aftercare tips that your dermatologist will provide for you are simple to follow. They will first tell you to care for your skin through the ways discussed in the section above. You also won’t want to spend too much time outside, even with the sunscreen, because you are prone to UV ray damage even more than you typically would be.
Your dermatologist may also prescribe a topical antibiotic cream to avoid infection. You will want to ensure that you apply it to your skin as directed, so your skin heals and remains free from any infection. Always wash your hands before touching your face as you do not want your germs to end up on your face from your hands. That will cause breakouts or an infection.
As difficult as it may be, for the first 72 hours, you will need to avoid saunas, swimming pools, and doing any intense exercise that will cause you to break out in a sweat. That means not work out or carrying anything heavy for prolonged periods. Then, after that period elapses, you can do those activities.
Conclusion
You are self-conscious because your facial skin is less than perfect. You either have lines and wrinkles and show signs of aging. You may also have a poor complexion, acne scars, or loose skin. Microneedling will help solve those issues because the tiny needles that make the superficial punctures on the top layer of your facial skin will help to stimulate collagen and elastin production. That is what will help fix your skin‘ and solve those issues.
Even though microneedling is almost a noninvasive procedure, you will still end up with its side effects. That is why it is essential to follow the directions your dermatologist gives you regarding aftercare. The last thing you want to do is to increase your chances of having complications after a mild procedure because of not utilizing the instructions given by your dermatologist for the aftercare of the microneedling procedure.
