Skincare and Skin Health
Microneedling Aftercare: What to Do and Avoid
For the first 24 to 48 hours after microneedling, use only gentle cleansing and a bland moisturiser, avoid makeup, skip exercise, saunas and hot showers, and apply SPF daily. Do not use retinoids, exfoliating acids or vitamin C until your practitioner confirms it is appropriate, usually around 5 to 7 days.
The first 48 hours
- Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser only.
- Apply the moisturiser or post-treatment product your practitioner provided.
- Skip makeup where possible for the first 24 hours.
- No exercise, saunas, steam or hot showers. Heat and sweat both aggravate freshly treated skin.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase.
What is normal and what is not
Redness resembling sunburn, warmth, tightness and mild swelling are expected for 24 to 72 hours. Some dryness or light flaking often follows over the next few days as the skin renews.
What is not expected: increasing pain after day 2, spreading redness, pus, or fever. Contact the clinic if any of these occur rather than waiting to see.
When to resume actives
- Days 1 to 2: gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF only.
- Days 3 to 4: you can usually resume your basic routine, still without actives.
- Days 5 to 7: retinoids, acids and vitamin C are typically reintroduced, on your practitioner’s advice.
- SPF every single day throughout, and beyond. Freshly treated skin is more vulnerable to pigment.
These are general guidelines. Your practitioner’s specific instructions take precedence, because depth and intensity vary between treatments.
Common questions
When can I wear makeup again?+
Usually after 24 hours, though waiting longer is better where you can. Use clean brushes and start with something light rather than a full-coverage base.
Why does my skin feel rough afterwards?+
A sandpapery texture for a few days is common, particularly after radiofrequency microneedling. Let it resolve naturally and resist the urge to exfoliate it away, which risks marks.
How soon can I exercise?+
Generally after 48 hours. Sweat and heat during the initial healing window can aggravate the skin and increase the risk of irritation.
Keep reading
All treatments require an individual consultation and suitability assessment. Results vary between individuals. Information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.