How Does Microneedling Work for Skin Rejuvenation?
Morpheus8 microneedling creates a series of micro-channels in the skin. The healthy skin surrounding these areas immediately begins the healing process. The needles emit radiofrequency energy into deeper layers of the skin, triggering cells there to produce more collagen. This new collagen restores youthful firmness and smoother texture.
What to Put On Your Skin After Microneedling
Microneedling will leave your skin sensitive for several days. These few days are the perfect time to treat your skin with high-quality skincare products to maximize the benefits of your treatment. We recommend that you:
- Avoid harsh scrubs or products
- Only clean your skin with a professionally formulated cleanser
- Apply targeted skincare serums that will penetrate deeply into your skin
- Keep your skin well-hydrated with a gentle moisturizer
- Apply medical-grade sun protection
We recommend Skin Saint skincare products for post-microneedling. Your skincare expert can help you choose the best products for your skin. This line of professional skincare products has powerful ingredients for total skin rejuvenation. They are also gentle enough for the skin just after microneedling and other treatments.
Inflammatory Phase (1-4 Days)
In the first few days after microneedling, your skin will likely feel irritated. Redness, swelling, and flaking are common during this phase. Don’t worry—this is part of the healing process.
Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer or hyaluronic acid. Avoid active ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C, or anything too strong. These can make your skin more irritated.
Sunscreen is a must. Your skin will be extra sensitive to sunlight, so use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outdoors. Keep your skincare routine simple during this time.
Proliferation Phase (4-14 Days)
By this phase, your skin begins producing more collagen. You may still notice some mild flaking or tightness, but the irritation should start to decrease. This is when your skin starts to repair itself more visibly.
You can gradually start reintroducing products like Vitamin C and retinol, but be cautious. Start with small amounts and only every other day to see how your skin reacts. Hydrating serums, especially those with hyaluronic acid, will continue to help.
Continue using sunscreen daily. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants, as your skin is still healing and sensitive.
Maturative Phase (14+ Days)
Around two weeks after your microneedling session, your skin should feel much better. Collagen production will be in full swing, and your skin will start to look firmer and smoother.
Now, you can return to your full skincare routine. This includes active ingredients like peptides, retinol, and growth factors to further enhance your skin’s recovery. You can also reintroduce gentle exfoliation if needed, but avoid anything too abrasive.
Don’t skip the sunscreen. Even though your skin is healing well, it’s still vulnerable to sun damage, so SPF should be a permanent part of your daily routine.
Specific Product Recommendations for Each Stage
Immediate Aftercare (1-10 Minutes)
Stick to gentle hydration with hyaluronic acid. This will soothe the skin without irritating it. Avoid using anything else in this phase, as your skin needs time to start the healing process.
Inflammatory Phase (1-4 Days)
Focus on hydrating with hyaluronic acid and use a simple, lightweight moisturizer. Avoid active ingredients like retinol or Vitamin C. These can cause irritation. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) should be applied before stepping outside to protect sensitive skin.
Proliferation Phase (4-14 Days)
Gradually reintroduce Vitamin C to brighten the skin and boost collagen production. You can also start using gentle forms of retinol to aid in skin renewal. Continue with moisturizing products, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Maturative Phase (14+ Days)
At this point, you can return to using all active ingredients in your routine. Peptides and growth factors can enhance the collagen and elastin production started by microneedling. Regular use of SPF remains essential to protect your skin from UV damage.
Avoiding Complications and Side Effects
After microneedling, it’s important to prevent infections and minimize common side effects like redness, swelling, and breakouts. To avoid these issues, follow these steps:
- Hygiene: Always wash your hands before touching your face. Bacteria from unwashed hands can enter the micro-channels in your skin, increasing the risk of infection. If prescribed, use a topical antibiotic cream to further reduce the risk.
- Makeup: Avoid wearing makeup for at least 24 hours. Applying makeup too soon can clog your pores and delay healing, causing breakouts.
- Sweating and Water Exposure: Stay away from swimming pools, saunas, and intense workouts that cause heavy sweating for at least 72 hours. These activities can introduce bacteria to the skin.
If you notice any unusual symptoms like fever, green discharge, or excessive swelling, contact your physician immediately. While serious complications are rare, it’s important to monitor your skin closely.
Is There Any Downtime With Microneedling?
You might notice some sensitivity, swelling, or small spots for one to three days after treatment. You can resume your usual activities next day. While microneedling requires no downtime, we recommend proper post-treatment skincare to achieve your best results.
