Micro needling has become one of the popular skin rejuvenation treatments with punctures in the skin using fine needles. This process stimulates collagen production, leading to smooth, firm and young skin tone.
Like other skin treatments, proper aftercare needs to be taken for optimal results with minimized risks of skin irritation and complications.
Here are a few aftercare practices to be followed post treatment for skin protection and nourishment.
1. Avoid Touching Your Skin
As the skin undergoes through the punctures, the skin becomes more sensitive than usual and its easy for bacteria and dirt to enter the skin and cause irritation.
Avoid touching the face frequently for at least 24 hours to prevent contaminants entering the skin. Avoid applying makeup immediately as they clog the pores and potentially injected punctures on the skin surface.
2. Stay Hydrated and Use Gentle Hydrating Products
Micro needling establishes microchannels in the skin for the active ingredients to penetrate. Using hydrating products will support skin’s healing process.
Use serums or moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It reduces skin redness and keeps the skin hydrated.
Use gentle, non-comedogenic products as they are free from harsh chemicals or fragrances and reduce irritation on delicate skin.
Products like alcohol, retinol or exfoliating aids a few days immediately after the treatment as they aggravate the skin condition.
3. Use Sunscreen Religiously
Micro needling makes the skin more vulnerable to sun exposure, at least for a weak take proper measures to protect from sun exposure. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 when directly exposed to sunlight and sunscreen with SPF 30 when indoors.
Micro needling leaves your skin more susceptible to sun exposure. For at least a week after the treatment, it’s essential to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30-50).
Exposure to the sun without protection can lead to hyperpigmentation, irritation, and other skin issues. For few days post-procedure, use mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they are less likely to irritate sensitive post micro needling skin.
4. Avoid Heat and Sweating
Its good to avoid activities like vigorous exercise, hot showers, saunas or sunbathing as they release sweat from the body. Sweat increases bacteria into the skin and hinders the healing process. Excess heat increases inflammation and skin irritation.
5. Don’t Exfoliate or Prick at Your Skin
Its recommended to avoid exfoliation of the skin at least 7-10days after micro needling procedure.
As the skin surface has tiny punctures wounds, you must give some healing time and exfoliating can interfere with skin’s natural healing process leading to further skin irritation.
6. Incorporate Gentle Products for Skin Repair
Once the healing starts, you can start incorporating soothing products to help skin rejuvenate. Vitamin C serums are known for skin regeneration and brightening.
We must take care and slowly introduce the ingredients and products to the skin to avoid irritation.
7. Allow Time for Healing
As micro needling promotes skin regeneration, we must give ample subsiding time of nearly 24-48 hours to lower redness and swelling post procedure.
Complete healing with increased collagen production can take several weeks to months depending on the patient’s skin tone, skin concern and recovery time.
Conclusion
Proper aftercare is the key to obtaining the best output from micro needling treatment. Post treatment ensures the skin is clean, hydrated and protected from the skin’s UV rays. The skin feels sensitive for a few days with the right care it can glow and rejuvenate.
