You will get transformative results from your microneedling session, but you play a part in controlling the outcome of your treatment. It is important that you follow some simple directives before and after your treatment to prepare your skin and care for it post-treatment to make sure that you aren’t left with angry, irritated, red skin after your session.
While this list may seem extensive, the pre-treatment instructions are simple and are only temporary. Following these directives will ensure that your skin is ready for treatment and responds well to this collagen induction therapy. The goal of this treatment is to improve the current state of the skin and address problem areas, not create new ones. By avoiding certain products and abstaining from the sun, you can rest assured you will get the best results.
Many exfoliating products strip the skin of the essential protective barrier that keeps it calm, protects it from harmful bacteria, and helps keep inflammation at bay. When you schedule your treatment, avoid exfoliating products one week before your appointment so that your skin is calm, protected, and ready for treatment.
Even though your nightly routine may be like a religious ceremony, you’ll need to temporarily adjust your topical products in the week leading up to your treatment. Avoid the use of topical products that contain active ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids, chemical exfoliants, or topical antibiotics. These products increase the sensitivity of your skin, which produces the opposite effect necessary to prepare the skin for treatment.
Some swear by Accutane and claim that it’s the only thing that has helped them get clear skin. While Accutane may be effective, it creates the opposite skin environment necessary for a successful microneedling session. If you are interested in scheduling this treatment, you must temporarily discontinue the use of Accutane medication for at least six months before treatment to get the best results.
Sunburned skin is red, angry, inflamed, and not suitable for a microneedling session. Avoid sun exposure 24 hours before your treatment, and make sure that your skin does not get sunburned in the week leading up to your appointment. If you are exposed to the sun, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen suitable for the face to keep yourself protected from the elements. Doing so will be an investment in your future treatment results.
If you undergo regular Botox treatments, you need to wait to schedule your collagen induction therapy treatment until at least two weeks after your Botox appointment. This will make sure that you get the best results from your injectable treatment, as well as your microneedling treatment.
On the day of your appointment, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and show up to your treatment with clean skin free of make-up or products. Doing so will make sure that you are fully prepared to begin your treatment as soon as you get there. If you are unable to show up with a make-up-free face because you’re coming straight from work or another event to your appointment, we will be able to cleanse your skin for you.
Your skin post-treatment is like a sponge. It has been perforated with tiny micro-channels, which has opened it up to better absorb products, especially those fortified with nutrient-rich ingredients. Taking care of your skin post-treatment is essential to getting the best results and helping your skin recover from the micro-injuries created during your session.
Don’t go home after your appointment and apply any of those topical products that you’ve been avoiding just yet. Continue to refrain from using active products, including alpha-hydroxy acids, any products containing retinoids such as Retin-A or other Vitamin A products, and products containing Vitamin C for at least three days post-treatment. After a few days, you can continue to use these products without having to worry about irritating your skin.
In the same way that you need to avoid the sun before treatment, you also need to avoid it post-treatment for at least 48 hours. Avoid unnecessary sunlight, and when you are exposed to the sun, even if simply walking to and from your car in a driveway or parking lot, wear a hat, sunglasses, and a chemical-free sunscreen to protect your skin.
You should also avoid tanning beds after your treatment. These beds shed damaging light onto the surface of the skin. Continue to use a facial sunscreen after your treatment daily to protect your skin. Make the daily application of sunscreen a habit. Doing so will help both help protect your skin from sunburn and keep it from premature aging.
Due to the chemicals present in pool water, you should avoid swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment. These chemicals can penetrate and irritate your skin which is vulnerable to all outside elements immediately after treatment. Once those 24 hours have passed, you can swim as much as you’d like. If you are a regular swimmer and staying out of the pool is not possible, wait to schedule your appointment until you can avoid swimming.
Try to avoid exercising in a gym-setting for 24 hours post-treatment. Sweat and the possibility of coming into contact with harmful bacteria are two reasons to avoid a gym setting the day following your treatment. The salt in your sweat may irritate your open skin and will act as an inhibitor to the healing process. Opt for light exercises that won’t irritate your skin for at least 24 hours.