Why Aftercare Matters
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the dermal tissue, triggering the body’s natural wound healing response. These microchannels signal the body to start producing fresh collagen and elastin, improving skin tone, texture, and resilience. However, this healing phase is also when your skin is more vulnerable. In the hours and days following treatment, your skin barrier becomes temporarily more sensitive.
Proper aftercare is essential. It helps protect the surface of the skin, prevents complications such as infection or irritation, and ensures that the turnover of skin cells continues smoothly without disruption. Whether you’re treating acne scars, stretch marks, sun damage, or fine lines, good aftercare is key to unlocking the full benefits of your microneedling treatment.
Immediate Care: Hours After Treatment
Your skin may appear red and feel tight in the hours after your microneedling session. These sensations are entirely normal and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. During this period, keeping your skin clean and calm is crucial.
- Avoid touching the treated area to prevent introducing bacteria into open microchannels.
- Apply a cooling gel or hyaluronic acid serum recommended by your skincare professional to hydrate and soothe.
- Use antibiotic cream if prescribed to reduce the chance of infection or inflammation.
- Avoid makeup, alcohol-based skin care products, and harsh exfoliants to allow the skin to begin its repair process naturally.
At HAVA Aesthetics, we provide you with a bespoke post-treatment kit tailored to your skin type. These products are specifically chosen to complement the healing phase and support optimal recovery without compromising results.
The First Few Days Following Your Session
As your skin begins to heal, the right environment can make all the difference. This is the time to be extra gentle with your skincare routine and focus on nourishing, protective products.
- Hydration is key: Use a hydrating moisturiser or water-based moisturisers to combat dryness and support skin barrier repair.
- Protect your skin with broad-spectrum SPF: This prevents UV rays from causing post-inflammatory pigmentation or age spots.
- Avoid coconut oil and other occlusive products that can trap heat and interfere with blood circulation to the skin.
- Steer clear of strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, or swimming to avoid irritation and excessive swelling.
- Refrain from using retinoids, acids, or active ingredients that could cause flaking, redness, or rashes.
Microneedling works by initiating controlled trauma to stimulate collagen production. Supporting that process with clean, barrier-friendly skincare will help the skin repair smoothly without added stress.
What to Expect in the Healing Phase
In the couple of days following your microneedling session, mild redness, swelling, or flaking is entirely normal. This is part of the natural repair process and a sign that your skin is responding as expected. Some patients may also notice light peeling, scabbing, or temporary dryness as scar tissue and dermal layers remodel.
Healing after microneedling takes different amounts of time for each patient, depending on skin type, concern treated, and lifestyle. Most visible healing occurs within the first 5–7 days.
However, improvements continue to develop for weeks to months after each session. As new collagen and elastin build within the dermis, skin becomes smoother, firmer, and more even in tone. Your final results will be more pronounced over time, particularly with a course of 3–6 sessions.
Longer-Term Care and Maintenance
Microneedling results are cumulative. Maintaining your new skin quality means staying consistent with good habits and protective skincare:
- Maintain your results with a gentle skin care routine that includes hyaluronic acid serums, ceramides, and antioxidant-rich products.
- Always wear SPF sunscreen daily, even months after your procedure, to protect against UV damage and pigmentation changes.
- Avoid laser therapy or chemical peels on the treated area until your skincare professional confirms it is safe.
- Follow any pre-care routine provided for future sessions to optimise each treatment’s effectiveness and minimise downtime.
If you’re treating more complex skin concerns like acne scarring or stretch marks, combining microneedling with other non-surgical treatments (such as Skin Boosters, Polynucleotides, or PRP) can help extend and enhance results.
Special Care Considerations
While microneedling is suitable for most patients, a few special considerations apply:
- Cold sores: Patients prone to outbreaks should let their practitioner know before treatment, as preventative medication may be recommended.
- Breakouts: Mild breakouts may occur but usually settle quickly with the right post-treatment advice. We may suggest barrier-supporting or antimicrobial creams.
- Body areas: Aftercare for microneedling on the body is similar to the face, but you may need extra hydration to prevent dehydration and flaking, especially over areas like the abdomen or thighs.
Always inform your practitioner of any skin changes, allergies, or reactions so we can tailor your care accordingly.
Why Choose HAVA Aesthetics for Microneedling
At HAVA Aesthetics in Esher, Surrey, your skin health is in expert hands. We deliver professional microneedling treatments using the SkinPen® Precision device, a medical-grade system backed by FDA clearance and CE certification.
- Treatments led by Dr Hadeel Nimaa, a highly experienced medical aesthetics practitioner.
- Tailored aftercare protocols to support your skin’s unique healing needs and maximise results.
- Guidance on the safe use of skincare products, serums, and actives to ensure long-term skin improvement.
- Expertise in improving skin texture, tone, and the appearance of scars with minimal downtime and natural results.
Whether you’re treating enlarged pores, skin laxity, scarring, or early signs of ageing, we design each microneedling plan to fit your goals and skin profile.
Book Your Consultation
If you are ready to start your microneedling journey and achieve healthier, smoother skin, our team will guide you through every step, from your first microneedling session to your final results.
Contact us today to book your consultation and receive expert care and aftercare for lasting transformations.
Let HAVA Aesthetics support your skin’s healing, renewal, and glow—safely and professionally.
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