Microneedling is a great skin treatment, and one that is becoming more and more popular as time goes on and more is understood about its benefits. However, it can come with some unwanted side effects – such as the dead skin you are left with. How to get rid of dead skin after microneedling? Read on to find out!
How To Remove Dead Skin After Microneedling?
Microneedling is great for the skin, there’s no doubt about that. It can remove dead skin cells, improve tone, and add a beautiful healthy glow to your skin.
However, between 3 to 5 days after a treatment, you may notice your skin start to flake and peel. Eeek! No one wants this! So what do you do about it?
First of all, moisturise. Keeping your skin hydrated before your treatment is the best way to combat these issues post needling (don’t moisturise straight afterwards though!)
Try really hard to not pick or scratch. Yes, this may be hard, especially if the skin is itchy or irritated – but trust us, this will not help, and can lead to worse problems.
Wait at least 4 hours before washing your face. Putting products or even water on your skin, which will be sensitive after the treatment, can affect the recovery time.
When you eventually do wash, make sure you use tepid water and gentle soap, and pat your face dry – do not rub at it.
In fact, the best way to get rid of dead skin after microneedling is to leave it alone! Just be patient and wait, and all shall be well.
When Can I Exfoliate After Microneedling?
Because microneedling is a particularly effective exfoliant (similarly to microdermabrasion), you will find that you don’t need to exfoliate any time soon after your treatment.
It is recommended that you do not exfoliate for 3-5 days after treatment, and the longer you can leave it the better.
When you have a microneedling treatment, you are encouraging your body to effectively create new skin, by removing the old, dead skin cells.
Any picking, scraping or scratching at this new skin will cause serious issues, and can even lead to damage and infections.
Basically, leave your skin alone after your microneedling appointment, for as long as you can. It will look after itself, as long as you treat it gently!
A gentle moisturise should be ok after a few days, but leave the scrubbing and rubbing for as long as you can.
What Is The Fastest Way To Heal Skin After Microneedling?
The best thing to do with your skin after microneedling is… Leave it alone!
Yes, this is super simple advice, and you maybe looking for more – but genuinely, the best thing you can do is to not touch it.
- Avoid strenuous exercise. I can hear the cheering from here! Yes, microneedling is a great excuse to not go to the gym – excessive sweating can cause issues with your treatment.
- Sleep on your back. Also, elevating your pillows can help to minimise the pain and swelling.
- Try to use only mineral make up. Avoiding make up altogether, at least for the first 48 hours, is the best thing you can do for your healing skin.
- Use a mild painkiller, such as Paracetamol or Tylenol, if you are feeling discomfort that cannot be ignored.
- Don’t put ice on your face, This can interfere with the process, despite the fact that it can help give some temporary relief.
- Avoid picking or scratching, even if it itches, as this can affect the recovery time.
What Is Best To Put On Skin After Microneedling?
Basically, the answer is: nothing at all! Although this treatment is one of the more gentle skin treatments, it still reveals new layers of skin which will be more delicate.
- Avoid exfoliating and scrubbing at your skin.
- Do not use skincare that contains Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid or Retinoic Acid for at least 3-5 days.
- Use only tepid water and a gentle natural soap on your face for 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid using make up on your skin for at least 12 hours.
- Try to stay out of strong sunlight for 48 hours, or at least keep your face shaded.
- Do not use moisturisers with harsh chemicals or petrochemicals.
This video contains some great tips on how to care for your skin after microneedling:
Do Dermatologists Recommend Microneedling?
Microneedling is a relatively gentle process, and one which can greatly improve the appearance of your skin.
Although it may take a little while to really see the benefits of microneedling, it really is a good procedure for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving the overall skin tone.
Microneedling basically mimics the body’s own natural processes:
- When the skin is injured, the clever processes will rush collagen to the surface of the skin, to help repair the damage and create new skin.
- Mirconeedling involves making tiny, minute wounds in the skin, which the body will then rush to fix by creating new collagen and skin cells.
- When microneedling is used, the body will act as though it has been wounded, and will try to fix what it sees as a problem.
- Dermatologists do recommend microneedling as a procedure, because it it relatively non invasive, and pretty much natural.
- As long as you employ a good, qualified practitioner, you can enjoy the many benefits of microneedling.
This is a useful article, that goes into the history of microneedling, the processes behind it and why it can be good for the skin.
Final Words
As you can see, microneedling is actually a great skin treatment. It is non invasive, non harmful, and it has a whole host of benefits.
Now that you know the best ways to deal with your skin after your microneedling session, you can enjoy this skin treatment with the best of them!
If you want to read more from our skin care advice series, here is a guide on piercing.
