As we attempt to fight the hands of time, we explore all the available options to keep us looking and feeling more youthful. Luckily, there is a wide variety of skin care solutions to give you that younger-looking skin. One of the options that help fight the signs of ageing is microneedling.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to puncture the skin, causing microdamage and encouraging the skin to repair itself and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The result? Smoother-looking, rejuvenated skin with a fresh texture and tone.
Microneedling helps address skin concerns such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Blemishes
- Pigmentation issues
- Unbalanced complexion
- Scarring
- Stretch marks
- Sagging skin
- And many more!
While Microneedling may seem like a skin miracle, it does take some preparation and care before and after this minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure to help yield the best results.
GETTING STARTED: PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR MICRONEEDLING
Ensuring your skin is in the ideal condition for Microneedling treatment will help your sessions go smoother, and your results will be more successful. Smoother results can mean making lifestyle changes as far as six months in advance, right up until the day of your treatment.
SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
Cease the use of Accutane medication. While taking the drug isotretinoin (Accutane), it may increase the risk of scarring from the microneedling procedure.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE TREATMENT
Starting two weeks before your treatment, avoid direct and unprotected sun exposure and laser procedures. Avoiding the sun prevents receiving treatment on sunburned skin, which is already inflamed and not conducive to microneedling.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT
Additional medications to avoid before treatment include blood thinners and anti-inflammatories. Blood thinners like warfarin shouldn't be used as they may increase the likelihood of bruising left behind after the treatment.
Anti-Inflammatories or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen (ex., Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (ex., Aleve) should be stopped at least three days before treatment as they can interfere with the body's natural healing ability post-treatment.
Other things to do include the following
- Avoid using hair removal products one week before microneedling. Hair removal treatments include electrolysis, waxing, or using hair removal creams. These practices can make the skin sensitive and stay irritated, leading to increasing complications with microneedling aftercare. If a layer of thick hair is in the treatment area, it can be shaved before treatment but not on the day of your microneedling session.
- Skin care regimens that include retinol, exfoliants, and antibiotics shouldn't be used the week before your sessions to avoid increasing the sensitivity of the skin receiving the microneedling.
- If you are prone to cold sores, it's encouraged that you consult with your doctor about which antiviral would be best to take in the two days leading up to treatment. This is to reduce the risk of a flare-up.
- Day of Treatment: A clean, fresh face free of makeup, oils, and lotions is needed for microneedling. We will cleanse the area on arrival, but feel free to come in makeup free.
HE TREATMENT: MICRONEEDLING
After we have cleaned the treatment area, a numbing agent will be applied and left to sit for 30-45 minutes to prepare your skin for treatment. This is to reduce any pain sensation you may feel.
The microneedling treatment session will take about an hour. This will include using a microneedling pen or roller that will travel over the treatment area with ultrafine needles leaving little punctures in the skin.
At Elite MedSpa, we use Potenza Radiofrequency Microneedling treatment. It combines traditional microneedling with the added benefit of RF technology that can be applied to all 6 skin types. Potenza RF is the only Microneedling procedure that can be applied all year-round, even during summer times. Our methods stimulate collagen and elastin production in the targeted area to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
MICRONEEDLING AFTERCARE: WHAT TO DO?
Committing to your skin's aftercare treatment will determine the session's success. Like the weeks leading up to your treatment, the weeks following will also have some special instructions to ensure the best results.
24-48 HOURS AFTER TREATMENT
Avoid using makeup. When you resume wearing makeup, new or thoroughly cleaned brushes and tools are recommended to help avoid inflection. Avoid touching, rubbing, and further irritating the area.
If you must touch your face, do so with washed hands to prevent infection. Your specialist may provide medication or ointment to help reduce said infection. Follow all special microneedling aftercare instructions that are specific to you.
TWO DAYS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Avoid skin care products containing retinol. Avoid harsh treatment of the skin, such as exfoliation and acid-based products. Avoid vitamin C serum for the first few days. Give your skin a chance to heal before resuming your typical beauty routine.
Ask your skin care specialist which products to use and which to avoid. Scent-free, chemical-free products are your best bet to begin.
THREE DAYS AFTER TREATMENT
Avoid high-impact activities that induce sweat for three days. Also, avoid saunas, hot tubs, pools, and the gym. Once three days have passed, resuming regular activities should be fine unless directed otherwise.
TWO WEEKS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning beds is a must following your microneedling treatment. Be sure to stay out of the sun where possible, and wear SPF 30+ sunscreen and a large-brimmed hat to shield your face where avoidance is not possible.
Your skin will be more sensitive and more prone to sun damage.
ONE WEEK AFTER TREATMENT
Avoid using NSAID medications like Advil and Aleve to avoid interrupting the body's natural healing process. Please refrain from using ice and natural anti-inflammatory agents like Arnica. The inflammatory process that the body is undergoing is part of the treatment necessary for restoring your skin.
If you choose to use pain medication to reduce discomfort, opt for one that does not reduce inflammation, such as Tylenol. Its active ingredient is acetaminophen which relieves pain but does not reduce swelling and inflammation.
If you have any questions about medication, it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist to get recommendations specific to your health and situation.
CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR YOUR HEALTH
If you suspect something is wrong after your treatment, seek medical attention. Keep watch for allergic reactions, infections, and otherwise. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Bleeding
- Discharge
- Rash or hives
While microneedling is a low-risk, minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure, your commitment to before and aftercare will enhance its chances for success. We encourage you to contact our staff at Elite MedSpa for more information on microneedling and our Potenza treatment.
We are available to help guide you on the right path for your microneedling journey and pride ourselves on helping you make informed decisions on what skincare treatments will best suit you and your skin.
Visit us online at Elite Medical Spa or call our convenient Oakville location at (905) 339-1717. If you prefer to email, we can be reached at frontdesk@elitemedspa.ca.
We provide free consultations and a long list of spa services to help you look and feel your best.
RESOURCES
Watson, K., & Cobb, C. (2022, March 3). How to Take Care of Your Skin After Microneedling. Healthline. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/microneedling-aftercare
