Microneedling can address many skin concerns. The procedure boosts your body’s healing response by promoting collagen production. This, in turn, helps make your skin more smooth, supple, and tight. But microneedling works best when patients adhere to aftercare instructions and avoid damage to healing skin.
At Ageless Aesthetics in Macon, GA, we perform microneedling on patients who want to improve their skin and look younger. Keep reading to learn more about how to care for your skin after microneedling, including when you can begin washing your face again.
How does microneedling work?
At Ageless Aesthetics, our team treats various skin conditions using microneedling. Rolling tiny needles over trouble spots creates intentional micro-injuries on the skin. However, these injuries spur the growth of new, healthy skin cells and trigger your body’s healing response to encourage collagen production. Collagen helps strengthen and maintain hydration in the skin and increases elasticity to prevent sagging.
Most patients need 3 – 6 microneedling treatments to see the best results. Microneedling appointments are typically spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart. Each patient will have a consultation before treatment to discuss their unique skin concerns and needs. You’ll know what to expect before your first appointment so you can make an informed decision.
A microneedling appointment can take anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the areas treated. We will apply a numbing cream first to minimize discomfort. Some patients choose to boost their microneedling treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or a vitamin-infused serum.
What does microneedling aftercare entail?
Aftercare is crucial to getting the best results from microneedling treatment. Skin is vulnerable after microneedling, so for the micro-injuries to heal properly, it’s vital not to stress the skin with sun exposure, harsh products, sweat-inducing exercise, or chemical or physical exfoliation.
Almost immediately after treatment, you may experience redness and swelling in the treatment area as your body begins the healing response. A member of our team will apply a moisturizer and SPF sunscreen to protect your skin before you leave.
It may take a day or two for the initial redness and swelling to subside. Since microneedling results require your body to heal, your final results may take a month or more to see.
When can I wash my face after getting microneedling treatment?
It’s also crucial to keep your skin moisturized and protected in the days after your microneedling procedure.
On the day of your treatment, you will want to avoid touching your face since it will still have open micro-wounds. If you must wash your face that day, it’s recommended that you use only gentle, oil and alcohol-free cleansers.
Since you will be instructed to avoid makeup for the first few days after your treatment, this should cut down on the amount of face-washing required.
While you can wash your face on the same day of your microneedling treatment, if necessary, we recommend that you continue using a gentle cleanser that will not dry out your skin in the 3 – 5 days after your microneedling treatment. If you heal quickly, you can return to some of your usual skin care routine after day three. Still, it’s recommended that you avoid exfoliants, skin care devices, and active ingredients like Vitamin C for around five days.
Get microneedling treatment in Macon, GA
When your skin care routine is no longer enough to rejuvenate your skin, microneedling is a minimally invasive way to help spur your skin’s collagen and elastin production for a more youthful, brighter, and healthier complexion.
We offer this minimally invasive treatment to patients near Macon and South Georgia counties. Schedule a consultation at Ageless Aesthetics to learn more.