You’ve probably been advised not to exercise after micro-needling, but do you know why? Is it because your skin is still sensitive? What exactly will happen if you go to the gym before you should? That’s what this article is here to help with.
We spoke with two prominent cosmetic professionals to find out whether it’s OK to exercise after micro-needling, and they gave us their top recommendations for protecting your skin while maximizing your results.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a therapy that uses controlled trauma to help your body’s natural healing process begin. Microneedling induces collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production in the skin while also speeding up skin cell turnover. This promotes epidermal regeneration, resulting in brighter and smoother skin.
‘Its main advantages include: It is an ideal treatment for reducing scarring, surgical scars, stretch marks, fine lines, open pores and wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage, and a dull skin complexion. ‘
Collagen induction treatment can be done alone or in combination with serums and other substantial nutrients. It’s not quite the same as mesotherapy, which incorporates vitamins and other skin nutrients beneath the skin – although much of the advice in this post about when to workout may also apply to mesotherapy.
Results will vary depending on your skin type and the skill of your ‘needler,’ but in a US study investigating the effects of micro-needling in skin aging, after four treatments over four months, a 23 percent decrease in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines was observed. Skin laxity and texture also improved.
Is Microneedling the Same As Dermaroller?
Not quite. ‘Microneedling is a catch-all term for the minute injuries produced by this treatment. A derma roller or, for greater accuracy and precision, a clinical needling device can be used to generate micro-injuries during this therapy. The use of a needling tool allows the practitioner to manage the depth of the injury and gives significantly better final results.’ Dr. Yalda
Why Can’t You Exercise After Micro-needling?
“You’ll get a chill if you exercise after your surgery,” Dr. Shotter adds. ‘This can raise the risk of inflammation and discomfort post-procedure, as well as bruising in rare circumstances.
‘After micro-needling, the skin may also become irritated if it is still fragile after the procedure, resulting in greater discomfort. I usually recommend at least 48 hours between your micro-needling treatment and a workout – and if you’ve had a more intense treatment, you might need to wait even longer before resuming your exercise routine.’
‘Avoiding sweating will also help to reduce the chance of infection after therapy,’ adds Dr. Yalda. ‘I propose that 72 hours without activity following the treatment is sufficient time for the tiny little holes to close and for swelling to go down.’
Can You Exercise Before Your Microneedling Session?
It’s not advised to start exercising straight away before visiting a clinic for micro-needling. You’ll turn red in the face, and the greater blood flow will make bruising and swelling more likely. However, if you’ve exercised for a few hours prior, it won’t be an issue,’ adds Dr. Shotter.
Also, keep an eye on your skin if you usually exercise outside and it’s been hot in the days leading up to your session. If this is the case, or you have a race or other event planned somewhere warm after your session because sunlight and micro-needling don’t mix well.
Microneedling can also cause pigmentation patches to form on the treated region if it is exposed to UV radiation too soon. If you work out outside frequently, make sure you use sunscreen (but you should be doing so already).
‘You can’t get a treatment if you’ve just come back from a sunny holiday,’ says Dr. Yalda. ‘We recommend waiting three weeks after your trip. In the next few weeks, you can’t have a micro-needling procedure if you expect to be exposed to high amounts of UV (for example going on vacation).’
Any Extra Rules For Cardio After Microneedling?
‘Again, it’s all about how far the treatment has gone into your skin,’ says Dr. Shotter. ‘A 48-hour wait is sufficient for less extensive therapy. However, if your technician worked at greater depths, you may want to feel hot and sweaty after a week.
When Can You Swim After Microneedling?
Avoid swimming for a week. Following needling, chlorine in the water can aggravate inflamed skin.
Additionally, when the skin is broken, there’s a danger of infection if water is not properly chlorinated. You may not be able to see or feel the tiny holes that micro-needling creates in the skin after your treatment, but they are still there and will close rather quickly (some studies claim within 60-90 minutes) – it’s best to wait long enough for the healing process to progress somewhat further.
You should also avoid hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and for at least 48 hours after your treatment.
Anything Else ‘Healthy’ You Should Avoid When Microneedling.
‘You should not apply fake tan on the treatment region for two weeks before and after your procedure,’ explains Dr. Yalda.
‘I would advise against taking Vitamin E, garlic, and omega 3 for a few days before your appointment. They can thin the blood and make bruising more probable. So I’d recommend avoiding these for a few days before your appointment,’ Dr. Shotter adds.
There are several more restrictions on some medicines and more aggressive skincare components like retinol, so make sure you talk to anyone who will be performing your micro-needling treatment ahead of time to ensure you’re clear on what you should and shouldn’t do before your appointment. If there’s a possibility that your skin might be harmed during the procedure, the clinic will reschedule it.
Final Thoughts
If you stick to a rigorous fitness regimen, you’ll need to take a rest every now and then. After micro-needling, we advise patients not to exercise vigorously since this can create irritation and swelling, as well as expose the skin to germs.
