You can rejuvenate your skin by using a microneedling device to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. While dermatologists have used microneedling for years, new techniques have elevated it to a popular at-home acne fighter, anti-aging superstar, and scar-healing champion.
Because home microneedling is a relatively new procedure, many people wonder, “When can you exfoliate after microneedling?”
When Am I Allowed To Exfoliate Following Microneedling?
Many people believe that they can immediately resume their normal skincare routine following microneedling. This, however, is not the case. Exfoliating your skin prematurely can result in a slew of new problems that will require additional effort to resolve.
Most people’s skincare regimens include exfoliation because it makes them look younger. After all, you’ll want to be gentle with your skin after you’ve poked thousands of tiny holes in it.
In short, refrain from exfoliating your skin until it has healed and is no longer red. This time will vary according to the roller type you are using.
On the other hand, exfoliation has a place and, when performed properly, should come after microneedling.
Why Is Exfoliation Required After Microneedling?
Apart from the warnings, exfoliation is an excellent post-operative treatment for your face!
A common dermarolling side effect is the appearance of dry, dead skin in the areas where you had previously rolled the skin. Simultaneously, your body is actively healing and regenerating new skin. The accumulation of old dead skin cells on the surface of the skin results in a cracked, ashy appearance due to the replacement of skin and tissue cells.
As you might expect, exfoliation is the most effective method of removing it. Not only is this the most effective method for removing all of the dead skin, but it also prepares your skin to absorb any healing oils or moisturizers that you apply later.
Remember To Exfoliate Before Microneedling
While we’re on the subject of exfoliation, it’s worth noting that you should always exfoliate your face before microneedling. This is especially true if it has been a few days since you last exfoliated (or weeks).
Regardless of whether you use a microneedling device, your skin is constantly being replaced. Most people are unaware that their skin completely sheds once a month!
Have you ever noticed how some mornings your skin appears to be faded? This is most likely caused by an excess of old stretch marks, which alters the way light reflects off your face. When your live skin cells are removed, light bounces off them, giving you that desired glow.
Exfoliating your face before using a derma roller removes this layer of dead skin cells and allows the needles to penetrate deeper into your skin.
Additionally, you won’t have to worry about the needles piercing your pores and pushing all of these old cells deeper. As you might imagine, this could be problematic, resulting in at the very least an acne outbreak.
How Long Will My Face Take To Heal Following Microneedling?
Your skin may take a day or several days to recover, depending on the length of the needles on your derma roller or derma stamp.
Within minutes of completing your derma rolling session, you will notice that your face is sensitive to touch, red, and possibly numb as if you were stuck in the face by a snowball.
This is because derma rolling is extremely damaging to the skin.
Until your skin has regained its normal sensitivity to touch, do not apply any makeup, chemical agents, or exfoliating rubs to it. These are not only uncomfortable, but they can also prolong the healing process.
Your face will become less sensitive, red, and swollen, signaling that it is ready to resume its normal skincare routine, which includes exfoliation.
This should occur within 24 to 48 hours if you use a short.25-millimeter dermaroller. If you use a derma roller with a diameter of at least 1.0 millimeter, your skin may require 3 to 4 days to heal.
You should not rely solely on our recommendations, as each individual’s skin heals differently. When your skin appears to be back to normal, you’re ready to go.
What Are The Benefits Of Microneedling For Your Skin?
Your skin will most likely feel sensitive to touch following microneedling. Numerous patients report experiencing a stinging sensation for a day or two following their treatment. In general, the larger the needle, the more severe and prolonged the pain.
Once the treatment is complete, rub an ice cube over the affected area to help alleviate pain. This will numb the surface of the skin, reduce swelling, and re-tighten your pores!
After applying the ice cube, follow with a high-quality vitamin C serum containing hyaluronic acid, such as the TruSkin Naturals serum pictured above. Hyaluronic acid, when used in conjunction with microneedling, aids in the restoration and rejuvenation of the skin following derma rolling treatments.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a few things that you need to do to prep your skin before and after microneedling. These steps are important to ensure that you get the best results possible from your treatments.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dermatologist or skincare professional before starting any new regimen.
