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Aftercare guide

Microneedling Aftercare

Easy skincare steps for the days after microneedling, the redness and flaking to expect, and when to contact the clinic.

Straight after treatment

For the rest of the day your skin will look red and feel warm, rather like mild sunburn. Most people feel fine about going out within 24 to 48 hours.

  • Wash gently with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser to remove anything left on the skin.
  • Use the serum John suggests and a plain moisturiser that won’t block pores. Less is more.
  • Don’t wear make-up for 24 hours.
  • A cold compress for 15 minutes at a time can calm warmth and swelling.

The first 48 hours

  • Keep your routine short and simple: a gentle cleanser, the recommended serum and a plain moisturiser.
  • Avoid harsh cleansers, exercise, saunas, swimming and direct sun.

The first week

  • Leave out active skincare such as retinol, acids (AHAs and BHAs) and vitamin C for five to seven days.
  • Don’t scrub, exfoliate or pick at flaking skin. Let it come away on its own.
  • Drink plenty of water to help your skin recover.

What’s normal

  • Noticeable redness on the day, then pinkness for one to two days.
  • Warmth, tightness and slight swelling on day one.
  • Light flaking as new skin comes through.
  • Now and then a few spots in the following days.

Longer term

  • Wear SPF 50 every day for at least two weeks, and keep sun exposure low for about a month.
  • Keep to a gentle skincare routine that suits your skin type. John can suggest products.
  • Come to any follow-up appointments so John can check your progress.

Contact the clinic if…

  • Redness or swelling that gets worse after 48 hours, or redness that doesn’t go away.
  • Spots filled with pus, or other signs of infection.
  • Any darkening of the skin.
  • A cold sore flaring up, if you tend to get them.
  • Anything else you’re worried about.
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