Aftercare After Microneedling: The First 72 Hours
What to do (and avoid) in the first 24 hours, days 2–3 and the weeks after microneedling, as Mina explains them after your session, and when to call us.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byMina Gharnian, skin care practitioner
Aftercare After Microneedling: The First 72 Hours
After microneedling, visible redness, like a mild sunburn, usually settles within 3 days. Don't wash your face until the next morning, skip makeup and powder for 48 hours, and avoid exercise, saunas and swimming for 3–5 days. Stay out of direct sun for 7–10 days and wear SPF 50+ daily. Mina goes through all of this with you after your session. We also email you the clinic's aftercare guide (a PDF). Contact us if you notice signs of infection or unusual swelling.
Hours 0–24
What's normal: redness like a mild sunburn, warmth, tightness, sometimes mild swelling.
Do:
- Keep your hands off your face; don't touch or rub the area.
- Leave your face unwashed until the next morning.
- Apply only the calming product your practitioner gave or recommended.
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase.
Avoid:
- makeup or powder (for 48 hours);
- exercise, sweating, saunas, swimming and outdoor sports (for 3–5 days);
- direct sun;
- retinoids, acids, vitamin C serums, scrubs and fragranced products.
Days 2–3
What's normal: redness fading to pink and usually settling by day 3; skin may feel dry or tight.
Do:
- From the morning after, cleanse gently with mild, gentle skincare.
- Moisturise with a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser.
- Apply SPF 50+ every morning, and reapply if outdoors.
- Makeup is fine again after 48 hours, if your skin feels comfortable.
Avoid: strong actives, exfoliants, exercise, saunas, swimming and direct sun.
Days 4–15
What's normal: light flaking or dryness as skin renews. Don't pick or scrub it.
Do:
- Keep moisturising and using SPF 50+ daily.
- Protect your face from direct sun for 7–10 days: a hat and large sunglasses help.
- Reintroduce your usual products gradually, starting with the gentlest, or as your practitioner advises.
Avoid: solarium and tanning beds for 15 days; Botox or fillers for 3 weeks.
What's normal vs not
| Normal | Contact us or a doctor |
|---|---|
| Redness that settles within about 3 days | Redness that's increasing after day 3 |
| Mild tightness, dryness, light flaking | Pus, yellow crusts, or spreading warmth (possible infection) |
| Mild swelling on day 1 | Significant or worsening swelling |
| Slight sensitivity | Blistering, severe pain, or a rash |
| — | A cold sore flare (tell us; you may need antiviral treatment) |
When changes show
Some glow can appear within a week. Changes in texture and scarring build over weeks as new collagen forms. At Flourish, microneedling is done 4–5 times a year. See Microneedling + LED: What to Expect and acne scars and texture.
Questions?
We email you the clinic's aftercare guide (a PDF) after your session. Call us at 778-654-6693 or WhatsApp us. Microneedling is performed by Mina at our Yaletown clinic. Many clients from the West End and Olympic Village book on a Friday or weekend so redness settles before work.
Frequently asked questions
When can I wear makeup after microneedling?
After 48 hours, if your skin feels comfortable.
When can I exercise?
After 3–5 days. The same goes for saunas, swimming and outdoor sports.
When can I wash my face?
The next morning, with gentle skincare.
Is flaking normal?
Yes, light flaking in the first week is normal. Don't pick.
Can I go in the sun?
Avoid direct sun for 7–10 days, and use SPF 50+ every day.
Sources
- Chu S, et al. Safety Profile for Microneedling: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Surg. 2021. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more (aad.org)
- Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide. Dermatol Surg. 2018. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
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