Microneedling: 5 Tips You MUST Know BEFORE & AFTER | Doctorly + Esthetician

Summary

In this video, the hosts share their top five micro-needling tips to help viewers prepare for, undergo, and recover from the procedure. They discuss the importance of planning around events, discontinuing certain skincare products before the procedure, and setting expectations for pain and recovery. The hosts also emphasize the significance of proper post-care, including sunscreen and gentle moisturizers, as well as avoiding hot showers and strenuous activities right after treatment. Additionally, they provide advice on skin-healing products and a bonus tip about being cautious with exercise and sun exposure post-procedure.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's important to plan micro-needling around big events or vacations due to potential downtime and redness.
• 😀 If you have plans immediately after micro-needling, avoid direct sun exposure and use mineral sunscreen.
• 😀 Plan ahead for post-care by discontinuing active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or tretinoin 3-5 days before the procedure.
• 😀 The procedure itself is relatively quick (around 90 minutes), with minimal discomfort after numbing, especially with topical numbing cream.
• 😀 Micro-needling is not usually highly painful, and many people tolerate it well, with some areas being more sensitive, like the forehead.
• 😀 After the procedure, use gentle skincare products, including a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
• 😀 Avoid sun exposure immediately after the procedure, as your skin will be more vulnerable to damage.
• 😀 For post-care, use fragrance-free and gentle products to repair the skin barrier, such as hyaluronic acid or healing ointments.
• 😀 Avoid hot showers, intense exercise, or activities that could expose your skin to irritants right after the procedure.
• 😀 The downtime for micro-needling is typically 3-5 days, with most people able to return to work within that time frame.
• 😀 A bonus tip: Avoid strenuous activities and exposure to hot or dirty environments immediately after micro-needling to protect your skin's healing process.

Q & A

What is the first important thing to consider before scheduling a microneedling appointment?

The most important factor to consider before booking a microneedling appointment is your upcoming schedule, such as any big events, vacations, or sun exposure. It's best to plan around these factors, as the procedure involves some downtime.

How long is the typical downtime after microneedling?

The downtime for microneedling is generally around 3 to 5 days, depending on how your skin reacts. You may experience redness, swelling, and mild discomfort during this time.

Is microneedling recommended before major events like a wedding?

It's not advisable to schedule microneedling close to major events like weddings. If you have a significant event the next day, it could be risky due to potential redness and swelling.

What should you do a few days before your microneedling appointment?

A few days before your microneedling appointment, it's essential to stop using active skincare ingredients like retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), AHAs, or BHAs. This helps avoid irritation during the procedure.

What can patients expect during the microneedling procedure?

During microneedling, the procedure involves numbing the skin with a topical cream for around 30 minutes. The actual treatment typically takes about an hour and a half. Pain tolerance varies, but most people find it tolerable with minimal discomfort.

Is microneedling painful?

Microneedling may cause discomfort but is generally not painful. The numbing cream used helps reduce the sensation, and the pain, if any, is usually mild. Some areas like the forehead may feel more sensitive, but it’s not usually overwhelming.

What should you do immediately after the microneedling procedure?

Immediately after microneedling, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen, preferably mineral sunscreen, to protect the skin from UV damage. Avoid direct sun exposure, as the skin barrier will be compromised.

What skincare products should be avoided after microneedling?

After microneedling, you should avoid using active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. Stick to gentle skincare products like a mild cleanser and moisturizer to help your skin heal.

What is a good post-procedure product to help repair the skin barrier?

A good product to help repair the skin barrier post-procedure is a soothing ointment like CeraVe Healing Ointment, or you can use hyaluronic acid-based serums, such as Vichy's Mineral 89. Arnica cream can also help reduce swelling.

What activities should be avoided after microneedling?

After microneedling, avoid hot showers, exercise, and any activities that can raise your body temperature or expose your skin to dirt and bacteria, such as swimming in hot tubs or public pools. It’s also best to avoid sun exposure to protect the sensitive skin.