How to Prepare for Microneedling: Expert UK Guide

Microneedling Preparation Essentials:

• Discontinue using retinoids or exfoliants at least 5 days before your microneedling procedure.
• Avoid exposure to the sun and use of tanning beds.
• Avoid taking alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours before.
• Go to the clinic with clean, makeup-free skin.
• Expect redness within 24 to 48 hours after your treatment.

 

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a popular skin rejuvenation not just in the UK, but also in other parts of the world. Most people love the treatment because of the good results it offers. If you want to have smooth, fresh-looking skin but you dont want to undergo an invasive procedure, this treatment is right for you.

The process involves creating controlled, tiny injuries on the skin using a device with tiny needles. Once our body detects these tiny injuries, the healing process will naturally begin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

The treatment also gives hope to those with alopecia. Although it still needs more research, a 2021 review stated that microneedling can help promote hair growth in this condition.

Most individuals who have used microneedling say that it helps them boost their confidence, and they are really happy with its safe process and effective outcomes.

 

Key Benefits for Skin Rejuvenation

Microneedling provides a lot of benefits. It has the power to rejuvenate and plump your skin without the need to undergo an invasive procedure. Yes, you heard it right. There is minimal downtime and a bit of discomfort.

Here’s how it works:

• Reduced the appearance of scars, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Decrease the size of your pores.
• Improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation or dark spots
• Refined skin texture
• Enhanced the skin’s elasticity.
• diminish the appearance of stretch marks
• It can help grow hair in people with alopecia

Another reason why microneedling is chosen by many is that it is less expensive than other rejuvenating treatments like laser therapy, and they also find it more effective for them.

If you have darker skin tones, microneedling is more suitable for you than laser therapy. It’s because laser therapy involves heat that it may affect the pigmentation of your skin.

How to Prepare Your Skin for Microneedling

How to Clean Skin Before Microneedling

Double cleanse your skin using a mild, gentle facial wash. You can use an antibacterial one as long as it does not contain alcohol, acids, or exfoliating beads. You may also tie your hair with a ponytail so it does not fall into your face.

 

How to Prepare Your Face for Microneedling

Preparing your skin is crucial when you are planning to have microneedling because the success of your treatment will depend on how you prepare or take care of your skin. Here are the dos and don’ts before your microneedling:

Do’s

• Hydrate: You need to hydrate your skin to make it more resilient so it can handle the microneedling process. Do it by drinking plenty of water in the days before your treatment.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from the sun; UV exposure can make your skin more sensitive and prone to complications. Use sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection at least 30 SPF.
• Discontinue Certain Skincare Products: If you are using retinoids, exfoliants, or acids in your skincare regimen, you need to stop them before your treatment because they can make your skin prone to irritation.
• Keep the area clean: Before you go to your trusted clinic, make sure that you wash your face with an antibacterial cleanser. Avoid applying makeup, creams, or any products to your skin
• Discuss medical condition: You need to disclose any medical history or if you are taking certain medications to your doctor.

Dont’s

• Don’t schedule other treatments: Avoid other skin procedures like waxing, laser treatments, or peels because they can make the skin more susceptible to irritation.
• Avoid extreme environments: Avoid too much hot or cold temperatures, which can make you sweat excessively, like saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths. You should also avoid intensive workouts. These factors can all make your skin more sensitive.
• Don’t forget to eat healthy food: Eating a healthy diet before your treatment can help manage your blood sugar level
• Don’t stress yourself: If you are stressed, your body may not heal properly, and the health of your skin can be affected as well. Be positive and relaxed during the days of waiting until your schedule comes. You may try to do some yoga or meditation to keep yourself calm.

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

 

What to Avoid Before Microneedling

Skincare Ingredients & Products to Skip

There are certain products that you need to avoid before your microneedling because they can have a big effect on the process and its results.

• Retinoids: You should stop using these products before your microneedling because they can increase your skin’s sensitivity.
• Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs): If you are using products with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid, you need to stop them because they can make your skin sensitive and affect your skin barrier.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Using this product can make your skin dry and irritated. You have to avoid this within a week of your schedule.
• Hydroquinone: Sensitivity can be increased if you continue using this active ingredient; hyperpigmentation can occur on your skin as well.
• Strong Fragrances and Essential Oils: Allergic reactions or inflammation can be triggered; to avoid them, you have to stop using these products before your upcoming treatment.

Lifestyle Habits

• Alcohol: It can make your skin dehydrated and thin your blood, which can increase your risk of bruising, redness, or excessive bleeding during your treatment. So it is safe to avoid it within 24-48 hours before your procedure day comes.
• Sun Exposure: If you are exposed to the sun before your treatment, it is possible that the redness can be worsened and your healing may be delayed.
• Medications: You may experience increased bleeding or bruising during or after microneedling if you are taking blood thinners, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin), or supplements (such as fish oil or Vitamin E). It is best to stop a few days before your microneedling or consult your doctor for the steps that you need to follow.

Microneedling Aftercare Tips

If you just got a microneedling treatment, you need to take good care of your skin so you will heal properly and get the best possible outcomes.

 

Immediate Post-treatment care

• You need to avoid touching or rubbing the area where you have been treated with microneedling because it can pass bacteria to your open wounds, which can irritate or infect your skin.
• Avoid applying makeup within 24-48 hours post-microneedling because the particles or bacteria that sit there and on your tools might enter your injured skin.
• Avoid using active ingredients (like retinoids, exfoliants, acids) because they can add to irritation and sensitivity to your skin.
• Refrain from going to saunas or steamy rooms, don’t take hot showers, and don’t do intense workouts because they may increase inflammation, and they can delay your healing.
• Protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen (with SPF 30, at least) and a wide-brimmed hat.

 

Long-term Skin Maintenance

Microneedling helps stimulate collagen production. But the full benefits will gradually appear over several weeks. To maintain its results, you need to properly take good care of your skin.

Here’s what you can do:

• Hydration and Nourishment: Use gentle, hydrating products on your skin to keep its barrier healthy and protected. Ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants are the key ingredients you have to look for in your chosen products.
• Skincare Consistency: It is the key to having healthy skin. Always use sunscreen even if you are already healed because it can prevent new damage from occurring.
• Schedule Follow-up Sessions: maintenance treatment is important to prolong your good results.
• Interval with Aggressive Treatments: If you are planning to have facial treatments, like chemical peels or laser treatments, after your microneedling, it is best to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks before getting them, or ask your doctor for the right timing.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Get a good, complete sleep, eat a balanced diet, and drink lots of water because these can provide you with healthy skin and help get the optimal results from your microneedling treatment.

 

Key Takeaways

• It is best that you avoid things like drinking alcohol, sun exposure, and discontinue taking some medications to reduce the risks of irritation, bruising, and delayed healing.
• You need to use products that are mild and hydrating, and avoid using harsh ingredients so they will not interfere with your healing.
• Don’t ever skip your sunscreen because it will protect your rejuvenated skin and help prevent new damage.
• After a few weeks, results from your treatment will appear, but you will see the full results after a few months as the collagen production continues.

 

Final Preparation Checklist Before Microneedling

• You need to abstain from alcohol for at least 24-48 hours
• Stay out of the sun
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications
• Go to the clinic with clean and makeup-free skin
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a light meal before your session
• Bring a list of your skincare products or medication
• Plan for your downtime

 

FAQs

• Does microneedling hurt?

Microneedling can be uncomfortable because it uses tiny needles to create wounds on your skin, but your doctor may use a topical anaesthesia to help you with it during the process.

• How many sessions are needed?

For best results, you may need to get microneedling for three to six sessions. You need a 4-to 6-week rest before getting each session.

• Should you take time off work?

Yes, you should take an off from work if you decide to have microneedling because you need to wait for your injury to heal at least.

• Is microneedling for everyone?

Although microneedling is suitable for most people, it is not recommended for those with deep lines and wrinkles or those with darker skin tones. It is best to have your skin checked by your dermatologist before undergoing a microneedling process.