When to Wash Face After Microneedling with PRP

Quick Guide

It is not recommended to wash your face for the first 24 hours after microneedling with PRP. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse with cool water and a mild cleanser. Do not use harsh products, exfoliation, and do not apply makeup for at least 72 hours. Your full skincare routine can be resumed within 5 to 7 days.

Introduction

Microneedling with PRP is one of the go-to treatments to achieve smoother, brighter, and younger looking skin. Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries across the skin and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) supports your skin repair from within. Your skin is more sensitive right after the treatment, and the right aftercare helps you protect your results and avoid skin irritation. This is why the first 24 hours are so important.

Clinics like the Harley Street Skin Clinic follow strict medical-led aftercare guidelines to make sure your treatment heals smoothly. This guide will guide you to learn the exact timeline for washing your face, what products to avoid, and what to expect as your skin heals through the week.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries on the skin using the very fine needles. These micro injuries trigger your body’s natural healing process that increases your collagen and elastin production.

Many people choose microneedling to help with acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, or dull skin texture.

Related read: Innopen Microneedling London

Benefits of PRP in microneedling

PRP or platelet-rich plasma is created using a tiny amount of your blood sample, which is placed in a centrifuge to separate out the healing-rich plasma layer. This layer has natural growth factors that help speed up repair and collagen production.

When PRP is paired with microneedling, it gives quicker recovery, deeper rejuvenation and more noticeable long-term results.

Microneedling Aftercare Overview

Why aftercare is critical

Your skin becomes more absorbent after microneedling. The micro-channels allow anything you apply on your skin to sink deeper. That is why it is important to use gentle products and follow careful aftercare to reduce irritation, prevent breakouts, and support skin healing.

Common concerns during downtime

It is normal to experience these in the first few days:

Mild swelling
Redness or warmth
Sensitivity
Dryness or tightness
Temporary bronzing

All of these are part of the natural healing process and will resolve after a few days.

First 24 Hours: The Critical Period

Immediate post-treatment recommendations

PRP will act like a protective layer like a natural dressing of your skin after the treatment. For the first 24 hours, try to:

Avoid touching your face
Avoid head and sun exposure
Do not wash your face

If you need relief from warmth or swelling, you can gently put a clean cold compress near the skin, but do not apply any pressure.

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Verified Before & After

When not to wash your face

Do not wash your face during the first 24 hours after the treatment. Even clean water can interfere with the healing process, it can dilute the PRP on your skin and introduce bacteria while the micro-channels are still open.

Protecting your skin during this stage helps ensure smoother results later on.

Days 1 to 3: Gentle Care

Begin with a very mild cleansing routine after the first 24 hours. You can start with cool water and a mild cleanser.

Pat your skin with a clean water, soft towel, and do not rub your skin. During days 1 to 3, avoid:

Exfoliants
Retinol
Vitamin C unless approved
Acids (AHA, BHA, PHA)
Fragranced heavy oils
Active serums
Makeup for 72 hours

Days 4 to 7: Reintroducing Products

On days 3 to 4, the redness on your face often fades and your skin will feel more comfortable. You can now add back gentle products.

Use hydrating cleansers and lightweight moisturisers. Hyaluronic acid can help in hydration but only choose the fragrance-free options and follow your doctor’s advice.

Signs you are healing well

You will notice:

A plumper and smoother skin
A natural glow
Less redness
Softer-looking fine lines
Light flaking or peeling

Best Skin Care After Microneedling

Skin Care	What to Do	Extra Notes
Recommended Cleanser Options	Use gentle or hydrating cleansers, or ones made for sensitive skin.	Avoid exfoliating, anti-ageing or oil-control cleansers. Your practitioner may suggest a special post-treatment cleanser.
Moisturisation Techniques	Gently press your moisturiser into the skin using clean fingers. Keep the focus on hydration.	Choose mild moisturisers to help repair the skin. Avoid retinol and acids until the skin is fully healed.
SPF and Serums for Recovery	Apply mineral based SPF when going out and only use hydrating serums at first.	Hyaluronic acid is usually safe from days 4 to 7. Avoid vitamin C, retinoids and exfoliating acids until your practitioner says it’s okay.

Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

Help your skin heal by avoiding:

Strenuous exercise for 48 hours
Hot yoga or heated workouts
Swimming pools
Saunas and steam rooms
Direct sunlight
Tanning beds
Alcohol for the first 48 hours

Head and sweat can irritate your skin especially during the first few days while your skin is still open. During this time, it is important to hydrate, use sunblock and gentle skin care.