Microneedling is an incredibly versatile skin treatment. Microneedling stimulates the growth of collagen and new skin, allowing it to treat fine lines, wrinkles, oily skin, acne scars, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, melasma, stretch marks, and numerous other skin conditions. Microneedling can also do something no other skin treatment can: deliver products into the deep layer of skin, drastically improving their effectiveness.
Since microneedling has such wonderful skin benefits, it should come as no surprise that it’s become one of the most popular med spa treatments among skin care aficionados and celebrities. Many celebrities have sung the praises of microneedling, including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, and Brad Pitt. Microneedling is now a top requested skin care treatment at our office, as so many people have heard about its benefits through either celebrity coverage, social media, or word of mouth.
If you’re among the many people who are considering trying this advanced med spa treatment, there are a few things you should know in order to make sure you have optimal results. Microneedling is a simple, non-surgical treatment, but it is still a medical treatment, so you should get educated on its do’s and don’ts. To help you do just that, below, we’re going over all of the do’s and don’ts of microneedling.
DO make sure your provider is qualified and experienced.
Don’t get microneedling from a random provider that you haven’t looked into– research their qualifications first. Microneedling is a medical treatment, so you need to go to a doctor with the proper medical training. It’s very important that you go to a doctor that understands how to safely use and thoroughly sanitize a microneedling device. If you want optimal results, you should also make sure that you go to a doctor with a high level of experience.
So, if you want safety, cleanliness, and optimal results from your treatment, practice due diligence and look for an experienced provider of microneedling. (Note: You can learn more about Dr. Zadeh’s qualifications by clicking here or learn more about his approach to microneedling by clicking here.)
DON’T use at-home microneedling devices.
We would strongly caution you against using at-home microneedling devices, also known as derma rollers. At-home microneedling devices won’t give the same deep skin rejuvenation results as professional microneedling will, but that’s not even the main reason to avoid the at-home versions of these treatments.
The main issue with at-home dermarolling is that it often does more harm than good. When used improperly, an at-home derma roller can easily damage your skin, causing scarring or infections. It’s easy to accidentally use a dermarolling device too aggressively or too frequently, and it’s also hard to properly sanitize these devices without professional cleaning equipment. There’s too much room for serious user error with at-home dermarolling devices, so they’re just not worth the risk.
DO avoid certain products in advance of your microneedling treatment.
For the week leading up to your microneedling treatment, avoid the use of any topical skin products that can increase skin sensitivity. These include retinoids (such as retinol), chemical exfoliants, topical antibiotics, and exfoliating masks. You also should refrain from waxing, using depilatory creams, or getting electrolysis in the week leading up to your treatment.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Advil or Motrin, for the three days before your treatment. Microneedling stimulates collagen growth by strategically triggering the body’s natural inflammatory healing process, so avoid anti-inflammatory medications when possible.
Note that people who are currently using accutane should not get microneedling. Wait at least six months after you stop using accutane to get microneedling.
DON’T get a microneedling treatment if you’re experiencing certain skin issues.
Don’t get microneedling if you have any open wounds or active infections. You need to wait until these skin issues have fully healed and resolved. You should also wait to get microneedling if you’ve had a sunburn within the last two weeks. If you have an upcoming appointment and you’re experiencing any of these skin conditions, call the office and we can postpone your treatment, then advise you on the best timeline moving forward.
People with acne often wonder whether or not they can get microneedling. The answer to this question is that it depends on your unique skin. It’s not a good idea to use microneedles on active acne, but microneedling can benefit some people with acne and can be excellent for acne scarring. If you’re prone to acne breakouts or you experience more severe acne, make a consultation appointment at our office. Dr. Zadeh can examine your skin, learn more about your goals, and determine whether microneedling or another treatment would be best for your unique skin.
DO ask questions.
If you have any questions about microneedling, please ask us. We want every patient to feel completely comfortable during their consultations and treatments at our office. No questions are off limits, so ask away.
DON’T shave, wear makeup, or use certain skin care products right before your treatment.
To best avoid skin sensitivity, don’t shave on the same day you’ll be getting microneedling. If you need to shave dense or dark hair on your treatment area before your appointment, do so the day before your treatment. Then, when you come to the office for your appointment, come with clean skin that’s free of products. Don’t apply any makeup, lotion, moisturizer, oils, powders, perfumes, or sunscreen to your treatment area.
DO consider your microneedling add-on options.
Microneedling can be used alone to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. However, it can also be used to simultaneously deliver medical grade products deep into your skin, which could greatly improve the results of your treatment. Incorporating a microneedling ad-on, like medical grade vitamin C serum or diluted Botox, could make all the difference in helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.
DO follow your post-treatment care instructions.
After your microneedling treatment, Dr. Zadeh will give you personalized aftercare instructions. To get the best results from your treatment and minimize side effects like skin irritation, be sure to follow your personalized post-treatment care instructions.
DON’T use harsh products on your skin following microneedling.
After your microneedling procedure, your skin may be sensitive for a few days. To give your skin time to recover, avoid the use of harsh skin care or makeup products in the days following microneedling. Some examples of products we generally recommend avoiding after getting microneedling include products that feature AHAs, BHAs, artificial fragrances, and essential oils.
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Thinking of trying microneedling? Discover whether or not microneedling is right for you by scheduling a consultation appointment with Dr. Zadeh