By this time, it is most likely that you already have a decent idea of what microneedling is. Perhaps you’re on your way to receive the treatment, but you’re pretty skeptical because of the side effects associated with it, and you still want to have the clarity that would fix your mind. Or, maybe you’ve already undergone the procedure, and you just want to make sure that your skin will get the most out of the treatment.
For those who still don’t know yet what microneedling is. Let’s have a catch-up and shortly discuss what it is and how it’s done.
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure used by many to achieve smoother, more even, and youthful skin. The procedure is not that complicated. By using a hand-held device, your skin will receive micro-wounds by lightly puncturing the outermost part of the skin (commonly known as the epidermis) with tiny sterile needles. The treatment is entirely painless, especially with the application of numbing cream. By delivering micro-wounds in the epidermis, your skin will gradually wholly heal within 3-4 weeks. Within and after the healing period, your skin will produce more collagen and elastin. These two are responsible for the smoothness, firmness, and youthfulness of your skin. As time passes by, the skin loses collagen and elastin, thus developing laxity, which contributes to wrinkles and fine lines.
Microneedling is guaranteed effective and safe according to studies and patients testimony which is why most people consider having regular Microneedling treatment.
But, how do you get the most with microneedling? First of all, no matter how good the medical personnel is with the execution of the procedure, the next part is all up to you. The key is to provide proper care for your skin so that you can achieve an optimal result. Additionally, you’ll prevent any severe side effects from occurring. Here is a quick guide on how to take optimal care of your skin after microneedling.
1. Keep it clean
One of the best tips you’ll ever hear about attaining an optimal result after microneedling. It might sound too obvious. However, the obvious ones are the things that are sometimes neglected. Avoid touching the treated area without sanitizing your hands. Or, if possible, avoid touching the treated area at all. Aside from the bacteria, dirt, or germs that might be present on your hands, too much physical contact with the treated area could aggregate redness, swelling, or bruising in the skin.
Additionally, keep your skin away from physical contact with things such as your pillow, blanket, mask, or even your hair. Remember, the micro-wounds are prone to bacteria, dirt, and germs that could lead to infection or other severe side effects. Instead of having the optimal result you’ve always been dreaming of, you might be required to get more medical attention, resulting in worse outcomes. So remember to keep the treated area as clean and far from dirt as possible.
2. Avoid rubbing, picking, or scratching.
It seems like Microneedling can teach you a lot of aspects of life. Patience is a virtue. In some cases, you might experience tiny scabs developed in the micro-wounds. There will be a time when you’ll have that persistent urge to scratch and pick the scabs. Never pick, rub, or scratch the area. No matter how satisfying it would be, you don’t want to develop scars and damage your skin. This is often associated with the lack of moisture in the healing micro-wounded area. Your dermatologist or aesthetician will most likely prescribe or offer a topical cream for the treated area to avoid dryness. This leads us to the next tip:
3. Apply a dermatologically prescribed topical cream.
As mentioned earlier, your doctor will most likely prescribe a cream to help you subside the mild side effects and prevent the severe ones. Most of these creams are topical antibiotics that could help avoid possible infections in your skin. Depending on your doctor’s advice, you will need to apply the cream once, twice, or thrice daily until your treated skin heals completely. Your doctor will also require you to use sunscreens to protect your skin from UV rays. Thus, our next tip.
4. Avoid Excessive and Direct Sunlight
The sun’s UV rays are the mortal enemy of our skin. The UV rays are the culprit to your skin’s fast-paced aging. Aside from that, excessive and direct sunlight and heat can also lead to more redness, bruising, and swelling in the treated area. It is highly advisable to use a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, or umbrella if it is crucial to go under the sun. You should also apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Ask your doctor which sunscreen product can be used to avoid chemicals that could aggregate the mild side effects. This tip is beneficial for your skin, not just during the recovery time but even after it. Protect your skin from excessive and direct sunlight to maintain younger-looking and healthy skin.
5. Avoid Putting on Skin Care Products
Again, patience is a virtue. You just need to avoid these skincare products for two days. You can do it! 🙂 You should avoid products that contain harsh substances or chemicals such as glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids. These chemicals can force your dead skin cells to exfoliate. In general, this is helpful to your skin, but not while it is under regeneration. You should also avoid products that contain alcohol, vitamin C serum, Retinol A, and the likes. Feel free to ask your doctor if in doubt.
6. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, beaches, and similar activities.
During the recovery of your micro-wounds, your skin is prone to germs, bacteria, and dirt. In addition, you don’t want your skin to experience too much heat since it could aggregate redness, swelling, and bruising. These are present in swimming pools, saunas, beaches, and similar activities. Not even to mention other particles that could be present in the pool. Just like the first tip, keep it clean and away from things that could do the opposite. You should also refrain from activities that involve excessive sweating, like work-outs, yoga, jogging, and the likes. Don’t worry; it will be just a couple of days. Once you recover, you can even display your youthful skin during the activity, making you feel renewed and young again.
Bonus Tip!
In some cases, many people are turned off by the result of their Microneedling experience. No matter how much aftercare they’ve invested during the recovery phase, they still don’t quite get the desired result. This has something to do with the credibility and experience of the aesthetician and dermatologist that performed the procedure. The bottom line is to make sure that you choose a credible, board-certified, and experienced aesthetician and dermatologist. You don’t want to gamble your skin’s health with unreliable personnel. With a decent board-certified aesthetician or dermatologist and the addition of optimal aftercare, you’re nowhere far from achieving a smooth, even-toned, even-textured, and youthful skin like that of the Kardashians, Nicole Kidman, or Jennifer Aniston.
Integrated care is what we offer at Integra Care. For customizable, personalized care, and magical yet realistic results, schedule your consultation now at Integra Care. Aside from Microneedling, we also offer different medical and aesthetic procedures to help you attain your desired physical and dermal state. Find out more at Integra Care.
