Determining the ideal moment to wash your face after microneedling is a common concern for those looking to optimize their post-procedure skincare routine. After freshly needling your face, it’s only natural to ponder the right time to cleanse away the residual blood and serum. Washing your face too soon can introduce potential irritants and disrupt the healing process, leading to increased sensitivity and the risk of infection. Therefore, after microneedling, it’s essential to wait at least 24 hours before washing your face to allow the skin to fully recover.
When Can I Wash My Face After Microneedling?
It is generally recommended that you do not wash your face for at least 24 hours after your microneedling procedure. If you need to wash your face on the same day, perhaps to clean off dried blood or serum, it’s generally recommended to wait a minimum of 8 hours and only use warm tepid water.
To rinse your face, gently massage the skin with warm water to remove the dry blood or serum. Cold or hot water should be avoided as it can interfere with the healing process or cause irritation.
When Can I Wash My Face After Microneedling With A Cleanser?
Once 24 hours have passed, you can use a gentle cleanser to wash your face. The purpose of waiting 24 hours is to reduce the chances of irritation or infections post-treatment.
A gentle cleanser is a face wash formulated for sensitive or post-treatment skin. These products are free of parabens, fragrances, dyes, and other irritants. Generally, cream-based cleansers are ideal, as foam cleansers are more prone to cause burning or irritation.
Cleansers containing moisturizing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties will work efficiently to protect, heal, and soothe the skin. Cleansers containing oil or alcohol may impede the skin’s healing process and potentially lead to significant irritation.
The Right Way to Wash Your Face After Microneedling
After a microneedling treatment, washing your face should be done carefully, using only water and a gentle cleanser. We don’t recommend using tools like brushes or cloths for at least a few days, as these can spread bacteria.
Wash your hands before you begin, then wet your face with lukewarm water. Pour out a small amount of cleanser onto your hand, and use your fingertips to apply it to your face in soft, circular motions. Use a small amount of product and wash for around 25 seconds.
Avoid scrubbing your face or rubbing too hard, as this will irritate the skin. Finally, rinse the face with lukewarm water and let it air-dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. If you need to dry your face quickly, use a super soft towel and delicately pat it around the face.
Should I Wash My Face Before Microneedling?
You can wash your face before microneedling using only warm water. It’s important to use warm running water rather than a bath, to avoid infection. Before your treatment, the provider will clean your face, using antiseptic and alcohol to ensure that no dirt, oil, or lotion remains on the surface.
The Microneedling Process
During a microneedling procedure, a device will push the needles in and out of the skin at high speed, piercing the top layer and causing ‘micro-injuries’ on the face. This treatment helps to remove dead skin cells to make way for a new layer of healthy skin.
It does this by encouraging collagen and elastin production in the dermis, rejuvenating skin, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A microneedling procedure can also be used to treat other skin concerns, such as acne scars and dark spots on the skin. This minimally invasive procedure will tighten the skin and leave it looking smooth and healthy.
After your microneedling procedure, you may experience erythema (redness), light swelling, and pinpoint bleeding. These symptoms will pass within a couple of days, and following aftercare instructions is essential to help the recovery process.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
During the first 24 hours immediately after the microneedling treatment, the key is making sure that you avoid sun exposure, sweating, or any activities that will heat the skin. This includes hot showers, jacuzzis, and exercise. Your healthcare provider may apply a hyaluronic acid mask for 10 minutes after the treatment to help protect and soothe the skin.
Related Article: Aftercare Instructions
What to Avoid After Treatment
To ensure the best results from your microneedling treatment, avoiding any activities and products that could harm the skin’s natural healing process is essential. You should avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks, ensuring you use a high SPF to protect yourself from sun damage.
It may be tempting to reach for the foundation to reduce the redness in your face, but you should avoid wearing makeup for at least 48 hours after your treatment. This will allow for faster recovery.
During the first two weeks, you should also avoid using products with the following active ingredients:
- Exfoliating products such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids
- Products that contain silicones and parabens
- High volumes of Vitamin A and vitamin C, especially if you have sensitive skin
- Vaseline should not be applied to recently microneedled skin because it contains mineral oil, which may cause cysts to form
You can return to your usual skincare routine between 5-7 days after your appointment, but be sure to check your products to avoid using any of the above ingredients.
Potential Side Effects
Given just how sensitive your face will be after the treatment, washing with the wrong cleanser or applying products with harmful ingredients can have a big impact. This will not only delay the all-important collagen production to heal the skin, but it could also cause you discomfort.
The side effects will vary, but you could see problems such as bruising, dry skin, peeling skin, erythema, and irritation. If you use a product by mistake post-treatment and see side effects, wait for one day to see if they improve, and if not, speak with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
After microneedling, remember that you should wait 24 hours before washing with a gentle cleanser. When you wash your face again, use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser that is not oil- or alcohol-based. Harmful ingredients or activities can delay collagen production, prevent the skin’s barrier from recovering, and cause pain and irritation. Follow the right steps, keep your skin hydrated, and count on the facial rejuvenation you have been looking for.
FAQ
Can I Wash My Face After Dermarolling?
It’s generally recommended to wait 24 hours before washing your face with a gentle cleanser whether dermarolling or microneedling.
Why Can’t You Wash Your Face After microneedling?
During this time, your skin is in a vulnerable state, with microchannels created by the treatment still open. Washing with products before they close could result in bacteria or irritants entering deep within the skin.
What Happens If You Shower After Microneedling?
Showering after microneedling is generally safe, but it’s essential to use lukewarm water and avoid hot showers, as excessive heat can increase skin sensitivity and irritation. Additionally, be gentle when cleansing the treated area, and avoid using harsh products or scrubbing vigorously to prevent any potential damage to the recently treated skin.
