Have you ever had microneedling treatment? Microneedling services offer a non-surgical way to resolve many common skin care concerns, including fine lines, sun damage, and acne scarring. This is because microneedling works on the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate a real healing response that can effectively combat these issues. At The Face Place in Baton Rouge, LA, we offer microneedling treatment to clients who want to see a noticeable improvement in their complexion.
Microneedling benefits extend to everything from creating a more youthful appearance to evening your skin tone. Whether this is your first time microneedling or you’ve had it previously, you may not be familiar with the entire aftercare process, especially when it comes to exfoliation. It’s important to learn more about exfoliating after microneedling and how to care for your skin when you receive this type of procedure.
What Is Microneedling?
So what is microneedling treatment exactly? Microneedling is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that works to resolve a number of skin concerns. This includes but is not limited to:
- Uneven tone and texture
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Acne scarring
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
Microneedling services use ultra-small needles to make micro-injuries to the surface of the skin. These injuries are barely visible to the naked eye, but they may have a major impact in terms of microneedling results.
The tiny punctures produced by a microneedling session stimulate a natural healing response within your skin. This response can resolve issues like hyperpigmentation and certain signs of aging. The end result is smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
There are no incisions or sutures involved in a microneedling treatment. While punctures are made in the skin, there are no marks left behind in the weeks following your procedure.
Microneedling Aftercare for the Best Results
After a microneedling procedure, there are specific steps you will need to take in order to keep your skin healthy and see the best possible microneedling results. For about two weeks following your treatment, you should avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure. Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you are going to be in the sun for any amount of time.
You will need to avoid makeup and other topical cosmetics for at least 48 hours after your microneedling treatment. The skin should be kept clean and free of debris. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your face after a microneedling session.
Following a microneedling session, you may receive a topical antibiotic product to apply to the skin. Use this product as directed and keep a nourishing skincare routine. This includes washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser that is non-drying. You should follow each cleansing by applying a light moisturizing cream or lotion.
Exfoliating After Microneedling
One of the biggest tips following a microneedling session is to avoid anything that could potentially irritate the skin. This includes harsh chemical skincare items, direct sun exposure, or exfoliating products. Since exfoliating is a normal part of most people’s skincare routine, though, these restrictions lead many people to wonder, “When is the best time to resume exfoliation after microneedling?”
Why Exfoliation Is Key to Healthy Skin
Exfoliation is beneficial for your skin for a number of reasons. It removes built-up debris, bacteria, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This reduces the risk of acne breakouts and clogged pores. It also creates a smoother, more even surface for makeup application. Freshly exfoliated skin even absorbs skin care products such as serums and lotions more efficiently.
When to Exfoliate After Microneedling
Since exfoliating is such a good thing for your skin, we understand that you will want to resume the practice after your microneedling as soon as possible. With that being said, it’s still important to wait for your skin to settle. Before you exfoliate, you will want your skin to be completely free of any redness. For most people, this is about four to five days after their microneedling procedure.
If your skin is still red past this point, you should check with us. If everything is normal, you can resume your normal skincare routine as soon as the redness goes down.
How to Exfoliate After Microneedling
The first time you exfoliate after a microneedling treatment should be done in a specific way that minimizes the potential for any further irritation. To do this, make sure to begin with a gentle exfoliant, rather than harsh or extensive exfoliating products. A mild exfoliating serum, cream, or liquid solution is a good place to start.
Do not use any abrasive exfoliating products, such as scrubs or cleansers with large and sharp particles. You should also avoid exfoliating tools, such as stiff facial brushes. When applying the exfoliating product of your choice, use small and slow circular motions without applying too much pressure to the skin.
After this first time exfoliating post-microneedling, you can resume your normal exfoliation process in the weeks that follow. You should not exfoliate your skin in the days leading up to your next microneedling treatment.
Experience Your Own Microneedling Benefits in Baton Rouge, LA
By following these tips for properly exfoliating and caring for your skin after microneedling, you can ensure you enjoy the best results. At The Face Place, we provide effective microneedling services to help clients throughout Baton Rouge, LA, to improve the appearance of a variety of skin concerns, from acne scarring and sun damage to fine lines and wrinkles.
Contact us online or by phone to learn more about microneedling and our full range of aesthetic options today!