Microneedling Aftercare – Tips and Instructions

About Collagen induction therapy and Microneedling Aftercare:

Collagen induction therapy (CIT), also known as microneedling, dermarolling, or skin needling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles (microneedling the skin). CIT should be separated from other contexts in which microneedling devices are used on the skin, e.g. transdermal drug delivery, vaccination. (Microneedling Aftercare)

It is a technique for which research is ongoing but has been used for a number of skin problems including scarring and acne. Some studies have also shown that, when combined with minoxidil treatment, microneedling is able to treat hair loss more effectively than minoxidil treatment alone. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be combined with collagen induction therapy treatment in a form of dermatologic autologous blood therapy. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and may contain growth factors that increase collagen production. It can be applied topically to the entire treatment area during and after collagen induction therapy treatments or injected intradermally to scars. Efficacy of the combined treatments remains in question pending scientific studies. (Microneedling Aftercare)

More serious safety concerns have been cited for these treatments, popularly known as vampire facials, when performed in non-medical settings by people untrained in infection control. The New Mexico Department of Health issued a statement that at least one such business offering vampire facials “could potentially spread blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C to clients”. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Microinjection

Microinjection is the use of a glass micropipette to inject a liquid substance at a microscopic or borderline macroscopic level. The target is often a living cell but may also include intercellular space. Microinjection is a simple mechanical process usually involving an inverted microscope with a magnification power of around 200x (though sometimes it is performed using a dissecting stereo microscope at 40–50x or a traditional compound upright microscope at similar power to an inverted model). (Microneedling Aftercare)

For processes such as cellular or pronuclear injection the target cell is positioned under the microscope and two micromanipulators—one holding the pipette and one holding a microcapillary needle usually between 0.5 and 5 µm in diameter (larger if injecting stem cells into an embryo)—are used to penetrate the cell membrane and/or the nuclear envelope. In this way the process can be used to introduce a vector into a single cell. Microinjection can also be used in the cloning of organisms, in the study of cell biology and viruses, and for treating male subfertility through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, /ˈɪksi/ IK-see).

History

The use of microinjection as a biological procedure began in the early twentieth century, although even through the 1970s it was not commonly used. By the 1990s, its use had escalated significantly and it is now considered a common laboratory technique, along with vesicle fusion, electroporation, chemical transfection, and viral transduction, for introducing a small amount of a substance into a small target.

Basic types

There are two basic types of microinjection systems. The first is called a constant flow system and the second is called a pulsed flow system. In a constant flow system, which is relatively simple and inexpensive though clumsy and outdated, a constant flow of a sample is delivered from a micropipette and the amount of the sample which is injected is determined by how long the needle remains in the cell. This system typically requires a regulated pressure source, a capillary holder, and either a coarse or a fine micromanipulator.

A pulsed flow system, however, allows for greater control and consistency over the amount of sample injected: the most common arrangement for intracytoplasmic sperm injection includes an Eppendorf “Femtojet” injector coupled with an Eppendorf “InjectMan”, though procedures involving other targets usually take advantage of much less expensive equipment of similar capability.

Because of its increased control over needle placement and movement and in addition to the increased precision over the volume of substance delivered, the pulsed flow technique usually results in less damage to the receiving cell than the constant flow technique. However, the Eppendorf line, at least, has a complex user interface and its particular system components are usually much more expensive than those necessary to create a constant flow system or than other pulsed flow injection systems. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Pronuclear injection

Pronuclear injection is a technique used to create transgenic organisms by injecting genetic material into the nucleus of a fertilized oocyte. This technique is commonly used to study the role of genes using mouse animal models.

Pronuclear injection in mice

The pronuclear injection of mouse sperm is one of the two most common methods for producing transgenic animals (along with the genetic engineering of embryonic stem cells). In order for pronuclear injection to be successful, the genetic material (typically linear DNA) must be injected while the genetic material from the oocyte and sperm are separate (i.e., the pronuclear phase). 

In order to obtain these oocytes, mice are commonly superovulated using gonadotrophins. Once plugging has occurred, oocytes are harvested from the mouse and injected with the genetic material. The oocyte is then implanted in the oviduct of a pseudopregnant animal. While efficiency varies, 10-40% of mice born from these implanted oocytes may contain the injected construct. Transgenic mice can then be bred to create transgenic lines.

Are you someone who suffers from acne scars or wants to rejuvenate your skin as age causes wrinkles to appear?

And you’ve tried many therapies, including anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and serums. But almost none of them worked.

Finally, you resorted to micro-needling, which helps you achieve your skin tone restructuring goals.

But do you know that the process does not end there?

Yes, probably a third of the work is still going on, namely micro needling post care. Therefore, this is what we will focus on today. So, read on as we unpack microneedling post care in great detail. (Microneedling Aftercare)

What is Microneedling?

It’s a process in which small light needles are rolled over the face for the treatment of acne scar, fine lines, wrinkles, or large pores.

Also known as Collagen Induction therapy, it awakens your skin in such a way that it begins to repair itself.

In other words, microneedling is done to renew the texture and overall tone of your skin.

The device used for micro needling is either Dermaroller or SkinPen. (Microneedling Aftercare)

What Benefits Would You Get From Microneedling?

• Treats fine lines and wrinkles
• Improvement in skin damage from sun exposure
• Useful in melasma – skin discoloration
• Revitalizes your skin tone and texture
• Tightening pores for oily skin (olive skin also tends to be oily)
• Treats sunburn and hyperpigmentation

Skin healing with microneedling can be observed in the ‘Microneedling Before and After’ comparison below. (Microneedling Aftercare)

The Microneedling Process

After making an appointment with the attending dermatologist or doctor, it’s time to get your skin treated.

Microneedling takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It will cost you between $160 and $300 for a one-time treatment.

The whole process will take 15-20 minutes and can be repeated after 30 days. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Preliminary Things before Microneedling

• You should not use any medication used to treat acne, such as products containing Retin-A or products that can boost immunity.
• Avoid sun exposure 24 hours before treatment.
• Keep your face clean and makeup-free on the day of treatment.
• Inform your dermatologist before treatment, especially if you are using a regular medication for the skin.
• Make sure there are no infections or open wounds before treatment.
• The skin should not have received any laser treatment in the week before the microneedling. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Microneedling Aftercare Tips

You will feel some warmth on your face right after the microneedling procedure is over. Redness or pink color may also appear as the needles cause small bruises.

Now, microneedling post-care needs to be done – whether at home or in the clinic – which, if not followed, will result in the desired result not being achieved or even damage the skin.

Taking care of your skin after microneedling is crucial to improving results. (Microneedling Aftercare)

The microneedling dermatologist gives the following aftercare instructions:

1. Cleansing

In the first few days following the treatment, you should use nourishing and moisturizing post-needling care products.

Do not wash your face for four hours after microneedling; instead, clean with a mild moisturizing cleanser.

Do not put on makeup and do not apply any brushes to your face after microneedling. (Microneedling Aftercare)

2. Avoid Direct Sun

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can seriously damage your skin because your pores are open due to micro-holes. Therefore, it is recommended to completely avoid sunlight for 48 hours after treatment.

After 3-4 days, use a broad spectrum UVA sunscreen lotion or a mineral-based sunscreen as the skin will be more sensitive after micro-needling. That’s why sunscreen should be part of your micro-needling aftercare kit.

It is worth mentioning here that you should make a habit of using sunscreen when you go out in the sun, because the harmful rays of the sun’s rays cause a lot of damage to your facial skin. (Microneedling Aftercare)

3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Use Hyaluronic Serum

Keep your skin moist for healing. Do not use any skin care products other than those recommended by the relevant dermatologist. Usually, after treatment, doctors recommend a post-microneedling serum such as Hyaluronic serum to prevent excessive flaking or peeling. It should be continued after treatment.

Also, make sure your hands are clean and every tool you use is clean and sterilized if possible.

Also, keep drinking plenty of water and avoid things that cause dehydration, such as caffeine (coffee and tea) or alcohol. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Do You Know?

Hyaluronic acid available in the market is a synthetic form of the same acid produced by our body. Such acid has plenty of presence in our eyes, the primary function of which is to retain water.

4. No Anti-Inflammatories

Because you want to get the full benefit of microneedling, it’s important not to take any anti-inflammatory until 3-5 days of treatment.

It is beneficial because microneedling causes automatic inflammatory response activation in your body to re-stimulate collagen and other growth factors in the skin. And when you take an anti-inflammatory, it inhibits collagen formation, fighting against your body system. (Microneedling Aftercare)

5. Avoid Active Ingredients

It may sound strange, but you should avoid active ingredients like vitamin C scrub for various reasons. First, because it will burn like crazy. Second, it irritates your skin and causes more problems.

However, after a week, you can start using vitamin C peeling. (Microneedling Aftercare)

6. No Make up for two days At least

It is strongly recommended not to wear any make-up for the first 48 hours after treatment. After two days, it is okay to put on a light make-up as you will feel less warmth and sensation. (Microneedling Aftercare)

7. No Exfoliation

Do not apply any chemical or manual peeling technique to your skin, even one week after the treatment. Just let the skin heal itself naturally. Do not speed up the healing process, which can get you into skin problems. (Microneedling Aftercare)

8. No Harsh Facewash

Also, do not use any active ingredients that may interfere with the healing process when washing your skin. Use products that are neither too strong nor irritating, such as those with beads. (Microneedling Aftercare)

9. No Exercise For three days

There are no post-microneedling care exercises. Any workout or exercise will lead to sweating. Sweating after microneedling is not viable as your pores are open and healed. Therefore, avoid any exercise or sports for 72 hours after treatment. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Are there any side effects of Microneedling?

Much depends on the length of the needles and the expertise of the person doing it.

Your face will be bright red for a few days after treatment. If the irritation or redness persists for more than two days, you should consult your doctor.

In addition, you may experience swollen, dry skin.

For this reason, it is not recommended for people who are pregnant or with skin diseases such as eczema to take microneedle therapy. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Microneedling Devices and the US law

The United States’ Food and Drug Administration Authority (FDA) has a law on the devices and tools used for microneedling.

This law clarifies what is and is not considered a “device” for microneedling. It also describes regulatory ways to market such devices.

Therefore, before making an appointment with a dermatologist, make sure that the tools and devices she will use are recommended by the FDA. (Microneedling Aftercare)

How to do Microneedling with PRP Care?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Treatment with the addition of PRP means injecting it during the procedure to improve healing and reduce swelling time.

There is a little study to show the benefits of Microneedling with PRP.

Microneedling with post-PRP care is not much different from the normal one. However, it’s much simpler than that. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Microneedling vs. Microblading

Some people confuse Microneedling with Microblading; however, they are both completely different processes.

Microneedling is a treatment for the face while Microblading is a treatment for the eyebrows. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion

There is a similar type of treatment that is well known and widely practiced, called microdermabrasion. The following points clarify the difference between them to avoid any confusion.

• PRINCIPLE. Microdermabrasion uses a device such as a cleansing pen that forms tiny crystals on the skin and then vacuums immediately to remove dead cells. In microneedling, Dermaroller or DermaPen is rolled on the face with micro fine needles.
• COST. Microneedling is a costly procedure, almost twice the price of Microdermabrasion. The average price for microdermabrasion is $85, while microneedling starts at $160.
• SUGGESTION. While microdermabrasion is not recommended for those with active acne, microneedling is for everyone except pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• DAMAGES. While microdermabrasion does not cause any bleeding or redness, some bleeding may occur in patients with microneedling.
• USAGE Microdermabrasion is used to treat blackheads, tired skin, clogged pores, while microneedling is used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, large pores.
• PAIN. Microdermabrasion does not harm in any way. Instead, a slight suction is felt. On the other hand, microneedling is somewhat painful as it involves needles. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When can I wash my face after microneedling?

Experts say it’s better to wait four hours before washing your face because your skin may feel hot and look red for one to three days. It is best to use a mild cleanser and moisturizer after 2-3 days.

2. Can I moisturize after microneedling?

It is better to stay away from your regular moisturizing treatments and use some special moisturizers. Use Hyaluronic acid after the procedure, which has healing components that can accelerate healing.

3. How long does it take to recover from microneedling?

After treatment, your face will be pinkish-red and dry. However, it usually takes up to 72 hours to heal. If your skin is still hot and red after this time, you should contact your doctor and seek his advice.

4. How many microneedling treatments do I need to get the best results?

Usually, you will see a visible result after two treatments. However, for rejuvenation and collagen induction only, it is recommended to do three treatments, each 30 days apart, to get the best results from microneedling. For the removal of scars, 3-6 treatments are recommended. (Microneedling Aftercare)

Conclusion

Microneedling is undoubtedly a great way to rejuvenate your skin. Like any other skin treatment, it has some precautionary and post-precautionary measures. If done right and with due care by following the microneedling care instructions, you will achieve a glow that cannot be achieved with any other treatment. (Microneedling Aftercare)

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