Can You Wash Your Face After Microneedling? Here’s the Timeline
Microneedling is one of today’s most effective treatments for smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. By creating tiny micro-injuries, it triggers your skin’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production. But while the results are worth it, your post-treatment care—especially when and how you wash your face—can make a big difference in your results.
Here’s a simple, dermatologist-approved timeline to help you care for your skin after microneedling.
The First 24 Hours: Hands Off!
Your skin is highly sensitive right after microneedling. Tiny microchannels are open, which means your skin is more vulnerable to irritation and bacteria.
Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours after your treatment. This allows your skin to heal and close up properly.
During this period:
Don’t touch your face unnecessarily
Avoid makeup, sunscreen, or active ingredients (like retinol or vitamin C)
Stay away from sweating, saunas, and workouts
If your skin feels tight or dry, you can gently apply a hydrating serum recommended by your provider (often containing hyaluronic acid).
24 to 48 Hours: Gentle Cleansing Only
After the first 24 hours, it’s safe to cleanse your skin—but gently.
Use:
A mild, sulfate-free cleanser (avoid foaming or exfoliating types)
Cool or lukewarm water (never hot)
Clean hands or a soft, damp cloth
Pat dry with a clean towel—no rubbing. Follow up with a gentle moisturizer and avoid active ingredients until your provider clears you to resume them.
Day 3 to 5: Hydrate and Protect
By this stage, most redness and sensitivity will subside, and your skin will begin to flake lightly as part of the healing process. Continue gentle cleansing twice a day, and focus on hydration.
Apply:
A fragrance-free, soothing moisturizer
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (daily, even indoors)
Avoid exfoliation, scrubs, and retinol for about 5–7 days post-treatment.
After One Week: Back to Your Routine
Your skin barrier should be mostly restored within a week. At this point, you can slowly reintroduce your usual skincare actives—just one at a time and always under your provider’s advice.
To maintain your glow and boost collagen production, consider pairing microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or a custom booster for enhanced healing and rejuvenation.
Pro Tip from Skin Restored Medspa
At Skin Restored Medspa, we recommend following your provider’s personalized aftercare instructions to ensure the best outcome. Our post-treatment kits include soothing serums and gentle cleansers designed to protect and hydrate your skin after microneedling.
Want to maintain your glow all year long? Ask us about our Microneedling + PRP package to supercharge your results with natural collagen stimulation and faster healing.
Ready to book your microneedling session?
Schedule your appointment today and experience smoother, rejuvenated skin — the right way, from treatment to aftercare.
