HOW LONG AFTER MICRONEEDLING CAN I WEAR MAKEUP?
Considering microneedling for the first time and wondering about the aftercare? Understanding what you should avoid and for how long after the procedure is the best way to get the most out of your treatment - and make sure your skin stays happy and healthy.
In short, it’s recommended that you shouldn’t wear makeup for at least 24-72 hours after having a microneedling treatment.
This is because your skin’s defence barrier has been temporarily compromised by the small needles in your skin, meaning you’re more prone to infection, breakouts and irritation.
Our guide will cover everything you need to know about microneedling and makeup, including what else you need to avoid after the procedure, such as saunas, sun exposure and more.
What is Microneedling?
Before we jump into the dos and don’ts for microneedling aftercare, here’s a quick recap on how the procedure works.
Microneedling is a facial skin treatment that uses small needles to prick the skin. It’s used to generate new collagen, elastin and skin tissue, resulting in firmer, smoother and more toned skin.
Serums with hyaluronic acid, vitamins and growth factors are absorbed into the skin through tiny microneedling holes, reaching the areas where new skin cells are made.
It can be a highly effective way to treat conditions such as acne scarring, wrinkles and fine lines, skin texture, brown spots, stretch marks and pigment issues.
What to Expect After Microneedling
Typically, you will experience redness and mild swelling for 24-48 hours after the treatment, followed by some slight peeling.
Mild flaking and sensitivity may also occur, and your skin can feel dry or tight.
This is all totally normal, but initially abstaining from makeup is the best way to ensure the skin stays healthy and not infected.
Can You Wear Makeup After Microneedling?
Not straight away, no. It’s recommended that you avoid wearing makeup after microneedling for 24 - 72 hours, depending on how deep the treatment was.
This is because your skin barrier has been punctured by these tiny holes, so it’s temporarily compromised, and these small channels into your skin remain open for several hours afterwards.
The duration of cosmetic downtime depends entirely on the type of treatment you’ve had done and your skin's own tolerance.
When Can You Wear Makeup After Microneedling? A Timeline
Here’s a breakdown of when you can and can’t wear makeup after a microneedling procedure:
- First 24 hours:You should avoid makeup altogether during the first 24 hours after your treatment.
- After 24 hours: For those who have had mild microneedling treatments, this is the minimum amount of time you should wait before wearing makeup again.
- After 48 hours: This is typically safe for most skin types.
- After 72 hours: This is the recommended timeline if you’ve had deeper or medical-grade microneedling.
How To Tell Your Skin is Ready for Makeup
There are certain signs to look out for that’ll indicate your face is healing and you can safely wear makeup again, such as:
- Healed: Check to see if there is any broken or open skin, or any irritated areas. It should look healed on the surface at this point.
- Feels comfortable: If your skin feels relaxed and hydrated, as opposed to tight or dry, you should be safe to wear makeup again.
- No sensitivity: Any tingling, stinging, soreness or discomfort still indicates your skin is healing, so wait until these have all cleared up before applying makeup.
- Normal skin colour: Any redness and warmth should have dissipated, and your skin should be closer to its normal colour and feel cool to the touch.
What Happens if You Wear Makeup After Microneedling?
Wearing makeup after microneedling can lead to a lot of problems, which, healing aside, you wouldn’t want to experience as you’ve likely paid a fair bit of money towards this treatment!
The challenges you can expect by wearing makeup straight after microneedling include:
- Delayed healing: Makeup can interfere with your skin’s natural repairing process, so wearing makeup could actually extend the overall recovery time and make the treatment less effective.
- Increased sensitivity: Freshly microneedled skin can be really sensitive to external substances, such as makeup, making the skin drier, itchier or inflamed.
- Clogged pores: Makeup can clog up your pores, which can trap bacteria and debris within the skin, leading to breakouts, irritation or redness.
- Risk of infection: Bacterial contamination can happen from wearing makeup after microneedling, leading to breakouts or infections.
In short, it’s simply not worth the risk for the first day or so, as not only can you put your skin's health at risk, but you may also diminish the overall effects of the procedure.
What To Put On Your Skin After Microneedling
It’s understandable to feel like you need to provide some skincare to your face after microneedling, even if it’s not makeup. However, it’s important to follow the guidelines to protect your skin barrier and get the most out of your treatment.
- For the first 24 hours, avoid putting anything on your skin after microneedling. Instead, use lukewarm water to gently rinse your face.
- From day two, you can begin to use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. Be careful to avoid any harsh exfoliants or active ingredients (such as AHAs or retinol) for at least one week after your treatment.
- After a week, you should be able to continue using your normal skincare products, but still try to steer clear of harmful ingredients where possible.
What Else Do I Need to Avoid After Microneedling?
As well as avoiding wearing makeup for the first couple of days, it’s recommended that you also avoid:
- Touching your face: For the first few hours, try to avoid touching or rubbing your face, as your skin will be sensitive.
- Intense exercise: Rigorous activity can lead to excessive sweating, which can irritate your skin, or even cause a bacterial infection.
- Saunas: Again, saunas are notably known for getting pretty sweaty, so they’re a no-go for the first 48 hours after microneedling.
- Hot showers: Hot water can cause the widening of blood vessels, which can cause inflammation, redness, swelling and discomfort - so keep the water cool over the first couple of days.
- Sun exposure: Harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin barrier more easily after microneedling, so avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. If you do go out in the sun, remember to apply SPF 30+.
- Harmful skincare ingredients: Products containing retinoids, alcohol, fragrance (or parfum), essential oils, and exfoliating acids should be avoided.
- Dirty pillowcases: Change your pillowcase every day when recovering from microneedling to avoid bacteria, and try not to sleep on your face.
Interested in Microneedling? Book a Consultation With Hannah McCoy Clinic Today
Microneedling is a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime.
At Hannah McCoy Clinic, our experienced practitioners tailor every microneedling treatment to your individual skin concerns and goals. Whether you're looking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, improve pigmentation, smooth fine lines, or achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion, we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.
With our flagship clinic in Liverpool, as well as locations in Leeds, London and the Isle of Man, expert skin treatments are always within easy reach.
Book your microneedling consultation today, and together we'll create a personalised treatment plan designed to help you achieve your healthiest, most confident skin.
Microneedling After-Care: FAQs
I wore makeup after microneedling - what should I do?
If you've accidentally applied makeup too soon after your microneedling treatment, don't panic. Gently remove it using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser if advised by your practitioner, then avoid reapplying any products for the rest of the recommended recovery period.
Keep an eye on your skin over the next few days, and if you notice excessive redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your practitioner for advice.
How long after microneedling can I wear moisturiser?
In most cases, you should be able to apply a gentle, hydrating moisturiser around 24 hours after your microneedling treatment. Some practitioners may recommend using a specific post-treatment product even sooner, so it's always best to follow the aftercare advice you receive at your appointment.
Remember to choose a fragrance-free moisturiser that supports the skin barrier, and be mindful to avoid products containing active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids until your skin has fully recovered.
How long after microneedling can I wash my face?
It's usually best to wait at least 24 hours before washing your face after microneedling.
When you cleanse your skin, use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, avoiding scrubs, exfoliants or cleansing brushes until your skin has healed. After washing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing it.
How long does microneedling take to heal?
Most people experience redness and mild sensitivity for 24-48 hours after microneedling, similar to the feeling of a mild sunburn. Any dryness, tightness, or light flaking usually settles within three to five days.
Everyone's skin heals differently, so your recovery time may vary depending on the depth of your treatment and your individual skin type.