So you just had a microneedling session—congrats! You’re officially on your way to smoother, firmer, glowier skin. But if you’re wondering what to do after microneedling to make sure you get the most out of your treatment, you’re not alone. The hours and days following a session are crucial when it comes to healing, maximizing results, and avoiding irritation.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about microneedling aftercare—from the best post-microneedling skincare routine to how to reduce redness and when you can (finally) reach for your favorite actives again.
The First 24 Hours: Keep It Chill (Literally and Figuratively)
Immediately after microneedling, your skin is going to feel warm, tight, and look a little flushed—kind of like a mild sunburn. Totally normal! This is when your skin is working overtime to kickstart its healing and collagen-producing magic.
Here’s what you should do in the first 24 hours of post-microneedling care:
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Skip makeup and actives. No foundation, no retinol, no exfoliants, and definitely no harsh scrubs. Your skin is in recovery mode.
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Use a gentle cleanser to keep things clean without stripping the skin. A micellar water or ultra-mild gel cleanser will do the trick.
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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Look for calming, healing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides to support your skin barrier.
PMD Pick: Our PMD Recovery Anti-Aging Collagen Sheet Mask is infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides—perfect for the hours right after microneedling when your skin is thirsty and inflamed. Pop it in the fridge for extra soothing power!
What to Put on Skin After Microneedling
Let’s talk ingredients. Your skin is more permeable post-treatment, which means this is the perfect time to feed it the good stuff. But not everything is fair game.
The best serums to use after microneedling include:
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Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture and plumps up the skin.
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Peptides: Help build collagen and elastin.
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Panthenol and Allantoin: Soothe irritation and speed up healing.
Avoid anything with fragrance, alcohol, or exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid in the first few days.
PMD Tip: Apply our PMD Moisturizing Peptide Serum twice daily after microneedling. It’s loaded with skin-loving peptides and calming botanicals that help you glow without the guesswork.
Redness? Here’s How to Calm It Fast
If your skin still looks red or inflamed the next day, don’t panic—that’s all part of the process. Wondering how to reduce redness after microneedling without irritating your skin further?
Try this:
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Keep your skincare routine super minimal (cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer).
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Use cold compresses or chilled tools like the PMD Clean Pro RQ, which features an ActiveWarmth™ and Rose Quartz side—but skip the heat and use the cool stone to gently soothe inflammation.
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Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
And remember, avoid touching or picking at your face—no matter how satisfying it might seem.
When Can You Use Actives Again?
This is probably the most-asked question in post-microneedling care, and the answer depends on your skin’s sensitivity. Most derms recommend waiting at least 3-5 days before reintroducing actives like:
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Retinol
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Vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid)
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AHAs and BHAs
When you do reintroduce them, start slowly and opt for gentle formulations. Monitor how your skin reacts and scale back if you notice irritation.
Until then, stick with calming, barrier-supporting ingredients—and don’t forget your sunscreen.
SPF is Non-Negotiable
After microneedling, your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, even if you’re mostly indoors. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning and reapply as needed.
PMD Pro Tip: The PMD SilkSteam Pro is an amazing way to prep your skin in the morning post-treatment. Steam helps boost hydration and makes it easier for SPF to apply evenly—plus, it just feels like a mini facial every time.
A Sample Skincare Routine After Microneedling
Morning:
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Gentle cleanse
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Hyaluronic acid serum
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Moisturizer with peptides
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Sunscreen
Evening:
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Gentle cleanse
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Recovery sheet mask or serum
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Rich, nourishing moisturizer
You can slowly start adding your normal routine back in after 5-7 days—just listen to your skin and take it slow.
Final Thoughts
Microneedling is one of our favorite treatments for a reason—it delivers serious results when paired with the right aftercare. Whether you’re a newbie or a microneedling pro, knowing what to put on skin after microneedling can make all the difference between “meh” and major glow-up.
Take this time to treat your skin with extra TLC, and let PMD be part of your post-microneedling care routine. Your future self (and your collagen) will thank you.
