Microneedling 101

dermatoneskincare
Sep 9
3 min read

Hi, I’m Maryam! If you’ve ever wondered about microneedling and whether it’s right for you, you’re in the right place. As a medical esthetician, I’ll walk you through everything, from what it is, to the benefits, what to expect, and how to care for your skin before and after treatment.

Let’s dive in!

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure where tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin. Don’t worry, it sounds scarier than it is! These micro-injuries trigger your body’s natural healing, boosting collagen and elastin for healthier, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.

Why I love it: It’s versatile and works for a lot of skin concerns, from fine lines to acne scars.

Benefits include:

Improves skin texture & tone: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores.
Reduces scars: Helps fade acne scars and surgical scars.
Enhances product absorption: Makes your skincare more effective.
Minimizes hyperpigmentation: Evens out dark spots and skin tone.
Stimulates collagen: Supports firmer, resilient skin.

Tip from me: Pairing microneedling with a good serum can make your results even better!

The Procedure

Here’s what a typical session looks like:1. Preparation: Your skin is cleansed, and a numbing cream is applied for comfort.2. Microneedling: A device with fine needles gently rolls or stamps over the skin.3. Post-treatment: Your skin may look red and feel sensitive, like a mild sunburn. Soothing serums and moisturizers are applied to calm your skin.

Maryam’s Note: Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but most people find it very manageable—especially with the numbing cream.

Recovery & Side Effects

Most people experience minimal downtime. Redness and sensitivity usually fade within a few days. Common side effects include:

Redness
Mild swelling
Slight discomfort

Rarely, more serious reactions like infection or prolonged redness can occur, which is why following aftercare is key.

Tip from me: Don’t panic if you look a little sunburned afterward, it’s completely normal and temporary.

Pre-Care Tips

Before your appointment:

Avoid Retin-A and other strong actives 24 hours before.
Skip prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds.
Keep your face clean, no makeup on the day of treatment.
Inform your technician if you take blood thinners or are under a physician’s care.
Wait at least 2 weeks after Botox injections.
If you have an active breakout, consult your practitioner.

Maryam’s Note: A little prep goes a long way in getting the best results and keeping your skin happy!

Post-Care Tips

After your treatment:

Your skin may look sunburned and feel tight, this is normal. Redness typically fades within 24 hours.
Use tepid water and gentle cleansers for the first 72 hours.
Avoid makeup for 24 hours, and always use a clean pillowcase.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen for at least 2 weeks.
Avoid “active” skincare ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, and Vitamin C for 3 days.
No swimming, strenuous exercise, or face masks for the first 24–72 hours.
Stay out of direct sunlight for 48 hours.

Tip from me: Think of post-care like giving your skin a mini-vacation, it heals better when you take it easy.

Who Should Avoid Microneedling

Microneedling is great for most skin types, but some conditions may prevent treatment:

Hemophilia or bleeding disorders
Severe acne or papulopustular rosacea
Active infections, cold sores, or inflammation
Pregnant or nursing
Certain autoimmune conditions or recent chemotherapy

Some conditions may require a doctor’s clearance, like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer history.

Maryam’s Note: Always be honest about your health history, your safety comes first!

Bottom Line

Microneedling is a versatile, effective way to improve your skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance. With the right preparation and aftercare, it’s safe, manageable, and can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Tip from me: Pair your treatment with gentle skincare, sunscreen, and a healthy routine, you’ll maximize results and keep your skin glowing longer!