Microneedling Aftercare: What Should I Avoid?

Key takeaways

• Avoid makeup, touching and active skincare for 48–72 hours after treatment.
• Skip exercise, saunas, alcohol and sun exposure for the first 72 hours.
• Redness and mild swelling usually calm within 48 hours, though full settling can take longer.
• Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser during the first three days.
• Daily SPF 50+ is essential once the initial 24 hours have passed.

Why does microneedling aftercare matter?

Proper microneedling aftercare is essential to protect your results and allow skin to heal. You should avoid makeup, exercise, heat and active skincare for 48–72 hours post-treatment.

Getting the aftercare right protects your results, reduces the risk of complications, and helps your skin rebuild stronger. The first 72 hours are when your skin is doing its most important healing work.

• Microneedling creates tiny channels that remain open temporarily.
• Open channels increase vulnerability to bacteria and irritation.
• Correct aftercare protects results and reduces complication risks.
• The first 72 hours are critical for the skin's healing process.

Can I wear makeup immediately after microneedling?

No — you'll need to keep your face completely free of makeup for at least 48 hours, and ideally 72 hours. Your skin needs to breathe and heal without anything sitting on the surface.

Even clean makeup brushes and fresh products can introduce bacteria to those open channels. After the initial period, reintroduce makeup gradually and stick to mineral-based formulas if you can.

• Keep face completely free of makeup for at least 48 hours.
• Ideally wait 72 hours before applying any cosmetics.
• Makeup can introduce bacteria to open skin channels.
• Reintroduce makeup gradually using mineral-based formulas.

Which skincare ingredients should I avoid?

Active ingredients are off-limits for the first week after microneedling with exosomes. Your skin barrier is temporarily compromised, so actives that normally help you can easily cause stinging, inflammation or damage.

Avoid these entirely for 7 days:

• Retinols and retinoids
• AHAs and BHAs (glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids)
• Vitamin C serums
• Exfoliating scrubs or enzymes
• Fragranced or essential oil-based products

How long until redness or flaking settles?

Most people look noticeably red and feel tender straight after treatment — similar to mild sunburn. This is completely normal.

The visible redness usually improves significantly after 48 hours, though some people take a little longer to fully settle. Mild flaking can appear around days two to four as the skin renews itself. Occasional minor bruising can take one to two weeks to fade completely.

• Expect noticeable redness and tenderness immediately after treatment.
• Visible redness usually improves significantly after 48 hours.
• Mild flaking may appear around days two to four.
• Minor bruising can take one to two weeks to fade.

Tips for keeping skin hydrated post-treatment

Hydration supports everything your skin is trying to do after microneedling. Here's how to keep it comfortable and help healing along:

• Hydration supports the skin's natural healing processes.
• Use plain, fragrance-free moisturisers to keep skin comfortable.
• Avoid picking at any flaking skin during recovery.

1. Apply a cool compress gently during the first 48 hours if redness or swelling bothers you — never ice directly on the skin.
2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healing from within.
3. Use only a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and plain moisturiser for the first 72 hours.
4. Apply SPF 50+ daily from 24 hours onwards — your skin will be more sensitive to UV damage.
5. Avoid touching, rubbing or picking at your face, even if it feels dry or flaky.

What else should I skip in the first 72 hours?

Beyond skincare and makeup, there are a few lifestyle factors that can interfere with healing or increase irritation:

• Exercise and anything that raises your body temperature significantly
• Saunas, steam rooms and hot baths
• Swimming pools and jacuzzis
• Direct sun exposure and tanning
• Alcohol, which can increase swelling and dehydration

When to get in touch

Most people heal without any issues, but you should contact your practitioner promptly if you notice signs of infection — increasing warmth, spreading redness, pus, or feeling unwell. We always prefer to check something early and put your mind at rest.

Your follow-up appointment is typically booked for around one week after treatment if needed, and your practitioner will advise when to schedule your next session to build on your results.

• Contact your practitioner if you notice signs of infection.
• Watch for increasing warmth, spreading redness or pus.
• Follow-up appointments are typically booked for one week later.
• Your practitioner will advise on scheduling next sessions.

Common questions

Can I wash my face after microneedling?

Yes — use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water from the evening of your treatment onwards. Avoid hot water and anything abrasive for the first 72 hours.

How soon can I go back to the gym after microneedling?

Wait at least 72 hours before exercising. Sweat and increased body temperature can irritate freshly treated skin and introduce bacteria to open channels.

Is it normal for skin to feel tight after microneedling?

Yes, mild tightness and dryness are common for a few days. Keep your skin hydrated with a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser and avoid picking at any flaking.

When can I use my normal skincare routine again?

Reintroduce active ingredients gradually after 7 days, starting with lower strengths. If anything stings or reddens your skin, stop and give it another few days.

Does microneedling with exosomes need different aftercare than standard microneedling?

The core aftercare is similar, though exosomes support faster natural recovery — so there's no need to add extra products. The same avoidance rules around actives, heat and makeup apply.