What Can I Expect After Microneedling?
Clemens Face + Body | Brookline, Boston
Microneedling is one of our most popular treatments for improving skin texture, softening fine lines, and boosting collagen. While the procedure itself is quick and well-tolerated, many patients are curious about what happens afterward.
At Clemens Face + Body, we believe that clear expectations and careful aftercare are just as important as the treatment itself. Here’s a guide to what you can expect following your microneedling session—and how to care for your skin as it heals.
The First 24 Hours
Immediately after treatment, your skin will feel sensitive, warm, and tight, with sensations similar to a mild sunburn. Redness, flushing, and even slight prickling or tenderness are completely normal.
During this period, it’s important to:
Avoid washing your face or applying skincare products overnight.
Skip makeup for the first 24 hours.
Keep it gentle—no touching, rubbing, or picking at the skin.
Drink plenty of water to support hydration.
If your skin feels dry, you can apply a small amount of the recommended post-treatment cream.
Days 2–4: Shedding and Rehydration
Over the next few days, your skin may feel tight and begin to shed or flake lightly as old cells slough off. This is normal and part of the regeneration process.
Use a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer to wash and hydrate the skin twice daily.
Hydrating sheet masks can be soothing.
Protect your skin with SPF each morning to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
If dead skin starts to peel, gently remove it with clean hands or a cotton pad—never scrub.
Days 5–7: Gradual Recovery
By the end of the first week, redness and sensitivity usually subside, and the skin starts to feel stronger. At this point, you can:
Return to your regular skincare routine, minus exfoliants.
Continue using SPF and hydrating products to protect your healing skin.
Days 10–14: Returning to Normal
After about two weeks, most patients feel fully recovered. At this stage, you can slowly reintroduce active products like retinol, tretinoin, or adapalene if your skin feels ready.
We recommend avoiding any medical-grade treatments such as lasers or strong chemical peels for at least 3–4 weeks unless advised otherwise.
When to Expect Results
While your skin may feel smoother within a week, collagen remodeling takes time. Noticeable improvements in texture and tone often appear around 4 weeks post-treatment, with optimal results after a series of 3–4 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart.
What’s Not Normal
While mild redness, dryness, and peeling are expected, certain symptoms should be taken seriously. Contact your provider if you notice:
Signs of infection (severe redness, swelling, or pus)
Very pronounced needle marks that don’t fade
Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, severe itching, or rash)
These are rare but important to recognize.
The Bottom Line
Microneedling is a powerful treatment that stimulates your skin’s natural healing process, improving texture, hydration, and overall quality. With proper aftercare, you can expect mild downtime, gradual improvements, and long-lasting benefits—especially when done as part of a series.
At Clemens Face + Body in Coolidge Corner, Brookline, we provide thorough aftercare instructions and ongoing support so your skin heals beautifully and safely.
Ready to Start Your Microneedling Journey?
Book your consultation today and let us create a treatment plan that refreshes and rejuvenates your skin from within.
