How & When to Safely Wash Face after Microneedling

How & When to Safely Wash Face after Microneedling
How & When to Safely Wash Face after Microneedling

To properly reap the benefits of microneedling, one of the most important steps in the whole process is washing your face and cleansing.

It is very important that we know how to properly take care of our skin after microneedling. This is the first step!

I’m here to tell you:

  • When its recommended to wash your face after microneedling & Derma rolling
  • How to correctly & safely wash your face
  • What you should be using to Wash & Cleanse Face
  • And what you should avoid using.

When Can You Wash Your Face After Microneedling

You should not wash your face immediately after microneedling. You should wait at least 6-8 hours before washing your face. 

Waiting some time before splashing your face with water will give the skin time to heal and calm down after the procedure. 

Related Article – When & How to Wear Makeup After Microneedling

Why You Should Wait to Wash Your Face After Microneedling

Now infection is rarely an issue after microneedling this is because the holes made are very small and they heal rapidly. But if we wash our face immediately after the procedure before healing starts, we increase the chance of infection.

This is because the water that we drink and wash our faces with is not sterilized.

Therefore, when we saturate our porous skin with regular water, we dramatically enhance the chances of bacteria becoming trapped and multiplying, seeping into the micro-channels made from microneedling that have not had a chance to heal.

This might lead to a severe eruption of spots and blemishes, as well as increased inflammation and the opposite effect you were hoping for.

Related Article – Microneedling Healing Stages What to Expect & Aftercare Tips to Heal Faster

When Can You Wash Your Face After Derma Rolling

You should also wait 6-8 hours to wash your face after derma rolling. 

Even though the micro-channels created in the skin are not as deep with derma rollers, it is still best to let the skin heal and calm down a little before washing. 

The same concept applies as with microneedling. 

Does washing your face after Microneedling hurt

Washing your face after microneedling should not hurt. 

If you wash your face immediately after the procedure, with water that is warm or hot, your face will sting and/or burn. You may damage your skin.

However, if you wait the right amount of time after the procedure, and you wash your face with tepid, or room temperature water as instructed, you should not feel any pain. 

Your face may still be tender and a little red and irritable, but all this should be manageable. 

How to wash your face after microneedling

Most skincare professionals recommend that you only use water (no soap, face wash or cleanser) for the first 48 hours after microneedling. 

But this will vary with every individual. Since every skin is different, it is best to follow your dermatologist’s instructions that are specific to your skin. 

Therefore, you should use lukewarm or room temperature water that is clean to wash your face for the first 24-48 hours after microneedling, unless you are cleared to do otherwise.

After 48 Hours

After 48 hours, you can progress to adding a gentle cleanser, or face wash to your routine. 

You should wash your face at least twice daily. Washing too often will cause your skin to get too dry and will irritate it. 

Things To Avoid Doing After Microneedling

To avoid having to wash your face too much:

  • avoid any activity that will cause you to sweat
  • avoid the outside or the sun if you can
  • avoid touching your face or having your hair on your face
  • avoid getting dust or any other thing on your face as much as you can

Also, remember to moisturize and use your SPF!

Related Article – Retinol after Microneedling – Everything You Need To Know

What can you use to wash your face after microneedling

What Can You Use to Wash Immediately After

When you’re done microneedling, your skin will most likely be red, puffy, and sensitive to the touch. It will normally stay like this for several hours until your skin has healed completely.

You should avoid cleaning your face with water or a cleanser during this first period (6-8 hours) of sensitivity.

What You Can Use After the 6-8 Hours Have Passed

After the first 6-8 hours you may wash your face with tepid or room temperature water that is clean.

Because the chemicals in your face wash are absorbed straight into the pores, they may sometimes cause even more stinging and irritation when used too soon.

What You Can Use After 48 Hours Have Passed

You may incorporate a gentle, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-drying cleanser into your routine after the first 48 hours. 

You may use a toner as well, but it should be a mild, alcohol-free toner. Make sure that it is free of harsh chemicals and irritants. 

I recommend that you run any cleansers, face washes or toners that you plan to use in the 2 to 3 days after microneedling by your dermatologist to make sure the ingredients won’t worsen or cause side effects.

Video: General Aftercare Tips for Microneedling

TIP # 8 IS ABOUT WASHING AND CLEANSERS

What to avoid washing your face with after Microneedling

There are some thing that will irritate your skin and do more damage than good. After microneedling, you should:

  • Avoid scrubbing your face with a towel or brush. This will only make things worse.
  • Avoid using any exfoliators or scrubs on your face for at least 2 weeks after microneedling.
  • Avoid washing your face with warm or hot water as this can burn, irritate or dry out your skin. 
  • Do not clean your face with alcohol wipes, or with products that contain alcohol. 
  • Do not use toners that contain alcohol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or any other harsh chemical, exfoliant, or other active ingredients. 

Best Cleansers to Wash Face after Microneedling

The Best Cleansers Wash Your Face after microneedling are:

  1. Zo Skin Cleanser
  2. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleanser
  3. CETAPHIL, Daily Facial Cleanser
  4. THAYERS Witch Hazel Facial Toner

1- The ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser

Because it is carefully developed for sensitive skin, the ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser is one of the best products to use after microneedling. 

A botanical extract combination delivers anti-irritant and antioxidant properties, as well as sodium lauroyl (oat amino acids), which improve skin barrier function and minimize post-cleansing dryness. 

It soothes and moisturizes while still keeping the skin clean. 

Where You Can Get the ZO Cleanser

You can click here to see the price of ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser on Amazon.

2- Aveeno Ultra-Calming Gel Facial Cleanser

This face cleanser is designed for those with sensitive skin. It:

  • Is clinically proven to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and contaminants effectively, while still being gentle on the skin. 
  • Contains natural ingredients such as Chamomile and Nourishing Oat, which soothes and helps to minimize redness. 
  • Is also fragrance-free and soap-free. This makes it ideal for use after microneedling.

Where you can get the Aveeno Gel Cleanser

You can get the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser on Amazon.

3- CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser

The Daily Facial Cleanser by Cetaphil is a Dermatologist-tested and sensitive-skin-specific formulation. 

This fragrance-free solution is a mild gel-to-foam cleanser that thoroughly cleans and reduces the appearance of pores without robbing skin of its natural moisture. 

To increase the resilience of sensitive skin, it contains a dermatologist-approved mix of niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5), and moisturizing glycerin. 

This cleanser has also been clinically shown to efficiently remove dirt, excess oils, and makeup without drying or tightening the skin. 

Where to Get Cetaphil Face Wash

Cetaphil has been clinically proven to eliminate 94% of contaminants while remaining gentle on the skin.

You can check out the Face Wash by CETAPHIL, Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin on Amazon.

Do you need to clean your face with alcohol after microneedling?

You do not need to clean your face with alcohol or toners after microneedling. 

You should avoid using alcohol or products that contain alcohol on your skin after microneedling. Alcohol is too harsh and will irritate the skin and cause it to get too dry. 

Can You Use a Toner to Clean Your Face After Microneedling

You can use a gentle toner but you can also skip it, especially if it contains actives like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. 

If you want to use a toner, choose one that is hydrating, alcohol-free, and that has no harsh or active ingredients.

Best Toner to use after Microneedling

THAYERS Witch Hazel Facial Toner

The Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner is formulated with certified organic Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera. It is made with 98% Natural Origin Ingredients. 

  • The Witch Hazel tannins are mild antioxidants that are known to soothe the skin. 
  • Aloe Vera is known to keep skin hydrated. 
  • It is alcohol-free so it does not dry out the skin. 

And, it contains all the moisturizing and replenishing properties of the scented varieties – without the scent, so it is non-irritating. 

Where you can get the Thayers Toner

You can click here to see the price of THAYERS Alcohol-Free Unscented Witch Hazel Facial Toner on Amazon.

As always, you should consult your dermatologist about any products that you want to use on your skin after microneedling. They will be able to determine whether your skin can tolerate the products or not. 

Related Articles

Microneedling Healing Stages & Aftercare Tips to Heal Fast

Acne & Breakouts After Microneedling – How to Treat

Microneedling For Wrinkles – Everything You Need to Know

Can Microneedling Scar or Darken Skin (Hyperpigmentation)

Sources:

Can I Wash My Face After Dermarolling? (Tips on Aftercare)

Do’s And Don’ts After Microneedling – Park Meadows Aesthetics

Microneedling Aftercare | Micro Needling Before and After

Can I Wash My Face After Microneedling? – Luxe Luminous

A Scientific, DIY Guide to Dermarolling Away Scars and Marks

How to Take Care of Your Skin After Microneedling 

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