SkinPen Aftercare Guide

SkinPen microneedling is one of the most effective skin-renewing treatments. It stimulates the skin’s natural healing and self-renewal processes by creating thousands of microchannels — perfect for repairing texture, scars, and wrinkles, without any skin damage and minimal downtime. 

SkinPen leaves the skin a little sensitive and vulnerable in the immediate aftermath. After microneedling, there are open microchannels in the skin that take about a day to close up completely. It’s during this healing process that skin repair and transformation take place, but it’s also when following proper SkinPen aftercare is so important. 

What To Avoid After SkinPen Microneedling

In the days after getting SkinPen microneedling, your first step is to avoid anything that will introduce bacteria or other pathogens by keeping things clean and hygienic.

Once your skin is no longer compromised, stay away from any potential irritants that can interfere with your skin’s natural healing process. In the early days, it means keeping the skin clean and avoiding contact with anything unhygienic or not clear for post-procedure care, as well as avoiding intense activities that raise your body temperature.

In the weeks after treatment, it’s all about avoiding harsh or resurfacing skincare products, intensive procedures, and intense activities. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown that makes the aftercare timeline easy to parse: 

First 24 Hours 

In the first 24 hours after your treatment, you will likely experience some redness, mild swelling, or a sunburn-like sensation. 

The most important thing in the first 24 hours after SkinPen is to keep your skin clean and untouched. Anything that comes in contact with your skin needs to be clean, whether it’s your hands or the fabric of your pillowcase. 

Don’t apply any topical products to your skin unless specifically recommended by your provider. SEV Aesthetic Field Manager Karina Coy recommends you bring a clean, wide-brimmed hat to your appointment to protect your skin from the sun. 

First 3 Days

In the first 3 days after treatment, you may notice some mild side effects like dryness or slight itchiness as your skin heals. This is when you’ll want to introduce gentle, soothing skincare products. 

Continue to keep your skin clean, and avoid wearing makeup. Always wash your hands before touching the treated area, and make sure towels and bedding are freshly washed.

Once 24 hours have passed, you may use gentle skincare products free from active ingredients (including very mild ones like niacinamide or vitamin C). We recommend sticking to clinical-grade products with barrier repair effects. 

For the first 3 days, try to avoid sun exposure, and use unscented sunscreen with 30 SPF or greater if you do need to go outside in the daytime (or even sit by a window). 

Lastly, avoid any activities that can raise your body temperature, such as intense exercise or using hot tubs for 3 days. Even when showering or bathing, we recommend keeping the temperature lukewarm.

The First Week

During the first week after your treatment, side effects will dissipate and your skin will start looking softer and healthier. 

For the first week, continue to avoid skincare with intense active ingredients. That includes:

• Retinoids (prescription, OTC, or cosmetic)
• Exfoliating acids (e.g, salicylic acid/BHA, or glycolic or lactic acids/AHAs)
• Topical acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide
• Vitamin C (especially in its ascorbic acid form)

If you have any skincare products you’re unsure about, feel free to ask your treatment provider. 

2-4 Weeks After 

Once two weeks have passed, all side effects and sensitivity from your SkinPen treatment will likely be gone, but you still want to be careful. Avoid getting any exfoliating facials, including Hydrafacials, laser facials, or microdermabrasions on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks. Cosmetic injections also require a 2-week wait. 

You’ll want to wait up to 4 weeks before getting more intensive procedures in the treatment area, such as laser hair removal, radiofrequency, chemical peels, or any other medical aesthetic procedures. 

Pre-Treatment Tips 

Following pre-care instructions is also important for ensuring a safe and effective SkinPen experience. Here’s a quick summary of our SkinPen pre-care advice at SEV: 

• Take your time to review consent forms and contraindications, to ensure you can be treated safely. 
• Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours before treatment.
• Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, free from makeup, sunscreen, artificial tan, or skincare. 
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, or prescription retinoids for 24 hours before treatment. 
• Make sure you haven’t taken anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications for 2 weeks before treatment. 
• Make sure it’s been at least 2 weeks since you’ve had any cosmetic injections. 
• Make sure it’s been at least 1 month if you’ve had any intensive procedures on the treatment area, such as ablative lasers, and up to 3 months if you’re still experiencing increased sensitivity or side effects.

How to Maintain SkinPen Results 

SkinPen stimulates and speeds your skin’s natural self-renewal process, so there’s not much you have to do to maintain your results. The key is to prevent external aggressors from irritating your skin or causing free radical damage that breaks down collagen and speeds the aging process. 

Practicing good sun protection, with high-SPF sunscreen and hats or UPF-rated clothing, is fundamental. 

Aside from that, use high-quality skincare products that don’t compromise your skin barrier. Focus on reparative ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, and gentle moisturizers. Keep your skin clean, but avoid harsh or stripping cleansers. 

Finally, make sure to come back for consistent treatments. If you’re looking for basic maintenance, getting SkinPen microneedling treatments every 3 months will suffice. If you’re looking to treat a specific aesthetic concern, such as existing signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, or scarring, getting monthly treatments is key. 

SkinPen at SEV 

If you’re researching SkinPen aftercare, it’s safe to assume you’re interested not only in getting treated but in having a safe experience and positive results. At SEV, our team of aesthetic professionals handles every step, from pre-treatment prep to post-treatment guidance, with expertise.

Our goal is to tailor your treatment to your skin’s needs and ensure a beautiful recovery. With consistent treatments, we’ll help you finally achieve the results you want, whether you’re seeking to smooth away texture, fade lines, or simply maintain your youthful radiance. 

Book your appointment today, and set yourself on the path to renewed skin and greater confidence.