Preparing for microneedling: what do I need to know?

Proper preparation for microneedling is a guarantee that the session will be flawless and 100% effective. Esthetician specialist ANNAZUR Organic Beauty SPA will tell you what to do before the procedure and what to avoid.

Why do I need to prepare for microneedling?

Microneedling (collagen induction therapy, fractional mesotherapy) is a controlled damage to the skin. During it, a special instrument is used to pierce the epidermis with microscopic needles. This stimulates natural regenerative processes. Due to this, rashes, acne scars disappear, wrinkles are smoothed, pores are tightened, tone is equalized, skin is tightened.

Microneedling is safe, easily tolerated by clients. However, it is important to carefully prepare for the session. Only then will your skin be cleansed and rejuvenated, radiant, smooth and tightened. Plus proper preparation will prevent undesirable consequences.

Ruzanna
17 years experience

The effect of microneedling is not only accelerated regeneration. Microneedling also improves the penetration of nutrients contained in cosmetic care products under the skin. Usually they do not reach more than 0.3%. And after a session, this figure increases hundreds of times.

A woman prepares the skin of the face in front of micronidling

Stages of preparation for microneedling

We have compiled a complete guide on how to prepare for collagen induction therapy. Follow the advice of an esthetician specialist to fully experience all benefits of microneedling.

Make an appointment for a full consultation with an esthetician specialist

Not all clinics provide a really detailed examination of your skin condition before microneedling. Often offered "free consultations" may not take into account your individual characteristics.

Our specialist will help to make sure the procedure is necessary and safe. Before making a personalized recommendation, he will:

will assess the skin type and its problems,

identify contraindications (diseases, infections),

help you decide if you need to stop using any medications for a while,

clarify allergic reactions or sensitivities to cosmetic products,

will tell you how to care for your skin before and after microneedling, as well as about repeat sessions.

Consultation with an esthetician

Microneedling is not suitable for everyone. To find out whether you need fractional mesotherapy or whether it is better to choose another cosmetic procedure, consult an esthetician specialist.

During your consultation, he or she will:

Identify your skin type and problems;

identify contraindications: skin diseases, infections, severe somatic pathologies;

find out what medications you are taking and tell you if you need to stop taking them before the session;

ask about allergies, how sensitive your skin is to damage, cosmetics.

You can also ask about:

nuances of skin care before and after the session;

the microneedling process;

what tools he will use, what nozzles he will use;

how often you need to repeat the procedure.

Exclusion of certain cosmetic procedures

Two to four weeks before collagen induction therapy, you should avoid any cosmetic procedures that compromise the integrity of the skin. These are:

peels;

Botox injections, hyaluronic acid;

skin bleaching, removal of freckles, moles;

hair removal: razor, wax, sugar paste, creams;

laser depilation, resurfacing, revitalization, rejuvenation;

any plastic surgery.

Skin care adjustments

During fractional mesotherapy, tiny punctures are created in the epidermis. This increases its sensitivity. To reduce the risk of irritation, rashes, dryness, it is necessary to change the care of the skinbefore the procedure of microneedling for a couple of weeks:

refuse creams, gels, serums with vitamins A, C, any acids;

do not use aggressive cleansers with sodium lauryl sulfate;

do not apply excessive makeup, especially powder, foundation, BB creams, concealers, highlighters;

use moisturizing creams and nourishing serums to keep the skin hydrated;

use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 at all times of the year.

Diet and lifestyle

Skin regeneration is a time-consuming process for the body. In order for it to have the strength to recover, 1-2 before the procedure you need to adjust your lifestyle and diet:

refuse strong coffee, black tea;

no alcohol;

no smoking;

increase water intake: 2-3 liters per day, depending on weight;

do not eat spicy, spicy dishes, fast food, snacks, limit sweets;

do not eat foods that affect blood clotting: garlic, ginger, turmeric, fish oil;

don't overwork;

avoid stressful situations;

sleep 7-8 hours a day.

Preparation on the day of the procedure

Immediately before the session you need to:

make sure that you are not sick: no fever, weakness, malaise;

do not apply any cosmetics to the skin: decorative and care products;

wash your face with warm water and a neutral, unscented cleansing gel;

wear comfortable, spacious clothing that does not cover the treated area of the body or that can be easily removed;

do not wear jewelry: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chains;

remove contact lenses.

What should not be done before microneedling?

Alcohol and some drugs are prohibited to take before micronidling

At the consultation, the esthetician specialist will give you a checklist of tips and explain what can and can't do before microneedling.

Standard recommendations before microneedling:

6 months
- stop using ointments with adapalene, isotretinoin to treat hormonal acne;

2 weeks
- stop smoking, alcohol, coffee;

1-2 weeks
- do not scrubbing, skin peeling (both chemical in the salon, and home);

for 10 days
- avoid visiting a tanning salon, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, use sunscreen;

in 1 week
- do not bleach the skin, do not remove hair by shaving, waxing, shugaring;

in 7 days
- do not use cosmetics with retinol (vitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), glycolic acid and do not take supplements with them;

in 3 days
- refuse to take aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, other blood thinning drugs.

Carefully observe the prohibitions. They will help to reduce skin irritation during the procedure. Ensure good healing and recovery of the skin. Eliminate side effects: infection, rashes, swelling, hematomas, bleeding.

Ruzanna
17 years experience

If you are prone to recurrences of herpesvirus infection, I recommend taking antiviral medications 48 before microneedling and on the day of the session. This will reduce the risk of activation of the virus and the appearance of herpetic ulcers on the face.

Psychological preparation

For many clients the most difficult thing in preparation for microneedling is to overcome the fear of needles and pain. We hasten to reassure you. There's nothing to worry about. The needles are very thin and small. They penetrate only 0.25-3 mm under the skin: depending on its thickness in a particular area of the body. And to completely eliminate unpleasant sensations, the beautician half an hour before the procedure applies anesthetic gel.

The effect of the cosmetic procedure is noticeable after the first time. But to achieve a full result, you will have to repeat it several times. How often you should perform microneedling depends on the type of skin, the number of problems and their severity.

Conclusion

Proper preparation for microneedling is the key to success. Listen to the advice of a cosmetologist. Even a seemingly insignificant recommendation can significantly affect the result of the procedure. Ignoring it can lead to complications.

FAQ

Can I exercise before the procedure?

It is better to avoid intense exercise a couple of days before the session. Otherwise, the body will not have enough strength to recover from both exercise and microneedling. Light activity is allowed: walking on the street or treadmill, stretching, Pilates, yoga.

Can I take painkillers before microneedling?

Often salon clients want pain pills to reduce discomfort during the session. But for nothing. The cosmetologist himself will anesthetize the skin with a local anesthetic. And you will feel almost nothing.

In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin thin the blood. Because of this, bleeding from needle punctures will be more intense. And bruises may appear after the procedure.

How long to maintain restrictions after preparation?

For a week after microneedling the skin will be very sensitive, susceptible to bacteria, sunlight. Irritations, redness, dryness of the epidermis are also possible. Therefore, you will have to follow a number of rules:

avoid direct sunlight, visiting a solarium: this will lead to damage and sagging of the skin;
do not expose the skin to steam, high temperatures: do not take a bath, do not visit saunas, swimming pools, water bodies;
reduce sweating: you will have to forget about intensive sports for a while;
do not use decorative cosmetics: they clog pores and cause irritation;
avoid waxing, peeling: they will aggravate the damage;
avoid coffee, alcohol, smoking: these substances dehydrate the skin, which slows down and worsens regeneration;
protect and moisturize the skin: apply nourishing creams and lotions with SPF filters.