How To Prepare For Microneedling
Microneedling is a ‘minimally invasive procedure using thin needles’ that can help to treat minor skin problems and requires little to no downtime.
If you’ve never had a microneedling treatment before, you might not know what to expect or how to prepare for microneedling.
Microneedling prep is a crucial part of the procedure, as your skin should be in a calm state before a microneedling appointment to achieve the best results.
To prepare for microneedling, you should:
- Avoid exfoliating in the days prior
- Skip hair removal
- Avoid topical retinoids and acids
- Be mindful of any medication you’re taking
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure
1. Avoid Exfoliating In The Days Prior
To prepare for microneedling, you will need to avoid exfoliating in the days prior to your appointment.
This comes down to the fact that exfoliating can be harsh on your skin and using the wrong exfoliant can even cause microtears to your skin.
As such, you should remove exfoliating from your skincare routine 5 to 7 days before you’re due to receive microneedling.
Microneedling is a ‘minimally invasive procedure using thin needles’ that can help to treat minor skin problems and requires little to no downtime.
2. Skip Hair Removal
You’ll also want to skip hair removal before your microneedling appointment.
Avoid waxing, shaving, electrolysis, lasering, and using any hair removal products on your skin during the week before your treatment.
This is to ensure you avoid any skin irritation before you arrive at your appointment.
When in doubt, always ask your aesthetic practitioner for their recommendations and be sure to follow their aftercare advice.
3. Avoid Topical Retinoids & Acids
To prepare for microneedling, you’ll also want to avoid topical retinoids and acid-based skincare products such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Your skin needs to be in its most calm state before you receive the treatment. These types of skincare products can irritate the skin before your appointment, so you should focus on simplifying your routine with gentle products.
Additionally, you should wait until you reintroduce retinoids and acids back into your skincare routine as they can interfere with the healing process.
To discover the many benefits of microneedling, read our blog here.
4. Be Mindful Of Any Medication You’re Taking
Before booking your microneedling appointment, you’ll also need to be mindful of any medications that you’re taking.
There are a few medications you’ll need to be mindful of if you’re interested in microneedling. These include:
- Acne medications - You may need to stop taking acne medications, such as Accutane, before your microneedling appointment.
- Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen should be avoided as it can interfere with the natural inflammatory process critical for skin rejuvenation following microneedling.
- Blood thinning medications - Blood thinning medications such as warfarin can increase your risk of bruising from the procedure.
If you’re taking any medications on a regular basis, you should always follow the advice of your doctor and aesthetic practitioner.
They will be able to advise you on the best course of action whilst taking any medications into consideration.
Your skin needs to be in its most calm state before you receive the treatment.
5. Avoid Unprotected Sun Exposure
Lastly, you should avoid unprotected sun exposure before a microneedling appointment.
While SPF should already be a staple in your skincare routine, it’s important to be all the more vigilant before your aesthetic treatment, so make sure that you’re wearing factor 50 SPF every day.
Wearing a sunhat is also prudent when outdoors, and you’ll need to ensure that you’re reapplying your SPF throughout the day to ensure your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
How Long Does A Microneedling Session Take?
Generally speaking, a microneedling session will take anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes to complete.
That said, this can vary depending on the number of areas that are being treated and you will also need to account for the time it takes for the numbing cream to take effect.
That said, not every microneedling session will last the same amount of time.
Before booking your microneedling appointment, you’ll need to be mindful of any medications that you’re taking.
How We Can Help
If you’re looking to further your career in aesthetics, we at You Can Clinic can help.
We’ve trained over 1000 healthcare professionals in aesthetics, and offer a variety of training courses, including our microneedling and dermaplaning facial training course.
This half-day training course provides you with hands-on experience with live models and is the perfect opportunity for aesthetic nurses looking to expand their skills.
Book your place on our website or get in touch with a member of our team today at 02921 678747 or courses@youcanclinic.com.
We hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of how to prepare for a microneedling session.
You Can Clinic is one of the UK's leading providers of aesthetic training courses and pharmaceutical supplies. Over 1000 individuals have progressed through our affordable programmes, which provide comprehensive coverage of all relevant aesthetic procedures.
Do you see yourself in the industry? Check out our articles on Botulinum Toxin, Weight Management, Eyebrow and Eyelash and Dermaplaning Training Courses.
Written by Jemima, for You Can Clinic.