Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize about microneedling:
It’s not just about collagen production (although we love that).
It also turns your skin into a super-absorbent sponge—for a short, but powerful, window of time.
At Erase & Embrace in Temecula, we love teaching our clients how to get the most out of their microneedling treatments, and one of the biggest game-changers is what you put on your skin right after. Because after your session, your skin is primed to soak in all the good stuff—as long as you give it the right ingredients.
Why Microneedling Improves Product Absorption
Microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create thousands of tiny microchannels in the skin. These tiny openings:
- Stimulate your skin’s healing response
- Kickstart collagen and elastin production
- And (this is key) dramatically increase product penetration
What Not to Use After Microneedling
Let’s get this out of the way first. After microneedling, your skin is more vulnerable, so certain ingredients are a hard no:
❌ Retinols or retinoids
❌ Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, etc.)
❌ Beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)
❌ Vitamin C (unless specifically formulated for post-treatment use)
❌ Fragrance, alcohol, or essential oils
These can all irritate the skin, cause stinging, or even trigger post-inflammatory pigmentation.
The Best Ingredients to Use After Microneedling
Here’s what your skin actually wants during the healing window:
Hyaluronic Acid
The holy grail for hydration. It helps draw moisture into your skin, supports healing, and gives you that post-microneedling glow.
Growth Factors
These are proteins that stimulate cellular repair and boost collagen synthesis. They can speed up healing and enhance overall results.
Peptides
Support skin strength and elasticity while reducing inflammation.
Niacinamide (in gentle concentrations)
Soothes redness, reduces irritation, and helps reinforce your skin barrier.
Barrier-repairing moisturizers
Look for ceramides, squalane, and calming botanical extracts to support healing and hydration.
Timing: When to Apply Products Post-Treatment
Your provider will guide you based on your specific treatment, but in general:
- First 24–48 hours: Stick to very simple hydration and healing (no actives).
- Day 3–5: You may slowly introduce gentle serums and richer moisturizers.
- After 5–7 days: Once your skin is calm, we can help you reintroduce your usual products gradually.
Consistency is key—your skin is rebuilding from the inside out, and what you apply plays a huge role in how well that process goes.
Maximize Your Microneedling Results
Microneedling is an investment in your skin’s long-term health and glow. So don’t let that absorption window go to waste—feed your skin what it needs, and you’ll see better texture, tone, hydration, and radiance.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our clinic at 951-540-6524 for more advice or schedule a consultation.
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