The beauty world’s answer to a morning cup of coffee, microneedling is becoming more and more of a popular practice. So, a moisturizer after microneedling is crucial, and here’s why.

It is a procedure that gently rolls the head of a derma-roller, which is covered in tiny spikes, over the surface of the skin. By doing so, tiny and painless micro-injuries are caused, which your skin responds to by increasing its collagen production (which is a big contributor to how youthful you appear).

With many people noticing smoother under-eye areas, with dark circles not nearly as prominent as before, as well as a more plumped complexion, it’s no surprise that this non-surgical treatment is gaining loyal devotees all over -not to mention its ability to diminish hyperpigmentation, dull skin, and scars! 

But, here’s the thing: it’s recommended that you use a moisturizer both during and after a derma-roller. This is because it acts as a protective layer between the needles and your skin, and even increases the absorption. After the procedure, it’s just as important to give your skin what it needs to optimize healing and collagen growth now that you have a ton of teeny wounds covering your face. The first thing applied to the face is during the actual facial – the platelet-rich plasma. This natural growth hormone remains on your skin for a few hours after the procedure but after it washes off, you’ll need to continue cocooning your soon-to-be baby-soft complexion in a wave of nourishing moisture.

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In a hurry? This is our Winner!

WINNER: Post-Microneedling 5% Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Serum Moisturizer

Why is it Our Top Pick?

A much needed dose of hydration doesn’t have to necessarily come from a thick texture and the Luminositie Niacinamide Cream demonstrates this.

Marketed as being able to ‘turn back the clock’ this serum is a Vitamin B3 concentrate, an ingredient known for its incredible abilities to hydrate the skin, that will quench your skin as soon as it comes into contact with it to provide a much needed sigh of relief for both you and your complexion.

It’s particularly ideal for using on post-microneedled skin because:

• It is safe to be used around the delicate places of the face, including your eye area
• It will not cause any redness or irritation
• It will influx your skin with refreshing hydration to help speed up the recovery process
• Provides an antioxidant defense to further decrease signs of ageing

Our Reviews

This powerful, high potency cream is a multitasking product that will help to care for your skin after microneedling. Loaded with pure Jojoba Oil, a powerful humectant that is able to soothe, repair, and plump the skin while toning and maintaining moisture for long lasting hydration, it is the ideal post microneedling step that will be a moment of indulgence and a low-maintenance way to help your skin heal.

Upon application, the Luminositie Niacinamide Cream’s lightweight, fast-absorbing formula will intensely hydrate for a healthy-looking, youthful, and more glowing complexion, use after use.

Pros:

• Will keep your skin moisturised all day
• Affordable price
• Can be layered with other types of moisturisers

Cons:

• None

#2: HONEYDEW Scar Cream for Face and Body Care

This targeted, non-greasy scar cream is specially formulated to help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and dark spots – making it the perfect soothing treat for skin in need of soothing after microneedling.

Wondering what makes this formula so special? Its proprietary blend utilizes a cocktail of natural botanicals to gently but effectively lighten unsightly marks on your skin. 

Rosehip, Coconut, Jojoba, Sweet Orange, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E work together to promote and protect collagen to boost your skin’s tone, texture and elasticity. With these ingredients, you’ll have softer and more supple, even-toned skin.

This is an excellent solution for acne scars, surgery spots, stretch marks and various types of dark circles. Besides this, it delivers refreshing hydration and soothing comfort to remove dryness and get a soft and smooth texture!

Also, it gives a beautiful toning effect and maximizes the collagen and elastin production, which will work in conjunction with your microneedling procedure.

Pros:

• Refreshing scent
• Rich in nutrients to help keep heal your skin
• Non-greasy

Cons:

• Lightweight texture that may compromise on the much sought after ‘comforting’ feeling that a cream can provide

#3: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Microneedling Post Care

Next up we have the Cerave Moisturizing Cream! Enriched with hyaluronic acid! Specifically formulated with the help of dermatologists for skin barrier’s in need of TLC, this moisturizer will instantly get to work in attracting hydration to your skin’s surface, helping your complexion to look and feel more hydrated while aiding in it’s healing process.

Ceramides have been included due to their ability to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, while patented MVE Technology is able to continually release moisturizing ingredients for 24 hours of hydration without a heavy or weighed down feel.

Pros:

• Noticeably diminishes the appearance of scars, wrinkles and dark spots
• Rich in nutrients to help keep heal your skin
• Enriched with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Cons:

• This cream does not have a fragrance which takes away the luxury factor

#4: Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying Face Serum

Mineral 89 has been a beauty-world must have for quite some time and thanks to its hydrating properties, it’s a great post microneedling skincare step that will both alleviate and comfort.

Known for its ability to rid your skin of stress and fatigue, Mineral 89’s name stems from the fact that its lightweight gel-texture serum contains the highest concentration of Vichy Thermal Mineralizing Water at 89%. 

Its fusion of only 11 ingredients, including 15 skin-conditioning minerals, means that this lightweight but hardworking moisturizing erum will elevate your skincare routine, while revealing skin that looks plumped, glowing and hydrated.

Not only that, the Vichy Mineral 89 Serum will provide your skin with a variety of benefits by penetrating your complexion with deep hydration, as well as keeping your skin defended against any and all pollutants. Mineral 89 encourages a complexion that is radiant, healthy and moisturised, making it ideal for use after microneedling.

Fast-absorbing, this hydration rich formula influxes your skin in moisture from natural origin hyaluronic acid, strengthening your skin’s barrier, whilst forming a protective shield against harmful free radicals and other types of particles.  Afterwards, skin will feel instantly refreshed and hydrated without a sticky feel.

Pros:

• Noticeably diminishes the appearance of scars, wrinkles and dark spots
• Rich in nutrients to help keep heal your skin
• Enriched with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Cons:

• This cream does not have a fragrance which takes away the luxury factor

#5: Kiehl’s Sunscreen Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 for Microneedling Aftercare

Reformulated to contain a broad spectrum SPF protection, the Ultra Facial Cream SPF30 is a lightweight cream that has been specially formulated to leave your skin feeling comfortable, refreshed and visibly more unified. 

After you have your microneedling procedure, the delicate skin on your face is going to be even more vulnerable to harsh UV rays than ever before, which is why it makes sense to pick a moisturizer that offers some level of protection against the sun. 

Suitable for all skin types, ths broad spectrum moisturizer will protect your skin from dehydration, as well as working hard to defend against harmful aggressors such as UVA, UVB and environmental aggressors. 

Creamy and comforting, its super-soft formula is enriched with both glacial glycoprotein and squalene (two mega hydrating ingredients) that will help to boost your skin’s moisture retaining abilities while also locking in moisture for longer. Once applied, your skin will remain optimally hydrated for up to 24 hours, making it just the ticket for your healing complexion.

Pros:

• Noticeably diminishes the appearance of scars, wrinkles and dark spots
• Rich in nutrients to help keep heal your skin
• Enriched with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Cons:

• This cream does not have a fragrance which takes away the luxury factor

Buyers Guide for Microneedling Moisturizers

Even on normal days, it’s really important to treat your skin gently with products that are effective but not harmful to your skin. When you are healing from your procedure, however, you must show extra care to make sure that you get optimal results from your treatment.

There are plenty of reasons why microneedling is gaining popularity (and not just because instagram said so!). Though the procedure may sound a little daunting, there are a number of amazing benefits of microneedling, such as:

• Improvement of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
• Acne scar reductions
• Diminishing stretch marks
• A more unified skin tone
• Lighter hyperpigmentation/appearance of dark spots
• Smaller pores
• A more firm and supple skin texture
• Healed scars
• The reduction of broken capillaries and/or spider veins
• Kisses the skin with vitality for a younger-looking appearance

After deciding to get this procedure done, there are some aftercare tips that we’ve compiled to make sure you take complete care of your complexion afterwards:

Microneedling Aftercare Tips and Tricks

Now we know about all of the amazing benefits that microneedling offers the way it can  keep your skin looking beautiful, it’s also important to follow aftercare instructions to get the most out of your skincare treatment.

In general, microneedling creates micro wounds in the skin, so you may find that you cannot return to your normal skincare routines right away. In fact, immediately after your treatment, you will look as though you have a mild to moderate sunburn (which is why we suggest an spf!). Your skin may feel hot and tight, which is why every moisturizer we have recommended in this article will alleviate these temporary, potentially uncomfortable sensations.. Keep in mind though, these side effects are absolutely normal and  typically go away within a few hours after treatment or so.

Don’t worry: your skin practitioner will discuss post-procedure skin care following the treatment to help soothe, calm, and protect the skin. Continue to treat the skin gently for three days after microneedling, and you may resume your normal skincare routine after day three post-treatment.

What to Avoid

Retinol

Vitamin A and its derivatives is one of the best rejuvenating skin care ingredients out there, but retinol’s powerful, peeling action makes it a bad option after microneedling. 

Why? Retinol works to exfoliate your skin at a much deeper level than a scrub ever could, it also affects gene expression by causing enhanced collagen production, skin smoothing and the diminishment of any hyperpigmentation. can be too strong a skincare addition post-microneedling as the process of microneedling creates small channels in the skin it is important not to apply products that could irritate the skin’s deeper layers. For that reason it’s a good idea to avoid vitamin A based skincare straight after microneedling (we recommend waiting until your skin has completely healed).

Strong Exfoliating Acids

We also recommend laying off all AHA acids (the strongest type of acid) while also avoiding milder avids like BHA and PHA acids as these could cause problems if used directly post-microneedling as you could risk inflammation of your skin barrier. Can’t wait? At the very least, give your skin a break from exfoliation for at least for 48 hours – your skin needs comfort, TLC and time to heal itself.

Vitamin C

Buckle up: this ingredient has proven to be a controversial one in the microneedling community. With dermatologists, practitioners and skin experts divided on whether you should introduce a vitamin C serum into a microneedling regime, we want to inform you as much as possible so that you can make the best choice depending on you and your skin.

On one hand, it  does allow for greater penetration of powerful antioxidants to encourage protection from free radicals, while encouraging the stimulation of collagen (the ingredient responsible for youthful appearing skin). On the other hand, vitamin C can have the opposite effect and leave your skin feeling red, irritated and sore.  

In our expert opinion, we recommend always carrying out a patch test before introducing any vitamin C treatment into your skincare routine after a microneedling procedure. If you’re on the fence though, you can always skip the Vitamin C for a few weeks until your complexion has healed.

Makeup

If we’re being honest, going without makeup is most definitely easier said than done! However, it is a standard aftercare recommendation to go fresh-faced for at least 24 hours after a microneedling treatment to avoid irritation, congestion and to just allow your skin space to breathe.

If this isn’t an option (we totally get it) we suggest going a little lighter on the amount you wear, mixing a pump of foundation into some moisturizer or picking up some purchases from makeup brand designed specifically with sensitive skin in mind to minimise the likelihood of any issues.