Microneedling is one of those minimally invasive treatments everyone underestimates… until they see what it can do. This isn’t just a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that makes your face a little smoother. It’s a medical aesthetic treatment that stimulates collagen production, restores texture, softens fine lines, and improves everything from acne scars to tone irregularities.
And here’s the truth: the days following your microneedling treatment matter just as much as the appointment itself. At Emerge, we focus on long-term, regenerative skin health. To do this, we consider the body’s natural healing process and the necessary steps to protect treated areas.
So if you have an upcoming appointment at Emerge (or are planning to schedule one), it’s important to know what to expect. That’s why, today, we’re talking about it! We’ll go over what microneedling is, how long healing generally takes, and what to do in the weeks following.
Skin rejuvenation isn’t a trend—it’s a treatment. Protect the investment in your skin health by following the proper post-procedure routine.
Microneedling Aftercare: How to Heal and Maximize Results
People hear the word “needle” and hesitate. However, microneedling does everything your pricey serums and routines can’t—which we’ll explain more below. Just look at this client review, who said her only regret is that she didn’t do it sooner.
Whether you’re new to microneedling or you’ve had it before and just weren’t sure what to do afterward, this physician-led guide is here to make everything simple, clear, and science-driven.
We’ll discuss what microneedling does at the cellular level, how long it takes to heal, and what normal side effects look like. Most importantly, we’ll share the best steps to support your skin for natural, long-lasting results.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries then stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, leading to increased collagen production, elastin remodeling, and improved cellular turnover.
For a quick breakdown, we use microneedling treatments at Emerge to help with…
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and dark spots
- Texture irregularities
- Large pores
- Dullness
- Skin health
- Dry skin
- Cell regeneration
- Hair restoration
We’ve said it before—good skincare is the foundation of what we do. You can’t build a house without laying the foundation, right? However… Your products will only go so far. And they won’t reverse aging.
Regenerative aesthetic medicine, like microneedling, is what will give you the boost you need for real, youthful, natural-looking results. Opt for microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), exosomes, or PDRN, and you’re essentially adding liquid gold to your treatment.
Ultimately, though, who you book your appointment with truly matters. Dr. Kling, for example, is a double board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with an extensive background in aesthetic medicine and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Through a multimodal approach, she considers every client’s unique anatomy, background, and desires.
We say this to say: the goal at Emerge isn’t overfill, overcorrect, or rush to results. The goal, honestly, isn’t even to look different. It’s to address every layer of the skin, build long-term change, and restore skin health so clients can look like themselves again.
Aesthetic medicine is medicine, and that deserves expertise and experience—not guesswork.
How Long Does Microneedling Take to Heal?
Healing doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a progression. Here’s a general treatment timeline:
Days 1-2: Redness
Directly after a microneedling treatment, the skin will look slightly irritated. It will be a little pink and a little red, resembling a mild sunburn. This is entirely normal. Most redness calms within 24 hours, though sensitive skin types may notice lingering irritation for up to 2 days.
Days 1-2: Sensitivity and Warmth
Keep that sunburn analogy in your mind. Aside from slight discoloration, most sunburns are accompanied by mild sensitivity, warmth, and a feeling of tightness. Those same sensations are what you can expect post-treatment, too.
Days 3-5: Dry Skin or Flakiness
Around the 3- to 5-day mark, you may begin to notice that the treated area is peeling or flaking. This is also a completely normal reaction. Ultimately, this is the first step to increased skin cell turnover, and that dryness is a sign that your body’s doing its job. Out with the old skin, in with the new.
Days 5-7: Texture Improvements
By days 5 to 7, you may begin noticing a smoother texture and an improved tone. This is new collagen production! However, that surface-level glow is just beginning. That rebuilding phase continues for weeks beneath the surface.
Day 14: Radiant Results
By the second week, your skin is brighter, your tone is more even, fine lines are less noticeable, and pores are tighter. True collagen stimulation takes time—which is why we always say: “Dramatic results happen gradually when you follow the plan.”
4 to 6 Weeks: Deep Collagen Remodeling
As we mentioned before, collagen production lasts for weeks. With this in mind, consistency is the best anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatment. By the 4-6 week mark, it’s time to call us at Emerge and schedule your next appointment!
You can also discuss additional treatments that pair well with microneedling, like biofillers, injectables, and dermal fillers. Dr. Kling will then formulate a treatment plan tailored to each client’s skin, anatomy, and goals.
You can also hear Dr. Kling talk more about a holistic, regenerative, multimodal approach on our Instagram!
What to Do After Microneedling
This is where clients can make all the difference in their results. Here’s a step-by-step, physician-approved aftercare plan:
Use Gentle Skincare Products
Less is more—especially after any form of aesthetic treatment, and especially within the first 24 hours. The skin will be vulnerable, and any additional irritation can delay results. Depending on the physician’s recommendations, it’s ideal to wait 24-78 hours after treatment before applying any products.
After those few days are up, focus on mild, supportive, and hydrating products. Alastin Gentle Cleanser is excellent for removing environmental pollutants and calming the skin without stripping it of necessary oils.
Also, this may be one of the few times you’ll hear us say this—avoid vitamin C and retinoids until your skin is fully healed—generally around the 5-7 day period. Actives can be too harsh for vulnerable skin, leading to irritation and burning.
Keep the Skin Hydrated
As your skin moves through the healing process, it needs moisture. After the first 24 hours, you can begin reintroducing a gentle, lightweight moisturizer to support barrier repair and comfort.
If you want a medical-grade option that truly supports recovery, we recommend Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. It won the 2021 Aesthetician’s Choice Award for “Favorite Medical-Grade Moisturizer,” and for good reason. This formula calms, nourishes, and supports the production of new elastin and collagen. It was practically made for post-treatment skin.
Apply SPF Following Treatment
Just like we mentioned above, avoid applying broad-spectrum sunscreen 24-48 hours post-treatment. If you can’t avoid going outside, we recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from harsh UV. (Dr. Kling really leads by example here.)
After that? Sunscreen becomes non-negotiable. If you’re looking for recommendations, Skinceuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 protects against UV-induced pigmentation, evens skin tone, moisturizers, and brightens.
Or, Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is fantastic for UVA/UVB sun protection and skin pollution. It also features a glowing tint for a flawless no-makeup makeup look—something most clients appreciate after skin rejuvenation!
Listen to Dr. Kling discuss the additional benefits of tinted SPF here.
Avoid Heat
For at least 48-72 hours post-treatment, avoid excessive heat. That means no hot yoga, long workouts, saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers. Heat causes blood vessels to expand, which can increase redness, swelling, and overall discomfort.
And because microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries, sweat can irritate the treated area and interfere with healing. Keeping the skin cool, clean, and dry during this window supports better results and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.
If you are in warmer climates and can’t escape the heat, just keep a close eye out for signs of infection. If anything feels off, contact the team at Emerge.
Wait to Wear Makeup
Makeup isn’t designed for healing skin. Post-microneedling, your microchannels remain open, which means makeup can introduce bacteria or ingredients that irritate the treated area. It can also clog pores or disrupt the overall healing process. For the best results, avoid makeup for at least 24 hours—longer (5-7 days) if you can.
Don’t Pick, Scratch, or Exfoliate
Flaking or dryness may tempt you, but picking only disrupts healing and increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. That said, avoid rubbing, scratching, itching, or exfoliating your face until you have fully healed.
The skin will naturally exfoliate on its own—no products or pressure required.
Physician-led guidance can help you achieve better, longer-lasting results post-microneedling treatment.
Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for increased collagen production, resulting in firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. However, it only works well when it’s paired with the proper aftercare. Heal your skin gently, protect the treated area, and trust your body’s natural healing process.
At Emerge, Dr. Kling combines the art of beauty with the science of medicine to create treatment plans that reflect strategy, consistency, and expert-level precision. In a sea of marketing pitches and sales tactics, she focuses on what’s appropriate and effective, creating long-term change. Schedule your consultation at Emerge to learn which treatments may be right for your skin!