“Wait, you’re making tiny injuries in my skin on purpose?”
Yes, and that’s the point. Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin. Those channels trigger your body’s natural wound-healing response, which supports new collagen and elastin [1,2]. Because the change comes from your skin remodeling itself, results build over weeks instead of appearing overnight.
If you’ve already read our comparison of Morpheus8 vs. traditional microneedling, you know which treatment fits which goal. This post covers the next question: what actually happens before, during, and after a microneedling appointment, including microneedling healing, at our Sandy, Utah clinic.
How Microneedling Works (the Short Version)
Microneedling healing follows the same three overlapping phases as any skin repair: inflammation, new tissue formation, and remodeling [1,3]. In the first days, the skin releases growth factors that recruit repair cells. Over the following weeks, fibroblasts lay down new collagen, and that collagen keeps maturing for months [2,3].
Studies have shown improvement in acne scars, fine lines, texture, and enlarged pores, usually after a series of treatments [2,4,5]. In one study of patients treated for wrinkles, scars, and laxity, biopsies showed increased collagen and elastin six months after treatment [2].
Before Microneedling Healing Begins: How to Prep
Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger repair. Many providers think skin that starts out calm, hydrated, and with an intact barrier tends to heal more predictably. That’s why prep matters.
Good prep lowers the chance of irritation, bruising, and dark spots. Our Microneedling Pre/Post Care guide has the full checklist; the key points are:
- 7 days before: Stop vitamin A products (retinol, tretinoin) and exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic).
- 3 days before: Avoid anti-inflammatory pain relievers (Advil, Motrin) and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E) to reduce bruising. Don’t stop any prescribed medication without asking the prescriber.
- Deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI): Use your prescribed pigment inhibitor daily for 2-6 weeks before treatment to help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Microneedling is generally considered a lower-risk option for skin of color than many resurfacing treatments, but pigment changes can still happen [6].
- Arrive with clean skin and let us know about active breakouts, cold sores, or recent sunburn.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning, and use a broad-spectrum SPF daily.
The Alastin pre-procedure protocol. Nervana carries Alastin Skincare. Alastin recommends its Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology® twice daily starting about two weeks before a procedure, and again for about two weeks afterward [10][11]. Alastin says the product “preconditions” skin and supports new elastin and collagen [11][12]. Alastin’s Procedure Enhancement System study regimen was used for 3 weeks before and 12 weeks after treatment. It paired the Nectar with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm, and SPF 30+ [12].
What the evidence shows. Most published studies of TriHex products were funded by or involved Alastin. One small randomized, blinded study (10 patients, laser resurfacing for acne scars) used the Nectar twice daily starting 2 weeks before treatment and compared it with a bland moisturizer [13]. It’s promising but limited, and microneedling-specific data are thinner. Ask us whether it makes sense for your skin.
Your Microneedling Healing Timeline, Day by Day
Every skin heals differently, but here’s what most patients can expect, based on our care guide and published reviews [3,4]:
Day 0 (treatment day): Skin looks pink to red and feels warm and tight, a lot like a sunburn. Pinpoint bleeding during treatment is normal and stops quickly [3]. For the first 24 hours, rinse with lukewarm water only. No cleansers, makeup, or sunscreen, and sleep on a fresh pillowcase. Avoid the sun completely.
Days 1–2: Redness and tightness peak and begin to fade. Skip heavy exercise, saunas, and hot showers for 48 hours, since sweat and bacteria can irritate the open micro-channels. If you had an exosome add-on, some patients may see redness settle sooner.
Days 3–5: Skin may feel like sandpaper or flake lightly. This is normal turnover. Don’t scrub or pick. Most people are back to makeup and normal routines in this window [3,4].
Week 2–4: The “glow” phase. Skin often looks brighter and more even as early collagen production ramps up.
Months 1–6: Collagen continues to remodel. This is when scar and texture improvements become most noticeable [2,3].
From day 2 onward, wear a mineral (zinc-based) SPF 30+ every day. Healing skin is more vulnerable to sun damage and pigment changes [6].
Call us if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever, or a rash or bumps that show up days or weeks later. Rare reactions, including granulomas, have been reported, often linked to topical products applied right after treatment that weren’t meant for broken skin [7].
When to Restart Your Skincare During Microneedling Healing
Putting strong actives on too early can cause severe irritation. Our care guide’s schedule:
- Days 1–3: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and panthenol (B5) only.
- Day 5: Vitamin C can return.
- Day 7: Retinol or tretinoin can return. If skin still feels sandpaper-like or sensitive, wait another 48 hours.
- Day 10: Exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs). Hold off on strong chemical peels until then.
Microneedling Healing: When Results Show and How Many Sessions
Many patients notice a brighter, smoother look within a couple of weeks, but structural changes take longer. Most studies use a series of treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart, commonly 3 to 6 sessions, with results continuing to build for months afterward [3,4,5].
Your provider will recommend a plan based on your goals. Deeper scarring or laxity may be better served by radiofrequency microneedling; our Morpheus8 vs. microneedling post explains the difference, and you can compare our Microneedling (Basic), Microneedling (Advanced), and Morpheus8 options.
Who Should Wait or Talk to Us First
Microneedling may need to be postponed or adjusted if you have active acne or infection in the area, a cold sore outbreak, eczema or psoriasis flare, a history of keloids, are on or recently finished isotretinoin, or are pregnant [3,4]. Let us know about any of these during your consultation. If you get cold sores, ask whether you need preventive medication before treatment.
Microneedling devices used in medical settings are regulated by the FDA, and the agency advises that treatment be done by trained professionals [8].
Ready to start? Book at nervanamedical.com, call (801) 335-5243, or visit Nervana Medical at 8899 South 700 East #125, Sandy, UT 84070, serving Sandy, Draper, Midvale, South Jordan, and the Salt Lake Valley.
Microneedling Healing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does redness last after microneedling?
Most redness fades within 1 to 3 days, with possible light flaking around days 3 to 5 [3,4]. When combined with regenerative factors, this timeframe can be much less.
When can I wear makeup after microneedling?
Not for the first 24 hours. After that, gentle mineral products are usually fine once the skin isn’t raw; ask your provider for your specific case.
Does microneedling hurt?
A topical numbing cream is typically applied first, and most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or prickling [3].
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
Many protocols use 3 to 6 sessions about 4 weeks apart, depending on your goals [3,5].
Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
It’s generally considered a good option for skin of color, with proper prep and sun protection to lower the risk of dark spots [6].
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
References
- Fernandes D. Minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2005;17(1):51-63.
- Aust MC, Fernandes D, Kolokythas P, et al. Percutaneous collagen induction therapy: an alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;121(4):1421-1429.
- Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: a review and practical guide. Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(3):397-404.
- Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:289-298.
- Dogra S, Yadav S, Sarangal R. Microneedling for acne scars in Asian skin type: an effective low cost treatment modality. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2014;13(3):180-187.
- Cohen BE, Elbuluk N. Microneedling in skin of color: a review of uses and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(2):348-355.
- Soltani-Arabshahi R, Wong JW, Duffy KL, Powell DL. Facial allergic granulomatous reaction and systemic hypersensitivity associated with microneedle therapy for skin rejuvenation. JAMA Dermatol. 2014;150(1):68-72.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling Devices. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/microneedling-devices
- Nervana Medical. Microneedling Pre/Post Care. https://www.nervanamedical.com/service/general-aesthetics-pre-post-care/microneedling-pre-post-care/
- Alastin Skincare. Prepare Your Skin Before Your Next Procedure. https://alastin.com/blogs/intheglow/best-skincare-for-facial-procedures
- Alastin Skincare. Laser Treatments: Pre-Procedure and Post-Procedure Care. https://alastin.com/blogs/skin-procedures/lasers
- Alastin Skincare. Skin Prep for Skin Rejuvenation Procedures. https://alastin.com/blogs/intheglow/skin-prep-for-rejuvenating-procedures
- A single center, prospective, randomized, blinded study of a topical tripeptide/hexapeptide anhydrous gel used pre- and post-hybrid fractional laser for acne scars. PMC9766513. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9766513/
