Microneedling Aftercare: Everything You Need to Know
You just walked out of your microneedling appointment. Your face feels warm, looks pink, and you're already wondering what exactly you should put on your skin tonight. The aftercare sheet your practitioner handed you says "gentle products only", but what does that actually mean? And why does it matter so much?
Here's what most people don't realize until they're standing in front of their bathroom mirror that first evening: the microneedling procedure itself was only the beginning. Your skin now has thousands of microscopic channels that remain open for hours, making it simultaneously more vulnerable and more receptive than at any other time. What you do over the next 14 days will determine whether you get the glowing, refined results you envisioned, or end up dealing with prolonged redness, irritation, or worse.
This guide exists because you deserve more than a generic handout. Microneedling aftercare isn't complicated, but it is specific. The wrong product at the wrong time can set your healing back. The right approach can accelerate your recovery and amplify your final results. Let's make sure you get it right.
For a broader overview of caring for skin after any aesthetic treatment, see our complete post-procedure skincare guide
What Happens to Your Skin During Microneedling
Before diving into aftercare, understanding what just happened to your skin helps explain why certain things matter so much in the days ahead.
Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in your skin using a device equipped with fine needles. These needles puncture the epidermis and reach into the dermis, creating thousands of tiny channels. This controlled damage triggers your body's wound healing response, a cascade of biological events that ultimately leads to new collagen and elastin production.
The process happens in three overlapping phases. First comes inflammation, where your body sends blood flow to the area and immune cells arrive to begin the repair process. This is why your skin looks red and feels warm immediately after treatment. Next comes proliferation, when fibroblasts migrate to the area and begin producing new collagen and elastin while epithelial cells multiply to restore your skin's surface. Finally, remodeling occurs over weeks to months as the initial collagen gets reorganized into stronger, more structured tissue.
What makes microneedling unique among aesthetic procedures is the channel effect. Those tiny punctures remain open for several hours after treatment, creating pathways that dramatically increase product absorption. This is why many practitioners apply serums immediately after microneedling, ingredients can penetrate far deeper than they normally would. But this same enhanced absorption is why you must be extremely careful about what touches your skin during this window. Anything irritating, potentially contaminated, or overly active can cause problems that wouldn't occur on intact skin.
The Microneedling Recovery Timeline: Day by Day
While everyone heals at their own pace, microneedling follows a fairly predictable pattern. Understanding this timeline helps you know what's normal, what to expect each day, and when something might warrant a call to your practitioner.
Day 0: Treatment Day
Immediately after your microneedling session, your skin will be red and feel warm, similar to a moderate sunburn. This is completely normal and indicates that the treatment worked, your body's inflammatory response has been activated. Some patients also experience mild swelling, particularly around the eyes if that area was treated. Pinpoint bleeding during the procedure is common and typically stops within minutes.
The micro-channels created by the needles remain open for approximately 4 to 6 hours after treatment. During this window, your skin is both highly absorptive and highly vulnerable. Many practitioners apply a hydrating serum or specialized post-procedure product immediately after treatment to take advantage of this enhanced penetration. Once you're home, your job is simple: don't touch your face, don't apply anything unless specifically instructed, and let the initial healing begin.
If your practitioner applied sunscreen before you left, you may gently cleanse in the evening with lukewarm water only, no cleanser yet. If nothing was applied, some practitioners recommend not washing at all on treatment day to allow any serums to continue absorbing. Follow your specific provider's instructions.
Day 1: Acute Inflammation
You'll wake up with skin that still looks flushed and may feel tight, dry, or slightly swollen. The redness typically peaks somewhere between day 1 and day 2. Your skin may feel sensitive to temperature, warm water might feel too hot, and cold air might feel irritating. This sensitivity is your damaged barrier signaling that it needs gentle care.
Today you can begin gentle cleansing with a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing. Apply a hydrating, barrier-supporting serum followed by a gentle moisturizer. If you need to go outside, apply a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50, but staying indoors is preferable.
Avoid makeup, active ingredients, touching your face, strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, swimming pools, and anything that might introduce bacteria or cause sweating. Your skin's protective barrier is compromised, making infection and irritation risks higher than normal.
Days 2-3: Peak Healing
Redness begins to diminish but hasn't resolved. Your skin may feel particularly dry and tight as transepidermal water loss remains elevated. Some patients describe their skin as feeling like sandpaper around this time, rough and textured. This is normal and indicates that cellular turnover is happening.
Mild peeling may begin, though this varies depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment and your individual skin response. If peeling occurs, do not pick, pull, or manually exfoliate. Let the skin shed naturally. Picking at peeling skin can cause scarring, hyperpigmentation, or infection.
Continue your minimal routine: gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, sunscreen when needed. You may find yourself wanting to moisturize multiple times throughout the day, this is fine and often helpful. Your skin is craving hydration as it works to restore its barrier.
Days 4-5: Peeling and Renewal
For many patients, this is when peeling or flaking reaches its peak before subsiding. The roughness you felt on days 2-3 often starts to resolve as dead skin cells slough off to reveal newer skin beneath. Some people experience very little visible peeling while others have more noticeable flaking, both are normal.
By day 4 or 5, most redness has significantly faded, though you may still notice a slight pink undertone, especially if you had a more aggressive treatment. Your skin is starting to feel more like itself, though sensitivity may linger.
If your skin feels comfortable and shows no signs of irritation, you can begin applying light mineral makeup if absolutely necessary. However, waiting until day 5-7 is preferable. When you do resume makeup, ensure your brushes and sponges are clean to avoid introducing bacteria.
Days 6-7: Approaching Normal
Most visible signs of treatment have resolved by now. Redness, peeling, and sensitivity have largely subsided for the majority of patients. Your skin may already look brighter and feel smoother than before, though the most dramatic improvements are still developing beneath the surface.
This is typically when patients can resume light exercise. Start with lower intensity activities and see how your skin responds before returning to intense workouts that cause heavy sweating. If you exercise, cleanse gently afterward.
You can begin thinking about gradually reintroducing some elements of your regular skincare routine, starting with the gentlest products. However, hold off on active ingredients for a few more days.
Days 8-14: Barrier Restoration
Your skin's barrier function is substantially restored, though the healing process continues internally. Collagen production is ramping up during this phase, even though you can't see it happening. Externally, your skin should look and feel relatively normal, possibly with a subtle new glow.
During this second week, you can cautiously begin reintroducing active ingredients if your skin feels ready. Start with one product at a time, at a lower frequency or concentration than you used before microneedling. For example, if you normally use retinol nightly, try every third night initially and monitor for irritation.
Continue with excellent sun protection and gentle, hydrating care. The optimization phase has begun, supporting your skin now helps maximize the collagen-building benefits of the treatment.
Week 3 and Beyond: Collagen Building
Visible healing is complete, but the real magic is happening below the surface. New collagen fibers are being deposited and organized, leading to progressive improvements in skin texture, fine lines, pore appearance, and overall firmness. You may notice your results continue to improve for 4 to 6 weeks after a single treatment, with some patients seeing continued refinement for up to 3 months.
Most practitioners recommend a series of 3 to 6 microneedling sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results, allowing each treatment to build upon the previous one. Continue using high-quality skincare that supports collagen production and maintains your results.
What to Put on Your Face After Microneedling
The products you use during recovery can significantly impact your healing speed, comfort, and ultimate results. Here's what to look for and what to avoid.
Ingredients That Support Healing
Hyaluronic acid is the gold standard for post-microneedling hydration. This molecule holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering intense moisture to dehydrated, barrier-compromised skin. Because the micro-channels allow for enhanced penetration, hyaluronic acid can reach deeper layers than it normally would, providing hydration exactly where healing is happening. Look for serums with multiple molecular weights for both deep and surface hydration.
Centella asiatica, commonly known as cica, has been used in wound healing for centuries. The active compounds in centella have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, acceleration of wound closure, and stimulation of collagen synthesis in clinical studies. This makes it ideal for post-microneedling care when you need to calm inflammation without suppressing the healing response.
Panthenol, provitamin B5, supports barrier repair through multiple mechanisms. It attracts moisture, supports lipid synthesis needed for barrier function, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Panthenol is well-tolerated even by highly sensitized skin.
Growth factors and peptides can actively support and potentially accelerate your skin's repair process. These signaling molecules communicate with cells to promote healing, making them particularly valuable when applied to skin with enhanced absorption. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and various repair peptides can support the regenerative process.
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) represents an advanced approach to tissue repair support. By activating adenosine A2A receptors, PDRN triggers pathways involved in tissue regeneration and anti-inflammation. Originally developed for wound healing applications, PDRN is increasingly recognized in aesthetic recovery.
Plant exosomes are among the newest innovations in post-procedure skincare. These nanovesicles can deliver bioactive compounds directly to cells and help modulate inflammatory responses. Exosomes derived from centella asiatica and ginseng are particularly relevant for supporting post-microneedling recovery.
NAD+ supports the intensive cellular energy demands of healing skin. As a coenzyme essential for ATP production and DNA repair, NAD+ helps cells function optimally during the demanding recovery period.
Ingredients to Avoid
Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) should be avoided for at least 5 to 7 days after microneedling, and some practitioners recommend waiting a full two weeks. Retinoids increase cell turnover and can be irritating even on healthy skin. On barrier-compromised skin with micro-channels, they can cause significant irritation, stinging, and potentially worsen inflammation.
Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid, should be avoided for the same timeframe. These exfoliating acids can burn sensitized skin and disrupt the natural healing process.
Vitamin C, despite its antioxidant and collagen-boosting benefits, can be too irritating for freshly microneedled skin at the concentrations found in many serums. The acidity and active nature of L-ascorbic acid formulations make them problematic in the first 3 to 7 days. Once your skin has healed, vitamin C becomes an excellent choice for maintaining results.
Benzoyl peroxide is too harsh for post-microneedling skin. Even if you rely on it for acne management, pause it during recovery.
Fragrance, whether synthetic or natural (including essential oils), should be avoided entirely during recovery. Fragrance compounds are common irritants and sensitizers, and the risk of reaction increases substantially when your barrier is compromised.
Alcohol-based products can cause stinging and further dehydrate already-compromised skin. Check ingredient lists for denatured alcohol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol.
Physical exfoliants including scrubs, brushes, and textured cloths are strictly off-limits. Your skin is already shedding cells as part of the healing process. Manual exfoliation on top of this can cause damage, scarring, and delayed healing.
The Day-by-Day Aftercare Routine
Here's exactly how to structure your skincare routine during each phase of microneedling recovery. The goal is to support your skin's natural healing process while providing the advanced ingredients that can genuinely accelerate recovery and enhance your final results.
Days 0-3: Protect and Hydrate
Your routine should be minimal during these critical first days. Your skin has thousands of open micro-channels that make it both vulnerable and highly receptive, which means every product choice matters.
In the morning, rinse with lukewarm water or cleanse gently with a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser if needed. Apply a hydrating, calming serum. Follow with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. If leaving the house, apply mineral SPF 50 sunscreen. If staying indoors, sunscreen is still recommended.
In the evening, cleanse gently with lukewarm water and your mild cleanser. Apply your serum. If skin feels very dry, apply moisturizer or a slightly heavier occlusive product to lock in hydration overnight.
The challenge during this phase is that your skin needs multiple things simultaneously: intense hydration to combat increased water loss, calming ingredients to soothe inflammation, and barrier support to help those micro-channels close properly. Most serums address only one of these needs, forcing you to layer products and hope they work together without causing irritation on your sensitized skin.
Days 4-7: Active Recovery
This is the window where the right aftercare makes the biggest difference.
Your micro-channels have closed, but your skin is still more permeable than usual, meaning active ingredients can penetrate deeper and work more effectively than they normally would. Your barrier is rebuilding, fibroblasts are producing new collagen, and cellular repair is in full swing. What you apply during this phase doesn't just maintain comfort, it can actively enhance your results.
This is precisely when your skin can benefit most from advanced post-procedure support. The question is: what formulation actually delivers?
Why Nexovia's ABA.4 Formula Is Built for This Moment
We developed Nexovia specifically for post-procedure recovery because we understood that healing skin has complex, simultaneous needs that single-ingredient products can't address.
The ABA.4 Bio-Intelligent Architecture combines four powerful technologies designed to work together:
Plant Exosomes at 4 billion particles per milliliter act as cellular messengers. Derived from Centella Asiatica and Panax Ginseng, these nanovesicles deliver bioactive compounds directly to your skin cells, modulating inflammation and supporting the barrier recovery that's critical after microneedling. They help your skin communicate and coordinate the healing response more effectively.
PDRN at 1% concentration activates your body's tissue repair pathways at the cellular level. By engaging adenosine A2A receptors, PDRN promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to nourish healing tissue) and stimulates de novo collagen synthesis. This is particularly valuable after microneedling, where the entire goal is triggering collagen production, PDRN helps amplify that response.
NAD+ at 1% concentration provides the cellular fuel your skin desperately needs during recovery. Healing requires significant energy at the cellular level. NAD+ is a critical coenzyme for ATP production and also supports DNA repair pathways. Your post-microneedling skin is working hard, NAD+ helps ensure it has the resources to do that work effectively.
Peptide Matrix with growth factors and matrikines sends the right signals to your fibroblasts. These bioactive messengers instruct your skin cells to rebuild the extracellular matrix, the structural foundation that determines skin firmness, elasticity, and texture. The enhanced penetration after microneedling means these peptides can reach the dermal layer where fibroblasts are doing their collagen-building work.
These aren't four separate ingredients doing four separate things. They work synergistically, the exosomes enhance delivery and cellular communication, the PDRN and NAD+ support the cellular machinery, and the peptides provide the building instructions. Together, they address post-microneedling recovery comprehensively.
Your Microneedling Recovery Protocol with Nexovia
Here's exactly how to use Nexovia throughout your microneedling recovery:
If your practitioner applies Nexovia in-clinic:
Day 0 (in-clinic): Your practitioner applies 5 mL immediately after your procedure for maximum absorption through open channels. The plant exosomes immediately begin calming inflammation while the hydrating base supports your compromised barrier. Follow with a bland moisturizer and SPF 50 during the day. Even during this minimal-routine phase, you're giving your skin advanced support rather than just basic hydration.
Days 1–7: Apply 1 mL morning + 1 mL evening (2 mL daily). This is when you'll benefit most from the full ABA.4 formula. Your skin's enhanced receptivity means the PDRN, NAD+, and peptides can penetrate effectively and support the intensive collagen production happening beneath the surface. Many patients notice their skin feels calmer and recovers faster during this phase compared to previous microneedling experiences.
Days 8–14: Apply 0.5 mL morning + 0.5 mL evening (1 mL daily). The serum continues supporting collagen synthesis and skin health even as acute healing completes. Toward the end of this phase, you can begin cautiously reintroducing other products from your regular routine if desired.
Day 15 until next procedure: Apply 0.5 mL daily for ongoing anti-aging benefits and to maintain your results.
If starting Nexovia at home:
Days 0–7: Apply 1 mL morning + 1 mL evening (2 mL daily)
Days 8–14: Apply 0.5 mL morning + 0.5 mL evening (1 mL daily)
Day 15 until next procedure: Apply 0.5 mL daily for ongoing anti-aging benefits and to maintain your results.
Days 8-14: Gradual Reintroduction
With your barrier substantially restored, you can begin cautiously reintroducing regular products.
Many patients find they want to simplify their routine after experiencing Nexovia. The comprehensive formula addresses multiple skin concerns (barrier health, collagen support, anti-aging, brightness) that previously required layering several products. Whether you return to your full pre-microneedling routine or streamline it is a personal choice.
If you do reintroduce actives, start with the mildest products first. If you normally use multiple actives, reintroduce them one at a time, several days apart, so you can identify any that cause irritation. Begin with lower concentrations or frequencies than you used pre-microneedling.
Continue using Nexovia, the bio-amplifier ingredients support ongoing skin health and anti-aging benefits that extend well beyond acute recovery. The collagen-supporting benefits of PDRN, NAD+, and the peptide matrix are valuable whether your skin is healing or simply aging.
Maintain diligent sunscreen application. The fresh, new skin revealed by microneedling is particularly susceptible to UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
Week 3 and Beyond: Optimization
You can return to your regular skincare routine, incorporating the active ingredients that support your skin goals. Many patients choose to continue using their post-procedure products because the ingredients (like peptides, growth factors, and hydrating actives) provide ongoing benefits beyond just recovery.
Focus on ingredients that support collagen production and protect your results: retinoids (now safe to resume), vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and always sunscreen.
RF Microneedling Aftercare: What's Different
If you had radiofrequency (RF) microneedling rather than traditional microneedling, your aftercare follows the same general principles with a few additional considerations.
RF microneedling combines the micro-injuries of traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered through the needles. This adds a thermal component to the treatment, heating the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production more aggressively. Devices like Morpheus8, Potenza, Genius, and Vivace fall into this category.
Because RF microneedling involves both mechanical injury and heat, you may experience slightly more swelling than traditional microneedling, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours. This is normal and resolves on its own. Some patients also notice tiny grid-like marks where the RF energy was delivered, these fade within a few days.
The deeper collagen stimulation from RF means your results will continue developing for longer, often showing progressive improvement for 3 to 6 months. The trade-off is that the initial sensitivity period may last slightly longer than traditional microneedling.
Aftercare recommendations remain essentially the same: gentle cleansing, hydrating serums, barrier-supporting moisturizers, strict sun protection, and avoidance of active ingredients during the initial healing phase. Because of the heat component, be particularly careful to avoid anything that adds additional heat or inflammation in the first 48 hours, no hot showers, saunas, intense exercise, or very warm environments.
Common Mistakes That Sabotage Your Results
Even well-intentioned patients sometimes make errors that compromise their microneedling results. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Picking at Peeling Skin
When your skin starts flaking around days 3-5, the temptation to help it along is strong. Resist. Picking at peeling skin can cause scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. It can also create uneven texture as some areas heal faster than others. Let your skin shed naturally, moisturize to minimize discomfort, and trust the process.
Resuming Active Ingredients Too Soon
Many patients are eager to get back to their retinol or vitamin C serum, thinking these products will enhance their results. In reality, using actives too soon can irritate healing skin, cause stinging and redness, and potentially trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Wait the full recommended period before reintroducing these products.
Skipping Sunscreen
Post-microneedling skin is significantly more susceptible to UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Even brief sun exposure through windows or while driving can trigger pigmentation changes on sensitized skin. Apply SPF 50 daily, reapply every two hours if outdoors, and consider physical sun protection like hats.
Applying Makeup Too Early
While you may want to cover up redness, applying makeup in the first 24 hours introduces bacteria, irritants, and potential pore-clogging ingredients to vulnerable skin with open channels. Wait at least 24 hours, preferably 48-72 hours, and use only mineral-based, non-comedogenic products when you do resume.
Exercising Too Soon
Sweating introduces bacteria to open micro-channels and can clog pores, leading to breakouts or infection. The increased blood flow from exercise can also prolong redness and swelling. Wait at least 24-48 hours before light exercise, and 48-72 hours before intense workouts.
Touching Your Face
Your hands carry bacteria, oils, and debris that can cause problems when introduced to open channels in your skin. Avoid touching your face during the first 24 hours especially, and wash hands thoroughly before applying any products.
Using Products Not Meant for Compromised Skin
Just because a product is "natural" or "gentle" doesn't mean it's appropriate for post-microneedling skin. Essential oils, some botanical extracts, and even products marketed as soothing may contain sensitizing ingredients. Stick to products specifically formulated for post-procedure recovery or verified by your practitioner.
Special Considerations
Microneedling for Acne Scars
If you had microneedling specifically to treat acne scars, your aftercare may be slightly more intensive. Treatments for scarring often use deeper needle penetration, which means more significant micro-injury and potentially longer recovery time. Follow your practitioner's specific instructions, which may include extended timelines for certain aftercare steps.
Be patient with scar improvement, collagen remodeling takes time, and you'll typically see progressive improvement over several months rather than immediate transformation.
Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation
If treating melasma or other hyperpigmentation, sun protection becomes even more critical. UV exposure is a primary trigger for pigmentation, and your skin is more vulnerable than ever during recovery. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible, apply SPF 50 religiously, and wear a hat when outdoors.
Some patients experience temporary darkening of pigmentation spots before they improve. If you notice significant or concerning pigmentation changes, contact your practitioner.
Combining Microneedling with PRP or Serums
Many practitioners offer PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or specialized serum application during microneedling to enhance results. If you had a combination treatment, your practitioner may have specific aftercare instructions, follow them precisely. The added biological components may enhance healing but may also extend the period during which you should avoid certain activities or products.
For more details read our Complete Guide to Post-Procedure Skincare
When to Be Concerned: Signs That Warrant a Call to Your Practitioner
Most microneedling side effects are normal and resolve on their own. However, certain signs warrant professional attention.
Contact your practitioner if you experience severe or worsening pain that isn't controlled by over-the-counter pain relief. Mild discomfort is normal, but significant pain is not.
If redness intensifies or spreads after day 3 rather than improving, this could indicate a problem. Normal redness peaks around days 1-2 and then progressively fades.
Signs of infection, including pus, increasing warmth beyond the first day, spreading redness, or fever. require prompt attention. While infection after professional microneedling is rare, it can occur, especially if aftercare instructions weren't followed.
Severe or widespread breakouts that appear different from occasional pimples may indicate a reaction or contamination. A few small breakouts can be normal as your skin purges, but extensive or painful breakouts are not.
If you develop blistering or crusting that wasn't expected based on your treatment type, contact your practitioner. This may indicate that the treatment was too aggressive or that healing isn't progressing normally.
Significant hyperpigmentation, particularly if it appears rapidly or extensively, should be evaluated. Some temporary pigmentation changes can occur, but your practitioner should assess any concerning changes.
Maximizing Your Results: Beyond Basic Aftercare
Following basic aftercare instructions will help you heal safely, but you can go further to optimize your outcomes.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water supports your body's healing processes from the inside out. Well-hydrated skin heals more efficiently and looks better faster. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily during your recovery period.
Get Adequate Sleep
Your body does much of its repair work during sleep. The growth hormone release that occurs during deep sleep supports tissue regeneration. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep during your recovery, and consider sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first night or two to minimize swelling.
Eat to Support Healing
Your body needs nutrients to build new collagen and repair tissue. Focus on protein to provide amino acids for collagen synthesis, vitamin C to support collagen production, zinc for wound healing, and omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory benefits. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can dehydrate you and impair healing.
Use High-Quality Post-Procedure Products
Not all serums and moisturizers are created equal. Products specifically formulated for post-procedure recovery contain ingredients chosen for their healing properties and are tested for use on compromised skin. Investing in quality aftercare products is investing in your results.
Be Consistent
Aftercare isn't a one-day effort. Following the recommended routine consistently throughout the full 14-day recovery period, and beyond, helps ensure optimal healing and maximizes the collagen-building benefits of your treatment.
Your Microneedling Results Are Built in the Aftermath
Preliminary results from ongoing clinical evaluation. Full study data with standardized efficacy endpoints expected April 2026.
The needles did their job. They created the thousands of micro-channels that triggered your body's remarkable healing response. Now it's your turn.
The care you give your skin over the next 14 days isn't optional, it's what transforms a procedure into results. Every time you apply your hydrating serum, every time you resist the urge to pick at peeling skin, every time you apply sunscreen even when you're staying inside, you're contributing to the outcome.
The smoother texture, the refined pores, the diminished fine lines, the overall glow, it's all building beneath the surface. Trust the process, follow the protocol, and let your skin reveal what's possible.
Give Your Skin the Advanced Support It Deserves
Your skin just underwent thousands of micro-injuries designed to trigger regeneration. It deserves more than basic moisturizer, it deserves aftercare engineered specifically for this moment.
Nexovia's Skin Serum combines four powerful bio-amplifiers in one synergistic formula: plant exosomes to modulate inflammation and support barrier recovery, PDRN to activate tissue repair pathways, NAD+ to fuel cellular energy and repair, and a peptide matrix to support collagen production and skin structure. This is bio-intelligent aftercare designed to soothe instantly, support healing, and amplify your final results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Immediately after treatment, your practitioner will typically apply a hydrating serum or specialized post-procedure product. Once home, stick to the products your practitioner recommended—usually a gentle, hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid and calming ingredients. Avoid applying anything else on treatment day unless specifically instructed.
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Wait at least 4 to 6 hours after treatment before washing, and some practitioners recommend waiting until the next morning. When you do cleanse, use only lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing, let the water and cleanser do the work, then pat dry.
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Redness typically peaks on day 1 or 2 and significantly fades by days 3 to 5. Most patients have minimal to no visible redness by day 7. Factors affecting redness duration include your skin's natural healing speed, the aggressiveness of the treatment, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Some pink undertone may persist for 1 to 2 weeks with more intensive treatments.
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Wait at least 24 hours before applying any makeup, and 48 to 72 hours is preferable. When you do resume makeup, use mineral-based, non-comedogenic products and ensure your brushes and sponges are freshly cleaned. If your skin still looks visibly red or feels sensitive, waiting longer is better
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Wait at least 5 to 7 days before reintroducing retinol, and some practitioners recommend waiting a full 2 weeks. When you do resume, start with a lower concentration or frequency than you used before microneedling, and monitor for irritation. If you notice stinging or increased redness, wait a few more days.
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Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause sweating for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Light activity may be resumed sooner if your skin feels comfortable. When you do exercise, cleanse gently afterward to remove sweat from your healing skin.
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Yes, light peeling or flaking between days 3 and 5 is normal and indicates that cellular turnover is occurring. Not everyone experiences visible peeling, this varies based on treatment intensity and individual skin response. Never pick or pull at peeling skin, as this can cause scarring and uneven healing.
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Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) for at least 5 to 7 days. Avoid sun exposure without protection, makeup for 24 to 48 hours, touching your face, strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours, hot showers and saunas, swimming pools and hot tubs, fragranced products, and physical exfoliation. When in doubt, err on the side of gentleness.
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You may notice a subtle glow within the first week as initial healing completes. More significant results, improved texture, reduced fine lines, diminished scarring, develop over 4 to 6 weeks as new collagen forms. Results continue to improve for up to 3 months after a single treatment. For optimal outcomes, most patients benefit from a series of 3 to 6 treatments.
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RF microneedling aftercare follows the same general principles as traditional microneedling: gentle products, hydration, sun protection, and avoidance of actives. Because RF treatments add a heat component, you may experience slightly more swelling initially. Be particularly careful to avoid additional heat sources (hot showers, saunas, intense exercise) in the first 48 hours. Results from RF microneedling develop over a longer timeline, up to 6 months, due to deeper collagen stimulation.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your treating practitioner, as recommendations may vary based on your individual treatment and skin type.