Medical provider performing microneedling treatment on a client’s cheek in Walnut Creek

Microneedling Pre- and Post-Care Instructions

I recommend reviewing these microneedling pre- and post-care instructions before your appointment. They explain how to prepare your skin, what to avoid, and when to contact our office.

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23+ YEARS EXPERIENCE | BOARD CERTIFIED MD | FORMER ASST. PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE | 5.0★ ACROSS 136 REVIEWS

Microneedling Pre-Care Instructions

These instructions are general guidance. Your treatment plan may differ based on your skin, medications, and medical history. Do not stop any prescribed medication unless the prescribing clinician tells you to do so.

DO NOT

Use irritating active skincare

Use retinoids, Retin-A, glycolic or salicylic acid, exfoliants, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or other irritating active products for 5–7 days before treatment unless you receive different instructions.

Wax or remove hair in the treatment area

Wax, use depilatory creams, or have electrolysis in the treatment area for 5–7 days before your appointment.

Treat sunburned or recently treated skin

Proceed with treatment on sunburned or recently overexposed skin, or within two weeks of IPL or laser treatment, unless our office confirms that it is appropriate.

Proceed with an active skin problem

Proceed if you have an active rash, skin infection, cold-sore outbreak, open lesion, or significant breakout in the treatment area; contact our office before your appointment.

DO

Share medications and bleeding history

Tell us about all medications and supplements, including blood thinners, and any history of bleeding or clotting problems. Do not stop a prescribed medication without guidance from the prescribing clinician.

Share relevant medical history

Tell us if you have a history of cold sores, immune suppression, uncontrolled diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, autoimmune disease, keloid scarring, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or allergies to stainless steel or topical anesthetics.

Contact our office before scheduling if you currently take isotretinoin or have taken it within the past six months, or if you have had Botox or filler in the treatment area within the past two weeks.

Day of Treatment

Following these day-of-treatment instructions helps keep the skin clean and allows your provider to reassess it before the procedure.

Arrive with clean skin and no makeup, lotion, serum, or other skincare products on the treatment area
If dense hair covers the treatment area, shave the day before your appointment rather than on the day of treatment
Tell your provider about any new medications, illness, skin changes, or cold-sore symptoms. Topical numbing medication may be applied in the office when appropriate

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Microneedling Post-Care Instructions

Follow these microneedling post-care instructions unless your provider gives you different personalized guidance. Temporary warmth, tightness, redness, dryness, or sensitivity can occur as the skin recovers.

For the first 24 hours, use cool or tepid water as directed and touch the treated area only with clean hands
After 24 hours, cleanse gently with a mild cleanser, pat dry, and use a simple moisturizer if it feels comfortable
Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. When you resume, use clean hands, applicators, and brushes
Avoid retinoids, alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids, exfoliants, low-pH vitamin C, and other irritating active products for at least three days or until the skin has calmed
Avoid direct sun and tanning. After the first 24 hours, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher if it is comfortable and your provider has not instructed otherwise
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours and limit heat, sweating, and gym exposure while the skin remains irritated
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 48 hours
Do not pick, peel, scrub, or schedule facials, chemical peels, laser, IPL, or other procedures on the treated area until it has recovered and your provider clears you
Contact our office promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, drainage, blistering, fever, signs of infection, or any reaction that concerns you

Microneedling Care FAQs

When can I wear makeup after microneedling?

Wait at least 24 hours and until the skin feels calm. When you resume makeup, apply it with clean hands and freshly cleaned applicators or brushes.

When can I restart retinol, acids, or other active skincare?

Wait at least three days and until redness, sensitivity, and peeling have settled. Your provider may recommend a longer pause based on the treatment depth and your usual products.

What is normal after microneedling, and when should I call?

Temporary redness, warmth, tightness, dryness, roughness, mild swelling, itching, or peeling can occur. Contact our office promptly if symptoms worsen or you develop spreading redness, drainage, blistering, fever, signs of infection, or another reaction that concerns you.

Can I take ibuprofen after microneedling?

Yes, ibuprofen is fine to take after your treatment if needed. I generally prefer Tylenol (acetaminophen) over ibuprofen for post-treatment discomfort.

How soon can I take antibiotics after microneedling?

You can continue antibiotics before or after treatment as usual. The one exception is if the antibiotic is being prescribed for an active infection in the treatment area itself — that’s a contraindication to microneedling, and I’ll ask you to postpone treatment until it clears.

What should I avoid before my microneedling appointment?

Avoid irritating active skincare products, waxing or removing hair in the treatment area, and treating sunburned or recently treated skin. Let me know about any active skin problems before your appointment.

How should I prepare for microneedling?

Arrive with clean skin and no makeup, lotion, serum, or other skincare products on the treatment area. If the area has dense hair, shave the day before rather than the day of your appointment. Let me know about any new medications, illness, skin changes, or cold-sore symptoms.

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Learn more about our microneedling treatment in Walnut Creek, meet Dr. Moazemi, or review all care instructions. For additional safety information, see the FDA’s guidance on microneedling devices.

Reviewed and approved by Kourosh Moazemi, MD, FACP, board certified in Internal Medicine. Last reviewed August 12, 2026.