Skin needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a popular treatment for improving skin texture, tone, and overall skin quality. By stimulating the skin’s natural healing response, microneedling encourages collagen and elastin production over time. While the treatment itself is carefully performed by trained skin therapists, what happens after your session plays a significant role in how well your skin recovers and how your results develop. Proper aftercare helps support healing, minimise irritation, and maximise the long-term benefits of your treatment.
How Skin Needling Works
Skin needling works by creating controlled micro-channels in the skin using a medical-grade cosmetic microneedling device. These micro-channels trigger the skin’s natural repair response, encouraging collagen production and healthy cell renewal while strengthening the skin barrier.
Because adjustable needle depths are used, skin needling treatments can be customised for all skin tones, from fair to dark, and tailored to different areas of the face and body. This precision allows clinicians to treat specific skin concerns safely and effectively.
What to Expect Immediately After Treatment
After your microneedling session, it’s normal for the skin to appear red and feel slightly tight or sensitive. This response is expected and usually settles within 24 hours. Some clients may also experience mild warmth or dryness as the skin begins its healing process.
Around 3 to 5 days post-treatment, mild skin shedding can occur. This is a normal part of cell renewal and typically lasts a few days. Many people notice an improvement in skin texture within the first week, with optimal results continuing to develop over the following weeks and months as collagen production increases.
Why Aftercare Is So Important
After microneedling, the skin is in a vulnerable but highly receptive state. Supporting the skin barrier during this time helps reduce irritation, promotes effective healing, and enhances treatment outcomes. Using the right products and avoiding certain activities ensures the micro-channels close properly and the skin recovers as intended.
Pre-Treatment Preparation That Supports Better Results
Preparing the skin before microneedling can improve outcomes and recovery. We often recommend using a Vitamin A serum in the two weeks leading up to treatment. The evolveMD Multi Active Serum is designed to support skin conditioning and help prepare the skin for optimal results.
For clients with deeper skin tones or those prone to pigmentation, additional preparation may be recommended during consultation. In some cases, products such as evolveMD Ultimate Brightening Serum+ may be used as part of a tailored pre-treatment routine to help support even skin tone and reduce the risk of post-treatment pigmentation. Your therapist will assess your skin and advise the most appropriate approach for you.
Supporting Your Skin Before Treatment with Yellow LED
In some cases, a Yellow LED Light Therapy session may be recommended before microneedling. Yellow LED is known for its calming and restorative properties and is often used to support skin that is prone to redness, inflammation, or sensitivity.
When used prior to microneedling, Yellow LED can help settle the skin, support circulation, and prepare the skin barrier ahead of treatment. This can be especially beneficial for clients with reactive skin or those focusing on overall skin balance. Your therapist will advise whether pre-treatment LED is suitable as part of your personalised plan.
Essential Post-Treatment Care
In the days following microneedling, gentle care is key. Keeping the skin hydrated supports healing and comfort. Post-treatment, the evolveMD Advanced Hydrating Serum and Hydration Mist is recommended to help retain moisture, support repair, and keep the skin plump and calm.
Sun protection is also essential. Using a physical sunscreen such as evolveMD UV Sun Protection or the evolveMD Tinted CC Cream helps shield the skin from UV exposure, which can interfere with healing. These formulations are suitable for immediate use after treatment and can be applied even when the skin feels sensitive.
For the first 48 hours after treatment, it’s best to avoid excessive sun exposure, saunas, exercise, and harsh skincare products. These activities can increase sensitivity and delay recovery.
Using Infusions to Enhance Results
Skin needling treatments can be enhanced with an optional evolveMD Super Serum add-on. This serum is infused into the skin through the micro-channels created during treatment, helping to support hydration, smoothness, and overall skin quality.
Your skin therapist will assess your skin on the day and advise whether adding the Super Serum is suitable for your treatment goals.
What to Avoid During Recovery
During the recovery period, it’s important to avoid products or activities that may irritate the skin. This includes strong exfoliants, active skincare ingredients not recommended by your clinician, and excessive heat or sweating. Following professional guidance helps ensure your skin heals efficiently and comfortably.
When Will You See Results?
Some clients notice an immediate glow once initial redness subsides, usually within a week. However, the most noticeable improvements develop gradually. Collagen production continues for up to three months after treatment, meaning skin texture, tone, and firmness can keep improving well after your appointment.
A series of treatments is often recommended for best results, depending on your skin concerns and goals.
Microneedling is a powerful treatment for improving skin quality, but results are closely linked to how well your skin is supported before and after each session. Following proper aftercare, using professional skincare, and protecting your skin from sun exposure all play an important role in achieving balanced, long-lasting results.
If you’re considering skin needling or would like personalised aftercare advice, our experienced skin therapists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your consultation today to start your personalised skin journey.
