Microneedling can only be safely performed once every 4-6 weeks per area, so getting each session right matters. This guide walks through pre-needling prep, the treatment itself, and aftercare for your SKINDELÚX microneedling pen.
What should I do before a microneedling session?
To minimize bleeding, avoid anti-inflammatory medication, alcohol, and fish oil supplements for 3 days prior to treatment, since these thin the blood. You'll need: your microneedling device, a clean towel, a brand-new cartridge, an alcohol solution, numbing cream (optional), cotton pads, and a hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid is recommended).
- Clean your skin and tie back your hair. Double-cleanse to remove all makeup and lotions, and keep hair fully away from your face.
- Apply numbing cream (optional). If your skin is sensitive, use an over-the-counter cream with at least 5% lidocaine. Apply to the treatment area, leave for 20 minutes, then remove thoroughly and re-cleanse the skin before needling — this prevents numbing cream from entering the microchannels.
- Apply a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid before microneedling helps the needles glide and prevents drag. Avoid vitamin C, retinol, exfoliants, and brightening actives right before treatment, since these can cause irritation on freshly opened skin.
- Check your device is charged or near a power source.
How do I actually perform the microneedling treatment?
- Open a brand-new cartridge and attach it to your device with clean hands (gloves optional), avoiding contact with the tip or needles.
- Choose your needle depth by rotating the dial — see our Needle Depth Guide for area-by-area recommendations.
- Work in small sections, applying serum to each area before needling so the pen doesn't drag or pull.
- Move the pen in vertical, then horizontal, then diagonal passes over each area, using light pressure and holding the skin taut with your free hand. Repeat each pattern twice per area.
What should I do immediately after treatment?
You may rinse with tepid water if you like, though this is optional. Immediately apply a hyaluronic acid serum to calm and hydrate the skin. Mild redness, swelling, and small pinpoint bleeding are normal and expected — this is not something to be concerned about. Avoid working out, sweating, or applying makeup for 24 hours, and apply high-SPF sunscreen if going outside.
What does aftercare look like over the following days?
The day after treatment, cleanse gently and apply a nourishing moisturizer. Avoid fragranced products, active ingredients (vitamin C, retinol), acids (AHA/BHA), scrubs, or toners, since these can irritate freshly-needled skin. Some peeling and flaking is normal in the days after and typically resolves within a week — keeping skin moisturized helps reduce this.
At 48 hours, you can optionally begin gently exfoliating flaking skin if it feels ready — skip this step if skin still feels sensitive. From day 3-5 onward, continue daily high-SPF sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure for about a week post-treatment, focusing your routine on hydrating, non-active products.
FAQ
- How often can I microneedle the same area?
- Every 4-6 weeks, allowing the skin to fully recover between sessions.
- Do I need a numbing cream?
- It's optional and mainly useful for longer needle depths or sensitive skin. Shorter needle lengths are generally comfortable without one.
- Is bleeding or redness after treatment normal?
- Yes — mild redness, tightness, and small pinpoint bleeding are expected and typically resolve within 24-48 hours. If you experience excessive bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection, stop use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Can I wear makeup right after microneedling?
- We recommend avoiding makeup for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation while the skin recovers.
This device is intended for cosmetic use only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical skin concern, are pregnant, or are on blood-thinning medication, consult a licensed dermatologist before use.
