The Derm-Approved Products That Helped Calm My Complexion After Skin Needling
Erin Cook is a beauty and lifestyle journalist who has been slinging words for magazines, such as marie claire, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan and Body+Soul, for the better part of a decade. As part of this role, she's had the pleasure of interviewing countless experts, such as dermatologists, trichologists, makeup artists and brand founders, to get their two cents on the latest beauty trends or to answer consumer questions. She loves a good hyaluronic serum, tinted moisturiser or glossy lipstick almost as much as she loves her cats. Almost.
When it comes to skin needling, the recovery phase is just as important as the treatment itself.
There are two types of professional skin treatments.
Firstly, there are the ones that you can book in as a relaxing “treat yourself” moment. Think: Hydrafacial or a mild skin peel designed to boost glowiness.
Then there are the treatments that boast more serious results, but might cause you to wince a little during the process.
Both types of treatments have their merits. Today, we’re talking about skin needling – sometimes known as micro needling or dermarolling – which firmly falls into the latter category.
But don’t let that put you off! If you’re after a treatment that helps smooth fine lines, fade acne scars or treat pigmentation, skin needling is so, so worth it.
I tried skin needling once years ago but recently got back into the treatment after feeling like my skincare routine just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
Here’s everything you need to know about skin needling and how to look after your skin in the days after this professional treatment.
What Is Skin Needling?
Skin needling is a treatment where a device creates tiny puncture marks or micro wounds all over the skin.
This process triggers a wound healing response as the body seeks to repair itself, which also leads to a boost in collagen and elastin production, helping to improve the condition of skin in the process.
What’s The Difference Between Skin Needling, Micro Needling And Dermarolling?
Skin needling, micro needling and dermarolling… what’s the diff?
Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably. However, there is a difference:
Skin needling: As a rule, skin needling refers to the professional treatment. Dermal therapists are trained to use medical-grade devices that have a deeper needle depth.
Micro needling and dermarolling: Usually, micro needling or dermarolling refers to the at-home equivalent, where you purchase a derm roller and do the treatment yourself.
My Experience With Skin Needling
I tried skin needling for the first time when I was 25. I was working as a Beauty Editor for Cosmopolitan and booked myself in for my first skin needling treatment when I was researching a story on results-driven facials.
I had a pretty good experience during the facial itself and definitely noticed a difference in the glowiness of my skin afterwards.
However, given that I was 25 and blessed with an abundance of collagen, I didn’t feel the need to book in for another treatment.
Fast forward to now…
As someone in their 30s, that collagen is fast fading. Plus, I have an 18 month old son, which means my skin has been on quite the journey of late, thanks to hormones and sleep deprivation.
My skincare just doesn’t feel like it’s cutting it anymore, so I’m hoping skin needling can help give my complexion a much-needed boost.
After just one treatment, I saw a marked improvement in my skin. That’s not to say that all of my wrinkles and pigmentation have completely disappeared, but it’s more of a slight glow and smoothness that wasn’t there before.
To double down on results, it’s best to book in for a series of treatments, four to six weeks apart. Watch this space…
Skin Needling Aftercare, According To A Dermatologist
Given the nature of this treatment, aftercare is so important.
According to dermatologist Dr Lisa Byrom, the recovery phase is just as important as the treatment itself.
“The redness and any tenderness or irritation you see after professional skin needling treatment can feel a bit dramatic,” Dr Byrom says. “It often feels like a bit of a mild sun burn – warm, tight or sensitive – so I always tell my patients not to panic. This is normal and expected.”
Dr Byrom continues: “It usually peaks in the first 24 hours and settles mostly by the 48 to 72 hour mark, with continued improvement in this over the three to five days.”
The only red flags? “If it's getting more red or painful after day three, if you see any oozing, like swelling, pain breakouts, or if you are feeling unwell.”
Here, Dr Byrom shares her advice on exactly what to do and expect on the first few days post-treatment.
Days 1 and 2 After Skin Needling
- Avoid using any harsh products with active ingredients.
- Rinse skin with lukewarm water.
- Avoid wearing makeup if you can and try not to touch or rub the skin.
- Strictly avoid UV exposure over the next few days as your skin is far more sensitive to the sun and at a heightened risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Use a lightweight serum or lotion two to three times per day, such as esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck. Dr Byrom loves this product as “it uses topical probiotic lysates to calm the skin, calm redness and help inflammation settle faster while your skin repairs itself.”
Day 3 After Skin Needling
- This is when you’ll notice the redness start to drop off.
- Dr Byrom recommends introducing a really gentle non-foaming fragrance-free cleanser, such as esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser.
- Keep using a calming serum or lotion once or twice a day.
- Sunscreen, always! Bonus points if it’s lightweight but great for sensitive skin, like Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral SKINSCREEN™.
Day 4 After Skin Needling
- You’ll find that your skin starts to feel a lot more comfortable on day four.
- Go forth and wear makeup but make sure you do a thorough cleanse in the evening.
- Continue using your calming cleanser, lotion and sunscreen.
Day 5 After Skin Needling
- Your skin should (almost!) be back to normal. However, if you have a sensitive complexion, you may want to follow the same stripped back routine for a few more days.
- If you’re feeling good, you can return to business as usual and your regular skincare routine.
- Consider a physical exfoliant, such as Beauté Pacifique Gentle Facial Exfoliator, to buff away any dead skin cells that might have become apparent post-treament as your skin heals.
For more professional skincare advice, check out the below Beauty IQ articles:
