Here's How To Tend To Your Skin Pre- and Post-Microneedling Treatment 

That being said, you can and should tend to your skin at home pre- and-post-microneedling treatment; in fact, it's a very important part of the process. Below, we spoke to experts about how to prep your skin for treatment and take care of it post-procedure, so you can maximize those results. 

Microneedling is essentially the process of pricking the skin with tiny, sterilized needles. Some of the benefits include: 

"On a short-term basis, it plumps the skin and makes the skin look more radiant from inflammation and very superficial swelling. As my over 10 years of research has shown, you must combine microneedles with radiofrequency to get long-term wrinkle and scar reductions and improvements in skin quality. This approach makes a bigger difference for someone in their 30s and up," board-certified dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, M.D., Ph.D., tells mbg. 

When you do go in for your treatment, you want your skin to be as hydrated as possible and free of any active ingredients (that means no retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C). In addition, you'll want to plan ahead: Make sure you schedule a microneedling treatment with a few days of recovery time added to your schedule. This means no makeup, sweating, or direct sunlight.

That simple routine we mentioned matters even more post-treatment. Your skin is essentially facing open wounds and should be treated as such. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

These are general guidelines, but the most important thing is to listen to your skin. If you try to add in some exfoliation a week after your treatment and find that your skin is still sensitive, just wait a few more days to be safe. 

Additionally, you'll want to stick to hydrating actives (like hyaluronic acid) and gentle moisturizers. "Microneedling may cause light skin peeling (like a sunburn) that will not last long," Sobel warns. In order to avoid excessive dryness, use an occlusive moisturizer as your final step for the first few days post-procedure. We love Pipette's Baby Balm for this, as it's a petrolatum-free healing balm. 

Since there is an increased risk of infection, you'll want to be sure to use clean towels, sleep on a freshly washed pillowcase, and avoid touching your face with dirty hands. We repeat: You're dealing with tiny, open wounds here.

If you're considering a microneedling treatment, be sure to plan ahead, as you'll want to have some time for your skin to recover. Stick to a simple, hydrating routine a few days before and after your treatment to ensure you get the best results without irritation. Keep your face, towels, sheets, and hands clean in order to avoid infection. As always, listen to the professionals and your own skin, as that's the key to keeping your skin healthy longer.