How Soon Can You Wear Makeup After Microneedling?
Written by: Aither
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Published on Feb 05, 2025
l
Time to read 8 min
Worried you'll have to say goodbye to your favorite makeup or skincare after microneedling? Relax, microneedling won't ban you from your holy grail products—but your skin does need some time to heal first.
When can you get back to your makeup routine after using the Aither derma roller? Let's find out.
Skin After Microneedling: What Does Your Face Look Like After Microneedling
After a microneedling procedure, a few side effects are part of the package, so don't be surprised. You might look like you spent the entire day sunbathing without sunscreen, flushed, or bright red. But don't worry, that post-microneedling glow-up is on its way.
The redness takes about 48 hours to settle down, while other fun surprises like peeling and breakouts might stick around a bit longer. Most of the visible recovery happens within the first couple of days, but beneath the surface, your skin will still be working its magic for up to two months.
No matter how much aftercare you do, there's no magic fix for the initial redness. It's just part of the process. Swelling, flaking, and peeling? Totally normal; this is what happens to your face after microneedling. Some people also get bumps, breakouts, or dry skin, but not everyone gets the full microneedling experience.
How Soon to Wear Makeup?
So, your microneedling treatment is done, and you're ready to flaunt that fresh, glowing skin. But can you throw on some makeup and hit the town?
How long, exactly? Ideally, you'll give your skin at least 24 hours to breathe, but if you can hold out for a full three days, even better.
Some folks even fuss over the needle size before deciding when they can put on some makeup.
Needle Size | When to Apply Makeup |
|---|---|
0.25mm | 12-24 hours |
0.50mm | 24-48 hours |
1mm | 48-72 hours |
1.5mm | 72 hours |
2mm | 72 hours |
2.5mm | 72 hours |
Still tempted to break out the foundation? Think of it this way—would you slather lotion over a fresh scrape? Probably not.
Why Can't I Use Makeup Right After?
Foundation is great for evening out your complexion, but after a microneedling treatment? Not so much. How most makeup is formulated, packed with oils and minerals that love to clog pores, makes it a terrible sidekick for your freshly treated skin.
Your face just went through a mini boot camp, and it needs time to breathe, recover, and shed naturally without interference. Waiting will allow your skin to heal enough to handle your usual glam without risking irritation or slowed recovery.
What Is The Best Makeup After Microneedling?
If you absolutely must wear makeup the week after your microneedling, stick to gentle, sensitive-skin brands that are free of added fragrances and harsh ingredients. Your skin is in recovery mode, and the last thing it needs is unnecessary chemicals.
Opt for Mineral Makeup
Do not smother your skin with heavy, pore-clogging makeup. Mineral-based products are your best bet. They're free from the usual irritants, lightweight, and still give you that flawless finish without the drama.
You can use any makeup from Pretty Organic Girl, from their BB Creams to Bronzers, if you need organic, mineral-free coverage after using Aither Derma Roller.
Clean Brushes and Sponges
You wouldn't use a dirty dish to eat off, so why would you let bacteria-laden brushes touch your fresh, delicate skin? Give your tools a good wash unless you want to invite breakouts.
Gentle Application
Your skin is in recovery mode, so be kind to it. No aggressive buffing or rubbing. Stick to soft brushes, a damp sponge, or even your clean fingers for the smoothest, irritation-free application.
Prioritize Sunscreen
Freshly treated skin and UV rays don't mix. While makeup with SPF is nice, it's not a replacement for proper sun protection. Slather on that broad-spectrum sunscreen like your glow depends on it.
How Soon Can I Apply Skincare After Microneedling?
Of course, makeup isn't the only thing people are curious about after derma rolling. Skin care products after microneedling are also high on the list of questions.
Day 0
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser: Keep it simple. Don't go overboard after your treatment. Skip the face wash altogether to let any serums work their magic. If you're feeling a little tight or itchy, wash your face with a mild, fragrance-free, oil-free cleanser.
• Minimal, healing skincare: Stick with serums or gels your doctor recommends, or go for something that creates a semi-occlusive barrier. If you've got dry skin, it's okay to layer on thicker products designed for post-procedure care.
Day 3
Start easing your usual products back into the routine. Keep the potential irritants at bay for now. Stick to hydrating serums, moisturizers, and gentle cleansers.
Day 5
Can I use vitamin C serum after microneedling? Wait until day 5. Once your skin is fully healed (as in no redness or irritation), you can start slowly adding back in products with actives like vitamin C, retinoids, and acid-based formulas. Introduce just one at a time, and if you notice any irritation or itching, don't hesitate to stop using it.
Day 7
A week later, you're good to go back to your usual skincare routine, including makeup. Just keep an eye on how your skin's feeling so you don't accidentally mess up that delicate barrier.
Learn to Be Patient When Derma Rolling
As much as you might want to cover up that post Aither microneedling flush, hold your horses! Your skin needs time to heal, so let it breathe and do its thing. Resist the urge to pile on makeup too soon. Your patience will pay off with a glow that's worth the wait. A little redness now for a radiant complexion later? Totally worth it.