Honest Answer: Does Microneedling Hurt? [+ Aftercare Tips]

Microneedling has gained significant popularity in recent years as a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that promises to rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, and wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. 

While the results are often impressive, many prospective patients wonder about one common question: Does microneedling hurt?

In this article, we will talk about microneedling and provide you with valuable insights into the procedure's comfort level, what to expect during the process, how to care for your skin post-treatment, as well as what precautions you should take to ensure optimal results.

Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling has become a highly popular skincare trend, and its acclaim is well-deserved. 

This technique entails using a wand or pen equipped with miniature needles to create tiny wounds on the skin's surface. While they are minimal and confined to the outermost layer of skin, they trigger a great response from your body, prompting the release of healing factors that significantly enhance skin strength, luminosity, and overall health.

Below, we outline the key benefits of microneedling [1, 2].

🔍 Diminishing the visibility of wrinkles

Nobody desires to appear older than their actual age, and the premature aging signs manifesting as fine lines and wrinkles can be quite bothersome. Microneedling offers a remedy by leveraging the minute injuries it induces during the session to amplify the production of collagen and elastin, effectively combating these unwelcome signs of aging.

Furthermore, the natural healing processes triggered by these micro-injuries stimulate the generation of new skin cells, consequently reducing the prominence of fine lines, crow's feet, and forehead wrinkles.

🔍 Scar improvement

Microneedling stands as a potent approach for addressing scars, including those arising from acne. This efficacy stems from its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. 

🔍 Addressing sun damage

Microneedling serves as a highly effective solution for diminishing the visible effects of sun damage, particularly hyperpigmentation and age spots. In cases where prolonged sun exposure has led to an uneven, blotchy, or brownish complexion, microneedling's capacity to stimulate the generation of fresh collagen and skin cells can rejuvenate your appearance and restore a more even skin tone.

🔍 Shrink pores

While microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in your skin, it does not enlarge your pores; rather, it has the remarkable effect of making your pores appear smaller. This happens because microneedling stimulates collagen production around your pores, causing the surrounding skin to plump up, which, in turn, makes the pores themselves nearly imperceptible.

🔍 Enhancing topical product efficacy

The period following a microneedling session presents an ideal opportunity to apply anti-aging treatments, moisturizers, and various topical products aimed at enhancing skin health and appearance. The micro-channels created during the procedure facilitate more efficient absorption of creams, serums, and gels, enabling them to penetrate deeper into your dermal layers compared to regular application methods.

What Does Microneedling Feel Like

Microneedling has so many benefits; smoother skin, improved texture, reduced wrinkles, a stronger dermis and so much more. But how does it feel like? How long does the procedure take? And the main thing: how painful is microneedling?

Let's start in order.

During a microneedling session, a device equipped with dozens of tiny needles glides across your skin to create controlled injuries. These pricks are invisible to the eye, but your body rushes into healing compounds in response to the wounds, promoting collagen development. It can be likened to a gentle, tingling sensation, often reminiscent of a mild sunburn.

Microneedling is not a lengthy treatment. If you elect to use numbing cream, waiting for it to take effect is the part that takes the longest. It can take between 10 and 30 minutes to feel the effect.

The actual process of microneedling your face takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This may be longer if you’re microneedling larger sections of the body.

How Bad Does Microneedling Hurt

In short, not significantly. However, the level of discomfort varies from person to person, influenced by individual pain thresholds, as well as external factors like the depth and intensity of the microneedling treatment. 

While some individuals may describe the sensation as mild tingling or minor discomfort, others might feel it slightly more acutely. 

If you experience any bad sensation with your microneedling procedure, it’s likely to happen on areas of your face such as the jawline and forehead. 

These areas can be more sensitive during microneedling due to:

• Nerve endings

The forehead and jawline are areas where nerve endings are more densely distributed, potentially leading to a slightly more pronounced sensation.

• Bony structures

These areas also have prominent underlying bony structures, like the jawbone and forehead. The proximity of the needles to them can amplify the sensation, as there's less soft tissue cushioning between the skin and bone.

How To Protect Your Skin After Procedure

Remember that microneedling triggers a trauma-healing response in the skin. Thus, care should be taken after microneedling treatment to help promote your skin’s proper healing.

⏳ After 24 hours:

• Begin your post-needling skincare routine by washing your face using a gentle cleanser.
• Steer clear of products containing fragrances and active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, as these can cause irritation.

⌛️ After 48 hours:

• You can try to gently exfoliate the dry/flaking skin to help speed up the recovery process.

• Continue to maintain your skincare routine by hydrating your skin both in the morning and at night.

⏳ 3 to 5 days following the treatment:

• Consistently apply high-protection sunscreen (at least SPFSPF is sun protection factor. 30) daily and refrain from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for up to one week post-microneedling.
• Continue to prioritize products that focus on hydration and moisturization while avoiding active ingredients, acids, scrubs, and toners.

⌛️ 7 days or more after the treatment:

• You may safely return to your regular skincare routine.

What You Can’t Do After Microneedling

• Sun exposure

Minimize sun exposure in the days following microneedling. If you need to go outside, make sure to protect your skin by wearing a broad-brimmed hat to shield your face and applying sunscreen with a high SPFSPF is sun protection factor. (preferably at least 30).

• Workout

It's advisable to steer clear of intense physical activities for the first few days after microneedling. 

Sweating excessively can clog your pores and potentially lead to infection or breakouts. This includes activities like weightlifting, running, or high-intensity interval training. So, if you're a gym lover, consider taking a brief break from your routine until your skin has healed adequately.

• Makeup

While you might be tempted to use makeup to conceal any post-procedure redness or irritation, it's generally best to let your skin breathe during the initial healing phase. 

Makeup can introduce bacteria to the treated areas and hinder the recovery process. Consider going makeup-free for a few days until your skin has settled.

• Active ingredients

Avoid using skincare products that contain strong active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, AHAsAlpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of naturally chemical elements found in fruits, milk, and sugar cane. These are commonly used in skincare products due to their ability to improve the appearance and texture of the skin., or BHAsBHAs, or Beta Hydroxy Acids, are a group of chemical elements used in skincare products for their exfoliating and acne-fighting properties. after microneedling, as they can be too harsh and may lead to irritation. 

Also, steer clear of exfoliation, scrubbing, rubbing, or any facial treatments such as laser procedures, chemical peels, or waxing during the recovery period. 

• Skincare devices

Put away skincare tools like jade rollers, gua sha, and circulation-boosting devices for a while. These tools may irritate the skin as well as potentially introduce bacteria, leading to infection or other complications.

• Pain relievers

It's advisable to avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and other pain relievers during the healing phase after microneedling. 

Microneedling relies on your body's natural inflammatory response, and these drugs could interfere with this process, as they combat this body's reaction. 

How Long Does it Take to See Results?

Microneedling delivers noticeable results relatively quickly, typically beginning within the first week following the procedure. 

The full effects are usually seen between two and six weeks post-procedure. This is when your body's collagen production has had time to increase, helping to plump the skin and improve its overall texture and elasticity. Many people notice a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars during this period. 

📌 While it is a common belief that applying active ingredients and retinol shortly after microneedling can enhance the results, this notion is actually misleading. Using active ingredients too soon after the procedure can disrupt your body's natural healing process.

Who Should Be Cautious Before Treatment

Some people should avoid microneedling or seek approval from a doctor before getting the procedure due to specific conditions. They include:

• Dermatological disorders

If you have skin conditions (such as cold sores, bruised skin, eczema, rosacea, active acne, fungal infections, rashes, or skin cancer), then you should take precaution and check with your medical professional before commencing any microneedling.

While having these conditions doesn't necessarily rule out microneedling, it's crucial to avoid triggering an inflammatory skin response that could worsen these concerns.

• Keloid scarringKeloid scarring is a specific type of scar formation that occurs in some individuals. Unlike regular scars, which tend to flatten and fade over time, keloid scars are raised, thick, and often extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound or incision.

If you’ve ever had keloid scarring (raised scarring), you should also check with your medical professional before microneedling. The procedure involves making tiny wounds in the skin, which could make keloid scars worse for people prone to them.

• Medications

If you’re taking medications such as AccutaneAccutane is a drug, which is primarily used to treat severe and persistent cases of acne., antibiotics, or antidepressants, it's also important to consult with the doctor before considering the procedure. 

📌 Some medications may make microneedling unsuitable, while others may require careful supervision. 

• Cosmetic treatments and surgeries

If you’re undergoing cosmetic treatments including chemical peels, laser, or cosmetic surgery (for example, filler injections, Botox), it’s necessary to wait until your skin fully recovers before commencing microneedling. As it can potentially interfere with the healing process.

Summary

Microneedling is a highly effective and transformative skincare procedure that can yield remarkable results in improving skin texture, reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and rejuvenating your overall complexion. 

So, does microneedling hurt? While the thought of tiny needles puncturing your skin may sound daunting, the discomfort associated with the procedure is generally quite manageable. Additionally, advances in technology and the availability of numbing creams have further improved the comfort of the procedure.

After microneedling, proper post-care is crucial to ensure the best results. Above, we've covered essential tips for aftercare, so follow these guidelines and enjoy the desired outcomes for skin health.

FAQ

References

1. Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):244-54. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185468. PMID: 27559496; PMCID: PMC4976400.
2. Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.

Jose Diego Mier

Dermatology Expert

Dr. Jose Diego Mier is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of experience in light therapy, dermatology, and skin care. As the founder of the Heliotherapy Research Institute, Dr. Mier has dedicated his career to the study and application of light-based therapies for various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin aging. He is renowned for his extensive research contributions, numerous publications in leading dermatology journals, and his work has been recognized with awards for excellence in research and innovation. He has been invited to speak at national and international conferences, sharing his expertise and insights on light therapy and skin care.

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