What should one avoid before microneedling?

Before microneedling, you should avoid anything that can make the skin extra sensitive or irritated. Examples include strong acids, retinol, intense sun exposure, and aggressive skincare in the days before the treatment.

In this guide, we go through what you should avoid before microneedling, why it is important, and how to prepare the skin for a safer treatment.

Why is preparation important before microneedling?

Microneedling affects the skin barrier temporarily, and the skin needs to be in as balanced a condition as possible before the treatment.

If the skin is already irritated or stressed, the risk of discomfort, redness, and longer recovery increases.

Preparation therefore is mainly about reducing irritation and allowing the skin to be calm before the treatment.

Avoid retinol before microneedling

Retinol and retinoids can make the skin more sensitive and reactive.

Many people therefore choose to pause retinol for a few days before microneedling, especially with deeper treatment or sensitive skin.

If you want to read more about retinol and microneedling, you can see our guide on retinol after microneedling.

Avoid strong acids and exfoliation

Acids and exfoliating products can make the skin thinner and more sensitive before the treatment.

This applies, for example, to:

• AHA acids
• BHA acids
• Peeling products
• Heavy exfoliation

Avoid strong exfoliation in the days before the treatment, especially if the skin easily becomes red or irritated.

Avoid sun exposure and sunburned skin

Microneedling should not be done on skin that is sunburned or irritated by the sun.

Sun-damaged skin is often more sensitive and may react more strongly after treatment.

If the skin is red, warm, or tight after sun exposure, you should wait until the skin has fully recovered.

Read more in our guide on microneedling in the summer.

Avoid shaving right before treatment

Shaving can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive immediately before microneedling.

If you shave the area, it is often better to do so at least some time before the treatment, especially if the skin easily becomes red or irritated.

This is especially true for sensitive areas such as the neck and beard line.

Avoid alcohol and intense exercise before treatment

Alcohol and hard exercise can increase blood circulation and make the skin more reactive.

This can contribute to more redness and sensitivity during and after the treatment.

Many people therefore choose to avoid intense exercise and larger amounts of alcohol on the same day as the treatment.

Avoid treating irritated or damaged skin

Microneedling should not be done on skin that is already:

• severely irritated
• inflamed
• sunburned
• wounded
• affected by active acne or infection

The skin should feel calm and stable before the treatment begins.

If you are unsure, you can read our guide on when you should not do microneedling.

How should the skin feel like before microneedling?

Before treatment, it is best if the skin feels:

• calm
• hydrated
• free from stinging or irritation
• free from severe redness

The calmer the skin is before the treatment, the better the recovery usually is.

What can you do instead before the treatment?

In the days before microneedling, it is often best to keep your skincare routine simple.

Many instead focus on:

• gentle cleansing
• moisturizing
• protecting the skin from strong sun
• letting the skin rest from active ingredients

Common questions about what to avoid before microneedling

Can you use retinol before microneedling?

Retinol can make the skin more sensitive. Many therefore choose to pause retinol for a few days before the treatment.

Can you sunbathe before microneedling?

Microneedling should not be done on sunburned or irritated skin. Wait until the skin feels fully recovered.

Can you exercise before microneedling?

Light exercise is usually not a problem, but intense exercise right before the treatment can make the skin more reactive and red.

Can you do microneedling if the skin is irritated?

No. Microneedling should be avoided if the skin is severely irritated, inflamed, or damaged.

Summary

Before microneedling, you should avoid anything that makes the skin extra sensitive or irritated. Retinol, strong acids, intense sun exposure, aggressive exfoliation, and treating already irritated skin can increase the risk of discomfort and longer recovery. Calm and balanced skin before the treatment often provides better conditions for a more even recovery.