Before Treatment

Arrive for your treatment make-up free.

It’s best to avoid sun exposure and sun beds for about 2 weeks before treatment. If possible, you should also avoid using blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen to lessen the risk of post treatment bruising.

Aftercare

When the treatment is over, I will apply a hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C or niacinamide serum to the face. I recommend using a hyaluronic acid and vitamin C or niacinamide serum (with at least 20% vitamin C) twice daily after treatment and also as part of your daily skincare. On top of the serum, you should preferably wear a factor 50 suncream (La Roche Posay make a good one that doesn’t sting your eyes) or your usual moisturiser as an emolient to seal in the serum. 

It’s worth pointing out here that 90% of facial wrinkles are caused by exposure to the sun, so wearing a factor 50 suncream daily is a good habit to get used to. In any event, wear one for at least a week following treatment to protect the skin from the stress of the sun.

The redness usually disappears 24-48 hours after treatment depending on your skin and the area treated – the face and neck heal more quickly than the body on average. On the body it can take up to 7 days for redness to fade. You can wear makeup again after 24 hours. Only use lukewarm water to cleanse your skin for the first 48 hours. After that, you can use a gentle, non-exfoliating facewash. Avoid products that contain alcohol.

During the following days you may notice bits of skin flaking. This may make the skin feel “dry” but it isn’t really. The flaky skin is due to the increase cell renewal rate. Continue to use the serum and moisturiser / sun screen as usual.

You are also advised to avoid anything that can cause excessive sweating for about 48 hours after threatment, so that includes high intensity exercise, saunas, steam rooms and very hot baths or showers.

Summary

• Immediately after RF Microneedling: Redness, warmth, mild swelling (like a sunburn) — peaks in 24–48 hours, fades over 3–7 days.
• Possible pinpoint bleeding, tiny scabs/crusts, dryness, tightness, or flaking.
• Mild discomfort or itching (resolves quickly).
• Subtle bruising is possible but unlikely.

Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)

• Cleanse gently: Use only lukewarm water (no soap) or a very mild, fragrance-free cleanser if needed. Pat dry softly—do not rub or scrub.
• Hydrate the area: Apply a recommended gentle, occlusive moisturizer or a hyaluronic acid-based serum) frequently (3+ times/day) to relieve tightness and support barrier repair. It is important to keep the area hydrated post treatment.
• Avoid heat and sweat: No exercise, strenuous activity, saunas, hot tubs, steam, hot showers, or anything causing perspiration for at least 48–72 hours (sweat can irritate micro-channels and increase infection/PIH risk).
• No makeup or heavy products: Skip lotions, oils, or cosmetics on the area.
• Clothing tip: Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to avoid friction/rubbing on the area if the body was treated.

Days 3-7 (Active Healing Phase)

• Cleansing: Introduce a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser with lukewarm water 1–2 times/day. Pat dry.
• Moisturize aggressively: Continue hydrating products (HA serums, ceramide-based creams) multiple times/day. If dryness/flaking occurs, do not pick—let skin shed naturally.
• Sun protection (essential): Avoid direct sun exposure. Apply broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30–50+, zinc/titanium-based) daily once any open micro-channels close (usually day 2+). Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. Cover the area with clothing.
• Activity: Light daily movement is fine, but avoid intense workouts or anything sweaty for 5–7 days if possible.
• Other avoids: No swimming/pools/the sea (risk of infection).
• No harsh/active ingredients: Avoid retinoids, acids (AHA/BHA/glycolic), exfoliants, alcohol-based products, or scrubs for 5–7 days (or up to 1–2 weeks for caution).
• Don’t pick the scabs / crusts.