Microneedling is a skin treatment that stimulates collagen production by creating tiny punctures on your skin. Preparation is key to getting the best results and avoiding side effects. Here’s a quick guide to help you get ready:

• Schedule a Consultation: Share your skin concerns, medical history, and skincare routine with a certified provider.
• Adjust Your Skincare: Stop using retinoids, acids (AHAs/BHAs), and exfoliants 7 days before treatment. Use gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
• Lifestyle Changes: Avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and tobacco a week before. Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods.
• Sun Protection: Avoid tanning beds and minimize UV exposure for at least 2 weeks before your session.
• Day of Treatment: Arrive with a clean face, skip makeup, and wear comfortable clothing.

Step 1: Book Your Medical Consultation

Schedule an appointment with a board-certified provider to ensure your microneedling treatment is both safe and effective. At reputable medical spas like Aethos NYC, treatments are supervised by board-certified plastic surgeons to maximize safety and results. During your consultation, you’ll also provide details about your health to customize your treatment plan.

Share Your Health Background

Be ready to discuss the following:

• Current skin concerns: Specify the areas you’d like to improve.
• Medical history: Mention any allergies, medications, or past cosmetic treatments.
• Skincare routine: Share the products and treatments you currently use.
• Recent procedures: Include any facial treatments done within the last six months.

Understanding Expected Results

Once you’ve shared your health details, it’s time to align your goals with a realistic plan. This discussion helps build a treatment approach tailored to you. Your provider will:

• Assess your skin type and suggest how often you should undergo treatment.
• Develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
• Explain any potential risks or side effects.

When selecting a provider, always check their qualifications and experience. Look for:

• Board certification in dermatology or plastic surgery.
• Specialized training in microneedling procedures.
• Before-and-after photos showcasing their work.
• Positive reviews from past clients.
• A clean and professional environment for treatments.

Step 2: Change Your Skincare Products

Update your skincare routine a few weeks before your treatment to help minimize sensitivity and improve results.

Products to Avoid

Certain products can irritate your skin or slow down the healing process. Here’s what to avoid:

One Week Before Treatment:

• Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating scrubs.

Two Weeks Before Treatment:

• Cosmetic treatments that may irritate your skin.
• Chemical peels or intensive facial treatments.

Stick to Gentle Skincare

Switch to products that are mild and non-irritating. Dr. Husain suggests keeping it simple:

“Cleansing is a necessary step in any skincare routine. Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser contains niacinamide and glycerin to ensure continuous hydration while also removing makeup, oil, dirt, and other impurities”.

Your routine should include:

• Gentle Cleanser: Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser twice daily.
• Basic Moisturizer: Opt for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer.
• Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30 or higher during the day.

On the day of your treatment:

• Arrive with a clean face.
• Skip moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.
• Wear comfortable clothing.

Cetaphil products are clinically tested and work well for sensitive skin. Once your skincare is sorted, the next step is adjusting your lifestyle to support your skin’s preparation for treatment.

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Step 3: Pre-Treatment Lifestyle Changes

Once you’ve adjusted your skincare routine, it’s time to make a few lifestyle changes to ensure your skin heals as smoothly as possible.

Avoid Blood-Thinning Products

To minimize bruising, stop using the following medications and supplements about a week before your appointment:

• NSAIDs: Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. If you need pain relief, opt for acetaminophen instead.
• Supplements: Fish oil, Omega-3, and Vitamin E supplements.
• Prescription medications: If you’re taking MAOIs, consult your psychiatrist about pausing them 72 hours before your treatment.

Shield Your Skin from the Sun

SkinMD in Chicago highlights the importance of avoiding UV exposure before your session:

“Do your best to avoid UV damage in the week leading up to your session. Avoiding tanning beds is only one step you should take in damaging your skin.”

Here’s how to protect your skin:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 4 hours when outdoors.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Wear protective clothing, like long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats.
• Stay away from tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.

If your skin gets too much sun, soothe it with aloe vera gel. You might also want to schedule your session during times of the year when sunlight is less intense.

Fine-Tune Your Diet and Hydration

Small changes to your diet and hydration can make a big difference:

• Skip alcohol: Avoid drinking for 7 days leading up to your treatment to stay hydrated.
• Quit tobacco products: Cutting these out helps your skin heal better.
• Drink more water: Keep yourself hydrated for healthier skin.
• Eat nutrient-rich foods: Focus on a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals to support skin health.

These steps will help your body get ready for a smoother, more effective treatment process.

Step 4: Day-of Treatment Tips

Clean Your Face

Start with a double cleanse to prep your skin: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser and cleanse twice. Begin with a soft silicone brush for the first cleanse, then repeat to ensure your skin is free of impurities.

Arrive at your appointment with a freshly cleaned face. Skip applying any lotions, perfumes, or serums beforehand, as these can interfere with the treatment.

If your provider has prescribed a numbing cream, apply it after cleansing. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then remove it before doing a final cleanse with a 60% alcohol solution.

Once your face is properly prepped, you’re ready to focus on what to wear and how to mentally prepare.

What to Wear

Comfort is key. Choose loose-fitting, cotton clothing to keep your skin happy. Avoid wearing clothes treated with fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as these can leave residues that might irritate your skin.

Mental Preparation

During the treatment, you might feel a warming sensation or mild scratching, especially on bony areas. To help manage any discomfort, consider taking Tylenol about an hour before your session. You can also ask your provider if using a topical numbing cream is an option for added relief.

Conclusion: Your Pre-Treatment Checklist

Pre-Treatment Checklist Summary

Here’s a handy guide to help you get ready for your treatment:

Medical Requirements:

• Schedule a consultation to review your health history.
• Let your provider know about any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners.
• If you’re prone to cold sores, start antiviral medication 48 hours before your treatment.

Skincare Adjustments (7 Days Before):

• Stop using retinoids and acid-based products like azelaic, glycolic, and salicylic acids.
• Simplify your skincare routine with gentle, basic products.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants or active ingredients.

Pre-Treatment Care (48–72 Hours Before):

• Increase your water intake to about 80 ounces daily.
• Make sure you’ve stopped taking blood-thinning supplements.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (check with your healthcare provider first).
• Skip IPL or laser treatments during this time.

Next Steps

Get ready for your treatment by following these final tips:

“Patients need to stay hydrated before microneedling. This helps with sensitivity and recovery. It also helps to lower alcohol consumption.”
– Ewa Pietri, Senior Aesthetician at Aethos

24 Hours Before:

• Stay out of direct sunlight (refer to Step 3 for more details).
• Avoid hair removal in the treatment area.
• Keep drinking plenty of water.
• Get a full night’s sleep to ensure you’re well-rested.

Day of Treatment:

• Arrive with a clean face, free of any skincare products.
• Wear loose, comfortable cotton clothing.
• Take any prescribed medications as instructed by your provider.