Talked to the dermatologist. Checked. Booked the appointment. Checked.
Now fantasizing about the post-micro needling glow? As always!
But one thing you often aren’t prepared for is dead skin, which could reverse the benefits of the treatment. Remember that what you do after micro needling is as important as what you do before and during the procedure.
So we brought the steps that make getting rid of dead skin cells easier than you think. This guide includes tips and tricks to easily and quickly remove those pesky cells. Plus, you’ll find the pre-removal preps and micro-needling post-care instructions here, all that’s to help your skin stay comfortable and harm-resistant while you’re in the removal process.
So are you ready for the cell turnover?
But as a refresher, first, let’s look into how micro-needling works and the value it offers to your skin…
What is Microneedling?
It’s a cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny, controlled injuries to the skin. The idea behind this treatment is that by starting small punctures in the skin, the body will respond by producing more collagen, which can help combat various skin conditions, including reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, an improved skin texture, and many others you’ll find in the ‘benefits’ section below.
Microneedling is typically done by a licensed skin care professional and can be performed on the face, neck, and body. The needles used for the procedure can vary in size and length, depending on the desired outcome and the area being treated. To treat aging skin and wrinkles, for example, the usually-recommended length of the needle is 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm.
A numbing cream is applied to the skin during the procedure to minimize discomfort. The micro-needling device is then passed over the skin, creating small punctures. Needles with varying depths can be used to target specific skin concerns. After micro-needling, the skin may be red and slightly swollen, but the effects typically disappear within a day or two.
Caution: It’s crucial to remember that many sessions can be necessary to get the desired outcomes. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s vital to consult a licensed practitioner to ensure micro-needling is appropriate for your skin type and problems.
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Benefits of Microneedling
With collagen production being the point of the procedure, an increase in it helps your skin to:
- Appear plumpy and thereby become less prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
- Remain firm and supple, making you look younger!
- Achieve an improved overall skin texture and reduced appearance of acne scars.
- Develop cellular turnover and thus become rejuvenated.
Understanding the Causes of Dead Skin After Microneedling
After micro-needling, the regeneration of the skin results in the formation of dead skin.
Remember those tiny, fine needles used in the procedure? Yep. As with any other skin injury, whether more minor or severe, these needles create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing process. As a result, the skin begins to rejuvenate and heal while producing new collagen.
Proceeding the healing process, the dead skin cells begin to not only form but also accumulate on the treated skin area. At that point, your skin starts feeling and looking flaky and dry. Time passes, and these Old, unhealthy skin cells start shedding naturally during this process and are replaced with new, healthy ones. This is precisely what you – and we – call ‘dead skin!’
Preparing the Skin Before Removal
Avoid Picking and Scratching
Picking or scratching does nothing but can cause injuries, infections, or scarring. All that leads to a delay in the healing process. Here, compulsive scratchers need to be more cautious and conscious!
The key is to be patient and wait for the skin to heal and, as a result, for the healing treatments you’re taking.
Give Time to the Skin for Healing
Before removing dead skin post-micro-needling, you must wait for at least 24-48 hours. Like any other injury, your skin requires time to heal and recover before entering the sound, natural cell-shedding stage.
Skin Cleansing
Cleansing your skin and pre-removing dead skin makes up the skin’s surface and allows you to work with a clean base.
You need a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, or makeup. The more gunk your skin has, the more time and cleanser amount you’d likely consume to remove the dead skin. Steer clear of using harsh scrubs or exfoliants, as they’ll make your skin sensitive and prone to rashes or burns.
Moisturization is a Must
To make the dead skin removal process less harsh and smoother, you’ll need to provide your skin with adequate moisturization. Though your regular facial cleanser is okay, we prefer a hydrating, quick-absorbing facial moisturizer to avoid greasiness and over-moisturization by fastening the procedure. Plus, as you’re done with the main task, you can also shelve the bottle for your lovely face!
How to Remove Dead Skin After Microneedling Methods: Choose the One You Like!
Method#01: Exfoliation – A Bit Risky for Sensitive Skin Type
Exfoliating the skin after micro-needling can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Aside from clearing away dry and dead skin, a regular exfoliation habit has other perks too:
Pros:
- Unclogs pores by clearing away oil, dirt, and makeup leftovers from the skin.
- By unclogging pores, exfoliation makes it easier for other skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
- By helping smoothen your skin’s texture, exfoliation helps it to appear more uniform over time.
Cons:
- It may not be the best method for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Things to Consider:
- Wait at least 24 hours after treatment before exfoliating the skin.
- Instead of harsher scrubs with massive particles or beads, choose a lightweight, natural exfoliant to ensure a gentler, deep-cleaning exfoliation session.
- Use gentle, circular strokes to massage the scrub into moist skin. Avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing force.
- Thoroughly rinse the skin with warm water to eliminate all the particles.
- After exfoliating, moisturize the skin to help hydrate and protect it.
Exfoliation can be done at home and is relatively inexpensive. However, it can be harsh and lead to skin irritation or sensitivity if not done correctly.
It’s always best to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner and be mindful of the healing process of your skin.
Method # 02: Chemical Peels – Suitable for All Skin Types, Though Caution Varies Peel Type-Wise
Chemical peels can also be one of the most effective ways to remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover post-microneedling.
Pros:
- It can target specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne.
- It can reveal new fresh skin that is smoother and softer.
- They tighten up the skin to minimize wrinkles.
- By removing only the top layers of skin, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of dark patches and reveal brighter skin underneath.
Cons:
- Due to some aggressive chemicals used in peels, they may temporarily or sometimes permanently remove skin pigmentation and leave lighter patches behind.
Things to Consider:
Before employing a chemical peel after micro-needling, you should speak with your doctor or a skincare expert. They will be able to advise you on what to do in your particular situation. They’ll also suggest you perform a patch test to assess how the peel affects your skin.
However, here are some general considerations:
- The recovery process makes skin more sensitive to chemical peels, so it’s recommended to wait at least a week before using a chemical peel.
- I prefer a mild chemical peel over excessively aggressive ones or with a high concentration. Milder peels are suitable for most skin types and are less likely to leave discoloration behind.
- Since chemical peeling is an in-depth form of exfoliation, ensure you don’t exfoliate for a week or more before using chemical peels. Even if you haven’t exfoliated actively with a scrub or exfoliant, watch out for ingredients in your everyday skin products that may have an exfoliating effect.
- Leave the peel on for 4-6 hours, no less; no more!
- Wash it off with warm water ONLY. Plus, wash your face with warm water only for the first two days and twice a day.
- Apply a moisturizer with sunscreen to the face/body (AT LEAST SPF 44) as many times a day as needed, even if it’s cloudy outside!
Post-Treatment Care
Proper post-micro-needling care is the only key to promoting healing and preventing infection. Here are some suggestions for post-treatment care:
- Keep the treated area clean and moisturized. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser before applying a moisturizer or moisturizing serum.
- Protecting your skin from sun exposure after removing dead skin following microneedling is crucial, as it can be more sensitive and prone to damage. Choose a gentler sunscreen that is appropriate for sensitive skin. Moreover, you must avoid other skin care products that can increase sun sensitivity, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
- Avoid using harsh skincare products or exfoliating. Avoid exfoliating scrubs, harsh chemical peels, or other procedures for at least a week following your micro-needling session.
- Do not itch or pick at the treated area. Avoid picking or scratching at any scabs or dry skin that may appear, and let the skin heal usually.
- After micro-needling, antioxidants can aid in protecting the skin and promote healing. Free radicals are harmful molecules that can damage cells and speed up aging. Antioxidants are compounds that can balance up these molecules. Following micro-needling, a variety of antioxidants can be used, including:
- Vitamin C: Known for its ability to brighten the skin, boost collagen production, and protect against environmental damage.
- Vitamin E: Known for its ability to moisturize and protect the skin from environmental damage.
- Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols and plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Niacinamide: This form of Vitamin B3 has been shown to improve skin’s barrier function, reduce redness, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Important note: Before applying any topical products to the treated area, it’s essential to speak with your doctor because, depending on the extent of the procedure and your particular skin type and condition, some products may not be suitable for use after micro needling.
Conclusion
So that was all about getting rid of dead skin after you’ve achieved a new glow! To make the removal process less painful and more effective, you must be careful what you do before, during, and after the procedure. And we consider this guide to be the stepstone to all that. We wish you the best of luck, even though dead skin is sure to appear!
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