Microneedling Aftercare

Redness, tightness, dryness, roughness, itching, peeling, discomfort, bruising or pinpoint bleeding can occur after microneedling. Skin can also be more sensitive to sunlight and to products that normally do not sting.

Quick recovery priorities

Follow the instructions for the exact product, device and treatment area you received.
Keep treated sites clean and avoid unnecessary rubbing, picking or pressure.
Do not use this page to self-diagnose a complication. If something feels significantly wrong or is worsening, contact THCB or seek appropriate medical care.

Protect the skin barrier

Use gentle skin care while the skin is sensitive. The FDA specifically notes that retinol, glycolic acid, menthol, capsaicin, alcohol-containing products, sunscreen, makeup and moisturizers may sting more after microneedling.
Avoid scrubs, exfoliating tools and other products or devices that cause burning or irritation until sensitivity has settled.
Do not pick, scratch or peel flaking or crusting skin.
Use sun protection and minimize unnecessary sun exposure during recovery.

Products and combination treatments

FDA-cleared microneedling devices have not been cleared for delivery of cosmetics, topical drugs, vitamins, platelet-rich plasma or other products into the skin. If your session included another product or modality, follow the specific instructions you were given.
Microneedling devices have not been FDA-cleared for treatment of hair loss.
RF microneedling works differently from standard microneedling. In 2025 the FDA issued a safety communication after reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage with certain RF microneedling uses.

Call THCB promptly

Redness, warmth, swelling or pain that is increasing rather than settling.
Pus or drainage, fever, spreading rash, significant blistering, a cold-sore outbreak or unexpected pigment change.
After RF microneedling, new persistent numbness, weakness, contour change, significant blistering/burn, or another symptom suggesting nerve or deeper tissue injury.

Get urgent medical help now if you notice

Severe burns, rapidly worsening pain, extensive blistering, facial weakness or another significant neurologic symptom after RF microneedling.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction.

If you have trouble breathing, signs of stroke, sudden vision loss/change, or another potentially life-threatening symptom, call 911 or seek emergency care rather than waiting for an app response.

Questions after treatment?

For non-emergency concerns, contact The House Call Beauty at 415-780-1854. If THCB gave you treatment-specific written instructions that differ from this general guide, follow those individualized instructions.

This page is general patient education. It does not replace individualized medical advice, examination, diagnosis, treatment or emergency care.

Safety sources

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026.