Do you feel like you’re keeping up with your skincare routine perfectly, but not quite seeing the results you’d hoped for?
The reality is that even the best serums can only penetrate so deep on their own. Without a little extra help, your serums and other skincare products may leave much of their benefits sitting on the surface.
One way to give your serum an extra boost is with microneedling. A process that involves using a small rolling device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin, microneedling can supercharge your serum routine and take your skincare to the next level.
How does it work?
Microneedling works by creating small punctures in the skin's surface, which triggers the body's natural healing process. Research shows that when done properly, microneedling can help increase your natural collagen and elastin production, while giving your skin more absorption power.
With tiny punctures, serums and other topical treatments can penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver their active ingredients where they are needed. But is it right for you?
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling might sound intimidating (as does anything using the word “needle”!)
But the process is safer than you might expect. Using a device with tiny needles, microneedling professionals create controlled micro-injuries on targeted skin areas. These punctures are nearly invisible to the eye, but trigger a process that can help your skin in more than a few ways.
Once punctured, the skin immediately kicks into repair mode. As part of the healing process, you’ll see an increase in collagen and elastin production – and your skin will open uptemporary highways for your skincare products.
How Does Microneedling Help My Skincare Routine?
Think of your skin like a brick wall. When you apply a serum or topical application, the benefits are slowly absorbed through your pores. But a combination of oil buildup and dead skin cells can create a barrier that stops most of the benefits from being absorbed.
Microneedling busts through that brick wall to create micro-channels that stay open for a short window (typically 5-10 minutes after treatment), creating the perfect opportunity for enhanced serum delivery.
When applied right after a session, your serum’s active ingredients can penetrate up to 90% deeper than they would on intact skin.
Plus, your skin is in repair mode, which means an increase in blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the surface and removes waste products. Better circulation combined with enhanced absorption is a win-win when it comes to better skin.
Which Serums are Great for Microneedling?
Microneedling can help with serum uptake, but not all serums are created equal.
Choosing the right ingredients to use with a microneedling session will help you get the most out of the routine. Choose wrong, and you could end up with irritation. That’s why selecting high-quality serums and working with a microneedling professional is key.
Here are some of our top picks for post-microneedling serums:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is still the gold standard for microneedling serums. Hyaluronic acid acts as a moisture magnet and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Eva Naturals' Hyaluronic Acid Serum is perfectly formulated for post-treatment use, with a fragrance-free formula that won't irritate your skin after a session. Plus, the addition of Vitamin B5 enhances healing while maximizing hydration benefits.
Peptides
Peptides are chains of amino acids that work as a “healing signal” that tells your skin to produce more collagen.
So you can imagine how well they work when delivered through microneedling channels! When peptides reach the dermis, where collagen production actually happens, you’ll enjoy a double whammy effect of healthier skin and enhanced product use.
Growth Factors
Growth factors are proteins that regulate cellular growth and healing. The results of growth factors still require proper study, but many find that they can speed up recovery time and enhance results from microneedling.
Growth factors are made of ingredients that can mimic your body's natural healing signals, boosting cell turnover and the repair processes. Always work with a certified professional before you use any particular ingredients in a microneedling session.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid Post-Microneedling?
While we're focusing on what to use, it's just as important to know what to skip. After all, you’re creating tiny punctures in your skin – so you’ll want to avoid any ingredients or products that could irritate the micro-injuries.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid vitamin C serums, retinoids, and any acids (AHAs, BHAs) after microneedling. Save these active ingredients for your regular routine once your skin has fully healed—typically 48-72 hours post-treatment.
Professional vs. At-Home Microneedling Treatments
There are a variety of at-home microneedling treatments that promise to deliver results without the trip to the salon.
But while at-home derma rollers can help, you’ll find that professional microneedling treatments offer better overall results with professional tools.
Professional devices can reach depths of 0.5-2.5mm, while most at-home tools typically max out at 0.3mm.
Those deeper microneedling services can help boost the results of your session and post-needling serums, but you always want to work with someone who is trained in the proper technique and works in sterile conditions.
What Is The Best Post-Microneedling Routine?
While you may want to opt for a professional to handle the microneedling, you can take care of the post-treatment process on your own. The key is having the right products and a good routine!
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Immediately After Treatment: To get the most out of your microneedling, apply Eva Naturals' Hyaluronic Acid Serum while channels are open. A pure formulation won't irritate sensitive skin and will boost your skin’s self-repair process.
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Days 1-3: Keep the process simple with a gentle cleansing and hyaluronic acid treatments. Add a barrier-repairing moisturizer to support healing (and avoid using any actives during this phase.)
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Day 4 and Beyond: As your skin heals, you can begin to slowly reintroduce your regular skincare routine. Start with gentler products like Eva Naturals' Peptide Complex Serum before adding stronger actives like retinol or vitamin C.
Between microneedling sessions, you’ll want to maintain your results by using high-quality serums and other skincare products.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and keep your skin washed and free of any pollutants. The healthier your skin, the more you’ll see from your next microneedling treatment!
Are Microneedling and Serums Right for Your Skin?
Microneedling has been shown to provide some pretty impressive results – and help you make the most of your serum applications. Work with your dermatologist and professional microneedling specialists to learn if this treatment is right for your skin!
The combination of professional microneedling and high-quality serums creates a synergy that neither treatment can achieve alone. It's like upgrading from a garden hose to a power washer. You’ll use the same base tools, but get wildly different results!
Ready to experience the difference? Start with the right serums that can maximize your microneedling benefits. Shop our microneedling-friendly serums and discover how the right ingredients can transform your treatment results.
FAQ
Does microneedling stimulate hyaluronic acid?
Microneedling doesn’t stimulate hyaluronic acid production directly, but it can create channels that allow topically applied hyaluronic acid to penetrate much deeper. This is why many opt for a microneedling treatment prior to using a hyaluronic acid serum to treat their skin.
Do you use serums with microneedling?
You can use serums during and immediately after microneedling to get the most out of your results. You’ll want to choose the right type of serum ingredients to avoid irritation. When in doubt, work with your treatment specialist to choose the best options.
What happens if I use vitamin C serum after microneedling?
Not all serums or applications are good for your skin post-microneedling. Using vitamin C can actually cause significant irritation or stinging and can potentially increase inflammation. You will want to wait at least 72 hours before using any serums that may irritate your skin.
Can I use retinol serums with microneedling?
You will want to avoid retinol immediately before and after microneedling, as the ingredients can be harsh on your skin post-treatment. For best results, stop using retinol 3-5 days before treatment and wait at least 72 hours before resuming.