Microneedling is a skincare treatment that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin and cause controlled microwounds. This triggers the body’s natural healing mechanism and encourages collagen production.
It offers many benefits, mainly improved complexion. But it entails a special aftercare routine. A somewhat strict one. Lots of things need to be avoided, especially exfoliating ingredients like retinol. So is niacinamide after microneedling something to be avoided, as well?
Let’s answer the question of can I use niacinamide after microneedling.
A Bit About Niacinamide…
Niacinamide has become one of the most popular skincare ingredients. You’ve heard about it – you’ve probably even used it! But do you know how it works? Here are some quick facts:
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble version of vitamin B3. In cosmetics, it can often be found in anti-aging and anti-acne products.
What Does Niacinamide Do for Your Skin?
Niacinamide helps soothe the skin and keeps the moisture locked in, which in turn aids the skin’s natural cell turnover. It balances oil production, helping your pores appear smaller and improving your skin texture.
Regulating excess sebum production makes niacinamide products great for people with oily skin. Granted, it’s suitable for all skin types – even hypersensitive skin – because of its protective and rejuvenating properties.
Niacinamide also has antioxidant properties that can prevent and even help reverse some of the damage caused by environmental stressors. It helps reduce signs of aging by fighting fine lines and wrinkles, decreases hyperpigmentation, and increases collagen production.
Image source: Freepik
Can I Use Niacinamide After Microneedling?
Not immediately. Although niacinamide is generally a gentle ingredient, it’s better to hold off its use for a few days following the procedure.
Right after microneedling, your skin is very sensitive. The tiny channels don’t close up immediately. Certain ingredients, no matter how good they are for unbroken skin, can be too much.
Most people think you should apply all sorts of serums while the micro-wounds are still open. But in reality, that can lead to irritation and further damage.
And while, yes, you should embrace the opportunity to get the most of the products’ ingredients, that doesn’t mean you need to start right after the treatment. Your skin needs to recover a bit first. So, be patient, you will still get great results without compromising your skin health.
Once you are ready to use niacinamide again, make sure it’s a high-quality product. Remember, your skin will be drinking up everything you apply to it.
Here are our recommendations:
When Can I Use Niacinamide After Microneedling?
It’s best to introduce it back into your routine while your skin is still recovering, but not right away. About 72 hours after the procedure should be fine.
This should be enough for your skin to start healing, but the regeneration process won’t be over yet.
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties which are great, but not something you want right after having microneedling done.
Inflammation is part of the skin regeneration process. It boosts the blood flow into the area. Most of the time when we talk about inflammation it’s in a negative context, but in the case of microneedling, it’s something we actually want (up to a certain extent, of course).
Microneedling causes injuries on purpose. So using something that will stop an aspect of the healing process seems counteractive. Wait a few days until the natural inflammatory process passes, and then start using niacinamide again.
Image source: Instagram @beautified_aesthetic
Niacinamide Alternatives
Niacinamide after microneedling isn’t your only option. There are plenty of other beneficial ingredients you can use after the microneedling treatment.
For some, straight-up niacinamide might still be too strong for the treated skin, even days after the treatment. You can always dilute it with moisturizer or hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are both water-based. They work great together by attracting hydration and regulating sebum production at the same time. Apply hyaluronic acid first and niacinamide second. After that, you can seal all the active ingredients with a moisturizer.
Another option would be fully skipping using niacinamide after microneedling until your skin recovers completely. Or switch it up for another beneficial ingredient.
However, keep in mind that niacinamide is one of the milder ingredients in many skin lovers’ collections. Vitamin C serum, for example, is much harsher than niacinamide, so it’s a worse option.
So make sure you are using a suitable skin regimen; consult your dermatologist or technician about your skin needs before using anything on your own.
And remember to keep up with the rest of the microneedling aftercare routine to make sure your skin recovers properly and without complications. Learn all about the aftercare here.
Final Advice
Whatever you choose to use after microneedling, make sure your skin can handle it. Do your research and keep an eye on how your skin reacts.
It’s great if you already have suitable skincare to use after microneedling, but if you don’t, set some money aside for suitable products. If you notice something isn’t seeming right, stop using the product right away.
Cover image source: Freepik
