By now we all know that when the summertime rolls around our skincare routine looks nothing like it did a few months ago. During these hot months, we’re embracing skin minimalism and slathering on SPF (or at the very least you should!)
And since we’re all basically melting, the makeup also becomes quite minimal, placing the spotlight on our complexions more than it was before.
So if you’re wondering if it’s too late to improve your complexion after the summer has already started – here’s everything you need to know about microneedling during summer before you make the decision.
Why Microneedling During Summer Isn’t Recommended
There are a couple of reasons why summer isn’t considered an ideal season for microneedling and skin resurfacing procedures like chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing.
For starters, the goal of the procedure is to cause controlled microtrauma to the skin with either a derma roller or a derma pen in order to trigger its regeneration.
Handling these tiny wounds requires certain precautions and aftercare measures. And the most important thing to avoid during the recovery process is sun exposure – which is very hard to do during the summer.
Image source: Freepik
After microneedling, the skin’s protective barrier is damaged, so the skin is extra sensitive to environmental irritants and damaging UV rays.
And as we all know by now, cumulative sun damage can lead to many complications from hyperpigmentation to much more severe skin cancer.
On top of that, UV exposure slows down the healing process which makes the treatment less effective.
Other than sun exposure, there are a few other things that make summertime a less than appropriate microneedling season.
After microneedling, the skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation. Sweating, which is pretty much unavoidable due to higher temperatures, can exacerbate this sensitivity even more, leading to discomfort or even an infection.
So unless you stay indoors, it’s best to wait. But if you’re really determined to book a session, there are ways to ensure your skin remains protected and healthy.
When It’s Okay to Get Microneedling During Summer
It seems a bit counterintuitive to skip most skin-improving procedures during the months our skin needs the most care. So to set the record straight – while it’s best to focus on non-invasive treatments like hydrodermabrasion, microneedling isn’t exactly off-limits.
If you’re determined on getting microneedling during summer, you just need to make sure you’ve minimized all factors that are making this procedure unsafe.
First and foremost, you need to minimize all sun exposure – both before and after the procedure. UV rays increase the skin’s sensitivity so the procedure might be less comfortable if you’ve been exposed prior to the treatment.
So if you’re planning on taking a holiday right around the procedure, it’s best to postpone the treatment.
Speaking of vacations, you also need to avoid swimming – especially in the pool. Swimming pools are full of chemicals and bacteria that will irritate the skin and increase the risk of getting an infection.
And as previously mentioned, increased sweating is also risky since it can also irritate the treated area and increase the risk of infection. We know it’s harder to do in the summer, but you need to avoid any sweat-inducing activity for at least the first 24-48 hours post-treatment.
So to sum up – if you’re at home, in cool temperatures, and away from the sun – it’s totally safe to get microneedling even in the summer.
How to Prevent Skin Damage After Microneedling During Summer
Proper aftercare basically dictates how well the results will show, so it’s very important as is. But during summer it’s crucial not only for that but also for avoiding any gone-wrong scenarios.
So to prevent any skin damage and ensure optimal healing, here are a few things you need to do:
The most important thing is keeping your skin protected. So if you do get microneedling in the summer, make sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 – religiously. And be diligent about reapplying it too!
Additional protection can be achieved with clothing. Consider wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and clothing to shield from direct sun at least 48h post-treatment.
Note
Good news! We’ve already covered the best sunscreens of 2023, as well as best sunscreens for dry skin and best sunscreens for oily skin.
Image source: Freepik
The second most important thing is to follow the aftercare instructions your technician provides you to support the healing process and minimize the risk of complications.
Adjust your skincare routine to be nourishing and repairing so it can speed up recovery and provide the best results. Look for moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and aloe vera.
Limit makeup and other unnecessary cosmetics to give your skin some time to breathe and recover. This will also help reduce excessive sweating and won’t clog pores or irritate the skin.
For more aftercare advice, check out our Ultimate Guide to Microneedling Aftercare.
Final Verdict on Microneedling in Summer
Regardless of all the treatment’s additional challenges we’ve previously mentioned, many still love getting microneedling in summer!
This is the season when our skin is in the spotlight – literally. And microneedling can serve as a great solution for many skin issues. From evening out the skin tone and texture to fighting scars and fine lines – the benefits of this procedure go on and on.
And it’s not just great for our faces, it can help treat pretty much any body part we’re self-conscious about. It can even get rid of stretch marks!
So all in all, it’s safe enough not to have to wait until the fall – as long as you’re following the aftercare rules. But it’s still best to do it before harsher weather conditions and higher temperatures begin.
