Microneedling Do's & Don'ts

Published July 27th, 2026

Food, beverages, medications, skin care and activities - before and after treatment

IMPORTANT MEDICATION SAFETY

Do not stop, hold or change any prescription medication - including aspirin, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, steroids, diabetes medications or immune-suppressing medicines - unless the prescribing clinician and your microneedling provider have approved a plan.

BEFORE TREATMENT

Hydrate, eat a normal balanced meal, protect your skin from sun, pause irritating skin products as directed, disclose every medicine and supplement, and arrive with clean product-free skin.

AFTER TREATMENT

Use only approved recovery products, avoid makeup for at least 24 hours, avoid direct sun and tanning for 1-2 weeks, and avoid heat, sweating and swimming during early healing.

THIS GUIDE APPLIES TO STANDARD MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling with PRP, radiofrequency microneedling, deeper scar treatments and combination procedures may require a stricter or longer recovery plan. The treating clinician's written instructions always take priority.

Before Microneedling: Food & Beverages

FOOD

DO

• Eat a normal, balanced meal before the appointment unless your clinician gives different instructions.
• Choose a meal with lean protein, whole grains or another complex carbohydrate, and fruits or vegetables.
• If PRP is planned, eat beforehand and bring a small snack if you have previously felt lightheaded with blood draws.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Do not intentionally fast unless the clinic specifically instructs you to do so.
• Avoid a very heavy or high-fat meal immediately before a PRP blood draw if your clinic requests this.
• Do not begin restrictive diets, cleanses or dehydration practices before treatment.

Clinical note: There is no special food restriction for routine microneedling. A normal meal helps reduce the chance of lightheadedness. PRP protocols may include additional preparation because blood is drawn.

BEVERAGES

DO

• Drink water regularly the day before and the morning of treatment.
• Continue normal nonalcoholic fluids unless you have a medical fluid restriction.
• Keep caffeine moderate if it makes you anxious, flushed or dehydrated.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment; follow a longer clinic interval if you bruise easily or are receiving PRP.
• Avoid arriving dehydrated.
• Avoid recreational drugs and any substance that could impair consent or increase cardiovascular risk.

Clinical note: Alcohol and some medications can contribute to bruising. Water before a blood draw can make venous access easier. [3,5,7]

Before Microneedling: Medications & Supplements

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES

DO

• Provide a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, topical medicines and allergies.
• Tell the clinic about aspirin, warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, heparin or any other blood-thinning therapy.
• Tell the clinic about steroids, immune-suppressing medicines, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and diabetes medicines.
• Ask about antiviral prophylaxis if you have a history of cold sores.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Never stop a prescribed blood thinner, aspirin or other medication on your own.
• Avoid nonessential NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen before treatment only when your clinician says it is medically safe.
• Do not proceed without clinician review if you currently use or recently used isotretinoin.
• Do not take someone else's antiviral, antibiotic or pain medication.

Clinical note: Microneedling can cause bleeding and may be unsuitable for some patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Timing decisions must be individualized. [1,2,3]

VITAMINS, HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

DO

• List every supplement, including dose and frequency.
• Ask the clinic or pharmacist whether nonessential supplements should be held.
• Continue medically necessary supplements unless your prescriber advises otherwise.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Do not assume that "natural" means risk-free.
• Do not independently stop supplements prescribed to treat a deficiency or medical condition.
• Use extra caution with products that may affect bleeding or interact with medicines, including high-dose vitamin E, ginkgo and concentrated garlic supplements.

Clinical note: Dietary supplements can interact with medicines and some may increase bleeding risk. [8,9]

Before Microneedling: Skin Care & Sun

SKIN CARE AND COSMETIC PROCEDURES

DO

• Use gentle cleanser and moisturizer in the days before treatment.
• Follow the clinic's schedule for stopping retinol, tretinoin, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and other exfoliants - commonly several days to one week.
• Notify the clinic about recent lasers, peels, waxing, filler, neurotoxin or other facial procedures.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid scrubs, exfoliating brushes, at-home peels, depilatory creams and waxing on the treatment area before treatment.
• Do not treat skin that is raw, peeling, irritated or recently burned.
• Do not arrive wearing makeup, sunscreen, lotion, self-tanner or fragranced products on the treatment area.

Clinical note: The American Academy of Dermatology and Cleveland Clinic advise stopping retinoids/exfoliants for several days to one week as directed. [2,3]

SUN AND TANNING

DO

• Use shade, protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen before the procedure.
• Tell the clinic if you develop a sunburn or significant tan.
• Reschedule if the treatment area is sunburned or actively irritated.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid intentional sun exposure and tanning beds.
• Do not schedule treatment immediately before a sunny vacation, outdoor event or other unavoidable high-UV exposure.
• Do not conceal a recent sunburn or tan from the clinician.

Clinical note: FDA patient guidance lists tanning or planned sun exposure during the two weeks after treatment as a safety concern. [1]

Before Microneedling: Activities & Health Status

ACTIVITIES AND HEALTH STATUS

DO

• Get adequate sleep and arrive calm, clean and well hydrated.
• Tell the clinic about fever, respiratory illness, skin infection, rash, cold sores, uncontrolled acne or recent antibiotics.
• Minimize smoking, vaping and nicotine before treatment and throughout healing.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid a strenuous workout immediately before the appointment.
• Do not proceed with active infection, open wounds, painful cystic acne, eczema/psoriasis flare or a cold-sore outbreak.
• Do not proceed without medical review if pregnant, breastfeeding, immune-suppressed, prone to keloids or living with uncontrolled diabetes.

Clinical note: Nicotine can impair blood flow and wound healing. Patient selection should be based on medical history, skin examination and device labeling. [1,2,10]

CALL BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENTContact the clinic before treatment if you have an active rash, infection, sunburn, cold sore, new medication, recent procedure, pregnancy, breastfeeding, uncontrolled medical condition, bleeding disorder or a history of difficult wound healing.

After Microneedling: Food, Beverages & Medications

FOOD AND HYDRATION

DO

• Resume a normal balanced diet and drink water throughout the day.
• Include adequate protein and nutrient-dense foods to support general health and tissue repair.
• If PRP was performed, eat and hydrate after the blood draw, especially if you feel lightheaded.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after treatment; extend the interval if bruising, swelling or PRP-specific instructions apply.
• Avoid deliberate dehydration, crash diets or prolonged fasting during early healing.
• Do not use food or supplements as a substitute for prescribed medical care.

Clinical note: No special post-microneedling diet is required. Hydration and a normal balanced diet are appropriate unless another medical condition requires restrictions.

PAIN MEDICINE AND ROUTINE MEDICATIONS

DO

• Continue prescription medicines exactly as directed unless your prescriber has approved a different plan.
• Ask whether acetaminophen is appropriate for discomfort based on your health history.
• For PRP, follow the clinician's specific instructions about anti-inflammatory medicines.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Do not start aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or another NSAID solely for post-treatment discomfort without checking the clinic.
• Do not stop prescribed antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy because of bruising without contacting the prescriber.
• Do not apply topical antibiotics, steroid creams, numbing creams or acne medications unless specifically directed.

Clinical note: Medication guidance must account for cardiovascular, kidney, gastrointestinal, bleeding and pregnancy risks. Clinic instructions do not replace the prescribing clinician's plan.

After Microneedling: Skin Care, Makeup, Sun & Activities

SKIN CARE AND MAKEUP

DO

• Use only the gentle cleanser, moisturizer and recovery products approved by the clinic.
• Wash hands before touching the treated area and use a clean pillowcase, towel and phone screen.
• Wait at least 24 hours before makeup; wait 48-72 hours after deeper treatment or while skin remains red, open, weeping or very sensitive.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid retinoids, tretinoin, glycolic/lactic/salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C serums, scrubs, toners and fragranced products for about 3-7 days or until the skin is fully calm.
• Do not pick, peel, scratch or exfoliate flaking skin.
• Do not use dirty makeup brushes, sponges or old eye/lip products.

Clinical note: AAD advises waiting at least 24 hours before makeup; some academic medical centers recommend 48-72 hours depending on treatment intensity. [2,4,6]

SUN, HEAT, EXERCISE AND WATER EXPOSURE

DO

• Stay out of direct sun while skin heals; use shade and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when your clinician says sunscreen may be resumed and your skin tolerates it.
• Resume exercise and heat exposure gradually after redness and tenderness have resolved.

AVOID / DO NOT

• Avoid direct sun and tanning for 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy sweating, sauna, steam room, hot yoga and hot tubs for at least 24-48 hours.
• Avoid swimming pools, lakes and oceans for at least 48 hours and until the skin surface is closed and calm.
• Avoid waxing, peels, lasers and other facial treatments until cleared.

Clinical note: Treated skin can be more sensitive to sunlight and topical products. Recovery varies with needle depth, treatment area and combination procedures. [1,4,6]

Recovery Timeline & When to Call

0-24 hours

• DO: Expect redness, warmth, tightness and mild swelling. Use only approved recovery products. Keep the area clean and protected.
• AVOID: No makeup, exercise, sweating, alcohol, hot showers, sauna, pools, picking or active skin care.

24-48 hours

• DO: Gentle cleansing and moisturizer as directed. Mineral makeup may be considered only if skin is intact and the clinician approves.
• AVOID: Continue avoiding intense heat, direct sun, swimming and irritating products.

Days 3-5

• DO: Dryness, roughness or mild flaking can occur. Continue gentle hydration and sun protection.
• AVOID: Do not scrub or pull off flaking skin. Do not restart actives while skin stings or remains red.

Days 5-7

• DO: Gradually resume the usual routine only if skin is fully calm and the clinician approves.
• AVOID: Avoid direct sun, tanning and additional procedures if sensitivity remains.

1-2 weeks

• DO: Maintain strict daily sun protection. Contact the clinic with delayed or worsening symptoms.
• AVOID: Avoid intentional tanning and any treatment that could re-irritate incompletely healed skin.

CONTACT THE CLINIC PROMPTLYIncreasing pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus, foul drainage, fever, blistering, a cold-sore outbreak, persistent bleeding, severe swelling, worsening rash, darkening/lightening that concerns you, or symptoms that are getting worse instead of better.

SEEK URGENT OR EMERGENCY CAREDifficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, fainting, severe allergic symptoms, chest pain or another medical emergency.

Clinical References

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling Devices: information for patients and providers. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/microneedling-devices

[2] American Academy of Dermatology. Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/microneedling-fade-scars

[3] Cleveland Clinic. Microneedling - preparation and recovery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/microneedling

[4] Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Microneedling - preparation and downtime. https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/aesthetics/non-surgical-procedures/microneedling

[5] Cleveland Clinic. Fasting before blood work. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/fasting-for-blood-work

[6] University of Utah Health. Microneedling aftercare. https://healthcare.utah.edu/cosmetic/skincare-services/microneedling

[7] American Red Cross. Tips for a successful blood donation. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html

[8] NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Using dietary supplements wisely. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely

[9] NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin E: Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/

[10] MedlinePlus. Smoking and surgery: wound-healing considerations. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000437.htm

PATIENT EDUCATION NOTICE

This handout provides general educational guidance and does not replace individualized medical advice, informed consent, device labeling or the treating clinician's written instructions. Protocols may vary based on medical history, needle depth, treatment area, PRP use and other combined treatments.

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