CIT Skin Needling Aftercare

Skin Needling / Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a technique that we use to help to rejuvenate and restore collagen. We use a pen-like device that is fitted with multiple needles that induce a wound where the collagen and elastin respond and the skin creates new cells. It is important you read the below recommendations to look after your skin and get the most out of your treatment.

Your skin may feel warm to touch immediately after your procedure and 3-5 days later become a little dry and flaky. This is a completely normal process due to the dead skin cells being stimulated upwards. Once this process is finished, your skin will feel softer and look radiant.

Following your Skin Needling treatment, you can expect some redness and slight swelling around the areas that have been treated. Your skin may feel warm to touch, like a mild sunburn sensation. This should last no longer than a day or two.

Three to five days after your Skin Needling procedure you may notice that your skin becomes a little dry and flaky. This is a completely normal process due to the dead skin cells being stimulated upwards. Avoid picking the skin and apply moisturiser 2-3 times per day. Once this process is finished your skin will feel softer and look radiant, as though you have had a great exfoliation.

Skin Needling stimulates your body to produce natural collagen and elastin, which continues for up to 12 weeks after your treatment. 

AVOID SUN EXPOSURE

Your skin will be much more sensitive to the sun for several weeks after your Skin Needling treatment. To prevent adverse effects, you must stay out of the sun at all times.

We do not advise the use of sunscreen immediately after the procedure as the skin channels are completely open and will absorb anything that is applied. However, you can apply a mineral sunscreen once the skin has healed over, approximately 24 hours after your Skin Needling treatment.

DON’T USE SKIN PRODUCTS CONTAINING ‘ACTIVE INGREDIENTS’

The Skin Needling procedure will leave your skin in a highly sensitive state, so we recommend that you avoid all skin care products that contain any kind of ‘active ingredients’ such as retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids and Vitamin C.

You can incorporate these products back into your regime 3-5 days after your treatment, or as recommended by your experienced therapist.

AVOID USING MAKEUP AFTER THE TREATMENT

Don’t apply any kind of makeup for at least 24 hours to 48 hours after the procedure as it’s important to allow your skin barrier to heal over.

Using make up brushes can irritate the open skin, and if there’s any bacteria on the brushes you run the risk of developing a skin infection.

AVOID ACTIVITIES OR SITUATIONS THAT MAKE YOU SWEAT 

A Skin Needling procedure will cause heat in the skin as a natural stage of healing. If you sweat or partake in any activities that make you hot, it will create further unwanted heat in the skin. It may also allow bacteria to penetrate the skin. This can lead to infection, extended redness or an adverse skin reaction.

DON’T TAKE ANY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS

Prior to and immediately after Skin Needling procedures you should avoid the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, as they will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is needed for optimum skin rejuvenation.

USE A GENTLE CLEANSER

In place of active products a very mild cleanser and barrier cream is recommended to keep your skin clean and soothe any resultant dry skin and flakiness. We can advise on the best kinds of cleansers, moisturisers and healing products to use to avoid irritation.

APPLY A COOLING FACE MASK

You may experience some skin irritation following skin needling, therefore we recommend the use of a cooling face mask to reduce inflammation and redness, and to make your skin feel more comfortable.

DON’T FORGET TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

At Bellissimo Day Spa we always recommend that you drink plenty of water both before and after the procedure. Keeping well hydrated will assist in faster healing and skin rejuvenation.

ONCE THE SKIN HAS HEALED, DON’T FORGET BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

While it’s important to give the sunscreen a miss for the first few days following the procedure, we do advise that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen once your skin has healed, to prevent unwanted pigmentation and sun damage.

There’s no question we aren’t willing to answer when it comes to helping you treat your skin. Please get in touch with us if you have any concerns.