You can microneedle all year round, but the seasons do change how your skin behaves and how you should care for it afterwards. Here's how to adapt your routine through the year, and why many people start in autumn and winter.
The short answer: autumn and winter are popular times to start, because there's less strong sun and it's easier to stay out of it during recovery. In winter, focus on extra hydration. In summer, you can still microneedle, but be strict about sun avoidance and SPF, avoid sessions before holidays, and keep cool after sessions.
Season by season
| Season | Skin tends to be | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Showing summer sun damage | A great time to start a course for texture and tone |
| Winter | Drier, duller, more sensitive | Extra hydration and gentle technique |
| Spring | Adjusting to more sun | Step up SPF; finish deeper courses |
| Summer | Oilier, more sun exposure | Strict sun protection; plan around holidays |
Microneedling in winter
Cold air outside and central heating inside both dry the skin. To keep it comfortable:
- Use plenty of hyaluronic acid as a glide, and layer it after.
- Switch to a richer, fragrance-free moisturiser.
- Use a humidifier in heated rooms.
- Keep showers lukewarm.
- Still wear SPF daily; winter sun and reflection from snow still count.
Dry, dull winter skin also responds well to nanoneedling for a quick glow. See microneedling for dull skin and dry skin.
Microneedling in summer
You can microneedle in summer, with some extra care:
- Avoid direct sun for at least 48 hours after a session.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day, reapplied every two hours outdoors.
- Don't microneedle sunburnt or freshly tanned skin.
- Avoid sessions in the week before a sunny holiday.
- Keep cool afterwards, as heat and sweat increase redness.
- Use lighter, gel-based moisturisers if your skin is oilier.
- Avoid swimming for 48 hours.
Planning around holidays
- Before a sunny holiday: finish needle sessions at least a week or two before you go.
- On holiday: leave the pen at home, and protect your skin from the sun.
- After a holiday: wait until any sunburn has healed and a tan has faded before your next session.
Body sessions through the year
Many people prefer to work on stretch marks, arms and legs in autumn and winter, when skin is covered and out of the sun. If you microneedle exposed body areas in summer, be extra careful with SPF.
All-year care with Olapen
Olapen fits into every season: nanoneedling for winter glow, needle sessions for texture through autumn, and careful, well-protected sessions in summer. See how often to microneedle for scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Is winter the best time to microneedle?
Autumn and winter are popular because there's less strong sun, but you can microneedle all year.
Can I microneedle in summer?
Yes, with strict sun avoidance and daily SPF.
Can I microneedle before a holiday?
Finish needle sessions at least a week or two before a sunny holiday.
Can I microneedle with a tan?
Wait until any sunburn has healed and the tan has faded.
Why is my skin drier after microneedling in winter?
Cold air and heating dry skin out. Use extra hydration.
The bottom line
Microneedling works in every season. Lean into hydration in winter, be strict about sun protection in summer, plan around holidays, and keep your routine consistent all year.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.