Aftercare: The First 72 Hours
What you do in the three days after a session makes a big difference to how your skin recovers. Here's what to expect and what to avoid.
What's normal
- Redness: skin looks pink, like a mild sunburn. This usually settles within 24 to 72 hours.
- Pinpoint bleeding: tiny spots during or just after a needle session are normal and stop quickly.
- Warmth and tightness: skin may feel warm, tight or slightly tender for a day or so.
- Mild swelling: especially on the face, for the first day.
- Dryness and light flaking: often around day 2 or 3 as skin renews.
Nano sessions usually cause little or no redness.
What to do
- Rinse with cool water after your session and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a simple, fragrance-free hyaluronic acid serum or gentle moisturiser.
- Keep your hands off the area.
- Sleep on a fresh, clean pillowcase.
- From the morning after, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, and keep it up.
What to avoid
| Avoid | For at least |
|---|---|
| Makeup | 24 hours |
| Workouts and heavy sweating | 24–48 hours |
| Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms | 48 hours |
| Direct sun and sunbeds | 72 hours (then use SPF daily) |
| Retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs | 72 hours, or until skin feels completely normal |
| Strong vitamin C, fragrance and essential oils | 72 hours |
| Waxing, peels, laser or other treatments in the area | At least 1 week |
Don't pick or peel any flaking skin. Let it come away naturally.
Getting back to your routine
- Day 1: gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid or simple moisturiser only.
- Day 2–3: keep it simple. Add SPF in the morning and makeup if skin feels comfortable.
- Day 4 onwards: once redness and sensitivity have gone, gradually reintroduce your usual products, starting with the gentlest. Bring back retinoids and acids last.
For product suggestions, see what to use with your Olapen.
When to get advice
Stop microneedling and speak to a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional if you notice:
- redness, swelling or pain that gets worse instead of better, or lasts more than a few days
- signs of infection, such as warmth, pus, crusting or a fever
- a rash, hives or itching that could be an allergic reaction
- dark patches developing in the treated area
- raised marks or lines on the skin
If you have a severe reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing, get emergency help straight away.
