How to Prepare for Your First Microneedling Treatment

That smooth, even-toned complexion you see on red carpets and in magazines is not just due to good lighting and filters. Microneedling is popular for those seeking to refresh their skin and address concerns like fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage. 

These treatments use fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and collagen production. At Cascade MedSpa and Laser Centre, our experienced team proudly offers the latest microneedling treatments, including Exion™ radiofrequency (RF) microneedling.

If you’ve never had a microneedling session before, it's natural to have some questions. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for your first treatment and make the most of your experience.

Why choose microneedling?

The benefits of microneedling go beyond a surface refresh, harnessing your body’s regenerative abilities to address a range of common skin concerns. 

By boosting the production of collagen and elastin, microneedling helps to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful look. It can improve skin texture and tone, smoothing roughness, minimizing pores' appearance, and fading away hyperpigmentation for a bright, balanced complexion.

Acne scars can be a source of frustration long after the acne has cleared up. Roughly 20% of people who experience acne deal with scarring. Microneedling helps to break down scar tissue and encourages the growth of new, healthy cells.

What to do before your appointment

Proper preparation before your microneedling treatment is essential for the best results and most comfortable experience possible. Here’s how to get ready:

Use sun protection

Avoid unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Sun exposure can increase irritation during the procedure.

Review your skincare routine

A few days before your treatment, discontinue using any skincare products containing acids (AHAs/BHAs), retinol, or other strong exfoliants. Our team can provide personalized guidance if you're unsure which products to avoid.

Drink water

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your microneedling session to ensure your skin is well-hydrated. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as it can lead to increased bleeding and bruising after treatment.

Avoid anti-inflammatories

Microneedling involves a brief period of natural inflammation, which is actually a vital part of the skin’s repair process. Anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can interfere with this process, so it’s best to avoid these for a few days before your treatment.

What to expect during and after microneedling

On the day of your microneedling appointment, we generally recommend arriving with clean, product-free skin — no makeup, lotions, or other topical products. 

First, we apply a numbing cream to keep you comfortable before starting the treatment. Most patients describe the sensation of microneedling as a light tingling or prickling, accompanied by warmth. It may feel unusual, but it’s not painful.

Expect some redness afterward, similar to a sunburn. Some slight swelling or sensitivity is also possible, but this typically clears up within a few days. We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions, which may include specifics on gentle skin care and continued sun protection. 

The real magic of microneedling unfolds gradually. You’ll likely see some initial improvements immediately, but the best results appear over the next few weeks as your skin heals. A series of microneedling treatments is often the way to go for truly impressive, lasting results.

Now that you know how to prepare, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Cascade MedSpa and Laser Centre experts. Call our practice in Baxter, Minnesota, or book an appointment online to discover smoother, more radiant skin.