Microneedling has become a popular skincare treatment in recent years. It involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin, which stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin. However, many people are often left wondering about the dos and don’ts after microneedling session, particularly when it comes to exercise.
Can you hit the gym immediately after your treatment, or should you take a break from your workout routine? The truth is, exercise after microneedling can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how you go about it. Today, we will explore what happens to your skin when you exercise after microneedling, the pros and cons of exercising post-treatment, and some tips on how to safely incorporate physical activity into your skincare routine. So, let’s get started!
How microneedling works
Microneedling works by creating tiny punctures in the skin using a device with small needles. These punctures create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process. As the skin heals, it produces new collagen and elastin, which helps to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Microneedling is commonly used to treat acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns.
Benefits of microneedling
Microneedling has several benefits for the skin, including:
- Improved texture and firmness
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation
- Increased collagen production
- Improved absorption of skincare products
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide significant improvements in the appearance of the skin. It is a safe and effective treatment for many different skin concerns.
Importance of exercise
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It has numerous benefits for the body, including:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Increased muscle strength and endurance
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Improved mental health and mood
- Increased energy and stamina
Exercise is also important for the skin. It helps to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Risks of exercising after microneedling
While exercise after microneedling is important for overall health, there are some risks associated with exercising after microneedling. Exercising immediately after a microneedling treatment can cause increased inflammation in the skin, which can lead to swelling, redness, and discomfort. It can also increase the risk of infection, as sweat and bacteria can be introduced to the micro-injuries in the skin.
Recommended time frame for exercise after microneedling
It is generally recommended that you avoid exercising for at least 24 hours after a microneedling treatment. This allows the skin to heal and reduces the risk of inflammation and infection. After 24 hours, you can gradually resume your normal exercise after microneedling routine, but it is important to take some precautions to protect your skin.
Precautions to take before exercising after microneedling
Before exercising after microneedling, there are a few precautions you should take to protect your skin. These include:
- Avoiding hot showers or baths, saunas, or steam rooms for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
- Avoiding sun exposure and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Avoiding makeup, skincare products, or other topical treatments for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation on the skin.
Tips for exercising after microneedling
If you plan to exercise after microneedling, there are some tips you can follow to help protect your skin and reduce the risk of inflammation and infection. These include:
- Choosing low-impact exercise after microneedling that won’t cause excessive sweating or friction on the skin, such as yoga, walking, or light weight training.
- Avoiding exercises that involve jumping, running, or other high-impact activities.
- Using a gentle face wash or micellar water to clean your skin after exercise.
- Applying a soothing moisturizer or serum to the skin after exercise after microneedling to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Other post-treatment care recommendations
In additing to avoiding exercise and taking precautions to protect your skin, there are some other post-treatment care recommendations you should follow after microneedling. These include:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Avoiding makeup, skincare products, or other topical treatments for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
- Drinking plenty of water to help hydrate the skin and promote healing.
- Using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to help soothe the skin and promote healing.
Common FAQs about exercising after microneedling
- Can I exercise before microneedling? It is generally recommended that you avoid exercise for at least 24 hours before your microneedling treatment. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- How long should I wait to exercise after microneedling? It is generally recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before exercising after microneedling. This allows the skin to heal and reduces the risk of inflammation and infection.
- What types of exercise after microneedling are safe? Low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or light weight training are generally safe after microneedling. High-impact exercises such as running or jumping should be avoided.
- Can I wear makeup or skincare products after microneedling? It is generally recommended that you avoid makeup, skincare products, or other topical treatments for at least 24 hours after microneedling. This allows the skin to heal and reduces the risk of inflammation and infection.
Conclusion
Microneedling is a popular skincare treatment that can provide significant improvements in the appearance of the skin. While exercise is important for overall health, it is important to take some precautions when exercising after microneedling to protect the skin and reduce the risk of inflammation and infection. By following the recommendations in this article, you can safely incorporate exercise into your skincare routine after microneedling. Remember to always consult with your skincare professional before undergoing any new skincare treatments, including microneedling.