Pre-Treatment Care

Preparing the skin correctly before micro needling improves treatment tolerance, healing, and overall outcomes.

Retinoid Preparation

As part of this protocol, Skin Retin 0.3% is used to begin retinising the skin prior to treatment, unless otherwise advised.

Using a low-strength retinoid before micro needling helps:
Normalise skin cell turnover
Improve treatment response
Enhance collagen stimulation
Support more even healing

Skin Retin 0.3% should be used at night as directed by your clinician and adjusted based on tolerance.

One Week Before Treatment

Avoid introducing new skincare products.
Avoid exfoliants, peels, or aggressive treatments.
Avoid waxing or hair removal on the treatment area.
Minimise sun exposure and use daily SPF 50+.

24 to 48 Hours Before Treatment

Cease use of active skincare products unless otherwise instructed.
Avoid alcohol, as it may increase inflammation.
Arrive with clean skin free of makeup or heavy skincare products.

Post-Treatment Aftercare

Following treatment, the skin enters an active repair phase. Supporting this process correctly is critical to achieving safe and effective results.

What to Expect

After treatment, the skin may appear red, warm, and feel tight or sensitive. Mild swelling and a flushed appearance are normal and typically settle within 24 to 72 hours. Some dryness or light flaking may occur as the skin regenerates.

First 24 Hours

Do not cleanse the skin for at least 6 hours following treatment.
After this time, cleanse gently using a mild, non-active cleanser only.
Do not apply makeup, sunscreen, or active skincare products unless advised.
Avoid touching the treated area with unwashed hands.
Avoid exercise, swimming, sauna, or excessive heat and sweating.

Days 1 to 2

Cleanse morning and evening using a gentle cleanser only.
Apply only the post-procedure products recommended by your clinician to support barrier repair and reduce inflammation.
Avoid all active or corrective skincare products.
Avoid direct sun exposure.

Introduction of Skin Retin 0.3%

Skin Retin 0.3% is reintroduced 24 to 48 hours after treatment, once the skin has returned to a calm, settled state.

Microneedling increases cellular activity and initiates collagen production. Skin Retin 0.3% works alongside this process by:
Supporting controlled epidermal renewal
Enhancing collagen stimulation between treatments
Improving texture and skin resilience over time

Skin Retin 0.3% should be used:
At night only
On clean, dry skin
In a hazelnut-sized amount for face, neck, and décolletage
Every second night for the first two weeks, increasing to nightly use if well tolerated

If irritation occurs, frequency should be reduced. Do not introduce additional retinoids unless directed.

Sun Protection

Daily sun protection is essential throughout your treatment course.
Once the skin has settled, apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning and reapply as required.
Avoid intentional sun exposure and tanning.

What to Avoid

Do not use exfoliants, acids, vitamin C, or other active products unless advised.
Avoid facial treatments, waxing, laser, IPL, peels, or additional microneedling until reviewed.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours following treatment.
Do not pick, scratch, or manually exfoliate the skin.

Why Multiple Treatments Are Required

Microneedling works by stimulating a biological repair process that continues over several weeks. Repeating treatments every 15 to 21 days allows us to build on ongoing collagen stimulation rather than allowing the process to plateau.

Each treatment compounds the previous one, leading to progressive improvement in skin structure, texture, and resilience.

Recommended Return Timing

Your next SkinPen treatment is recommended in 15 to 21 days, in line with the Phase 2 alternative protocol.

Treatment timing may be adjusted based on your skin’s response and overall treatment plan.

When to Contact the Clinic

Please contact the clinic if you experience increasing pain, significant swelling, blistering, pustules, or signs of infection. Mild redness, sensitivity, and dryness are expected and normal.