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The answer to your question, “Can you shower after micro needling?” is yes, but with a few precautions. Time, water temperature, and how you care for your skin during the healing process all play an important role.
You don’t want to do anything to irritate the skin further after a microneedling session, and that includes getting into a hot shower.
Most people experience redness, sensitivity, and swelling for the first couple of days after microneedling. However, even as your skin begins to look and feel better, the healing process is still taking place beneath the surface.
This can last up to 7 days or longer.
How deep was your treatment?
The answer to the question, “Can I take a shower after microneedling?” also depends on how deep your microneedling treatments were. At-home microneedling pens have much shorter needles than you’d find in a clinical setting. They only treat the outermost layer of the skin, leaving less risk for infection and irritation.
In a clinical setting, even mild treatments can take 3 – 5 days for visible healing. More aggressive treatments could take up to two weeks to fully heal.
Can You Shower After Microneedling or Not?
So, can you shower after microneedling or not?
Yes, but you have to be smart about it. The key is to avoid irritating the treated area while it’s still healing. It’s important to avoid any hot water on your face for the first full day. This is because your skin barrier has been compromised by the tiny punctures created with the microneedling treatment.
The heat from a shower increases blood circulation, which can make inflammation worse. Putting hot water on your face after a microneedling treatment will also sting. That’s your body telling you to take it easy!
Use Lukewarm Water
Try to wait as long as you can after your appointment before taking a hot shower. Your injector would have given you a list of post-care instructions that you should follow carefully. This includes showering and bathing protocol.
Typical skin care instructions to heed after your appointment include things like:
- not using any harsh chemicals or strong skincare products for the first week after the procedure
- Skip hot tubs, steam rooms, or hot baths. The combination of heat and bacteria can be a bad mix for freshly treated skin.
If you’re still asking yourself, “Can you shower after microneedling?”, the answer is yes, but gently and with lukewarm water.
Keep your face out of the shower stream, don’t rub or wash your face, and try to avoid letting shampoo, conditioner, or other hair care products slide over your face.
Gently pat your face dry and don’t add any skincare products to your face when you get out of the shower. Remember, your skin now has tiny micro-injuries that are open and at risk of infection if you’re not careful.
Aftercare Tips That Matter
Taking care of your skin after a microneedling session is what helps you get the best results.
No tanning!
Nothing feels better than the warm sun on your face, especially after a long and cold winter. However, I think most of us know by now that the sun is not our friend when it comes to skin care. This is especially true right after microneedling. Those tiny punctures to the skin temporarily weaken the skin barrier causing skin sensitivity.
While your skin is busy rebuilding and healing, it’s more sensitive to everything, including UV rays.
Sun damage
Sun exposure slows down healing and increases the chance of scarring, discoloration, or reduced results after your treatment.
Why risk undoing the treatment you just had done (and paid for!)?
Even a small amount of sun right after microneedling can trigger unwanted effects like inflammation and pain. That’s why it’s critical to stay out of direct sunlight for at least 48 to 72 hours. Ideally, you should stay out of the sun for up to a week. Of course, that’s not always realistic.
People have to go to work, run errands, pick up children, walk the dog, etc. If you must go outside after your microneedling treatment, wear a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. That said, remember to check your provider’s instructions on when it’s safe to apply any creams, serums, or lotions (including sunscreen) on your skin.
UV rays from the sun penetrate deep into the skin and can cause:
- Inflammation and prolonged redness
- Hyperpigmentation or dark spots, especially if your skin is healing
- Collagen breakdown, which directly works against the goal of microneedling
- Premature aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture
- Increased risk of infection when combined with a compromised barrier
Why risk undoing the full benefits of the microneedling treatments by not following your post-care instructions? Also, keep in mind that by not following your after-care instructions, your skin could be at risk for long-term damage.
The skin needs time to heal. Let the treatment work its magic!
Avoid Strenuous Activities
I want to go back to the question, “Can you shower after microneedling?” now. Strenuous exercise and hot showers tend to go hand-in-hand. If you avoid a hot, sweaty exercise routine, you can avoid a hot shower.
Simple!
Of course, that’s not the only reason you’ll be asked to avoid intense exercise right after your microneedling treatments. Anything that increases blood flow and induces sweating can interfere with the healing process. The best thing you can do right now is to avoid anything that could interfere with the healing process.
This will help to keep inflammation down and avoid clogging your sensitive skin with sweat and bacteria.
Gentle Cleansers
Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, and don’t add anything new to your routine until your skin has had time to recover.
Stick to products made for sensitive skin, and avoid exfoliating for several days. If you’re still asking the question, “Can you shower after microneedling,” the answer is yes as long as the shower is quick, uses barely lukewarm water, and you avoid getting unnecessary products on your face.
Just don’t rush into your regular skincare routine or hot water habits too soon.
When is it safe to go in a public swimming pool, hot tub, or steam room?
You should avoid public water sources for at least 72 hours after microneedling, and ideally up to a full week, depending on how your skin is healing.
Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin using tiny needles. These injuries aren’t deep enough to cause lasting damage, but they’re enough to trigger your body’s natural healing response.
Part of that response is the increased production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful looking.
Slowly, over the next few weeks, you should notice improvements in:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars and other scars
- Stretch marks
- Skin texture and tone
- Pore size
Don’t Wreck Your Treatment!
Public swimming pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms are full of bacteria, chlorine, and other irritants that can easily trigger infections, irritation, or slow down your healing.
If your skin still feels tight, dry, or sensitive, it’s a sign you’re not fully healed yet. It’s better to wait a few extra days than to risk a reaction or setback.
Of course, you should be able to contact your injector at any time with questions on aftercare instructions or side effects you may experience.
Letting the Microneedling Magic Happen
Microneedling is quickly becoming common because of its minimal downtime and effectiveness.
It works by using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers your body’s natural healing response. That response leads to increased collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks, and even enlarged pores.
It’s an effective treatment that can improve your skin texture and tone over time. Some microneedling sessions are done with hyaluronic acid and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
As mentioned earlier, you might be a little red or sensitive the next day, but most people go back to normal activities fairly quickly.
Why All The Caution?
You might be wondering why there are so many rules after a treatment that’s supposed to have minimal downtime.
It all comes down to those tiny needles. They create tiny punctures in the skin, which is what makes microneedling work. But those micro-injuries need time to heal.
Without proper aftercare, you risk messing with your results—or worse, causing irritation, breakouts, or infection. Your skin barrier is temporarily weakened, so you need to protect it while it rebuilds.
That’s why people are told to avoid cosmetic treatments, sun, heat, and sweat during the first few days. You only get one shot at healing right after each session. Treat your skin gently so it can bounce back stronger.
Learn More About Cosmetic Treatments Including Pre and Post Care!
Can I Get Botox After Microneedling, or is it Risky?
Can You Drink Alcohol Before Botox? 5 Risks You Should Know
13 Aftercare Issues Of Getting A Massage After Botox
5 Undeniable Benefits of Botox Injections
Top 5 Best Number Creams for Microneedling OTC
4 Best Dermal Fillers for Over 50 – Expert Guide
Summary: Can You Shower After Microneedling?
So, back to the original question: Can you shower after microneedling?
The answer is yes, but with caution. Skip a hot shower and go for lukewarm water. It might even feel a little cool on your skin. Avoid cleansers, soap, and harsh chemicals. Dry your face by gently patting a soft absorbent towel over your face.
If you’re still not sure when or how to shower safely, ask your provider.
The most important thing is to follow your aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat if you must go outside, and avoid strenuous exercise. Gradually, as your face heals fully, you’ll be able to continue with your regular skincare routine.