If you follow me on Instagram, I recently shared that I had a micro-needling session. I have had a series of micro-needling treatments with another salon before and my skin has improved dramatically. I loved the improvements, but since these treatments are not exactly affordable, I did not sign up on another set of 6. I decided to try another salon that is more affordable. I’ve had 2 treatments in between two spans of lockdowns and then I simply go worried about having to take my mask off for a treatment, or just taking my mask off in public in general.
Long story short, I’m back in the game with in-salon treatments; micro-needling and chemical peels. I am seriously thinking about hydrofacials as well! So after a micro-needling session, I decided that go through a planned out skincare routine for a week. I will share my routine here and also link the products here – Post-microneedling skincare.
Basically, I want to keep my skincare as simple and strengthening as possible for the skin barrier. Once I get home from the treatment, I would rinse my skin with water, then use my red light therapy mask. then apply a moisturiser with ceramides. After that, I aim to use a hydrating cleanser for the rest of the week, and then gradually add in hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and acids. Then finally my tretinoin.
I use SPF50 PA+++ every single day and I cannot stress how important it is to protect your skin. I also double cleanse with a cleansing balm every evening or afternoon to remove the sunscreen. For everyday working from home, I don’t put on any makeup, but I did during the weekend and I make sure everything is removed at the end of the day.
Basically, I added a hyaluronic acid on the first night and continued to use one twice a day, everyday. I alternate between the two, just whenever I want to. No preference.
On the 3rd day, I started to add a vitamin C serum. This is an antioxidant serum that also contains peptides. At night, I added a BHA liquid to help clear my pores.
On the 5th night, I added a physical exfoliator. A gentle one at that as well.
On the 6th night, I added an AHA acid. This one is really gentle with manuka honey.
And finally, on the last day of the week, I get back into my tretinoin. This is prescribed by my GP, only 0.05% but I have been using this every 2nd or 3rd night depending on what I have been using or testing out. I usually alternate with an AHA serum like the one I use on Day 6 night.
And that’s it! Using this routine my skin felt really comfortable, there were no stinging, not redness, no sensitivity as well. Main rule of skincare after an invasive treatment like micro-needling or a chemical peel is to keep it simple, but build up the skin barrier, strengthen it again with ceramides, lipids and ingredients like niacinamide. Avoid acids like BHA, AHA and retinols. Keep your skin hydrated and moisturised and use at least SPF30 during the day. If you have a red light therapy mask, make good use of that to reduce redness and promote healing.
