Microneedling with PRP injections offer the advantage of being a non-invasive option for skin rejuvenation. But even if this cosmetic procedure is non-surgical and has little to no downtime, following a proper post-care regimen is still required to ensure that the skin heals without any complications. One of the commonly recommended practices after microneedling and PRP is using aloe vera gel.
So why should you apply aloe vera gel to the skin after microneedling with PRP treatments? Aloe vera gel has essential soothing properties which alleviate some of the side effects from microneedling with PRP. After the procedure, you may have sensitive skin for a few days and you may experience dryness, redness, swelling, and skin irritation. Using aloe vera can reduce some of these reactions and aid in collagen creation so you can get better results.
What Happens To Your Skin Days After The Treatment And How Aloe Vera Helps
The use of aloe vera comes in when you need to take care of your skin at home after getting microneedling with PRP. For the days following your procedure, your skin will undergo cell turnover and kickstart the natural inflammatory process to heal the micro – injuries and repair the skin tissues.
As the skin goes through these changes, you will not be able to immediately resume your normal skincare routine. Instead, you will be advised to use mild skin care products like aloe vera gel to help calm and soothe your skin as it recovers from the treatment.
To better understand, here’s an overview of what you need to expect during the healing stage for microneedling with PRP and when you’ll need to use aloe vera:
| On the day after treatment | Immediately after the cosmetic microneedling procedure, you’ll be noticing some skin redness which can resemble mild to moderate sunburn. Your skin may also feel dry, tight, and sensitive to touch.Avoid using any harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and products that contain retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. |
| 24 to 48 hours after treatment | Swelling, inflammation, and bruising are normal for the first 2 days after the treatment. However, you can already wash your face with a mild cleanser to combat skin dryness during this period. |
| Day 3 to 5 | Part of the healing process is skin flaking or peeling which is a response to the increased cell turnover. During this time, you may start to use aloe vera gel to minimize dryness and irritation as the skin sheds. It can also provide a protective layer to the skin barrier and help the skin remain moisturized. |
| Day 6 and onwards | By this time, most of the side effects should have subsided and you’ll notice your skin has become softer and smoother. Additionally, you’ll see enhanced skin texture and lesser wrinkles and blemishes as the body continues to develop new collagen and elastin over time. You can continue to use aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized, prevent further signs of damage, and delay skin aging as well. |
Other Perks Of Using Aloe Vera For Your Face
Aloe vera usually comes in 2 forms: the natural extract which is derived from the leaf of the plant itself and its gel form which has been specifically formulated with other emollient ingredients for cosmetic use. If you have the succulent, you can use its extract directly or you can simply buy the clear aloe vera gels, creams, or ointments in beauty stores.
For years, aloe vera has been used by medical professionals for its health benefits and medicinal purposes. However, many dermatologists also suggest that the components in aloe vera offer numerous advantages for maintaining beautiful and healthy skin. Aloe vera is a popular skincare product because it:
- Provides a cooling effect to soothe sunburnt or irritated skin
- Lightens dark spots, scarring, sun spots, and stretch marks
- Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties to fight skin inflammation disorders like psoriasis and eczema
- Relieves discomfort from common skin infections like cold sores
- Helps reduce acne and control the frequency of breakouts of whiteheads and blackheads
- Has antioxidant properties to fight free radicals and lessen the impact of sun exposure and environmental damage on skin health
- Helps wounds and scar tissues to heal quicker and stimulates collagen production as well
- Contains at least 95% water to help hydrate skin for a younger-looking and fresher appearance
What Exactly Happens During Microneedling with PRP?
On its own, microneedling or collagen induction therapy is an effective treatment for addressing multiple skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks, enlarged pores, pigmentation concerns, spider veins, broken capillaries, skin laxity, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. The addition of PRP or platelet rich plasma further enhances its effects for skin rejuvenation.
The PRP serum is derived from the patient’s own blood and then placed in a centrifuge machine to separate the plasma containing the high concentration of platelets. What makes PRP therapy work is that it contains important proteins, cytokines, and numerous growth factors that are necessary for the growth of new skin cells, tissue regeneration, and collagen production.
During the treatment session, the provider first pricks the skin barrier using tiny needles. This will create small wounds or micro channels where the PRP serum will be directly applied or massaged onto. The provider may then apply a serum or gentle moisturizer to soothe any post-treatment reactions throughout the day. Most patients can resume their normal activities after the procedure.
How To Take Care Of The Skin After Microneedling with PRP Injections
Aside from aloe vera gels, there are other products that you can use to lessen skin irritation and dryness from post-microneedling with PRP. Here are some of the best products to include in your aftercare regimen:
1) Sunscreen
After a medical microneedling treatment, your skin is at its most vulnerable state, and exposing yourself to the sun may lead to sunburn and damage that may cause premature skin aging. It may also worsen some of the side effects and prolong your recovery. That’s why it’s recommended that you use a chemical-free sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays after microneedling with PRP.
Dermatologists suggest using a stronger sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher. Put them on at least 20 minutes before you go outside to assure that the skin fully absorbs its protective properties. Make sure to apply a generous amount over your face and reapply them every two hours.
2) Hyaluronic acid
While you may need to avoid using your usual acid-based skincare products, you can still use hydrating serums and daily moisturizers to prevent skin dryness after the treatment. It’s especially recommended to use products with hyaluronic acid since it can lock water and increase skin moisture. Moreover, hyaluronic acid is a component that supports the natural production of collagen so it can enhance the effects of microneedling with PRP.
3) Facial oils
Face oils are beneficial in keeping your skin radiant, hydrated, and wrinkle-free. As an aftercare treatment for microneedling and PRP, using facial oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and tea tree oil can help nourish your skin with its emollient properties. They also contain potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can strengthen your skin barrier, reduce irritation, and correct skin redness.
4) Hydrocortisone topical creams
Patients may also apply hydrocortisone medication to relieve some of the side effects from the microneedling procedure. This topical medicine is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits which can alleviate discomfort from itching, peeling, dryness, and redness after the treatment. It can also encourage skin healing so you can see results of microneedling faster.
Shop Quality Medical Supplies For Microneedling Treatments at FACE Med Store
Using aloe vera on the face after microneedling offers relief from its side effects while also supporting collagen growth to produce more desirable results. But aside from this topical gel, one other product which can be used after microneedling is PEP Factor. With its mix of peptides, nutrients, and fibroblast growth factors, PEP Factor products are a great addition to rejuvenate the skin and boost the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling.
Get high-quality PEP Factor products and microneedling tools at FACE Med Store. We’re proud to offer affordable tools and supplies to our partner medical and cosmetic practices so they can provide the best services and treatments to their clients. To inquire about our stocks and other offerings, or to learn more about what we can do for your practice, contact us today.
