Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling treatments like EXION and Morpheus8 are having a moment for a good reason. Thanks to their incredible ability to tighten loose skin and rejuvenate skin tone and texture, these popular skin-perfecting treatments are making it easier to reverse the signs of aging without surgery.
If you’ve ever had an RF microneedling treatment or are thinking about trying it, you might be curious about the type of recovery you can expect. In either case, how you take care of your skin after getting RF microneedling will directly influence your healing process. Therefore, following a skincare plan to avoid complications and achieve beautiful, long-lasting results is crucial.
Keep reading to learn about the RF microneedling aftercare process, including a timeline of what you can expect daily, what products to use, what to avoid, and how to support your skin’s healing process so you can ensure the best possible outcome.
What is RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling is a top cosmetic procedure for the skin that combines microneedling with fractionated RF energy. It is one of the most effective minimally invasive treatments for rapid skin rejuvenation. A handheld device punctures the skin with fine microneedles during the procedure while RF energy penetrates deep into the dermis. This process activates your body’s healing response and accelerates both collagen remodeling and fat reduction.
Benefits of RF Microneedling
RF microneedling is one of the most effective skin rejuvenation treatments available. By pairing microneedling with fractionated RF energy, individuals can address a wide range of skin concerns and achieve significantly smoother, firmer, and more supple-looking skin.
Additional RF microneedling benefits include:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Firms and tightens the skin
- Increases facial lift
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks
- Reduces the appearance of scarring
- Reduces fat to contour the face
RF microneedling is a quick, convenient in-and-out treatment that takes under an hour. The effects of this treatment are long-lasting, as your skin continues to support tissue remodeling in the weeks following.
Hours After RF Microneedling
Immediately after microneedling, your skin will be red and slightly swollen. It may feel tight, dry, or warm, similar to a mild sunburn. You may even experience a mild burning sensation. These side effects are normal and will gradually diminish over time. Letting your skin rest is crucial during the first few hours. During the first few days of your RF microneedling recovery, you should avoid exercise or physical activity, as sweating can clog your pores and increase your risk of infection.
Additionally, you will want to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid touching your face or cleansing your skin: This will help you avoid infection and irritation. This will also allow your skin to continue absorbing any serums, platelet-rich plasma, or growth factors applied.
- Use a gentle cleanser: At night, you can wash your face with a fragrance-free, oil-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Use a gentle touch when washing your face and carefully pat dry.
- Apply doctor-recommended serum or moisturizer: These products will form a protective barrier over your skin.
- Layer on a thicker product if you need: Use a thicker hydrating cream or ointment like Aquaphor to soothe your skin.
Some additional products and activities to avoid include:
- Ibuprofen: avoid taking ibuprofen while your skin heals, as it can interfere with your healing process.
- Direct sunlight and excessive heat exposure: This includes saunas, hot showers, baths, and steam rooms. Sweating increases your risk of infection. If you must be outdoors, wear a hat that shields your face and apply a high-SPF sunscreen.
- Active ingredients: Avoid skincare products that contain vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. These activities can irritate your skin.
- Exfoliation: Avoid physical and chemical exfoliants and scrubbing or rubbing your skin. You will also want to avoid lasers, peels, and waxing.
- Cosmetics: Avoid makeup for the first few days, as it increases your risk of infection.
- Skincare tools: pause gua sha, jade rollers, LED red light therapy, and circulation-enhancing tools to avoid irritation and infection.
Day 1
The day after RF microneedling, your skin will be pink and resemble a moderate sunburn. It may also still feel dry and tight. Some moderate swelling and bruising may still be present as well. While your skin begins healing, you will want to follow the gentle skincare routine above for the first few days.
Dos:
- Stay hydrated: drink enough water to support tissue remodeling and cell regeneration.
- Wear high-SPF sunscreen: your skin will be very sensitive to sunlight, so apply SPF daily and reapply as needed.
- Practice gentle skincare: You can add a hydrating serum to your routine, but ensure it is free of actives, fragrances, and oils.
Don’ts:
- Continue to follow the list from above. Avoid ibuprofen, excessive sun exposure, strenuous exercise, hot showers and saunas, irritants, exfoliation, makeup, and skincare tools.
Day 3
Most aftereffects like redness and swelling should be greatly reduced by this time. Roughness and dryness will be present, and your skin may feel similar to sandpaper. You may also experience a mild breakout, peeling, and flaking. There is no need to worry, as these effects are all normal.
Dos:
- Get back to your normal skincare routine and incorporate hydrating products
- Light exercise as long as your skin feels up for it and not too sensitive
- Wear light makeup as long as you have the green light from your aesthetician
- Continue drinking enough water to support your healing and new skin cells
Don’ts:
- Pick or peel dry, flaking skin. This allows your skin to heal naturally and avoid infection
- Active ingredients including AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, acids, vitamin C, and exfoliants
- Skincare devices are still off the list while your skin is healing
- Excessive sun exposure when the sun’s rays are strongest between 8 am and 4 pm
Day 5-7
At this point, your RF microneedling recovery is complete. The tiny punctures in your skin are healed, and any sensitivity, redness, dryness, and flakiness will have calmed down. Many individuals will begin noticing improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall smoothness. You can return to your normal skincare and makeup routines if redness and irritation are gone.
Do’s:
- Slowly reintroduce active ingredients. This includes retinol, vitamin C, and acid-based products. Start gradually and be mindful of how your skin reacts.
- Incorporate ultra-hydrating products into your routine to support your skin’s hydration levels.
- Wear makeup. Wash any cosmetic brushes or sponges before use to ensure you do not transfer dirt or bacteria onto your skin.
Don’ts:
- Hold off on invasive skin treatments such as laser treatments, chemical peels, waxing, etc., as these can irritate your fresh, new skin barrier.
- Skip the beauty devices for a few more days to give your skin time to heal fully.
- Peel or pick at your skin, no matter how tempting it may be.
Experience EXION and Morpheus8 RF Microneedling in McLean, Virginia
RF microneedling is an incredible tool that can transform your skin quickly and effectively. Microneedling treatments like EXION and Morpheus8 can dramatically improve skin imperfections and revitalize aging skin without surgery and lengthy downtime. At Evexia Medspa, our experienced team of experts delivers impressive and long-lasting skin rejuvenation to our patients in McLean, Virginia. In fact, our facility is well known for combining these two powerhouse RF microneedling treatments to induce mega cellular changes and boost collagen on a larger level for more impressive results.
Learn more here: EXION vs Moprheus8>>
To find out if you are a candidate for EXION or Morpheus8, call (571) 554-5418 and book a complimentary consultation.