Can I use Lactic Acid After Mirconeedling?
Microneedling and lactic acid, one is a favourite treatment, the other a popular skincare ingredient. With both delivering impressive results, you are left wondering how or if you can combine these together. Before we investigate, let’s have a brief recap on what lactic acid is and how microneedling works as this will hopefully make a lot more sense, and we can see who’s paying attention in the back!
What is Microneedling?
Using tiny, sterilised needles, microneedling helps to stimulate the production of collagen.
The needles vary from a diameter of 0.5 to 2.5 and feel like a slight prick. They will not penetrate too far into the skin surface.
It can improve the appearance of scars caused from acne and minor surface wounds.
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst helping the skin become firmer.
Combat areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage.
Can be used on the whole body, from skin, scalp, and feet.
This minimal invasive treatment dates to 1995 and has come on leaps and bounds. With new technology and a tidal wave of new skincare fans searching for their nearest practitioner.
Will deliver rapid results as well as establishing plumper, younger looking skin for the long-term too.
What is Lactic Acid?
A chemical exfoliant that belongs in the group of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
Derived from soured milk and synthetically developed for skincare products
Has a larger molecular size meaning it is unable to penetrate the lower layers of the dermis and cause irritation and dryness.
Works on the outer surface to slough away the layer of dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and debris that can build-up and cause breakouts and leave the complexion looking dull and lack lustre.
Contains humectant traits meaning it can draw moisture into the skin and lock it into the skin barrier keeping it strengthened and able to protect against exposure to free radicals and other environmental aggressors.
If you wanted to know more about lactic acid and the benefits it can deliver to the skin, check out our dedicated blog post.
Can I use lactic acid after mirconeedling?
Not really, even though lactic acid is one of the mildest forms of AHAs, applying it to the skin after mirconeedling. This is because exfoliation is one of the main benefits of lactic acid, which will cause too much irritation. When the small needles are rolled over the skin during microneedling, the skin is triggered into thinking the surface is damaged and so kick starts the collagen production. Whilst the skin is stimulating this, it is also left weakened temporarily meaning anything applied to the skin will penetrate deeper into the skin, this can spell trouble for a product such as an acid as it will become too potent leading to irritation and other unwanted side effects.
When can I use acids after microneedling?
During the healing stages after your microneedling treatment, chemical exfoliants and similar acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid should be avoided for at least 2-3 days. This will inhibit these exfoliants from over stimulating the skin and causing flare up in redness, dryness, and irritation. You should also avoid applying other active ingredients, such as any form of retinoids as this will result in negative side effects.
If the acid you’re using is hyaluronic acid however, then this can be applied to the skin once you have completed your microneedling. This is because although it is called an acid, HA does not work the same way as it doesn’t exfoliant the skin. Instead, it is known for its humectant abilities making it an effective ingredient as it will lock in moisture, boost collagen production, and keep the skin hydrated.
Once 2-3 days have past you will be able to apply acids onto the skin, but I would suggest doing this after you have applied hyaluronic acid to avoid any irritation. It is also very important to apply a daily SPF containing a factor 50 to keep the skin protected from UV damage.
What should you not do after microneedling?
As I have already mentioned, after mirconeedling you should avoid skin ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. You should also avoid anything that is heavily perfumed, and this will result in redness and increased sensitivity.
It is suggested by many dermatologists, you must leave at least 48 hours before applying any form of makeup or cleanser to the skin. You should wait an extra day before applying any active ingredients, especially ones as potent as retinol, and vitamin C.
If you have any concerns about what to use on the skin after microneedling, I strongly suggest you consult with your doctor, dermatologist, or ask the professional who performed your treatment for advice.
What serum should I use after mirconeedling?
Hyaluronic acid is the best serum to use after mirconeedling. As I have already mentioned, the clever humectant can deliver impressive, hydrating results without the risk of increasing skin sensitivity and unwanted reactions.
Because HA can bind together double its molecular weight in water it leaves the skin supercharged with hydration. The skin surface is left looking plumped and youthful whilst calming the skin after the treatment is carried out. Quite often the skin will become tight and dry after microneedling which if left can result in a lot of discomfort and leave the skin barrier weakened. This results in the skin becoming susceptible to further damage as well as kick starting the sebum production, which will then lead to excessive oil and a knock on effective of frequent breakouts, problematic skin, and no clarity for the complexion.
Is it OK to use vitamin C after mirconeedling?
No, not really, this is because vitamin C can cause irritation to the skin after you have had microneedling. You’ll find the potent powerhouse will penetrate too far into the dermis causing increased sensitivity, severe dryness, irritation, redness, and weakened skin barrier. In other words, you skin will become more damaged with existing damage becoming worse. Just like the other acids I have mentioned, for optimal results without the side effects, wait 2-3 days before applying vitamin C after microneedling.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions, you can find out more over on our Instagram and find one of our skin experts in the direct messages who are happy to help.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
