Mistakes People Make After Using a Dermapen
- 11 Skin Risks
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Using a Dermapen is one of the most effective skin treatments today. It helps reduce acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and even enlarged pores. But what you do after the treatment is just as important as the treatment itself.
After using a Dermapen, common mistakes like touching your face, applying makeup too soon, skipping sunscreen, and using harsh products can delay healing and cause irritation.
To protect your results, stick to gentle skincare, stay hydrated, and follow your provider’s aftercare instructions. For safe and expert treatment, trust professionals like CoLaz.
Many people make mistakes that can hurt their results or skin health. Below, we cover common errors and how to fix them for the best outcome.
Mistakes People Make After Dermapen: 11 Careless Moves
At CoLaz, we offer expert Dermapen microneedling services, and we often see people ruin their results simply because they don’t follow the right aftercare. So, if you're wondering how to protect your skin post-treatment, here are common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.
Touching Your Face Too Much
Your skin becomes very sensitive after Dermapen. Avoiding unnecessary contact is key.
After microneedling, your skin has tiny holes or “microchannels” that stay open for several hours. These act as pathways for healing serums, but also for germs if you're not careful.
- Touching spreads bacteria: Your hands carry dirt and bacteria, even if they seem clean. Touching your face can transfer these microbes directly to the healing skin.
- Can lead to breakouts or infection: Your skin is already inflamed. Introducing bacteria could cause pimples or even an infection.
- Slows down healing: Constant touching or rubbing irritates the skin and delays the natural recovery process.
What to do instead: Avoid touching your face for at least 24 hours after treatment. If you need to apply a serum or cream, make sure your hands are freshly washed. Change your pillowcase and towels to keep everything clean and hygienic.
Wearing Makeup Too Soon
Makeup can clog your pores and interfere with healing.
Right after using a Dermapen, your skin is open, red, and sensitive. Adding makeup over it may feel like covering it up, but it's not worth the risk.
- Makeup can clog your fresh micro-channels: Foundations, powders, and concealers block your pores and can trap dirt.
- May cause redness, breakouts, or irritation: Your skin is more reactive than usual, and makeup products can trigger reactions easily.
- Slows down the healing process: Letting your skin “breathe” helps it repair faster.
What to do instead: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup. When you do, choose mineral makeup because it’s lighter and less likely to clog your skin. Also, clean your brushes before using them again.
Using Harsh Products Right Away
Strong skincare ingredients are not your friend right now.
After Dermapen, your skin needs gentle care, not active ingredients or harsh chemicals.
- Retinols, AHAs, BHAs, or acne creams are too strong: These can cause serious irritation on freshly microneedled skin.
- These may cause redness, flaking, or discomfort: You may feel like your skin is burning or overly tight.
- Can damage the skin barrier: Harsh ingredients can strip the outer layer of your skin, making healing harder.
What to do instead: Stick with calming products like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoid retinol, exfoliants, and acids for at least 5 to 7 days post-treatment.
Skipping Sunscreen
Post-treatment skin is highly sensitive to UV rays.
Dermapen treatments make your skin more vulnerable to the sun. Even a few minutes of exposure can be harmful.
- UV rays cause dark spots, redness, or burns: Your skin can develop hyperpigmentation quickly if unprotected.
- Increases risk of post-treatment pigmentation: Uneven tone or discoloration can appear as a side effect.
- Slows down skin recovery: Sun damage adds stress to your already healing skin.
What to do instead: Apply SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even if you’re indoors. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside. Wear a hat or stay away from sunlight or stay in the shade when possible.
Going Back to the Gym Too Fast
Sweat and bacteria can irritate healing skin.
Working out right after Dermapen can feel great for your body, but not for your face.
- Sweat can irritate the skin and cause itching: The salty moisture can sting and worsen inflammation.
- Gym equipment holds bacteria: You risk transferring germs from your hands or machines to your face.
- Can increase the risk of infection: Damp, sweaty environments are ideal for bacteria growth.
What to do instead: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before hitting the gym. When you do return, wipe equipment down and avoid touching your face during your workout.
Not Moisturizing Enough
Your skin needs hydration to heal well.
Dry skin can worsen post-Dermapen discomfort. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential.
- Dry skin leads to tightness and flaking: This can feel itchy or painful and makes healing uncomfortable.
- Slows healing and makes skin feel irritated: Dryness prevents your skin from regenerating properly.
What to do instead: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer at least 2 to 3 times a day for the first week. Look for products with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture without causing breakouts.
Exfoliating Too Soon
Microneedling is already a form of exfoliation. Don’t overdo it.
You may feel tempted to scrub off dry patches, but this can damage your healing skin.
- Exfoliating removes healing skin: This delays your results and causes irritation.
- Can cause redness, burning, or peeling: Your skin might react badly to scrubs or exfoliating pads.
What to do instead: Avoid exfoliating products and tools for at least 7 days. Let your skin shed naturally. After a week, you can gently reintroduce exfoliation, but only if your skin feels ready.
Picking at Flaky Skin
Let it peel on its own. Picking causes more harm than good.
Flaking is normal after a Dermapen session. But picking can undo your treatment’s benefits.
- Picking damages the new skin: You risk scarring and creating open wounds.
- Can lead to infection: Your fingers carry germs that can enter broken skin.
What to do instead: Use a soft washcloth soaked in lukewarm water to gently dab away dry flakes. Keep moisturizing and resist the urge to pick at all costs.
Bonus Tip: Timing Your Next Session
Microneedling results build over time, but not overnight.
Too many people either rush or delay their next treatment.
- Getting sessions too close together: Doesn’t allow your skin enough time to rebuild.
- Waiting too long between treatments: You might lose progress if you wait several months.
What to do instead: Stick to your expert’s plan. Most people benefit from sessions every 4 to 6 weeks. This gives your skin time to heal and build collagen naturally.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Not Drinking Enough Water
Internal hydration speeds up recovery.
Microneedling boosts collagen, but your skin needs water to build it.
- Dehydration leads to dullness and slower recovery: Your skin can’t glow if it’s dry from the inside.
- Skin can feel dry, tight, or itchy: External products help, but internal hydration is just as important.
What to do instead: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Add more if you’re in a hot climate or exercising. Hydrating fruits like watermelon or cucumber are also great choices.
Skipping Professional Advice
DIY care isn’t always safe. Trust the pros.
Even though there are plenty of tips online, not all advice suits your skin.
- Using the wrong products: Not every serum or cream works after microneedling.
- Missing signs of irritation or infection: Only a professional can tell if your skin is healing well or not.
- Not getting the full benefit of treatment: Expert aftercare means better results.
What to do instead: Always follow your skincare expert’s instructions. If you're unsure about a product or symptom, reach out to your provider. At CoLaz, we offer full aftercare support to ensure your skin heals beautifully.
Conclusion
Microneedling with a Dermapen can give you radiant, smooth skin, but only if you treat it right afterward. These common mistakes can undo your results or cause skin problems.
Take your time, follow the right steps, and always seek help from trained professionals like the team at CoLaz. And remember, our expert Dermapen services are designed to guide you safely from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get the most out of your Dermapen session, prep your skin by keeping it clean and hydrated in the days leading up. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or waxing for at least a week before treatment to prevent sensitivity. Consult with CoLaz experts to ensure your skincare routine aligns with the procedure.
Some redness is normal, but if it lasts beyond a few days or feels uncomfortable, contact your CoLaz specialist immediately for advice. They may recommend a calming serum or adjusting your routine to soothe your skin. Avoid self-treating with over-the-counter products without professional guidance to prevent further irritation.
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