Dermapen® Microneedling: Pre & Post-Treatment Care
Follow this simple plan to maximise glow, improve texture, and recover comfortably after your Dermapen® session at Santi London.
Pre-Treatment: 7-Day Checklist
- Pause retinoids (tretinoin/retinol), AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide **3–5 days** before.
- Avoid direct sunbeds/sunbathing **1 week** prior; use SPF 30–50 daily.
- No waxing, threading, depilatory creams on treatment area for **7 days**.
- Skip blood-thinning supplements **48–72 hours** prior (fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo) unless medically necessary.
- Hydrate well; arrive with clean, make-up-free skin.
- Tell us about cold sores (HSV) — you may need prophylaxis for perioral treatments.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding, active acne, eczema flare, or infection? Speak to us first.
What to Expect on the Day
- Consultation & cleanse → suitability, goals, photos.
- Topical numbing (optional) → ~20–30 minutes if required.
- Dermapen® treatment → controlled micro-channels to stimulate collagen; mild pinpoint redness is normal.
- Soothing finish → cooling mask/serum + SPF.
Post-Treatment Timeline
Hours 0–24
Skin may look flushed/sunburnt; warmth/tingle is common. Use only clinic-provided soothing serum and **mineral SPF** if going outside. No make-up.
Days 1–2
Redness settles; light tightness possible. Cleanse with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser; hydrate generously; avoid heat (saunas/hot yoga).
Days 3–5
Possible light flaking. Do **not** pick or scrub. You can reintroduce a bland moisturiser and mineral make-up if needed.
Days 5–7
Most people look normal/glowy. Resume actives **gradually** (e.g., gentle AHA once, retinoid a few nights later) if skin is calm.
Weeks 2–6
Collagen remodelling continues. Expect progressive improvements in texture, tone and fine lines. Maintain SPF daily.
Post-Care: Do & Don’t
Do
- Sleep slightly elevated first night if puffy.
- Use gentle cleanser + hydrating serum/cream.
- Mineral SPF 30–50 every morning (reapply if outdoors).
Don’t (first 48–72h)
- No retinoids, acids, scrubs, vitamin C (strong) or benzoyl peroxide.
- No heavy workouts, steam rooms, saunas, or hot baths.
- No swimming pools or ocean; avoid dusty/sweaty environments.
Who Should Avoid or Delay Treatment?
Active infection, open wounds, inflammatory acne flare, keloid tendency, isotretinoin (within 6–12 months, clinician-dependent), pregnancy/breastfeeding (for most protocols), recent sunburn, or uncontrolled medical conditions. We’ll advise on a safe plan.
FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
Most plans: **3–6 sessions**, 4–6 weeks apart, then maintenance every few months depending on goals (texture, acne scars, fine lines, pores).
When can I wear make-up?
Ideally **after 24 hours**, and choose mineral/non-occlusive formulas. Always apply with clean brushes/sponges.
Is it painful?
Most clients rate discomfort **2–4/10** with numbing; without numbing expect **4–6/10** depending on area/needle depth.
Can I combine Dermapen® with other treatments?
Yes — popular pairings include LED light therapy (same day), chemical peels (staggered), skin boosters/profhilo (separate sessions). Your clinician will time these safely.
When to Contact the Clinic
Unusual or worsening swelling, spreading redness/warmth, fever, severe tenderness, or pustules may indicate irritation or infection. **Contact Santi immediately** if concerned.