In the world of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, microneedling earns top points for being both quick and effective. Tiny needles are used to make minuscule punctures in the skin in order to promote collagen production, ultimately improving smoothness, firmness, and tone, explains Dr. Manish Shah, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver. The downtime is minimal, though it is important to treat your skin with a little extra TLC in the days following a microneedling treatment—and that means being cognizant of both the skin care and makeup you’re using. When it comes to skin care, avoid any type of potentially irritating ingredients—think acids, retinoids—and instead opt for plain, gentle, hydrating cleansers and moisturizers.
As far as makeup goes, your skin will be a bit red afterward, so it’s understandable that you’ll want to camouflage that flushing. But it’s not a great idea to simply slap on any ol’ base. First and foremost, go completely bare and give your skin some time to recover. “Depending on how aggressive the treatment was, it’s a good idea to go foundation-free for 24 to 48 hours after microneedling,” advises New York City board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. “This is because the tiny micro wounds are open and need time to heal.” You can hop back on the foundation train after that—but with a few caveats. Make sure any foundation you choose is oil- and silicone-free, to minimize the risk of clogged pores, and hydrating, to help combat any dryness. Bonus points if it contains SPF, though you should double-check that it’s relying on mineral blockers (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) rather than chemical sunscreens, which have a greater chance of eliciting unwanted irritation. Ahead, eight complexion perfectors that fit the bill.
AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF50+ ($60)
This cushion compact straddles the line between skin care and makeup, boasting not only that oh-so-important (mineral) sun protection but also antioxidants to ward off free-radical damage. It’s a favorite of Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who praises the lightweight texture as well.
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Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 ($55)
Dr. Frank suggests reaching for a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation in the days after a microneedling treatment. It’s innately lighter than foundation and won’t clog pores, and most tinted moisturizers already have built-in SPF, he points out. Try this product, a deeply hydrating option that offers a surprising amount of coverage and a gorgeous, radiant finish. While it comes in only one shade, we find that it blends surprisingly well on a wide array of skin tones.
SkinBetter Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact ($55)
New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor recommends this option for those with warm or deep skin; the unique formula adapts to your individual skin tone. While the coverage is on the lighter side, it does offer plenty of mineral-based sun protection and is ultra-gentle so as to not irritate freshly treated skin.
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation ($66)
Both Dr. MacGregor and Dr. Chang like this pick, pointing out that it has great coverage despite a very light and breathable texture. It also won’t settle into dry, flakey skin and mixes well with sunscreen, an especially important attribute given how important SPF-usage is after microneedling. Bonus points for the addition of soothing ingredients such as aloe and grapeseed extract, which help calm compromised skin.
W3LL People Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer SPF 30 ($29)
“This tinted moisturizer is great for sensitive and healing skin,” says Dr. Shah, who adds that it’s a good idea to seek out natural formulas, such as this one, since they’re free of potentially irritating parabens. An organic coconut oil base makes it extra hydrating, while pure zinc protects your fragile skin from harmful UV rays. A long list of antioxidant-rich ingredients is just the icing on the cake.
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Colorescience Tint du Soleil SPF 30 ($55)
Chicago board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jordan Carqueville also advises opting for a tinted moisturizer rather than a traditional foundation. This product, one of her go-tos, has a lighter-than-air, whipped texture; collagen-boosting peptides; and, of course, mineral sun blockers. Available in five shades, the formula is also nice and buildable.
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($33)
Dr. Shah appreciates the hydrating abilities of this multitasker; it contains plant-derived squalene, an ingredient that functions similarly to the natural oil in our skin, along with mineral electrolytes to replenish moisture, he says. It also comes in an impressive range of 20 shades, the most of any product in this roundup.
Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation Drops ($40)
Dr. MacGregor recommends the large range of Dermablend foundations for anyone seeking fuller coverage. Made with 33 percent pigments, these innovative drops are super-concentrated and can be mixed with the serum, moisturizer, or sunscreen of your choosing. A little goes a long way—use one drop for a sheer wash of color or up to four if you crave complete coverage. Also important: they’re noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, and oil-free, a great pick for sensitive (or, in this case, post-procedure) skin.
