Microneedling and sun exposure

Question

I am planning on getting the microneedling treatment. However I am going on vacation in the Caribbean with a ton of sun exposure. Is it better to have the treatment done before or after my vacation? If I were to get the treatment done before vacation, it would be done 3 weeks before the trip.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This should be fine. I recommend following up with your Doctor about after care after your microneedling treatment. Sun protection is essential. I always combine microneedling with prp and lasers for best outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Yezi8. 3 weeks before the tip is adequate time to recover for a microneedling treatment. Make sure you apply Broad Spectrum SPF. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about microneedling.  You should be perfectly fine to have the treatment before your vacation.  However, I would recommend purchasing medical grade sunscreen.  To be sure you receive appropriate treatment, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

While sun exposure is never a good idea for your skin, it will not cause additional harm to the skin after a microneedling treatment.  If you are waiting 3 weeks after microneedling, you will be safe to go into the sun.  Microneedling is one skin care treatment that can be safely done on most skin types and all seasons.I hope this helps.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

It is always best to do cosmetic procedures on your face when your skin isn't tan and/or you aren't traveling to somewhere sunny as the skin heals afterwards. If you plan to travel to the Caribbean 3 weeks after microneedling, that should be perfectly fine.

Kathleen Griffin, MD · Answer

Any facial treatment involving trauma to the skin can make the skin more susceptible to hyper pigmentation from sun exposure, so be safe and do the treatment when you return. Cosmetic treatments are never emergencies, so don't stress about fitting them in. Be kind to yourself and be safe.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

Depending on the procedure, I typically ask my patients to be mindful of sun exposure at least 1-2 weeks post treatment, therefore allowing three weeks before your trip should be fine.
However, unless you are doing the treatment specifically for your vacation, why not wait until you get back? The goal of microneedling is to stimulate collagen; excessive UV exposure does the opposite, and can be potentially damaging to your collagen. While a few days in the Caribbean will not completely negate the results of your treatment, personally, I would wait. This way, you can get the most out of microneedling, while not having to worry while on your trip.  
  
Regardless of if you decide to do the treatment before or after your trip, wear a hat, apply sunblock, and don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours. And enjoy your vacation!

Samuel Siddiqui, MD · Answer

Generally speaking microneedling is not recommended within two weeks after sun exposure.  Microneedling involves delivering radiofrequency heat to the dermis, meaning the deeper layer of the skin.  This RF heat bypasses the epidermis, the outer most layer of the skin, which results in a short recovery time from microneedling as there is no superficial damage or burn.  The UV light of the sun causes damage (burn) to the epidermis and the combination of the sun damage and microneedling RF can cause additional unwanted problems.  Hopefully that helps.

Microneedling and sun exposure

Answers (8)

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