How long should I wait to use tretinoin after microneedling?

Question

Hi, I recently purchased an at home micro needling kit and it has .5 mm needles. I also use .05 tretinoin at home every night. How long should I wait to use the tretinoin after the micro needling? Also should I skip the tretinoin the night before I micro needle? I wasn't sure if the rules were different since the needles are so small. Thank you!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

When using a micro needling kit with needles that are 0.5 mm or longer, it's generally recommended to wait 24-48 hours before applying tretinoin or any other active skincare ingredients to the treated area. This allows the skin to heal and reduces the risk of irritation or sensitivity.

If you're using tretinoin every night, it's a good idea to skip the night before and after your micro needling session to reduce the risk of irritation. Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to the micro needling process, and the needles can also increase the absorption of the product, potentially leading to more irritation.

It's important to start with a clean and sterile micro needling tool, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection or other complications. Additionally, it's a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using the tool on a larger area to ensure that you don't have any adverse reactions. If you experience any redness, irritation, or discomfort after micro needling, it's best to wait until your skin has fully healed before resuming your normal skincare routine.

Best of luck !

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question! I would recommend stopping your tretinoin a week to two weeks before having microneedling done. I would also recommend waiting the same amount of time post microneedling.

How long should I wait to use tretinoin after microneedling?

Answers (2)

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