Does using Retin-A after healing from microneedling/PRP cause greater acne purge?

Question

I know that microneedling produces 'microchannels' that allow products, like serums, to go deeper into the skin. With that logic, would using Retin-A, after being healed from microneedling (~1 week post treatment), cause a greater acne purge than usual due to the deeper penetration of the product into the skin? In other words, is the cell turnover/acne purge sped up even further when using the topical after the microneedling treatment?

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Hello! Using Retin-A post microneedling will not cause a greater acne purge than usual if you are using retinol regularly. Before your microneedling appointment you will want to stop the retinol about 5- 7 days before your treatment and then wait the 1 week post treatment to start using your Retin-A again. If your retinol use is not consistent than you might see a little more purging than usual, but will correct itself as you continue to use it. Best of luck!

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Hello, the channels from microneedling only stay open for 4-8 hours.  This is why we recommend only using a stem cell serum the day of microneedling.  After one week you may return to your normal skincare regimen since the channels will be closed and the product will not penetrate any deeper than normal.

Does using Retin-A after healing from microneedling/PRP cause greater acne purge?

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