Have you ever walked out of a microneedling session excited about your future glowing skin, only to wake up the next day with unexpected breakouts? You’re not alone. Many of my clients ask me about purging after microneedling and whether those post-treatment blemishes are normal or cause for concern.
Today, I want to clear up some confusion about what happens to your skin after microneedling and why skin purging after microneedling is a common part of the healing process for many people.
What Exactly Is Microneedling?
Before diving into the purging phenomenon, let’s quickly recap what microneedling actually does. Microneedling uses tiny needles to create hundreds of microscopic punctures in your skin. These “micro-injuries” trigger your body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
This process helps with everything from fine lines to acne scars—but the path to beautiful skin isn’t always immediately pretty.
The Truth About Skin Purging
Does microneedling cause purging? In many cases, yes. But understanding why helps make the process less alarming.
Skin purging occurs when a treatment accelerates cell turnover, bringing pre-existing clogged pores and developing blemishes to the surface all at once. It’s essentially your skin fast-forwarding through breakouts that would have happened anyway, just on a condensed timeline.
According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, microneedling purging and post-treatment breakouts are more common in people with naturally oily or acne-prone skin. This makes sense since these skin types often have more congestion hiding beneath the surface.
What Happens to Your Skin After Microneedling
After your treatment, your skin undergoes several changes as part of the healing process:
Day 1-3: The Immediate Reaction
- Redness and mild swelling (like a sunburn)
- Skin feels tight and possibly dry
- Possible pinpoint bleeding (minimal)
As RefinedMD explains, this initial redness is completely normal and indicates that your body is responding appropriately to begin the collagen-producing process.
Days 3-7: The Purging Phase
For many, this is when purging after microneedling begins. You might notice:
- Small whiteheads appearing
- Existing blemishes becoming more pronounced
- Rough or sandy-textured skin
- Light peeling or flaking
This purging phase is temporary but can be concerning if you’re not expecting it. Remember, this is different from an infection or allergic reaction—it’s your skin pushing out impurities as part of the renewal process.
Why Purging Happens: The Science Behind It
When those tiny needles create micro-channels in your skin, a few things happen:
- Inflammation Response: Your body sends healing factors to the treatment area, which can temporarily increase overall inflammation (including in existing blemishes).
- Accelerated Cell Turnover: The healing process speeds up cell renewal, pushing developing blemishes to the surface faster.
- Trapped Debris Movement: Those micro-channels can disturb trapped oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, bringing them to the surface.
According to Cheeks, up to 20% of people who undergo microneedling experience some form of breakout. The good news is that most of these breakouts clear up within a few weeks as your skin completes its renewal process.
How to Tell If It’s Purging or a Bad Reaction
Not all post-microneedling breakouts are normal purging. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Normal Purging:
- Appears in areas where you typically break out
- Consists primarily of small whiteheads or papules
- Resolves relatively quickly (within 1-2 weeks)
- Improves gradually as your skin heals
Problematic Reaction:
- Severe redness, swelling, or pain
- Breakouts in unusual areas
- Persistent symptoms that worsen over time
- Accompanied by fever or extreme discomfort
How to Manage Skin Purging After Microneedling
If you’re experiencing normal skin purging after microneedling, here’s how I recommend handling it:
- Keep it clean: Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser twice daily.
- Hydrate: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to support healing.
- Protect: Apply SPF 30+ daily, as your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage.
- Hands off: Resist the urge to pick, pop or over-exfoliate during this time.
- Simplify: Temporarily pause active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, or vitamin C until purging subsides.
- Be patient: Remember that purging is a temporary phase on the way to clearer skin.
Preventing Excessive Purging in Future Treatments
While some purging may be unavoidable, you can minimize its intensity by:
- Having treatments performed by a licensed professional
- Prepping your skin properly before your appointment (following your provider’s instructions)
- Spacing treatments appropriately for your skin type
- Being diligent about post-treatment care
- Disclosing your full skincare routine to your provider
The Bottom Line
Does microneedling cause purging? Yes, it can—and for many people, it’s a normal part of the process. While it might seem counterintuitive to experience breakouts after a treatment designed to improve your skin, remember that purging is often a sign the treatment is working.
The temporary setback of purging after microneedling is typically followed by the rewards of clearer, smoother, more radiant skin. The key is patience and proper aftercare.
Have you experienced skin purging after microneedling? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you’re considering microneedling but concerned about purging, remember that a consultation with a skincare professional can help you prepare and know exactly what to expect for your unique skin type.
Remember, beautiful skin is a journey, not an overnight transformation—and sometimes the road includes a few bumps along the way!
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