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Top Products to Use Before Microneedling

Woman in a white robe receiving a facial serum treatment with a dropper in a spa or skincare clinic

Microneedling can improve your skin’s texture and elasticity, but preparation is key to getting the best results. If you’re planning microneedling in Santa Ana (South Coast Metro)—near Costa Mesa and Irvine—these gentle, barrier-supporting products help your skin arrive calm and hydrated so you get the most from treatment at Calista Aesthetics.

Using the right products beforehand can hydrate, strengthen, and prime your skin while avoiding irritation. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Deeply hydrates and minimizes irritation. Start applying 3–5 days before treatment.

  • Peptides and Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier and support collagen production. Introduce them a week prior.

  • Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Boosts cell renewal and healing. Use 2–3 weeks ahead of your session.

Avoid products that can make your skin sensitive, like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs, at least a week before microneedling. Also, stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun to ensure optimal results.

Proper preparation reduces risks and enhances the procedure’s effectiveness, leaving your skin healthier and more radiant.

Best Skincare Products to Use Before Microneedling

If you’re planning microneedling in Santa Ana (South Coast Metro) at Calista Aesthetics, keep your routine simple and soothing the week before your visit. Focus on hydration, barrier support, and sun protection—then pause anything exfoliating or retinoid-based.

Hydration & Barrier (face + eye)

  • Keep it simple: Use a gentle, non-exfoliating moisturizer you already tolerate well, morning and night, for 3–5 days before treatment.

  • Calm the eye area: InterFuse Treatment Cream EYE (peptides + HA) supports a smooth, hydrated under-eye without retinoids. Safe to use up to treatment day.
    👉 More Details

Brightening (retinol-free)

  • If discoloration is a concern, choose Even Skin Tone Correcting Serum (no retinol, no hydroquinone). Use once daily.

    • Sensitive skin? Stop 3–5 days before your appointment just to play it safe.
      👉 More Details

Daily Sun Protection (non-negotiable)

  • Wear mineral SPF every morning the week before your session—especially if you’re out and about in Costa Mesa or Irvine.

    • sunbetter SHEER SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
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    • sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion (tinted)
      👉 More Details

Skincare Products to Avoid Before Microneedling

Before a microneedling session, paying attention to your skincare routine is crucial. Certain products can make your skin more sensitive, cause irritation, or disrupt the healing process. Here are the key ones to avoid:

Retinoids

Retinoids, including both over-the-counter retinol and prescription-strength tretinoin, are known for speeding up cell turnover. However, they can also thin the skin barrier, leaving your skin more vulnerable to irritation. Experts recommend stopping retinoid use at least one week before microneedling. As Harley Street Skin Clinic explains:

“It is not advisable to use retinol before microneedling because retinol make your skin barrier thinner and it is more prone to adverse reactions and sensitivity. If your skin is in this condition, creating micro-injuries on your skin will make the sensitivity and irritation worse.” [1]

This advice applies to all types of retinoids, so check your product labels for ingredients like retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, or retinyl palmitate. It’s also wise to avoid other exfoliating agents that could increase skin sensitivity.

Exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs)

Chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid), should be paused at least one week before your session. Using these acids too close to your treatment can over-sensitize your skin, increasing the risk of irritation when combined with microneedling’s micro-injuries.

Physical exfoliants, like scrubs or brushes, can also weaken the skin barrier if used too soon before the procedure. If you’ve recently had a chemical peel, it’s best to wait at least two weeks before undergoing microneedling to ensure your skin has enough time to recover. [3]

What to pause at least 7 days before

These contain retinoids and/or exfoliating acids. Press pause until after your skin has healed post-treatment:

Other Pre-Treatment Considerations

Your daily habits, like staying hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun, play a big role in how well microneedling works. Along with picking the right skincare products, fine-tuning these lifestyle factors can help set the stage for better results.

Hydration

Keeping your skin hydrated is key to getting the most out of microneedling. Well-moisturized skin heals better and responds more effectively to the treatment. Start by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. During the procedure, your aesthetician will apply a hydrating serum to your skin. This not only helps lubricate the surface but also boosts the absorption of the serum through the tiny channels created during microneedling [4].

But hydration isn’t the only thing to keep in mind – sun protection is just as important.

Sun Exposure

Steer clear of sun exposure for at least a week before your microneedling session. Skin that’s sunburned or damaged by UV rays is more sensitive and isn’t suitable for the procedure. Avoid both natural sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds for at least 72 hours to a week before your treatment [2][5]. If you have to be outdoors, make sure to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Performing microneedling on sunburned skin can lead to added irritation, slower healing, and potential complications [2][6].

Conclusion

Achieving the best results with microneedling starts well before the procedure itself – it’s all about preparation. The steps you take beforehand can significantly impact the outcome, making pre-treatment care a vital part of the process.

The products you use, as well as those you avoid, play a huge role in how your skin responds. Following the outlined steps, like staying hydrated, protecting your skin from the sun, and steering clear of products or medications that could irritate your skin, sets a solid foundation for success. These small but crucial steps can make a big difference in how your skin heals and responds to the treatment.

Of course, every individual’s skin is different, and that’s where professional advice becomes essential. At Calista Aesthetics, we go beyond just the treatment itself. Our team takes the time to understand your skin’s unique needs, reviewing your skincare routine, medications, and products during a consultation. From there, we create a customized pre-treatment plan designed to help you get the most out of your microneedling experience.

When your skin is properly prepped, the benefits of microneedling – like smoother texture, reduced fine lines, and a brighter complexion – are amplified. By following the recommendations above, you’re setting yourself up for a more comfortable procedure, quicker recovery, and results you’ll love. Preparation isn’t just a step; it’s the foundation for success.

FAQs

Before undergoing microneedling, it’s important to pause the use of retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs. These ingredients can heighten skin sensitivity and increase the likelihood of irritation. They may also thin the skin, which could lead to more discomfort or potential damage during the procedure.

To prepare your skin and achieve the best outcome, dermatologists suggest stopping these products 3 to 7 days prior to your microneedling session. This allows your skin to be in the best possible shape for the treatment.

Peptides play a key role in increasing collagen production, which helps improve your skin’s firmness, elasticity, and overall texture. This leaves your skin stronger and better equipped to handle microneedling.

Ceramides, meanwhile, work by fortifying the skin barrier. They replenish natural lipids, helping your skin lock in moisture and defend against potential irritants. This not only supports faster recovery but also minimizes dryness after the procedure.

When combined, peptides and ceramides boost hydration, strengthen the skin, and speed up healing, making them ideal additions to your pre-microneedling skincare routine.

Using Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) before a microneedling session can take your skincare results to the next level. EGF works by encouraging your skin to naturally produce more collagen and elastin – key proteins that help improve skin texture and firmness. It also increases hydration, leaving your skin more supple and better prepared to absorb the benefits of microneedling.

On top of that, EGF supports your skin’s natural healing process, which means faster recovery and more visible improvements in tone and glow. By adding EGF to your pre-microneedling routine, you can set the stage for smoother, healthier-looking skin with enhanced radiance.