Microneedling isn’t just a treatment—it’s part of a system. What you use before, during, after, and between sessions dramatically affects your results. Here’s how to build a complete routine that maximizes every aspect of your microneedling investment.
The Weekly Framework
Think of your skincare week in two phases:
Treatment days (1x per week): Microneedling + gentle, hydrating products
Off days (6x per week): Active ingredients that support collagen building
These phases work together—microneedling creates the stimulus and enhances absorption, while off-day actives provide ongoing support.
Treatment Day Routine
Morning of Treatment Day
If you microneedle in the evening (recommended), your morning routine should be gentle:
Cleanse: Gentle, non-foaming cleanser
Hydrate: Hyaluronic acid serum
Moisturize: Simple moisturizer
Protect: SPF 30+
Skip: Vitamin C, retinol, acids, anything potentially irritating
Evening Treatment Session
Step 1 – Cleanse: Double cleanse if wearing makeup/SPF. Skin must be completely clean.
Step 2 – Pre-treatment serum: Apply your treatment serum generously. Choose based on your goals:
General anti-aging: GlowYoung serum (peptides + niacinamide). PRP-level rejuvenation: Vampire Glow serum (stem cells + growth factors). Expression lines: Glow Filler serum (argireline).
Step 3 – Microneedle: Follow proper technique. Work systematically across treatment areas.
Step 4 – Post-treatment serum: Apply more of the same serum. Those channels are open—feed them.
Step 5 – Seal: Optional thin layer of gentle moisturizer. Don’t wash face until morning.
| Treatment Day Phase | Products to Use | Products to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Gentle cleanser; HA; simple moisturizer; SPF | Vitamin C; retinol; acids |
| Pre-treatment | Treatment serum (peptides; stem cells; argireline) | Anything irritating |
| During treatment | Same serum for slip | Vitamin C; acids; fragrance |
| Post-treatment | Same serum; gentle moisturizer | Actives; fragrance; makeup |
Day After Treatment
Your skin is still recovering. Keep it simple:
Morning: Gentle cleanse → Niacinamide + HA → Moisturizer → SPF (essential!)
Evening: Gentle cleanse → Hydrating serum → Moisturizer
Still avoid: Retinol, vitamin C, acids, active treatments
Off-Day Routine (Days 2-7)
This is when you use your active ingredients to support and extend microneedling benefits.
Morning Routine
Cleanse: Gentle cleanser
Antioxidant: Vitamin C serum (protects and brightens)
Hydrate: Hyaluronic acid on damp skin
Support: Niacinamide for barrier support
Moisturize: Your preferred moisturizer
Protect: SPF 30+ (non-negotiable with any active routine)
Evening Routine
Cleanse: Double cleanse to remove SPF/makeup
Treat: Retinol serum (the Glow Retinol Serum includes niacinamide to reduce irritation)
Hydrate: Hyaluronic acid or hydrating serum
Moisturize: Richer evening moisturizer
Weekly Schedule Example
Sunday (Treatment Day):
AM: Gentle routine, no actives. PM: Microneedling with treatment serum.
Monday (Recovery):
AM: Niacinamide + HA + SPF. PM: Hydrating serum + moisturizer. No actives.
Tuesday-Saturday (Active Days):
AM: Vitamin C + HA + niacinamide + SPF. PM: Retinol + HA + moisturizer.
Product Layering Order
General rule: thinnest to thickest, water-based before oil-based.
Correct order:
1. Cleanser (rinse off)
2. Toner (if using)
3. Essence (if using)
4. Water-based serums (vitamin C, niacinamide, HA)
5. Treatment serums (retinol, peptides)
6. Eye cream (if using)
7. Moisturizer
8. Face oil (if using, PM only)
9. SPF (AM only, last step)
Ingredient Timing Cheat Sheet
| Ingredient | When to Use | Avoid On |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Morning (off-days) | Treatment day; day after |
| Retinol | Evening (off-days) | Treatment day; day after |
| Niacinamide | Any time | Safe always |
| Hyaluronic acid | Any time | Safe always |
| Peptides | Any time; great for treatment | Safe always |
| AHAs/BHAs | Evening (off-days); 1-2x week | Treatment day; 2 days after |
Building Your Product Arsenal
Essential:
Microneedling device + appropriate serum. Retinol serum for off-nights. SPF 30+ for daily use. Gentle cleanser.
Highly recommended:
Hyaluronic acid for hydration. Niacinamide for barrier support. Vitamin C for morning antioxidant protection.
Nice to have:
Eye cream. Rich night cream. Face oil for extra dry skin.
The Bottom Line
Your microneedling results multiply when supported by the right routine. Use treatment-appropriate serums during microneedling, retinol on off-nights for ongoing collagen support, and always protect with SPF.
The best routine is one you’ll actually follow consistently. Start simple, build habits, then add complexity as those habits solidify.
