Medical Microneedling in Tulsa

In the first 24 hours, keep your skin clean and hydrated. Use only the gentle, provider-approved products given to you at your appointment — typically a fragrance-free cleanser, a hyaluronic acid serum, and a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily, and do not apply makeup. Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid sweating.

You may gently cleanse your face the evening of your treatment or the following morning using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth — pat dry with a clean towel. Do not use foaming cleansers, exfoliating washes, or anything with active ingredients for at least 5–7 days.

Most clients experience redness similar to a mild sunburn for 24–48 hours after treatment. Some clients with sensitive skin or deeper needle depths may see mild pinkness for 3–4 days. By day 3–4, the majority of visible redness has resolved and skin begins to look refreshed and glowing.

For the first 5–7 days, avoid retinol, tretinoin, vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide, and any physical or chemical exfoliants. These active ingredients can irritate the healing skin barrier and increase the risk of sensitivity or hyperpigmentation. Your provider will advise when it is safe to reintroduce each product.

We recommend avoiding all makeup — including mineral makeup — for at least 24 hours after your treatment, and ideally 48 hours. The micro-channels created during treatment are open during this window, and makeup can introduce bacteria or irritants into the skin. When you do resume, choose clean, non-comedogenic formulas and apply with freshly washed hands or a clean brush.

Avoid vigorous exercise, hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms, and anything that causes significant sweating for at least 48 hours after your session. Heat and sweat can irritate the treated skin, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of breakouts or infection. Light walking is fine. Most clients resume their normal workout routine on day 3.

Yes — mild flaking or peeling between days 3 and 5 is a normal part of the healing process as the outer layer of skin turns over. Do not pick, peel, or exfoliate the flaking skin. Keep the area moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and allow the skin to shed naturally. Forcing the process can cause irritation or scarring.

Most providers recommend waiting at least 5–7 days before reintroducing retinol or tretinoin, and up to 10–14 days for clients with sensitive skin or those who received a deeper treatment. When you do resume, start with a lower frequency (every other night) to allow your skin to re-acclimate. Your 86INK provider will give you a personalized timeline at your appointment.

Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7–10 days after your session. The skin is more vulnerable to UV damage during the healing phase, which can lead to hyperpigmentation — especially in darker skin tones. Wear a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ every day, even indoors near windows, and reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. A wide-brim hat is strongly recommended.

Many clients notice an initial glow and improved skin texture within 5–7 days as the skin heals. However, the deeper collagen-remodeling benefits — particularly for acne scars and wrinkles — develop gradually over 4–6 weeks as new collagen matures. Full results from a series of treatments are typically visible 3–6 months after completing the series.

Sessions are typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart to allow the skin to fully heal and for collagen production to cycle. Coming in too soon can over-stimulate the skin and delay results. Your 86INK provider will recommend the ideal interval based on your skin's response and treatment goals.

While mild redness, swelling, and sensitivity are expected, contact 86INK if you experience: significant swelling or bruising that worsens after 48 hours, signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever, a rash or hives suggesting an allergic reaction, or any blistering. These are uncommon with medical microneedling but warrant prompt evaluation. You can reach 86INK at (918) 212-4747.