Microneedling treatment has so many benefits including stimulating collagen production, softening of wrinkles and scars, improving skin structure and texture, skin tightening, faster and deeper penetration of skin care products. However, due to the nature of the procedure, which causes controlled dermal micro damage, the skin is often left stressed, irritated, red, and dry. That’s why using hydrating serums, soothing masks and moisturizers are essential after the microneedling procedure. So, in this article we will review which is the best serum to use with microneedling for various skin types.
At a glance:
- Best value: Eva Naturals Set of 3 Serums
- Overall best: Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum
- Best ingredients/most potent: Kypris Antioxidant Dew
Ingredients To Look For
After being punctured by tiny needles hundreds of times your skin will become very stressed and dry. But you can help your skin heal and recover faster by applying skincare products with soothing, calming, hydrating and rejuvenating properties. For example, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, peptides, ceramides, vitamin c, and antioxidants, as these ingredients improve skin healing and regeneration.
Since the absorption rate and penetration of skin care products are much higher after undergoing microneedling treatment, experts suggest using organic and natural products, and stay away from toxic and harmful ingredients. You can also apply skincare products to address a certain concern like wrinkles, photo damage, scars, stretch marks, or cellulite.
√ YES:
- Organic
- Natural
- Hyaluronic acid
- Antioxidants
- Peptides
- Ceramides
- Vitamin C
- Aloe Vera
⊗ NO:
- Harsh ingredients
- Fragrance
- Retinol
- AHA, BHA and PHA
- Vitamin C (in high concentrations 15%-20% if you have sensitive skin)
Best Serum To Use With Microneedling
Overall, there are several great hydrating serums that are made with organic, natural, non-toxic, and clean ingredients, which will help calm and sooth the skin after the microneedling procedure. Just make sure to use serum and other skincare products like sheet masks and moisturizers AFTER the microneedling treatment.
If you are doing micro needling treatment at home, it should be done on a freshly cleansed skin. To clarify, do NOT use serum right before and during microneedling, but instead use it right after the session.
Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This organic serum is a holy grail in skincare regimen. It’s formulated with potent organic, natural and nontoxic ingredients such as botanical hyaluronic acid, strawberry and rhubarb juices, algae extract, aloe vera, CoQ10, honey, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Not only this serum hydrates, heals, plumps, and softens the appearance of wrinkles, but also it repairs and brightens your skin leaving it looking soft, radiant and rejuvenated. The red color gel-like texture absorbs quickly and has light strawberry scent.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types.
Orgaid Youth Serum
Double duty serum that fights free radicals and also moisturizes and brightens the skin. In addition, it addresses signs of aging, repairs skin barrier and aids in skin cells regeneration. This serum is made with sustainably sourced organic ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide (vit. B3), and other botanical extracts. You’ll love the clear, non-sticky and fast absorbing texture.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types.
Andalou Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Revitalize Serum
This budget friendly, nourishing and all natural serum is packed with age defying ingredients that help increase collagen and elastin production, lift and firm the skin, and improve the overall appearance. Some of the ingredients include resveratrol, glycopeptides, fruit stem cells, bioactive berry complex, CoQ10, aloe vera, borage oil, vitamin c, kelp, and other potent oils and antioxidants.
Best serum to use with microneedling for dry and aging skin.
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
A miracle worker, this glow-boosting serum is packed with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid, as well as plant and herbal derivatives like konjac root, chamomile, clary sage, and aloe. It improves overall appearance of the skin, evens out skin tone, reduces discoloration, protects from photoaging, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, softens and soothes the skin.
Best serum to use with microneedling for skin brightening.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
This water-based serum with clear gel-like texture helps hydrate, calm and soothe distressed and irritated skin. In addition to boosting skin's moisture content, it also addresses loss of firmness, wrinkles, redness, and dryness. It is formulated with skin renewing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen, aloe vera, green tea and other extracts.
Best serum to use with microneedling for dry, irritated, combination and oily skin.
Kypris Antioxidant Dew Serum
Yes, this serum is expensive, but it’s packed with 26 active natural ingredients and provides intense hydration, soothes, protects and restores the skin. The lightweight creamy formula absorbs quickly leaving skin hydrated, smooth and glowing. Among active ingredients are encapsulated antioxidants including vitamin C & E, ferulic acid, Hawaiian sea algae, DPHP, amino acids, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, rich oil blend and others calming botanical extracts.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types including sensitive.
Juice Beauty Age Defy Antioxidant Serum
Good option for those with aging and dull skin, uneven skin tone and discoloration. This brightening serum contains advanced high potency organic ingredients like nutrient-rich certified organic botanical juices, peptides, CoQ10, vitamin C & E, DMAE, hyaluronic acid, algae and other oils and antioxidants. In addition to brightening the complexion and reducing dark spots, it also plumps, firms, moisturizes and softens fine lines.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types.
Eminence Organics Eight Greens Youth Serum
This serum reduces visible signs of aging, replenishes moisture, hydrates, improves complexion, protects and repairs skin from free radical damage. Also, it does an excellent job in calming the skin after microneedling procedure. It is packed with antioxidants like flexseeds, yucca, and chasteberry extracts, as well as vitamin C, honey, algae extract, CoQ10, and lavender.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types especially hormonally imbalanced skin.
InstaNatural Anti-Aging Collagen Serum
This natural anti aging serum moisturizes the skin, increases hydration, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin’s firmness, elasticity and texture. It is made with clean, non-toxic ingredients like NASA stem cell technology, peptide complex, collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green tea, squalane, and others. Even though the texture of the serum is somewhat thick, it absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft and smooth.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types including oily and sensitive.
Eva Naturals Set Of 3 Serums
If you can’t decide on one serum or just love trying a variety of skincare products, this budget-friendly serum set might be just what you need. The set includes 3 serums in 1 oz. bottles. For example, the Niacinamide serum helps to strengthen skin’s barrier, even out the complexion and balance oil production, while the Peptides serum moisturizes, improves skin’s texture and repairs skin. On the other hand, the Vitamin C Facial serum combats and prevents signs of sun damage and brightens the complexion.
Best serum to use with microneedling for all skin types – variety pack.
Related: Essential products to use after microneedling.
Post Microneedling Skincare
It’s best to do microneedling in the evening, this way you can maximize skin’s natural regeneration process and allow it to rest and heal overnight. Also avoid applying makeup on your face right after the procedure and exposing skin to the UV light.
All in all, protect your skin after the microneedling treatment by avoiding the sun or tanning beds, avoid touching your skin and make sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Also remember, the longer the needles – the more time is needed for the skin to heal.
⊗ Avoid the following activities right after the microneedling procedure:
- Makeup
- Sun exposure
- Tanning beds
- Swimming
- Excessive sweating/working out
Like with many at-home treatments, tools and devices, it is important to have realistic expectations and not expect an overnight miracle. Noticeable results can be seen after several treatments and are cumulative with the continuous use of derma roller. Plan on using your microneedling tool for at least three to six months.
Related: What size dermaroller to use?
Sources:
Campa M., Baron E. “Anti-aging effects of select botanicals: Scientific evidence and current trends.” Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Sep. 2018
Dunaway, S.; Odin, R.; Zhou, L.; Ji, L.; Zhang, Y.; Kadekaro, A.L. “Natural antioxidants: Multiple mechanisms to protect skin from solar radiation.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, April 2018
Gupta Ramesh C., Lall Rajiv, Srivastava Ajay, Sinha Anita. “Hyaluronic acid: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic trajectory.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 3, June 2019
Lima T.N., Morales C. “Bioactive Peptides: Applications and Relevance for Cosmeceuticals.” Cosmetics, Vol. 5, March 2018
Maeliosa T.C. McCrudden, Emma McAlister. “Microneedle applications in improving skin appearance.” Experimental Dermatology, Vol. 24, Issue 8, April 2015
Meckfessel, M.H., Brandt, S. “The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products.” J. Am. Acad. Dermatology, Vol. 71, Issue 1, July 2014
Pinnell, S.R.; Yang, H.; Omar, M.; Monteiro-Riviere, N.; DeBuys, H.V.; Walker, L.C.; Wang, Y.; Levine, M. Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies. Dermatologic Surgery Feb. 2001
Ravetti S., Clemente C., Brignone S. “Ascorbic acid in skin health.” Cosmetics, Vol. 6, Oct. 2019.
Schagen S. K. “Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results.” Cosmetics, Vol. 4, May 2017
Tina Alster, Paul Graham. “Microneedling: a review and practical guide.” Dermatologic Surgery, Vol. 3, March 2018
