Best Numbing Cream for Microneedling: How to Choose & Apply
Best Numbing Cream for Microneedling: How to Choose & Apply
Microneedling, a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, can be an effective way to improve the appearance of uneven texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, scars and other visible skin concerns. But the thought of tiny needles moving across the face or body is enough to make many people pause, especially those using a derma roller or microneedling pen at home.
The right numbing cream for microneedling can make the experience far more comfortable. It can also help you stay relaxed during treatment, which may make it easier to use a consistent, controlled technique instead of rushing through the process because of discomfort. Read on to learn how to choose and apply numbing cream, what the treatment feels like, how to prepare your skin and how to care for it afterward.
Does Microneedling Hurt?
Microneedling is often described as a treatment that delivers a great deal in exchange for a little discomfort. The needles create tiny, controlled micro-injuries across the surface of the skin, which can feel like light scratching, prickling or a series of small pinches.
Without numbing cream, the sensation can be more noticeable in areas where the skin is thin or close to bone, including the forehead, upper lip and around the eyes. Treatment depth, device type, skin sensitivity and personal pain tolerance also shape the experience. With the proper numbing cream, most people find the procedure much more comfortable. Rather than focusing on sharp sensations, many describe feeling gentle pressure or a light vibration as the device moves across the skin.
Some areas may still feel more sensitive than others, particularly during deeper professional treatments. That is normal. Numbing cream does not remove every sensation, but it can take the edge off enough to make the appointment or at-home treatment feel calm, controlled and far less intimidating.
The Best Numbring Cream for Microneedling
Microneedling asks a lot of your skin. The treatment creates tiny, controlled channels across the surface to encourage a smoother, firmer and more luminous-looking complexion. A well-prepared treatment makes all the difference, and that begins with the right numbing cream.
The best numbing cream for microneedling should provide deep, reliable comfort without compromising the quality of your treatment or recovery. Look for a 5% lidocaine formula developed for cosmetic procedures, especially one that is gentle enough for the face and free from vasoconstrictors.
Zensa Numbing Cream is a clinically formulated 5% lidocaine cream trusted by cosmetic professionals and at-home users alike. Its non-greasy formula begins working in 15 minutes and is designed to ease discomfort during treatments that require precision, from microneedling to permanent makeup. Vasoconstrictors work by narrowing blood vessels. While they appear in some topical anesthetics, they are not always the ideal choice before cosmetic treatments, where the skin’s natural recovery process matters. Zensa Numbing Cream provides effective comfort without added vasoconstrictors, so your skin can receive the care it needs before, during and after treatment.
How to Apply Numbing Cream
A comfortable microneedling treatment begins with proper preparation. Before applying your numbing cream, cleanse the treatment area thoroughly and ensure the skin is dry and free of makeup, sunscreen, skincare products and excess oil.
Apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the desired area without rubbing it into the skin. The cream should sit evenly across the surface, allowing the 5% lidocaine to absorb gradually and provide the comfort needed for a more relaxed treatment.
Leave the cream on for the amount of time directed on the packaging. For most microneedling treatments, that means allowing the cream to sit for approximately 20 to 45 minutes before beginning. The ideal timing depends on the treatment area, the product instructions and the level of comfort desired.
For larger areas, covering the cream with plastic wrap can help it remain in close contact with the skin. Once the numbing time is complete, gently remove all remaining cream with a clean cloth or gauze before beginning treatment.
At-Home vs. In-Clinic Microneedling
At-home microneedling and professional treatments share the same general goal: encouraging smoother, more radiant-looking skin through tiny, controlled channels in the surface of the skin. The experience, however, can look quite different.
At-home devices such as derma rollers and microneedling pens are often used at shallower settings. They are designed for people who want to maintain a thoughtful skincare routine from home, but they still require clean tools, a light hand and careful aftercare.
Professional treatments tend to be more precise and may reach deeper layers of the skin. A clinician or aesthetic professional can adjust the treatment based on your skin goals, areas of concern and comfort level. This is also why professional numbing cream for microneedling matters. A quality 5% lidocaine formula can help clients feel more at ease throughout treatments that require greater precision.
No matter where your treatment takes place, numbing cream should support a better experience, not encourage more pressure, deeper settings or rushed technique. Use your device as directed and allow your skin enough time to recover between treatments. To learn more, see our blog post on using numbing cream for at-home procedures.
For Professionals: Numbing Clients Before Microneedling
For professionals, a reliable numbing cream creates a calmer appointment, supports more precise work and helps clients feel confident in the care they receive.
Begin by cleansing and drying the skin completely. Apply a thick, even layer of cream to the treatment area, then allow it to sit according to the product directions. Remove the cream carefully before microneedling begins, ensuring the area is clean and ready for treatment.
For longer appointments, a secondary application may help maintain comfort across more sensitive areas. Use only according to product directions, treatment protocols and applicable professional requirements.
If a client feels that numbing cream has not worked as expected, the formula is not always the issue. Application thickness, cleansing, timing and individual skin response can all affect the result. Read more about why numbing cream doesn’t work for some people.
How to Prepare for Microneedling
The best microneedling results begin before your appointment or at-home treatment. Preparing your skin can help minimize irritation, support a comfortable treatment and make the days that follow feel smoother.
In the days before microneedling, keep your skincare routine simple. Avoid harsh exfoliants, retinol, retinoids and other active ingredients that can leave the skin feeling dry, sensitive or reactive. Protect your complexion from the sun and postpone treatment if your skin is sunburned, irritated or actively breaking out.
Avoid waxing, chemical peels, laser treatments and other intensive cosmetic services in the lead-up to microneedling. These treatments can make the skin more sensitive and may affect how comfortably you receive your microneedling treatment.
On the day of treatment, arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. Avoid applying moisturizer, sunscreen or other products to the treatment area unless your provider has given you different instructions. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol can also help you feel more comfortable during treatment.
If you receive professional microneedling, share any relevant medications, allergies, skincare treatments or skin concerns with your provider ahead of time. Their advice should always guide your preparation and aftercare routine.
What to Expect Before and After Microneedling
Before
Remember that this is not an ordinary facial and some of your medical history is vital to take into account before booking a session. From medication-related grace periods to your regular beauty routines, there are several products you might need to abstain from using in the weeks or months leading up to your microneedling appointment. For those eligible, it is important to switch out any habits to keep your skin as calm as possible before pricking into your pores.
Before booking, take inventory of your medications and supplements with your provider. Isotretinoin-based medications, topical retinoids, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications and certain supplements can affect skin sensitivity, bruising or recovery time. If you are prone to cold sores, speak with your provider or physician about the appropriate preventative steps before treatment.
In the days leading up to microneedling, limit direct sun exposure and avoid tanning beds. Set aside abrasive skincare products, including retinol, exfoliants, acids and topical antibiotics, then allow your skin time to settle before treatment. Hair removal treatments such as waxing, electrolysis, laser hair removal and depilatory creams should also be paused in advance, as should recent peels, lasers and other intensive cosmetic treatments.
A little lifestyle preparation goes a long way, too. Stay well hydrated, prioritize whole foods and avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid caffeine and intense exercise on the day of treatment or in the day or two before, as these can contribute to inflammation and bruising.
On the day of your session, arrive with clean, dry and makeup-free skin. Your provider will prepare the area, then apply a thick layer of numbing cream before the treatment begins. Once the cream has had time to work, it will be removed in sections so the treatment can remain as comfortable as possible.
After
The microneedling healing process should take between 5-7 days. After 1-2 weeks, you should be able to engage in all your normal daily activities and resume your regular skincare routine. Your skin will likely feel like it’s sunburned immediately after the microneedling treatment. Dry, itchy skin is common. Your complexion will feel tighter, warmer, and more sensitive than usual. Redness, swelling, and minor bruising are common with microneedling. You might also see some minor bleeding or small marks from the needles still visible on your skin.
Expect your skin to be the most inflamed during the first 1-3 days of the healing process. Your skin could appear bright red for up to 24 hours before subsiding and reverting to its normal hue over the next couple of days. During this recovery window, you will need to be extra mindful of the products you use and avoid any habits or products that could introduce bacteria to the vulnerable skin. After around 3-5 days, the peeling stage of the microneedling healing process will begin. This flaky skin shows signs of cellular turnover – an important part of the wound-healing process. On days 5-7, the skin cells should continue repairing themselves, and any irritation should subside. While the recovery process should be mostly over, it could take up to another week to build up your skin barrier strength and resilience.
Microneedling Aftercare and Healing
Microneedling creates a fresh start for the skin, so the products and habits you choose afterward matter. Treat your complexion gently in the days following treatment and focus on hydration, protection and recovery.
Simplify Your Skincare Routine
Maintaining clean and moisturized skin is key during the microneedling after-care process, especially during the first 1-3 days. Keep your skincare routine as simple as possible. Ensure any product you use on your face for the week after microneedling is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and chemical-free. After the first 5-7 days, you should be able to begin reintroducing most of your favourite serums back into your daily skin regimen. Wait 6-8 hours before first washing your face after your microneedling appointment. Only lukewarm water and hyaluronic acid should ever touch your skin before this 6-hour mark.
Wash your face, using clean hands, with lukewarm water (never hot or cold), and a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser, then follow with a natural moisturizer, like Zensa Healing Cream, and a hyaluronic acid-based serum. Pat your face dry with a fresh paper towel and carefully tap your moisturizer into your skin. Peptides, ceramides and vitamin E serums can be used alongside or instead of hyaluronic acid.
Apply sunscreen every day after microneedling, especially for the first two weeks.
Avoid skincare products containing the ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, retinol A, or at least 48 hours after microneedling. Be cautious when gradually adding these products back into your skincare routine, especially those designed for powerful anti-aging benefits. It is best to wait at least 5 days before reintroducing products that contain these elements – especially if you have sensitive skin. Ask your expert for a personalized recommendation on when to add these compounds back into your routine.
Prioritize Hydration
Microneedling leaves your skin begging for hydration. One of the main functions of the skin barrier is preventing water loss to retain the skin’s moisture. Microneedling temporarily damages your skin barrier, encouraging trans-epidermal water loss. This controlled skin trauma makes your complexion feel dry, tight, and inflamed. Dry skin also loses its suppleness and leaves you with a thinner skin texture that is more vulnerable to cracking, bleeding and provides an easier pathway for unwanted germs or bacteria to irritate or infect the skin.
Especially in the first 1-3 days after microneedling, your skin will crave lots of moisture to support the healing process. Hyaluronic acid is a favoured product to use after microneedling. It is a humectant, meaning that it attracts and retains moisture to the skin. These sugar molecules hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water. Hyaluronic acid has many scientifically-proven benefits, including improving skin hydration (96%) and skin elasticity (55%) in only 8 weeks. It stimulates collagen production to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles to maximize your results from microneedling. Here’s everything you should know about hyaluronic acid, including its benefits, how to use it, and more.
Some of the other best hydrating products to use during the microneedling after-care process include aloe vera, ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides. Zensa Healing Cream contains hydrating ingredients, including aloe vera, sunflower seed oil (both rich in anti-inflammatory vitamin C and vitamin E), calendula oil, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, among others. These ingredients soothe inflammation, accelerate wound-healing, and increase collagen production to nourish and repair the skin barrier.
Stay Out Of The Sun
Your skin is particularly sensitive to sun damage and harmful UV rays right after microneedling. Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight for at least 14 days after microneedling. Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day and right before going outside (especially for the first week after your treatment). Wait at least 4-6 weeks before engaging in other activities that involve exposure to UV rays, such as chemical peels and laser treatments.
Remain Bare-Faced
Avoid wearing makeup or any cosmetics for at least 24 hours after your microneedling treatment. It is best to wait at least 72 hours before applying products aside from nourishing skincare to your face. If you do choose to wear makeup within the first few days after microneedling, always apply your cosmetics with clean hands or a disposable applicator. Never use a regular makeup brush. Previously-used tools can allow unwanted bacteria to enter the fresh wound and irritate or infect the healing skin. Plan your social calendar accordingly.
Don’t Sweat
Sweating and excess moisture increase the likelihood of bacteria, fungus, and other unwanted microbes infecting the already-weakened skin barrier. Avoid intense exercise, saunas, hot showers, and baths for at least 3 days after microneedling. Refrain from going into communal bodies of water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or the ocean for one week after microneedling. The moisture and unknown microbes in the water could easily harm your healing skin.
Embrace Inflammation
Never put ice on the skin after microneedling. Your face may sting a bit during the first 1-3 days of the healing process and tempt you to engage in this wound-soothing activity. While it may seem counterintuitive, the inflammation needs to run its course. This process is essential to properly restore, heal, and strengthen your skin barrier.
Don’t take anti-inflammatory medications or supplements for at least one week after microneedling. Some products to avoid include NSAIDs, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, or Motrin, or ginger, turmeric, fish oil, vitamin E, arnica and bromelain supplements.
Hands Off
Germ-free skin is essential to promote healing, prevent infection, and achieve a healthy glow after microneedling. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Only touch your face when washing it or applying serums and moisturizer.
Sleep on your back for the first week or at least 3 days after microneedling. Elevate your pillow while you sleep for the first 1-3 nights to reduce swelling. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side during this initial healing period to ensure that no dirt, germs, or bacteria irritate your skin. Refresh your bed with clean pillowcases – in case you end up unconsciously tossing or turning during the night.
Embrace Healthy Habits
Use your pursuit of youthful, glowing skin as a motivator to reset your healthy habits. Avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, or cigarettes (or other tobacco products) for one week after microneedling. These substances will further increase redness and dehydrate your skin. Support your immune system and stay hydrated to aid the microneedling healing process. Drink plenty of water. Maintain a healthy diet, including plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, to hydrate and nourish your skin. Aside from feeling healthier, these lifestyle habits can help your skin glow inside and out.
Microneedling Benefits for Skin
Microneedling is known for helping the skin appear smoother, more even and more radiant over time. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the surface of the skin, the treatment encourages the body’s natural renewal process and supports collagen production.
People often choose microneedling to improve the appearance of:
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Fine lines and early signs of aging
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Uneven skin texture
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Enlarged pores
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Acne scars and other visible scarring
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Stretch marks
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Uneven-looking skin tone
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Dullness and loss of radiance
The results develop gradually. A single treatment may leave skin looking refreshed, while more visible concerns often respond best to a series of professionally guided treatments paired with thoughtful skincare and aftercare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best numbing cream for microneedling?
The best numbing cream for microneedling contains 5% lidocaine, is formulated for cosmetic use and provides reliable comfort without unnecessary ingredients that may interfere with the treatment experience.
Zensa Numbing Cream is a clinically formulated 5% lidocaine cream designed for cosmetic procedures. Its non-greasy formula is suitable for sensitive areas, including the face, and is trusted by at-home users and professionals alike.
How long should you leave numbing cream on before microneedling?
Most people leave numbing cream on for approximately 20 to 45 minutes before microneedling. The ideal timing depends on the product directions, the treatment area and use of an occlusive covering such as plastic wrap.
Always follow the directions provided with your numbing cream and remove the product completely before treatment begins.
Can you use numbing cream for microneedling at home?
Yes. Numbing cream can make at-home microneedling more comfortable when used as directed. Begin with clean, dry skin, apply a thick and even layer of cream, allow enough time for it to work and remove it completely before using your device.
Use conservative settings, maintain clean tools and avoid aggressive treatment. Numbing cream should help you feel comfortable, not encourage deeper needles or additional pressure.
Does microneedling hurt with numbing cream?
A quality numbing cream can significantly ease the sensation of microneedling. Many people describe the treatment as light scratching, gentle pressure or soft vibration once the skin has been properly numbed.
More sensitive areas may still feel slightly uncomfortable, but numbing cream can make the overall experience feel more manageable and relaxed.
Why does numbing cream not work for some people?
Numbing cream may not feel as effective when it is applied too thinly, rubbed into the skin, removed too early or placed on skin that has not been properly cleansed. Individual skin response and sensitivity can also affect the experience.
Learn more about why numbing cream doesn’t work for some people.
Can professionals use numbing cream during microneedling?
Professionals can use numbing cream before microneedling when it aligns with their treatment protocol, product directions and applicable requirements. Professional numbing cream for microneedling can help create a more comfortable appointment and support precise work throughout the treatment.
What should you avoid after microneedling?
Avoid direct sun, makeup, intense exercise, hot water, saunas, swimming, exfoliants, retinol and other active skincare ingredients during the first days of healing. Keep skin clean, hydrated and protected, then return to your usual skincare routine gradually as the skin settles.
