“What happened to your face?”
That was the obvious question after I microneedled my face live on YouTube. My skin looked intensely red immediately afterward, but there was a reason behind it. This was a deeper microneedling session using the Dr. Pen M9, an 18-pin cartridge and Dermaheal HSR—and I documented what happened during every stage of the recovery.
I used settings as deep as 1.6MM on selected facial areas, 1MM on my forehead and 0.6MM around my eyelids. In this post, I’ll show you my microneedling recovery day by day, including the redness, tightness, dryness, peeling and how my skin looked by Day 5.
Watch the complete treatment and five-day microneedling recovery above.
Important: This article documents my personal experience. It is not a microneedling tutorial, medical advice or a recommendation to copy my products, technique or needle depths. Deep microneedling and treatment around the eyes involve additional risks and should be discussed with a properly trained medical professional.
What I Used for This Microneedling Session
For this session, I used:
- LINK: Dr. Pen M9 microneedling pen USE CODE: KIMPRATT TO SAVE
- LINK: Sterile, single-use 18-pin cartridge CODE: KIMPRATT TO SAVE
- LINK: Dermaheal HSR USE CODE KAOS20
- LINK: Post-treatment hydrating serum REJURAN HYDRATION
- LINK: Broad-spectrum SPF LINK: ISDIN SPF 50
- LINK: MAYSAMA LED face mask during recovery CODE: NKAOS10
The Dr. Pen M9 is a motorized microneedling pen with adjustable speed and depth settings. I chose the 18-pin cartridge because its smaller treatment area offered targeted control around the contours of my face.
A cartridge with fewer pins is not automatically safer or more effective. Treatment intensity also depends on the actual depth achieved, speed, pressure, number of passes, skin thickness and treatment area.
Why I Used Dermaheal HSR
Dermaheal HSR is marketed as a skin-rejuvenating or mesotherapy formula. Its promoted ingredients include hyaluronic acid, peptides and other cosmetic ingredients intended to support the appearance of hydrated, refreshed skin.
Hyaluronic acid binds water and can temporarily make the skin appear more hydrated and plump. That should not be confused with proof that Dermaheal HSR caused my final result or that microneedling guarantees deeper or more effective delivery.
The FDA states that it has not cleared microneedling devices specifically for delivering cosmetics, topical medications, vitamin solutions or similar products into the skin. The safety and effectiveness of combining a microneedling device with another product may not have been reviewed.
How Deep Was My Microneedling Treatment?
I adjusted the depth according to the facial area:
- Selected facial areas: up to 1.6MM
- Forehead: 1MM
- Eyelid area: 0.6MM
These are substantial treatment depths, particularly around the eyes. They are a record of what I personally did—not suggested settings for another person.
Actual needle penetration may also differ from the number displayed on a device. Skin thickness, pressure, cartridge construction, speed and technique can all affect the treatment.
Microneedling Recovery Day by Day
My biggest question was: How long would it take before I felt presentable again?
Here is exactly what my recovery looked and felt like over the next five days.
Day 1: Redness, Heat and Rough Texture
At approximately 24 hours, my face was still extremely red. There were areas of uneven redness across my forehead, cheeks and chin, and my skin looked much more dramatic on camera than it felt.
The soreness and tightness I experienced immediately after the treatment had already started to improve. My skin no longer felt as painful, but its surface was beginning to feel rough.
Day 1 after microneedling at depths up to 1.6MM. Redness remained visible across my forehead, cheeks and chin.
During the first day, I focused on hydration and sun protection. Freshly microneedled skin can be more sensitive to products and sunlight, so I monitored how my skin responded rather than assuming every post-treatment product would be tolerated.
Day 2: Dryness and Visible Peeling
By Day 2, the sloughing process was clearly visible. The skin around my chin and mouth looked dry, flaky and almost cracked as the surface began shedding.
Dry peeling skin on Day 2 after deep facial microneedling.
In the video, I used The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution during this stage. I am documenting that fact, but I do not recommend copying it. Strong acids can cause considerable irritation when the skin barrier is still healing.
The FDA specifically warns that skin may be more sensitive to skincare products after microneedling, including products containing glycolic acid, retinol, menthol or alcohol. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by a qualified professional and avoid picking, scrubbing or forcing peeling skin to come off.
I was able to apply makeup later that day, although makeup over actively healing skin can look dry and may cause irritation. Whether and when makeup is appropriate should depend on the condition of the skin and professional aftercare advice.
Day 3: Less Redness but Continued Flaking
By the third morning, the redness had decreased considerably. My forehead was still visibly dry and flaky, but my overall complexion looked calmer.
I continued focusing on hydration and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sun protection is especially important following microneedling because recently treated skin may be more vulnerable to irritation and pigment changes.
I was also able to film beauty content and continue normal activities. That does not mean everyone will have the same downtime. Recovery can vary depending on depth, technique, number of passes, individual sensitivity, skin tone and the areas treated.
Woman returning to filming during microneedling recovery.
Day 4: The Final Peeling Stage
On Day 4, I was still experiencing some exfoliation, but much of the dramatic redness had resolved.
My skin looked smoother after cleansing, although it was still healing. Peeling skin should not be aggressively rubbed, buffed or pulled away. Removing it prematurely can increase irritation and potentially contribute to pigment changes or infection.
At this stage, I continued monitoring for anything outside the expected recovery pattern, such as increasing pain, heat, swelling, spreading redness, pus or worsening symptoms.
Day 5: Redness and Peeling Had Subsided
By Day 5, the visible redness had largely diminished; I did not see bruising, and the flaking skin had released. My face looked calmer and felt smoother than it had during the first several days.
Day 5 result after 1.6MM facial microneedling recovery.
The difference between Day 1 and Day 5 was substantial. However, a smoother or more hydrated appearance at Day 5 should not be interpreted as the final collagen result. Collagen remodeling, when it occurs, takes considerably longer than the visible recovery period.
How Long Is the Downtime After 1.6MM Microneedling?
In my experience, the most visible recovery lasted approximately five days:
- Day 1: intense redness and rough texture
- Day 2: dryness and obvious peeling
- Day 3: reduced redness with continued flaking
- Day 4: final visible exfoliation
- Day 5: minimal redness and a smoother surface
That is only my timeline. Deeper treatment does not guarantee better results, and another person’s recovery could be shorter, longer or complicated by adverse effects.
The FDA lists redness, tightness, dryness, peeling, discomfort, burning, bruising, bleeding and crusting among the possible effects of microneedling. Less-common risks include infection, pigment changes, cold-sore reactivation and swollen lymph nodes.
What I Would Want Someone to Know Before Microneedling
Microneedling is often described casually online, but treatment that reaches living layers of the skin can be considered a medical procedure.
A new sterile cartridge should be used for every session and never shared or reused. The FDA also recommends choosing a healthcare provider who is specifically trained in microneedling and discussing whether you are an appropriate candidate.
Seek medical care if you experience worsening pain, increasing swelling, spreading redness or warmth, pus, fever, blistering, gray or dusky skin, eye pain, light sensitivity or vision changes.
Shop the Products Shown in My Recovery Video
This section contains products I personally showed or discussed. It is not a prescription or a statement that every product is appropriate for freshly microneedled skin.
LINK: Dr. Pen M9 microneedling pen USE CODE: KIMPRATT TO SAVE
Single-use cartridge style featured in the session. Always inspect the packaging and use a new sterile cartridge for every treatment.
LINK: Sterile, single-use 18-pin cartridge CODE: KIMPRATT TO SAVE
The skin-rejuvenating formula I used during this documented session. The FDA has not reviewed or cleared this specific device-and-product combination for delivering the formula into the skin.
LINK: Dermaheal HSR USE CODE KAOS20
LINK: Post-treatment hydrating serum REJURAN HYDRATION
The hydrating serum shown during my recovery routine.
The sunscreen I applied during the daytime portion of my recovery.
LINK: SHOP PREQUEL SPF 46
LINK: MAYSAMA LED Face Mask USE CODE: NKAOS10
The short-session LED mask shown in the video. Confirm with your provider when an LED device is appropriate following a procedure.
This product appears in the video because I personally used it. I do not recommend using a strong acid peel on freshly microneedled skin without individualized professional guidance. LINK: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Affiliate disclosure: Some shopping links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Products are listed because they appeared in my routine, not because they are appropriate for every viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling Recovery
How long does redness last after microneedling?
Mild redness may resolve within a few days, but deeper microneedling can produce more noticeable and longer-lasting redness. My redness was most dramatic on Day 1 and had largely subsided by Day 5.
Is 1.6MM considered deep microneedling?
Yes. A 1.6MM device setting is substantial for facial microneedling and can reach living skin containing nerves and blood vessels. Treatment at this intensity should be discussed with a properly trained medical professional.
Is peeling normal after microneedling?
Dryness, roughness and peeling are recognized potential effects of microneedling. In my case, peeling became obvious on Day 2, continued through Days 3 and 4, and had mostly resolved by Day 5.
Should I exfoliate peeling skin after microneedling?
Do not automatically exfoliate or scrub peeling skin. Freshly treated skin can be unusually sensitive, and acids or physical exfoliation may increase irritation. Follow the aftercare instructions supplied by your qualified provider.
Can I wear makeup after microneedling?
Makeup may sting or irritate skin whose barrier is still healing. Ask your provider when it is appropriate to resume makeup, use clean applicators and do not apply it over skin that appears infected, open or actively weeping.
What does an 18-pin microneedling cartridge do?
An 18-pin cartridge contains 18 needles that move vertically as the pen operates. Its smaller treatment footprint may provide more targeted control, but the cartridge alone does not determine treatment intensity or safety.
What is Dermaheal HSR intended to do?
Dermaheal HSR is marketed as a rejuvenating formula intended to support the appearance of hydrated, refreshed skin. Its promoted formulation includes hyaluronic acid and peptides. These marketing purposes do not prove that it is safe or effective when combined with a particular microneedling device.
Has the FDA approved microneedling with serums?
The FDA states that it has not cleared microneedling devices specifically for use with another product, including cosmetics, topical medications, vitamin solutions or blood products. That means the safety and effectiveness of a particular combination may not have been reviewed.
When should I be concerned about my recovery?
Contact a medical professional if redness, pain or swelling is getting worse instead of better, or if you develop pus, fever, spreading warmth, blistering, unusual discoloration, eye pain or vision changes.
My Final Thoughts
This five-day recovery diary shows what happened to my skin after a deeper facial microneedling session using the Dr. Pen M9, an 18-pin cartridge and Dermaheal HSR.
The most important takeaway is that visible recovery is a process. My skin moved from intense redness to dryness and peeling before appearing calmer by Day 5. Your skin may respond differently, and my results should not be treated as instructions or a promise of what another person will experience.
Watch the complete video above to see the changes in motion, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more honest skincare treatments, product experiences and day-by-day recovery updates.