Summer-Proof Your Skin: RF Microneedling Before and After Tips

Summer brings heat, sun—and stressors for your skin. But say hello to RF microneedling, a treatment that works with your skin’s natural rhythms. By combining collagen induction therapy with radiofrequency, it stimulates deeper rejuvenation without missing a beat in your summer glow.

If you’ve been chasing tighter pores, smoother texture, or faded scars, RF microneedling might be your summer skin solution. Stick with us—we’ll walk you through how to prep, protect, and perfect your results so your skin shines long after the needles are gone.

Craving skin that’s streamlined for sunshine? Keep reading for your full guide—and take a step closer to radiant, summer-ready skin.

What Is RF Microneedling?

RF microneedling combines tiny needles with radiofrequency (RF) energy to trigger deep collagen and elastin production. As the device (like the Lutronic Genius) penetrates the skin, uniform heat boosts regeneration across fine lines, acne scars, lax skin, and large pores.

The Genius system, with its intelligent energy delivery, consistently targets multiple depth layers—leading to real, visible change over time. It’s a powerhouse treatment with minimal downtime—ideal for summer’s no-fuss, high-impact skincare goals.

Before You Book: Summer Prep Essentials

If you want glowing, summer-proof skin, don’t just wing it—prep like a pro. Your results begin long before the device ever touches your face.

RF microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries deep within the skin to activate collagen production. But if your skin is already inflamed, photosensitized, or overly stripped down, the experience can go from transformative to problematic fast. Think of your prep phase as building the perfect canvas.

Here’s how to get your skin in prime condition:

• Skip the sun—and the spray tan too. If your skin is even slightly sunburned, tanned, or irritated, it’s more vulnerable to pigmentation issues after RF microneedling. Avoid direct sun and tanning (including beds and sprays) for at least two weeks prior to treatment. Bonus tip: use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ religiously.
• Discontinue harsh actives. Retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, and other active ingredients can disrupt your barrier and heighten sensitivity. Stop using these 3 to 5 days before your session to avoid a reactive skin situation.
  

• Hydration starts now. Hydrated skin responds better, heals faster, and gets more out of the treatment. Drink plenty of water and use a hyaluronic acid serum daily leading up to your appointment. Think plump and prepped, not parched and panicked.
  

• No wax, no laser, no dermaplane. Skip any exfoliating treatments (chemical peels, waxing, lasers, dermaplaning) at least 7 to 10 days before your RF microneedling session.
  
• If you’re prone to cold sores… Let your provider know! A prescription antiviral may be recommended to avoid triggering an outbreak.

This early investment means less downtime, more glow, and better collagen-building payoff. Think of it as pre-party skin prep—because you want to arrive looking radiant after, not stressed before.

Treatment Day: What to Expect

You’ve done the prep, you’re feeling confident—now it’s time to experience the power of radiofrequency microneedling.

When you walk into Metropolis Dermatology, you’ll be welcomed into a space that’s clinical, calm, and curated for comfort. This isn’t your average facial—it’s collagen-boosting skin therapy, and you deserve to know exactly what’s happening at every step.

Here’s how your treatment day unfolds:

• Clean and clear skin. Come makeup-free if you can. If not, your provider will gently cleanse your skin before beginning the procedure.
  
• Topical numbing cream is applied. This stays on for about 30 to 45 minutes to minimize discomfort. Most patients describe the treatment as mildly prickly and warm—not painful.
  
• The Genius device gets to work. Once your skin is numb, the provider glides the RF microneedling device across your face. The ultra-fine needles create micro-channels while delivering controlled RF energy deep into the dermis. This dual-action process stimulates collagen, tightens tissue, and encourages healing from within—all at once.
• Targeted attention to trouble zones. Concerned about acne scars on your cheeks? Sagging jawline? Crepey under-eyes? Each area can be customized in intensity and depth to treat your skin’s specific needs.
  

• Quick but thorough. The session itself lasts around 30–45 minutes. You’ll be pink, warm, and possibly a little puffy—but not in pain.
  
• Post-care is discussed right away. Before you leave, your provider will review what’s next for your healing journey. You’ll also get product recommendations (like healing balms or barrier creams) to bring the afterglow home.

It’s efficient, personalized, and—best of all—designed for results that build over time. No scary downtime. No drama. Just meaningful skin transformation that fits into your real-life summer.

Immediately After: Gentle Does It

You’ve just triggered a deep-skin reboot—and now your face needs a little grace and patience.

Right after your RF microneedling session, your skin will likely feel warm, flushed, and slightly tight. Think “sunburn vibes” with a side of tingling. This is completely normal and typically fades within 24 to 48 hours.

But don’t let the minimal downtime fool you—post-care is everything. Your skin is open, vulnerable, and rebuilding from the inside out. How you treat it now makes all the difference.

Your post-treatment commandments:

• Cool, not hot. Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts for 48 hours. Heat amplifies inflammation, and you want to keep skin calm.
• Hands off. No touching, picking, or rubbing your face. Flaky skin or tiny scabs may appear—that’s your skin renewing. Let it do its thing naturally.
• Simplify your skincare. For the first 3 to 5 days, stick to a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid), and fragrance-free moisturizer. Skip actives like vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliants until your provider gives the green light.
• SPF is your BFF. Your skin is more sun-sensitive post-treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily—even indoors or on cloudy days.
• Go makeup-free (just for now). Let your skin breathe for at least 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup. If you must, opt for mineral-based, non-comedogenic formulas.
• No harsh tools. Avoid facial brushes, scrubbing pads, or washcloths. Think featherlight touch, not exfoliation mode.
• Stay hydrated, inside and out. Drink plenty of water, and keep skin soothed with misting sprays, calming gels, or post-treatment masks.

Within 2 to 3 days, you’ll start to notice the first signs of smoother texture. Over the next few weeks, collagen production amps up—and those stubborn fine lines, scars, or texture issues begin to fade.

Patience pays off. RF microneedling is a slow burn in the best way possible, and gentle aftercare is the key to unlocking its full potential.

Days 2 to 7: Fall, Reveal, Glow

• Don’t Touch or Peel: Acne bumps or dry flakes are normal. Let them fall naturally.
• Protection Mode On: Use mineral SPF 30+ daily—even indoors. Tint and a hat won’t hurt if you’re stepping outside.
  
• Hydrating, Again: Continue gentle skincare—low irritation, high hydration.
  
• Lighten Up: By day 3 or 4, you can reintroduce simple hydrators—but keep actives off the radar. 

Remember—peel, glow, repeat. Results appear gradually as collagen rebuilds.

Bring It Home with Metropolis Dermatology

RF microneedling gives you freedom—the freedom to renew your skin without pausing summer. By preparing smartly, treating gently, and caring diligently, you can activate summer skin that’s not just beautiful but built to last.

Explore RF microneedling at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles, Pasadena, LA’s Westside (Brentwood), Costa Mesa, and San Jose, CA—where science, elegance, and radiance meet effortlessly.

Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!