Facial acupuncture aftercare

The first 12 hours

• Don’t wear make-up.
• Try not to touch your face. That includes holding your phone against it.

The first 2 days

• Keep exercise light, so you don’t sweat too much.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Go easy on alcohol and caffeine, which can dry out your skin.
• Sleep on your back if you can, so your face isn’t pressed into the pillow.

For a few days

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms and ice baths.
• Avoid other facial treatments, such as peels, microneedling or injectables.

Looking after your skin

• Use a gentle skincare routine and a good moisturiser.
• Wear a high-SPF sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy.
• Sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise all show in your skin.

What’s normal

• Small bruises or redness where the needles went in. These usually fade within a couple of days. Some people find arnica cream helps.
• A mild ache or tenderness, which usually eases within a few hours.
• Feeling tired, relaxed or a little emotional. This passes quickly.

When to get advice

Contact your GP, or NHS 24 on 111, if you have:

• severe pain at a needle site, or pain that keeps getting worse
• dizziness that doesn’t go away
• signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or swelling that spreads or gets worse

Please let me know too, so I can help.

Your next session

Many people see a difference after one session, but the best results come from regular sessions. We’ll agree a plan at your appointment.

Any questions? Email me and I’ll get back to you.

Written by Dr Eoghan Colgan, GMC number 6030214. Last reviewed October 2026.