What to Eat After Laser or Microneedling for Faster Healing
Your Skin Doesn’t Just Heal — It Rebuilds
Every laser or microneedling session creates controlled micro-injury to trigger collagen remodeling.
That process burns through nutrients, amino acids, and antioxidants like wildfire.
So if you want faster healing, less downtime, and longer-lasting results, what you eat matters just as much as what we do in the treatment room.
The 5 Nutrients Your Skin Craves After Laser or Microneedling
Protein: The Building Block of Collagen
Your body can’t rebuild what it doesn’t have the materials for.
Every treatment increases your need for amino acids, especially glycine, proline, and lysine, which form collagen’s structure.
Eat:
Chicken, turkey, eggs, grass-fed beef
Collagen peptides or bone broth
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
Pro tip: Aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of goal body weight to optimize repair.
2. Vitamin C: The Collagen Activator
Vitamin C is the cofactor that helps collagen fibers crosslink into strong, flexible tissue.
Without it, your body can’t turn all that protein into actual results.
Eat:
Citrus, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli
Add a morning supplement (500–1000 mg) for faster recovery
Skip: High-sugar “vitamin drinks.” Sugar competes with vitamin C for uptake.
3. Zinc: The Skin Repair Mineral
Zinc regulates cell division, inflammation, and wound healing. All crucial post-laser.
Eat:
Shellfish, pumpkin seeds, eggs, grass-fed beef, lentils
If you’re prone to breakouts, zinc also helps regulate oil production while you heal.
4. Omega-3s: The Inflammation Soother
Lasers and microneedling create inflammation on purpose, but too much slows healing. Omega-3s help balance that response.
Eat:
Wild salmon, sardines, flaxseed, walnuts, or a high-quality fish oil supplement
Avoid:
Omega-6 overload (seed oils, fried foods, processed snacks) that prolong redness or swelling.
5. Antioxidants: The Calm After the Storm
Laser heat and microneedling both cause short bursts of oxidative stress.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals so your cells can repair cleanly.
Eat:
Blueberries, pomegranate, spinach, dark chocolate, green tea
What to Avoid While Healing
Alcohol: Dehydrates skin, slows nutrient delivery
Processed foods: Increases inflammation and blood sugar spikes
Excess caffeine: Elevates cortisol, delays collagen repair
High-sugar snacks: Glycation damages new collagen fibers
Spicy or salty foods (for first 48h): Can trigger flushing and irritation
Hydration = Healing
Collagen remodeling requires water. Period.
Drink half your body weight (in ounces) daily, and increase electrolytes if you’re active or live in dry Scottsdale air.
Add cucumber, lemon, or mint for natural antioxidants that soothe the system.
Supplements That Actually Help
If you’re post-laser or microneedling, consider:
Vitamin C (1000 mg/day)
Omega-3 or fish oil
Zinc (15–30 mg/day)
(Always clear new supplements with your provider if you’re on medications or have health conditions.)
Real Talk: You Can’t Out-Supplement a Bad Diet
Your skin reads your nutrition like a reflection of your habits.
A consistent, whole-food approach, not quick fixes, builds stronger collagen, better pigment balance, and more resilient skin barrier long-term.
At The Bare Effect, we use nutrition therapy + advanced skincare to shorten downtime, improve results, and help you glow from the inside out. No fluff required.
📍 Serving Scottsdale • Arcadia • Paradise Valley • Phoenix Metro Area
Book your consultation or text (480) 447-9511 to learn how to optimize your results before and after treatments.