Dermarolling, also known as micro-needling, is a procedure originally performed by a dermatologist. Now, it is widely performed at home with little or no training. In recent years it’s been increasingly popular as a safe, effective, and somewhat non-invasive skin treatment.
This article aims to explain what derma rollers are, how they function, and how to administer them. It also includes recommendations for the top rollers on the market.
What Is a Home Derma Roller?
A derma roller is a skincare tool with a handle on one end and a roller with many little, fine needles on the other.
A sequence of findings led to the development of derma rollers. In the 1990s, two different studies looked into using needles to cure scar tissue. However, it wasn’t until 2005 that the initial study on the usage of a derma roller was published.
Hundreds of tiny needles make up a derma roller. When these needles are used, they cause micro-injuries to the skin, which cause elastin and collagen production to go into overdrive as the skin heals, leaving your skin plumper and tighter than before. It can also dramatically improve ingredient absorption when used in tandem with a serum (as it should be).
There are several various brands of home derma rollers on the market, all of which are reasonably priced. It’s critical to buy one from a reputable retailer and ensure that it’s sterile before using it.
How Does It Work?
The tiny, fine needles on the derma roller pierce the skin when rubbed over it. The holes produced by the needles in the skin are pretty small and are deemed superficial. As an outcome, the treatment is not seen as intrusive.
When the skin is penetrated, controlled skin damage occurs. It does not harm the skin’s outer layer in any way. The needles merely assist in the breakdown of scar tissue.
According to a 2016 study of the approach, controlled skin injuries result in superficial bleeding. This activates the body’s wound-healing response, which results in the following:
- the skin secretes growth-stimulating substances
- new blood vessels develop in the skin
- the skin begins to produce more collagen
Collagen made by the body is secreted in the treated skin area during the next five days. This aids in the firming of the skin and may help to decrease the appearance of fine wrinkles.
According to a study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions dispersed one month apart can produce a 400% increase in collagen.
The Benefits of Using a Derma Roller
Derma rollers were once only available to dermatologists, but some are now available for purchase and use at home.
Dermatologists first employed dermarolling to increase collagen production for skin renewal and the treatment of facial scars. It’s now also being utilized to administer therapeutic vaccines and medications directly to the skin. It’s also become popular as a home treatment for improving the appearance of the skin.
Many people take it to try to combat aging symptoms like:
- loss of skin firmness
- the onset of wrinkles
- the presence of fine lines
Some people take it to try to shrink their pores or lower the production of an oil called sebum if they have oily skin. Others use derma rollers to help their stretch marks seem better.
How to Do At-Home Dermarolling
If you wish to use a derma roller at home, follow the instructions to the ultimate guide to home derma rolling:
- Take the derma roller out of its packaging.
- Sterilize it by spraying it with an alcohol solution and then washing it with warm water.
- Use saline wash or an antiseptic to prepare the skin for treatment.
- Roll over each section once side to side, once up and down, and once diagonally while keeping the skin taut.
- After the skin has reddened, bathe it with saline.
- To sterilize the derma roller, spray it with an alcohol solution and then wash it with warm water.
- Allow the derma roller to dry completely.
- Place the storage case back in its place.
When utilizing the derma roller on your face, treat five different areas of the face at a time. These are the sections:
- top left of forehead and cheek
- top right of forehead and cheek
- lower cheek and left under eye
- lower cheek and right under eye
- the area around the mouth
After utilizing the derma roller, you can apply moisturizers or serums to your skin. The treatment is frequently employed as a delivery system to enhance the effects of these lotions.
These applications are thought to be absorbed considerably more thoroughly and easily by derma roller-treated skin than by untreated skin. If you’re on Accutane or other medical medications or have a history of blood clotting issues, you should avoid using a derma roller.
You must not use derma rollers on sunburned, eczema-affected, or cold-sore-affected skin. It is best to avoid any skin inflammation, such as moles or rosacea, or anywhere there is skin inflammation.
Is Dermarolling Good For Every Skin Type?
All skin types can benefit from dermarolling, though individuals with sensitive skin should limit how often they apply it. It’s very beneficial for aging skin because it’s an excellent strategy for filling in wrinkles and fine lines, plumping and thickening the skin beneath the eyes, and even plumping up the lips. Because it penetrates the skin thoroughly, dermarolling is also an efficient treatment for discoloration and acne scars.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Derma Roller
First and foremost, be certain you’re purchasing one from a reputable retailer. You may find excellent derma rollers on the internet, but make sure it’s from a reputable seller that has received positive feedback. However, there are derma rollers that are both excellent quality and cheap.
The size of the needle is the next factor to consider. You should only use 0.3 mm or less, as anything thicker has a larger risk of causing skin damage (particularly on delicate areas around the lips and eyes). You should go to a professional if you want a better microneedling treatment with bigger needle size.
How Long Does It Take for Results to Appear?
The time it takes to see various benefits varies depending on the derma roller you’re using, skin type, and how frequently you use it, as it does with most skincare procedures. The time it takes to see results can range from two to six months. It is wholly up to you whether or not to repeat the process.
You can safely use your microneedle several times each week, but you can also use it once a month to keep your results. It all falls back on your personal preferences and the kind of skin problems you’re dealing with.