Derma rollers are a great way to boost the penetration of skin serums. However, keep in mind that at-home derma rolling won’t produce the same results as a professional microneedling session.
Before rolling, cleanse your face and wipe down the derma roller with 70% isopropyl alcohol. You may want to apply numbing cream if you’re using a roller with needles longer than 0.5 mm.
What is a derma roller?
A derma roller is a tool that uses needles to penetrate the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and promoting collagen production. It is also said to improve the absorption of skincare products.
According to dermatologists, derma rolling can improve fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even hair growth. However, it can take months to see significant results, and the effects are often more noticeable with in-office microneedling from a professional.
It is recommended that you start using your derma roller at least once per week to see how your skin responds, and to avoid irritating it. You should always cleanse your face and derma roller before and after use, and clean the derma roller after each use with a disinfectant spray. It is recommended to use a hydrating serum after derma rolling, and avoiding ingredients that can cause irritation, such as vitamin C or retinol. It is also advised that you use a numbing cream before using the roller if you find it to be uncomfortable or painful.
How to use a derma roller
A derma roller has tons of tiny needles that puncture the skin, creating micro-injuries that promote wound healing and activating growth factors. It’s similar to microneedling, but less invasive and suitable for home use.
Dermarolling allows skincare products to penetrate the skin more deeply, improving their effectiveness. But it’s important to follow a few guidelines when using a derma roller. For starters, be sure to disinfect the device with 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each use. You should also avoid facial cleansers with acidic ingredients or retinols before a derma roll because they can cause an adverse reaction.
Roll the derma roller lightly over a clean, dry face in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal movements. Make sure you’re not applying too much pressure and take special care around your lips, eyes, and chin. After rolling, apply a serum containing niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to help improve skin tone and texture, as well as fade scars, dark spots, and wrinkles.
Benefits of derma rollers
Derma rollers can reduce scars, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, cellulite and keratosis pilaris, as well as boost hair growth. Microneedling also increases the effectiveness of your anti-aging serums by delivering them into the skin at a deeper level.
The needles create pores in the dermis (the layer beneath your epidermis), which triggers a complex chemical process. Platelets, small blood cells that help wounds heal, release different substances that start a chain reaction and lead to the production of new growth factors. These signals attract fibroblasts to the area, which then begin to produce collagen and elastin.
It can take months before you see prominent changes, says Kearney. Some people are better off seeing a professional for in-office microneedling, since the longer needles used by professionals can give faster, more noticeable results. Some people shouldn’t use a derma roller, including those with psoriasis, active acne or any other condition that could result in a spreading infection.
How to avoid irritation
Derma rollers are an effective and inexpensive way to reduce acne scars and improve your skin’s overall tone and texture. However, if not used properly, the treatment can lead to irritation and inflammation.
To avoid this, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your dermatologist or aesthetician. Also, make sure to use a clean and sterilized roller every time you use it. Never share your roller with another person as this can transfer bacteria and cause an infection.
In addition, it’s important to moisturize and apply hyaluronic acid after derma rolling to keep the skin hydrated. Lastly, avoiding sun exposure and avoiding outdoor activities that can delay the healing process is essential. These precautions will help you avoid irritation and enjoy the benefits of derma rolling without any side effects.