Looking for a DIY way to get dermatologist office results? A dermaroller could be the answer.
In this blog post, we’re taking a closer look at the trendy dermaroller to find out if this at-home beauty treatment is all that influencers and wellness pros make it out to be! Read on to get answers to all your burning dermaroller questions!
What Is Dermarolling?
Dermarolling is a simple at-home therapy that mimics the anti-aging effects of in-office microneedling treatments.
A handheld device called a dermaroller has rows of tiny needles on a rolling drum. To practice dermarolling, you roll the device along your facial skin in specific directions to stimulate the skin and increase circulation.
How Does a Dermaroller Work?
Dermarolling works by stimulating your body’s natural skin rejuvenation processes.
As the tiny needles move over your face, they cause harmless microscopic damage to the superficial layers of your skin. In response to these mini traumas, the body starts the wound healing process to promptly turn over damaged cells and restore the integrity of the skin. The result? Fresh new skin cells, healthy circulation, and a naturally youthful glow.
A key process that happens after a micro-trauma to the skin is collagen production. The minor damage triggers the skin to create and lay down new collagen, which in turn smoothes and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. This increase in collagen production is one of the main reasons dermarolling works.
What Are the Benefits of Using a DermaRoller?
Tighter, brighter, younger-looking skin is the main reason most people try dermarolling. But, there are many scientifically proven benefits to this facial treatment. Let’s see what other benefits dermarolling offers.
Dermarolling increases collagen production.
Like microneedling (which can offer up to a 400% increase in facial collagen production), dermarolling stimulates the skin’s repair mechanisms, including laying down more collagen. This leaves the skin firm and smooth, with fewer lines and wrinkles.
Dermarolling improves skin pigmentation issues.
Dark spots on the skin show up after sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations (such as melasma), or inflammation from acne. Dermarolling can help encourage new skin cell turnover to lighten dark spots and even your skin tone.
Dermarolling reduces the visibility of acne scars.
Regular microneedling or dermarolling can reduce the severity of acne blemishes, encourage clearer skin, and even heal old acne scars.
Dermarolling allows for increased absorption of healing serums and products.
You can increase the effectiveness of a high-quality facial serum if you use it while dermarolling. The tiny needles of the dermaroller help the product seep into the deeper layers of the skin so it can naturally absorb more of the product.
Can a DermaRoller Reduce Pore Size?
Dermarolling offers a ton of benefits, including shrinking your pore size. You’ll get the best results if each pore is needled individually. To do that, use a small needle size (0.5mm or smaller).
Can a Dermaroller Help with Acne?
Dermarolling can help reduce acne and acne scars (depressed scars tend to heal better than raised ones). To treat acne, choose a dermaroller with a needle size of 0.5mm.
Are Dermarollers Effective?
Studies on dermarolling show that this method does improve the quality of your skin and reduce issues like acne, scarring, and wrinkles.
You can expect an immediate boost in circulation and a natural healthy glow after a dermarolling session. With regular use (between 6-12 weeks), you’ll reveal plumper skin and fewer breakouts.
While it works similarly to cosmetic acupuncture or microneedling, dermarolling offers less significant results. If you want a more noticeable improvement in your skin’s tone, texture, scarring, or general health, microneedling or cosmetic acupuncture will help you reach your goals faster.
Still, dermarolling can be an effective at-home self-care tool that maintains the incredible results you get at Wellnest Denver and prevents future lines and wrinkles.
Is Dermarolling Safe?
Dermarolling is a minimally invasive procedure that is very safe as long as you use the tool properly.
Avoid dermarolling over any open wounds, sunburn, warts, or infections. If you’re taking retinol or Accutane, it’s best to speak to your doctor or acupuncturist before trying dermarolling. Lastly, dermarolling isn’t for everyone. Those with eczema, psoriasis, bleeding disorders, or a history of keloid scars should not use dermarolling.
How to Use Dermarolling at Home
Ready to try dermarolling? Keep your skin safe by using a high-quality dermaroller and following these simple steps:
- Prepare your skin. Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any oil or dirt.
- Prepare your dermaroller. Soak it in an alcohol-based disinfecting solution and dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply serum to your face if you choose to use one.
- Start rolling. Move up and down your forehead, cheeks, chin, and sides of your face with gentle pressure for about 1 minute. Avoid the sensitive skin around your lips and eyes. Then, go over those same areas with a horizontal motion for another minute.
- Apply another light layer of your serum if using and cleanse your dermaroller in the alcohol solution.
- Care for your skin afterward. Avoid direct sun exposure, hot showers, exercising, or wearing makeup after dermarolling. If possible, dermaroll at night to give your skin plenty of rest to repair.
How Often Should I Use a Dermaroller?
Dermarolling should only take about 1-2 minutes. Stick to that 2-minute limit to avoid damaging your skin or introducing infection.
When done correctly, you can enjoy a dermarolling session up to 3 times per week. But, it might take you some time to work up to that frequency.
Start with just once per week and monitor your skin. If everything feels good and your skin shows no signs of irritation, you can gradually increase your sessions. If your skin looks red or feels painful, stop dermarolling and visit a facial acupuncture expert for consultation.
What Products Should I Use with a Dermaroller?
Should you use a dermaroller on dry skin or use it with a serum? It’s up to you!
Some people like to use a numbing cream to reduce the slight pinch that dermarolling can cause. Apply your numbing cream according to the product directions, then wipe it off entirely before starting your dermarolling session.
One way to get even better results with your dermaroller is to apply a healing serum to your skin. Anything on the surface of your skin will penetrate deeper after dermarolling. This means you’ll get increased benefits from both the dermarolling and the serum by combining them.
But, it also means that an irritating product will have an even stronger effect too. Avoid serums with vitamin C or retinol as they can irritate the skin. Instead, choose a product that is safe, gentle, and recommended for use during dermarolling, such as hyaluronic acid. Here are a few of our Wellnest Denver favorites:
- YINA Fortify Botanical Serum – Astragalus + Peony
- Malaya Organics Rejuvenating Face Serum
- SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Whether you use a product or nothing at all, it’s essential to only derma roll on clean skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry before beginning.
Roll into Wellnest: Denver Facial Acupuncture and Dermarolling
Useful devices like the dermaroller make it easier and easier to get dermatologist office results right at home. Including a weekly dermarolling session into your current skincare routine can gradually improve the look and feel of your skin naturally.
If, however, you’re ready to see more substantial results in a shorter period of time, consider facial rejuvenation acupuncture or in-office microneedling.
At Wellnest Denver Acupuncture, we offer targeted holistic beauty packages that help you look and feel your best naturally. We’ll also help you learn to use a dermaroller effectively so you can enhance your skin quality in between treatments.
