A derma roller, or microneedler, is a cosmetic tool that was initially only used by dermatologists. Learn what a derma roller does, how to use it, and more.
One of the latest tools in skincare is a device called a derma roller, also known as a “microneedler.”
These devices might seem a little scary at first glance due to the rows of tiny needles and rollers, making them appear almost like mini torture devices.
But, they might just be the trick to help deliver skin and beauty ingredients into the deeper levels of the skin, reduce the appearance of scars, limit wrinkles, or help stimulate regeneration.
A derma roller, or microneedler, is a cosmetic tool that was initially only used by dermatologists.
Derma rollers normally look like a device with a handle on one end and a usually metal round roller covered with tiny needles on the other end.
Over time these tiny needle devices have made their way out of the dermatology offices and people are looking to use these themselves in the comfort of their own homes.
You will normally find devices with shorter needles available for home use, and the longer needles tend to be reserved for professional use at a dermatologist (for your safety).
The rollers tend to come in needle lengths ranging from less than 0.15mm to 2mm in length, and you should save those longer lengths for a professional.
When you use a derma roller, you are making thousands of micro-punctures in the skin, and signaling to your body that there is now a “wound” there.
Your body responds by starting its wound healing procedures and trying to rebuild and redeposit collagen and elastin back into the area.
Studies have found that this stimulation of blood flow and healing properties may help with many skin issues ranging from scars, acne, alopecia, skin rejuvenation, drug delivery, and stretch marks, just to name a few.
How often you use a derma roller will depend on what you are using it for, and how long your needle length is.
In general, the longer the needle length you are using the less often you will need to use it because you are making much deeper and intense punctures with these.
The short needle lengths, like 0.25mm, make very mild punctures and may be safely used as often as every other day, but once you get into the longer needle lengths like those used in the dermatology offices, you may want to space your derma roller sessions out to once every 6 weeks.
Skin issues like enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, or discolorations from blemishes tend to be better suited to the shorter needle lengths, while more intense problems like deep scarring or stretch marks might need the longer needles normally found at dermatology offices.
Step 1: Ensure that the roller has been cleaned before use. Clean with warm soap and water or 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after each use.
Step 2: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. For the deeper needles, sometimes an alcohol wipe is used on the face to prevent introducing unwanted bacteria into the punctures.
Step 3: Roll the derma roller gently in an upward motion 6-8 times in each area across sections of your face, avoiding your eye areas, and lifting up the roller after each motion.
Step 4: Then, roll the derma roller in an across motion horizontally across those same areas of your face, 6-8 times, avoid the eye areas and lifting up after each pass again.
Step 5: Rinse your face off with water only.
Step 6: Apply any topical products that you want to use along with your derma roller to help enhance absorption, avoid very harsh products like exfoliants and strong retinoids unless directed otherwise by your dermatologist or doctor.
Step 7: Wash and disinfect your derma roller.
One of the great things about micro-needling, aside from the enhanced blood flow and collagen-building properties, is its ability to greatly enhance the absorption of medications and beneficial dermatology products after the needling process.
If you are using the derma roller at home, stick to serums and skin products that you know are not irritating to your skin, as the enhanced penetration may make skin side effects worse for products like strong retinoids or peels.
Gentle serums or anti-aging moisturizers may be good pairings for after using a derma roller.
Strut Brightly is a pharmacist and physician formulated compound with combines skin-boosting vitamins with peptides for a gentle brightening glow boost.
Have an Online Consultation with our doctors today to see if Strut Brightly is a good pairing for your skincare (and derma rolling) goals.
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