It seems like every time we go online another way to improve our skin is popping up out of nowhere. With so many different facials, serums and creams flooding the market, it can be hard to find the ones that are worthwhile. Dermarolling is one of the newest and trendiest skin care tactics on the market. The best part is, there is actually a lot of research that backs up the validity of dermarolling.
How does dermarolling work?
Dermarolling is also referred to as micro-needling and is a process that requires a derma-roller, which is the device used to give this type of facial. A derma-roller contains hundreds of tiny needles. When it is being used, the needles create micro-injuries on the skin. This sends collagen and elastin production into overdrive to compensate for all of the little wounds on the face, consequently leaving your complexion tighter and plumper than it was beforehand.
There are several benefits dermarolling is able to provide to the skin. For instance it can help with fine lines and wrinkles, thickening and plumping the skin under the eyes and even plumping up the lips. Dermarolling is also a very effective treatment for acne scars and discoloration since it penetrates the skin up to two mm.
For a more intense treatment, dermatologists use a derma-pen. This is an electronic micro-needling device that oscillates as it punctures the skin. These treatments often have immediate and dramatic results but also have side effects like pain and bleeding. You might be familiar with the photos on social media of people showing their own blood smeared all over their faces during a facial. This photo was probably taken after or during an intense micro-needling facial.
The only true downfall of dermarolling at a dermatology office is that the procedure tends to be quite pricey. At-home derma-rolling is a much cheaper alternative that still gets great results with regular maintenance. It accommodates a much lower pain tolerance, too.
How to choose an at-home derma-roller
First make sure you are purchasing from a source that offers credible products. Check with your dermatologist and see where they recommend you make your purchase. The next thing you have to consider is the size of the needle. It is strongly advised to only use 0.3 mm length or shorter. Anything longer has a higher risk of damaging the skin. If you want to do a deeper micro-needling treatment with a larger needle size, it is recommended that you go to a professional.
Derma-rolling requires the use of serums
One of the main points of micro-needling at home is to maximize the use of your serums. Select the right serum with the appropriate active ingredients to get the most benefits. It is also important to choose a serum as to avoid adverse reactions. This means making sure that the serum you choose has some very specific ingredients and does not have others.
Choosing serum formulas that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, stem cells, peptides, and growth factors will be beneficial. These ingredients will maximize the effects of the derma-rolling to stimulate collagen, speed up cell turnover, lift hyperpigmentation, smooth out fine lines, firm, plump, and hydrate. Which are all of the things you probably wanted from the derma-rolling process to begin with. Retinol and vitamin C are ingredients you should stay away from. They can cause sensitivity and irritation.
How to start derma-rolling
Prep your skin by cleansing and then exfoliating. Exfoliating helps you get the most out of the micro-needling by increasing ingredient absorption even more.
Next, add one to two layers of your serum of choice to your face. Take your derma-roller and gently roll it over your skin vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. Roll twice over your cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and neck. Be sure not to push too hard onto your face. Apply as much pressure as you can comfortably tolerate though. Take special care on your lips and underneath your eyes, as this skin is especially delicate and very thin. Once you are finished using your roller, add a second layer of serum all over the face.
Keep your derma-roller clean and cared for so that you are not introducing more problems onto your face. After using your roller, cleanse it with rubbing alcohol and store it in the plastic case it came in. Be sure to replace your derma-roller often. Once a month is probably the best bet, especially if you are using your roller more than one time a week.
How often can you derma-roll
What is most important to know here is that you can safely use your derma-roller as often as a few times each week. Some people derma-roll only once per month and are able to maintain their results on that schedule. It really depends on what you are most comfortable with and what kinds of skin issues you are personally treating. For instance, if you have a lot of discoloration and wrinkles, derma-rolling more often can be helpful.