If you have ever seen a dermaroller, your first thought might be related to the old saying “beauty is pain.” But, don’t be frightened, or discouraged, from using the skin care tool because of what it looks like it will do to your skin.
What is a Dermaroller?
You may have never seen or heard of the skin care tool that has grown in popularity over the last decade. Once only offered in your dermatologist office, and known as collagen induction therapy, it is now widely available to consumers for purchase and at home use. Dermarolling, or microneedling as it is also referred to as, to be honest, can seem a little intimidating when you first meet the tool.
The dermaroller tool is a device used to:
- Replenish the skin
- Restore firmness to skin
- Lessen the signs of aging on the face by reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Repair scars from conditions like acne, and reduce the visibility of stretch marks
- Shrink large pores
- Treat oily skin
You might look at it and think that it resembles a medieval tool used to inflict pain as punishment for not taking better care of your skin, but to the contrary, the benefits to your skin can be wondrous.
The tool itself has two sides, one side consists of a handle, and the other side has a roller consisting of many miniature sized, very refined but slightly dulled needles on its exterior. They are relatively modest in price, especially compared to the cost of having the procedure done in a dermatologist office. It sounds obvious, but make sure to research the particular brand, and read past customer reviews to make sure it is coming from a reputable company before purchasing the product.
With that being said, let's talk about the benefits of using a dermaroller as part of your skin care routine.
What Does It Do?
When the tool is rolled over the face, the tiny needles create non-invasive, superficial holes in the skin. When the skin is punctured, it generates what is known as a “controlled skin injury.” It does not actually inflict damage to the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), but the tiny pressure points help to break down any pre existing scar tissue.
What Happens Next?
- The incisions send signals from your brain to your body that a wound has occurred and your body begins the automatic response of trying to heal the injury.
- The body then begins to discharge growth stimulating materials as it would normally do when an injury occurs.
- New blood vessels cultivate in your skin.
- New collagen and elastin begin to start being produced in the skin.
After about five to six days after you use the dermaroller on your face, you should begin to see subtle improvements to your face including firmer skin. This is because of the newly produced collagen that has been delivered to the area affected by the dermaroller. Depending on the size of your needles you may need to allow time in between uses, but some rollers with shorter needles can be used more frequently. Typically, you can use a derma roller a few times a week or once a month until you achieve the results you want.
What About Using Serums to Compliment Results of Microneedling?
If you want to get first-rate results from dermarolling, it is suggested that you apply a serum before and after the skin has been punctured. One of the most effective serums to apply is a hyaluronic acid serum.
Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is actually a sugar that is produced naturally in your body and can be found most commonly in your skin. It is also found in your connective tissues and your eyes. It’s main job is to retain water and moisturize, hydrate, and fill out your skin. As we age, we start to lose HA naturally and will begin to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and sullen, sunken-looking skin. You might look more tired than usual, and of course we don’t want that.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, and can help with dry skin. A humectant is a substance that basically keeps things moist. When used in skin care products they have the distinct capability of also enhancing the other active ingredients’ ability to deeply penetrate your skin by helping to retain moisture. In the right formulation, a hyaluronic acid serum will improve the appearance of dehydrated or tired looking skin making it look younger while improving the visible elasticity of the skin.
Choosing the Right Serum is Important!
When you use the right serum with a dermaroller you can get really radiant results. Hyaluronic acid serum promotes maximum water retention, and can remedy dry, flaky skin because the serum can penetrate deeply.
goPure’s hyaluronic acid serum uses a potent combination of botanical hyaluronic acid and is rich in antioxidants to leave the skin visibly brighter and more youthful looking. Our serum is specially formulated to penetrate the skin deeply, leaving skin plump, dewy, and with a beautiful youthful glow.
Know Before You Roll
There are certain things you should be aware of before you use a derma roller at home for the first time. You need to be aware of the length of the needle you are using for each area of the face. There are different sized needles used for areas of skin that are thicker on your face.
For example, when targeting shallow acne scars you want to use a needle that’s 1.0 mm in length, but for deep acne scars you want a needle 1.5 mm long. If you are targeting uneven skin tone you should typically use a .5 mm needle. Each needle length will help with different skin issues, so make sure you read up on the appropriate size needed for your individual needs.
Make sure you research and read reviews before buying a derma roller for at home use, and check to see if the product you select is a derma roller approved device by the FDA. Before you use the device make sure you sterilize the product and the area you will be placing it on during the process. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with each of the product's parts before your first session.
Prep Time
Before you use the tool on your face it is a good idea to cleanse and exfoliate to prepare your skin for the treatment. After, you can apply your selected hyaluronic serum in one to two layers and allow it to dry to achieve the best results. After you complete the rolling process you can apply another layer of HA serum to the face. When finished it is important to moisturize the skin with a non-comedogenic (or non-pore clogging) moisturizer for best results. Be careful not to overdo the rolling, especially for first time use.
Possible Side Effects
Some people may experience some mild side effects after using a derma roller, especially if it is the first time. The side effects may include things like bleeding, bruising, and peeling. Some people might also have irritated skin or redness following a derma rolling treatment. This is why it’s important to be gentle and acquaint yourself with the process if it’s your first time.
Derma Roller Recap
Now you have the necessary information you need to select the right at-home dermaroller tool as well as the best hyaluronic acid serum to add to your skin care process. Remember to do your research on derma roller tools and brands, and check the ingredients label before you purchase a serum. Always look for added antioxidants, vitamins and botanical acids, and make sure the product is free from parabens and toxins. Happy rolling!
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320776
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
https://www.wellandgood.com/hyaluronic-acid-on-skin-apply-wet/
