The Truth Behind Dermarolling and How it Can Completely Change Your Skin
If you’re anything like me and willing to try almost anything once within the realm of skincare, you’ve likely researched the multitude of treatments you can perform on your skin. When venturing into DIY cosmetic care, we seek all paths that lead to skin that’s smoother, acne-free, less oily, less dry, less wrinkly—the list goes on and on. And while we’re by no means certified to attempt many of the treatments we come across, we do them anyway because it’s 1) cheaper and 2) with the proper research and tools, we like to think we can do anything ourselves. (Uh oh.)
Dermarolling is one of those skincare mysteries that most of us have heard of but haven’t had the confidence or knowledge to attempt trying. That’s fair, given that the concept itself can be quite intimidating: rolling tiny needles across your face, causing micro-wounds on your skin.
It doesn’t sound very pleasant, but folks swear by it and the benefits it provides.
As your investigational skincare bestie that you can rely on, we did a deep dive on derma rolling, whether it works, how to do it, what to apply on your face before and after, and more.
What is dermarolling?
Derma rolling, or microneedling, is the act of creating tiny punctures in your skin. It works by causing your skin to go into recovery mode, thereby releasing more collagen and elastin, which makes your skin appear healthier. The benefits include, but are not limited to, reducing acne scarring, improving skin texture issues, and boosting collagen production.
Do Derma Rollers actually work?
In short, yes. Your results will vary depending on whether you get it professionally done or do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. It’s worth noting that professional microneedling will show greater results in less amount of time, but can be costly. When performing microneedling at home, you can expect to see results over a longer period of time.
Can you dermaroll every night?
The answer to this question largely depends on your skin’s sensitivity and the length of your dermaroller’s needles. If your derma roller has shorter needles, you may be able to roll every other day if your skin is able to handle it. If you’re working with a derma roller that has much longer needles, rolling every four to six weeks is more suitable and gives your skin time to recover.
Can you use a Vitamin C serum after dermarolling?
Yes! In fact, it’s preferred. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid Vitamin C and other products with active ingredients as it could lead to irritation. We recommend our Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to achieve a brighter complexion and better moisturized skin.
What should I apply after dermarolling?
As mentioned above, serums with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are preferred post-rolling. You’ll want to avoid anything that could potentially irritate your skin, such as makeup, AHAs and BHAs, products containing artificial ingredients, and more. You know your skin best; treat it with the care and intentionality you would give your body after getting sick.
How do I use my dermaroller?
With a few of the basic questions out of the way, now’s the time to purchase a reliable dermaroller and begin the process of improving your skin. We’ve created a step-by-step guide for how to effectively use your dermaroller without harming your skin.
- Disinfect your derma roller. Soak your roller in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes before you begin rolling. This is arguably the most crucial step in the process because it prevents you from potentially causing an infection.
- Wash and pat skin dry. Double cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to ensure no bacteria is roaming around. Pat dry your face with a clean cloth and directly apply 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to your face with a cotton pad. (If you’re feeling extra, you can do a peel prior to getting started to get your skin as clear as possible before treatment.
- Begin rolling. Mentally section your face into fours to (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right). While applying a medium pressure, roll back and forth in the desired area 4-5 times. Repeat going in the opposite direction. Repeat this process in the three remaining parts of your face.
- Apply moisturizer or repairing serum after use. Rinse your face and apply moisturizer and your preferred serum(s) for maximum efficacy. Applying moisturizer and serums after rolling can help products more effectively absorb and penetrate the skin.
- Disinfect after use. Once you’ve completed your rolling routine, soak your derma roller in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol once again and return to its case.
If reading this article hasn’t given you the confidence you need to start using a derma roller, that’s totally fair! It’s not for everyone. We can however guarantee that when used properly, it’s a safe and effective practice to keep your skin glowing, healthy, and a collagen-producing machine.
Contributing Writer: Evan Neuhoff
