The following lists the most frequently asked questions about derma rollers and their corresponding answers.
NOTE: If you are new to derma rolling, you may want to consult with an expert before getting started.
1. What is a derma roller?
A derma roller is a hand-held micro needling tool which consists of a roller head covered with micro needles. These needles penetrate the epidermis (the outermost layer of our skin) without damaging it, as long as the derma roller is used with care and precision. This action stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and enhances the absorption of skin care products.
2. What is the purpose of a derma roller?
A derma roller’s purpose is to trigger the body’s natural collagen production (collagen helps in thickening the skin). It is also effective reducing fine lines and wrinkles, scars and stretch marks, making them appear much less visible.
Skin treatments using the derma roller can be more effective with the use of the right skin care products. They help in revitalizing the skin, making it virtually smooth and clear of blemishes, improving the skin tone and tightening open pores.
A derma roller is also recommended for treating baldness as it helps in stimulating hair growth.
3. How does a derma roller work?
The derma roller causes multiple tiny needles to puncture the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer). This action is thought to trigger the stimulation of new collagen and elastin production which helps the skin to repair itself, like in the case of real wounds. Over a period of time, you can see significant changes in your skin’s appearance and texture while continuing to use the derma roller.
4. How to choose a derma roller brand and the needle length?
There are quite a few brands to choose from, and some brands do really have high-quality derma rollers.
Choosing needle length depends on your needs and skin condition. For more detailed information see the link: “How to Choose Needle Length for Derma Roller.”
5. Is the derma roller painful to use?
It depends on the size of the needles, how much pressure you apply when using the roller, and your tolerance to pain. A 0.2 mm needle doesn’t cause any pain, so you can use it every day or even twice a day if you like. A 0.5 to 0.75 mm derma roller can be a bit painful, but most people can tolerate that without the use of numbing creams. A 1 to 2 mm needle is considered the most painful, so applying a numbing cream is absolutely recommended and necessary.
6. How often should I use a derma roller in a certain area?
For stretch marks, one to three treatments are required, six to eight weeks apart. For use on the face, three to six treatments are enough, three to four weeks apart. These are the recommended number of times and intervals you should use with your derma roller. The reason for the intervals is supposed to give the skin enough time to heal.
When the skin is wounded or injured, it builds itself in several phases, which continue long after the initial inflammation. Using the roller too often will disrupt this process and eventually delay the results, or worse.
If the frequency of use is based on the size of the needles:
0.2 mm – every day
0.5 to 0.75 (on the face) – two to three days for five to ten minutes
1.2 mm to 2mm (not recommended for the face) – every few days.
7. How much pressure should I apply when rolling?
Many people are worried whether they’re rolling too hard, or otherwise not rolling hard enough. The recommended way to use a roller is to start rolling gently at first, and then gradually increase pressure as you go, as much as possible.
Generally, needles do not go deeper beyond their length, so you don’t have to worry about applying too much pressure.
One of the ways to know if you have rolled with enough pressure is to check your face in the mirror. If your face has reddened, that’s a good sign of a job well done because this is the desired outcome in this case.
But keep in mind too that people have diverse levels of skin sensitivity. If your skin is more on the sensitive side, a gentle rolling can suffice. But if you have a thick skin which doesn’t bleed even after rolling with a considerable amount of pressure, it’s okay – remember that you don’t have to bleed to see the derma roller’s effect on your skin.
8. Should I buy the 0.2 mm size roller?
As far as the purposes of anti-aging are concerned, 0.2 mm size rollers generally do not do much help in triggering collagen production. However, this needle is good if your intention is to enhance the absorption of whatever skin care products that you use.
9. Am I required to use any after-care products?
Not necessarily, because the roller already helps in absorbing skin care products. However, you may opt to apply something that lessens pain and irritation. Virgin coconut oil is one of the products that help in reducing swelling and pain after rolling.
10. What creams or serums should I apply while rolling?
There are good brands of creams or serums for derma rolling, including Stacked Skincare Hydrating Serum, Meso Cell Lift Up, Retin-A, Infadolan, Scacare, Cicipair, and Kiehl’s just to name a few. Based on experience, serums that contain vitamin A actually work (but then, try them and see it for yourself).
Many people though prefer to make their own serums at home. Check out the link “How to Make Your Own Vitamin C Serum” which combines several powerful essential oils and vitamin C that work together in revitalizing your skin. This formula is proven to be very effective.
11. When can I expect to see the results?
Results can vary depending on the condition you’re treating, the type of roller you’re using, how many times you are using the roller, your sensitivity, and your general health.
For example: if you’re treating your face with a 0.5 mm roller, expect the initial results to come after two to three months of use of every two to three days. In the case of 1.5 mm roller, expect the initial results to come after several months when it’s used every two to three weeks.
12. How long does a derma roller last? How do I know if I need to replace it?
It depends on the number of uses of the roller as well as your maintenance on it. For example, if you use a roller only once every three to four weeks, it should last you for at least a year. Just remember to take care of it and keep it clean. Disinfect and sterilize your roller after use, keep it dry before putting back to its case, and keep it from touching any surface.
A bent or broken needle is a good indication that you should dispose of your current roller and buy a new one, as a bent or broken needle won’t be effective in treating your skin.
13. Does the derma roller damage your skin?
No. So far, there have been no reports of side effects caused by using the derma roller. The derma roller is designed that way so that it can penetrate the epidermis – the skin’s topmost layer – where the tiny needles puncture and create infiltration channels for a brief time. After derma rolling, these tiny channels close off in a matter of hours.
The derma roller does not cause permanent damage to your skin. The tiny penetrations created by the derma roller will trigger the skin’s natural production of proteins, which help the skin to renew itself, making it healthier and more youthful than ever.
14. Is a derma roller safe for home use?
Yes, a derma roller is safe for home use given that you use it properly by carefully following instructions. Please see: “Is it Safe to Use a Skin Roller at Home?”
15. Can I use a derma roller in my face if I have skin breakouts?
No. Using the derma roller will only cause your active acne areas to spread. If you have pimples, refrain from derma rolling until your breakouts have subsided.
16. Can a derma roller be used on any skin type and color?
Yes, a derma roller can be used on any skin color, since it doesn’t use any thermal heat (unlike lasers, for example). If you are concerned about after-treatment inflammation or hyperpigmentation, the derma roller is guaranteed not to cause such adverse effects on your skin.
17. Can I use the derma roller when pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. When pregnant, lactating or breastfeeding, the body needs all of its nutrients to nourish the baby. But when you use the derma roller, it triggers the production of collagen and this process needs some of the vitamins and other nutrients. Therefore, it is not best to do use the derma roller in this condition.
18. Where is the best place to buy a derma roller?
When looking for the best place to buy the best a derma roller that you could afford, make sure that the retailers sells the best quality products, has the best customer service and offers a warranty on their products, plus a “money back” guarantee.
19. Can I get the original DermarollerTM?
You can’t. The original Dermaroller is sold only to trained and professional doctors and clinics. Besides, they are way too expensive. But you can get other derma rollers which are almost as good as the authentic DermarollerTM.
20. Is this website affiliated to DermarollerTM?
No. This website is not in any way related, connected or affiliated to DermarollerTM. It is only a blog that intends to provide all the information that people will need about derma rollers and dermarolling.
The website’s title with the word “Derma Roller” is merely a descriptive name for derma rollers in general, and it should not be confused for any specific derma roller brand.