If you are looking to up your skincare game a derma roller is the perfect place to start.
We break down everything you need to know about derma rolling, and why it could be a game-changer for your skincare routine.
What is derma rolling?
Derma rolling is the ultimate at-home tool. It creates tiny micro-channels in your skin. You might wonder why anyone would want to do that, so let us explain. Your skin is amazing and rolling it will make it do really great things.
Stimulates blood flow
When you create tiny channels, it stimulates blood flow and your skin’s natural healing process. The top part of your skin is made up of many layers of skin cells. When there is a break in these layers, your skin gets to work and knits the cells together so it can keep doing its job (keeping you healthy).
Increases collagen production
Whilst your skin is busy healing those tiny channels, it also produces collagen, which helps your skin look bouncy, reduces the appearance of lines and makes your pores less noticeable. Not only will you have a more even skin texture, but your skin becomes healthier and more resilient. Yay!
Helps to absorb products better
As if derma rolling wasn’t brilliant enough already, it has the added bonus of helping your skin to absorb products more effectively. When you apply a serum or moisturiser after derma rolling, it sucks up those active ingredients and they get to work extra hard for you. Using products full of ingredients like hyaluronic acid or lots of antioxidants after rolling is great for your skin. Our fave is the Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum. However, it’s best to avoid anything with exfoliating ingredients like AHA’s, because if they get in those channels in your skin, you might end up saying “ouch”!
Is Derma Rolling safe?
Yes. When it comes to skin rejuvenation, controlled damage is the aim of the game.
Many of the best skin treatments work this way, by stimulating your skin to do things it already does, but more effectively. The word ‘controlled’ is the operative word though. Derma rolling is a more advanced at-home treatment, but that doesn’t mean it’s complicated. Anyone can do it, there are just a few things to know to make sure you do it safely.
1. Start with the right roller length.
Derma Rolling can be done safely at home with rollers from 0.3mm to 0.5mm. Longer rollers are available online but once you get longer than 0.5mm the treatment should always be done by a trained professional in a clinic environment.
2. Always clean your roller.
After every treatment be sure to thoroughly clean your roller with a Sanitising Spray. The next time you want to use it, your derma roller is clean and ready to roll.
3. Don’t roll over any active infection or acne.
If you have an active breakout in one particular area, you can still use your derma roller on the rest of your face. In fact, derma rolling is great for healing marks left from breakouts, just avoid that area when the breakout is present. Once the inflammation has completely gone, you’re good to roll!
If you have any other infection or skin irritation present, avoid rolling until this has cleared.
How do I choose the right Derma Roller?
Derma rollers come in many different sizes. When you are rolling at home, you don’t want to use anything with needles that are longer than 0.5mm
If you are new to Derma Rolling, a shorter roller, such as our Derma Roller 0.3mm is the perfect place to start.
Once you have been using your roller for a while and you’re comfortable with it, you can move up to the Derma Roller 0.5mm. This takes your derma rolling to another level, literally! It’s a little longer and provides even better results. This roller is also a great way to get your skin ready for a professional microneedling treatment.
The Derma Roller Mini is great to target specific areas and boost collagen. The smaller size of the roller helps reach areas that you can’t get to with the regular derma rollers. Perfect for around the eyes, pores around the nose, fine lines around the mouth (upper lip), or targeting areas of acne scarring.
How do I use a Derma Roller?
Step 1. Always start with freshly cleaned skin, and clean hands.
Step 2. Decide where to start and hold the skin firm between your fingers, about 3cm apart.
Step 3. Roll in small 3cm sections, like you're drawing a union jack flag. Do this four times 4x in each direction.
Step 4. You will find the bonier areas are a little more uncomfortable, like the forehead and the nose. Use moderate pressure, but you don’t need to press hard. You’ve got this!
Step 4. If you are targeting an area with the Derma Roller Mini, swap your rollers and focus on those harder to reach areas.
Step 5. Once you have finished rolling, it is essential to sanitise roller using a Sanitising Spray to avoid the build-up of bacteria. Then pop it back in its cradle and close the lid.
Step 6. Now’s the time to apply any products. Be sure to avoid using anything with fragrances or exfoliants after you roll, as this can cause irritation. We love to use the PRO Collagen Eye Complex and the Ultimate Renewal Serum after rolling to give our skin that extra love!
If you have any further questions about derma rolling, get in touch on social media—we love to chat skincare!
