If you’ve been through the turbulent acne phase and come out the other side but can’t seem to get rid of the scarring aftermath no matter what lotions and potions you try, dermarolling might be the skin treatment to finally nip it in the bud.
The skincare treatment has been on the rise but what actually is it and what benefits will it have for your skin? We asked the experts to find out.
What is dermarolling?
‘Dermarolling is a type of microneedling (Dermaroller is actually a branded name). It involves use of a roller with several small needles mounted on it’, explains Dr Sophie Shotter.
When we say tiny, we mean tiny. Dermarollers typically have needles that are 0.1 to 0.5mm in size. The idea is that the tiny pricks in your skin allow for products to penetrate deeper in the skin's surface, making them more effective.
Dr Benji Dhillon explains the difference between microneedling and dermarolling: 'The needles used in the rolling device are smaller than those used for microneedling. This technique stimulates collagen by repeatedly puncturing the skin, it also enhances the absorption of skincare products used on the skin'.
Yes, it does involve needles so therefore isn’t going to be as calming as a relaxing facial but the immediate results are worth the pain.
What are the benefits of dermarolling?
The small punctures (not as scary as they sound, we promise) to the skin stimulate collagen and elastin production which means skin will instantly look brighter and more firm and lifted.
An effect of this will be a reduction in pesky pore sizes, wrinkles and reducing any discolouration, even those caused by acne scarring which can seem impossible to get rid of.
What skin types does dermarolling benefit?
There’s no guarantee on how anyone’s skin will react as everyone’s is different but Dr Shotter warns for the obvious things to look out for before booking your appointment: ‘In principle it can be used on all skin types and on all ages. I would not use it though on an active infection’.
That means if you have any active acne, it’s a no-go zone until the skin is healed otherwise you could risk further damage.
What to know before getting dermarolling
You’ll be pleased to know that numbing cream is involved with any treatment that involves needles and dermarolling is no exception.
Dr Shotter takes us through your dermarolling treatment steps:
‘You would attend, have your make-up removed and have photographs taken. Numbing cream would then be applied to make the treatment more comfortable. This is left for around half an hour before being removed’.
Once skin is prepped, ‘The derma roller treatment will be done in sections. It can be a little uncomfortable (more so than microneedling pens). A treatment serum will then be applied to the skin’, explains Dr Shotter.
Skin may be visibly red and a tad sensitive afterwards (depending on how your skin deals with treatments) but the recovery time is relatively short. Once any redness has died down, skin will appear brighter and smoother.
Dr Dhillon explains the one thing you must do after the treatment: 'Any redness will calm down within a few days. It’s important to wear an SPF on the treated skin for a couple of weeks to avoid any damage'.
Can you do dermarolling at home?
As technology is becoming more and more developed, so are our at home skincare routines. There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to dermarollers you can use in your bathroom at home but there are some important pointers to remember before you start rolling.
‘Home use devices are not as effective as in clinic devices. They will not penetrate as deeply into the skin, but can aid superficial penetration of products. Be cautious about where you are buying home use devices from, as many available online are unregulated and the quality of the needle is not good and can cause skin damage and micro-scarring’, warns Dr Shotter.
So you might not see the same results as after a trip to your local clinic but they will do the job if you don’t have time for another appointment or the funds. Just remember: roll with care.
