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A derma roller is a tool featuring numerous tiny needles designed to puncture the skin, a process referred to as micro-needling. These micro-punctures are believed to enhance collagen production, a protein that promotes a healthy and radiant complexion. It also aids in better absorption of serums and moisturizing products. While commonly used on the face, the derma roller can be applied to other body parts, especially areas with scars. Using a derma roller is straightforward, but it's essential to cleanse both your skin and the derma roller before and after use.
Steps
Clean the derma roller and skin
Sterilize the derma roller before use. The tiny needles on the derma roller will penetrate the skin, so it's crucial to sterilize them first. Soak the derma roller in 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes.
- 70% alcohol is preferable to 99% because it evaporates less quickly.
- After soaking for 10 minutes, remove the derma roller and shake off excess alcohol. Allow it to air dry for a few minutes.
Wash your skin with warm water. An essential step is to cleanse your skin thoroughly before starting the micro-needling process. For instance, you can use a gentle foaming cleanser to wash your face. Bar soap or body wash and water are also suitable for cleaning other areas of the body. The goal is to ensure your skin is clean, so feel free to use your regular products.
- However, avoid anything too harsh, such as cleansers containing salicylic acid. Opt for milder alternatives.
Disinfect your skin if using longer needles. Longer needles penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of infection. If using needles longer than 0.5 mm, disinfect your skin in addition to sterilizing the derma roller. Gently wipe the skin with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Roll the derma roller on your skin
Apply a numbing cream beforehand, if desired. While most people tolerate the needles well, those with sensitive skin may prefer to apply a numbing cream, especially when using needles 1mm or longer. Spread lidocaine cream on the skin and wait 20 minutes before rolling.
- Wipe off any excess cream before starting the process.
Roll in vertical directions. Start at the edge of the area you’re treating. Roll from top to bottom, avoiding the eye sockets if working on your face. Lift the roller and repeat the motion over the same area six times. Move the roller and repeat until the entire area is covered.
- If using longer needles, such as 1mm or more, slight bleeding may occur. However, if bleeding exceeds the needle depth, stop immediately. You may need to switch to shorter needles.
Roll horizontally. Start from the top or bottom, rolling the derma roller across your skin in a horizontal direction. Lift the roller and repeat the motion over the same area. Perform this action a total of six times. Shift the roller slightly up or down and repeat the process until the entire area is covered.
- You can also roll diagonally, but this may result in uneven needle penetration.
Stop rolling after 2 minutes, especially on the face. Over-rolling can occur, particularly on the face. Therefore, limit each session to under 2 minutes.
Use the derma roller approximately every 2 days. Overusing micro-needling can lead to inflammation. At most, limit usage to 3-5 times per week, allowing your skin occasional breaks. Some individuals prefer spacing treatments 6 weeks apart.
Cleanse
Wash your face. Cleanse your face after derma rolling. Water alone may suffice since your skin was pre-cleaned, but ensure any traces of blood are removed. A gentle cleanser can also be used if preferred.
Moisturize your skin. Hydrating products are beneficial post-micro-needling. For instance, a hydrating face mask can replenish moisture and aid skin recovery. Alternatively, applying anti-aging or wrinkle-reducing serums after rolling allows deeper penetration thanks to the micro-channels created by the needles.
Clean the derma roller with dish soap and water. Wash the derma roller using dish soap and hot water. Dish soap is more effective than other soaps in removing tiny blood particles and skin cells from the roller. Mix soap and water in a container and swirl the roller in the solution.
Sterilize the derma roller after use. Shake off excess water and soak the roller in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then shake off the alcohol. Allow it to air dry before storing.
Warnings
- Do not share your derma roller with anyone. Bloodborne diseases can spread as the tool penetrates the skin.
