The benefits of dermarolling

You may be wondering, “How in the world is inserting hundreds of little needles into your face relaxing? And why would anyone want to do that?” It sounds crazy, but microneedling has a ton of benefits, including:

reduced wrinkles and stretch marks

reduced acne scarring and skin discoloration

increased skin thickness

facial rejuvenation

enhanced product absorption

For anyone who’s looking for a way to tackle these concerns at home, microneedling might be your answer. Here’s what you need to know about this miraculous process.

What’s microneedling?

Microneedling, often referred to as dermarolling or collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure in which thousands of tiny little needles are inserted into the surface of skin via a rolling or stamping device.

Dermarolling works by creating microscopic wounds which induce collagen and elastin production. If you didn’t know, collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body and is responsible for holding together connective tissue like skin, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and bones.

This lovely protein is also what keeps us looking young and gorgeous. Unfortunately, it’s believed that collagen production slows down by about 1 percent per year after the age of 20, which translates to the big A word — aging.

Despite how terrifying dermarolling may seem, it’s actually considered a minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. However, the recovery process does depend largely on the length of the needles used. Obviously, the longer the needles, the deeper the wound — and that means the longer the recovery time.

What size derma roller is best?

This will depend largely on what you’re trying to accomplish. Since we’re all about simplicity, here’s a table summarizing what length should be used depending on what you’re trying to treat.

Note: Microneedling won’t help postinflammatory erythema (PIE), which is redness or pink blemishes. And be aware that derma rollers or microneedling instruments that are greater than 0.3 mm in length are not approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.

How to use a derma roller

Follow these steps precisely to avoid any hazards and unwanted infections.

Step 1: Disinfect your roller

Disinfect your derma roller by letting it soak in  for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Wash your face

Thoroughly cleanse your face using a gentle pH-balanced cleanser. If you’re using a derma roller with needles longer than 0.5 mm, you’ll also need to wipe down your face with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol before the rolling process.

Step 3: Apply numbing cream, if needed

Depending on your pain tolerance, you might need to apply an anesthetic cream. However, you’ll most certainly want some numbing cream for anything above 1.0 mm, since that needle length will draw blood via pinpoint bleeding.

If you use numbing cream, follow the instructions the manufacturer provides, and make sure to completely wipe it if off before you start rolling!  is a great option.

Step 4: Begin derma rolling

The technique is very important, so listen closely! Splitting up your face into sections makes the whole process easier. Here’s a visual of what that looks like:

Avoid rolling in the shaded area, which represents the orbital (eye sockets) area.

Roll in one direction 6 to 8 times, depending on your skin tolerance and sensitivity, and make sure to lift the roller after each pass. So, roll in one direction. Lift up. Repeat.

Lifting the derma roller after each pass prevents the dreaded “track marks” that make you look like a cat clawed your face.

After you roll in the same place 6 to 8 times, adjust the derma roller slightly, and repeat. Do this until you’ve covered the entire section of skin you’re treating.

After rolling in one direction, it’s time to go back over the area you just rolled and repeat the process in the perpendicular direction. For example, say you finished rolling across your forehead vertically, now would be the time to go back and repeat that entire process horizontally.

By the end of this entire procedure, you should have rolled over each area 12 to 16 times — 6 to 8 horizontally, 6 to 8 vertically.

Contrary to popular belief, we do not need to roll diagonally. Doing so creates an uneven pattern distribution with more stress on the center. If you decide to do this, please be careful and take extra precautionary measures.

Here’s a video that also goes over the proper dermarolling technique just explained.

Step 5: Wash your face with water

After you’re done microneedling, rinse your face with water only.

Step 6: Clean your derma roller

Clean your derma roller with dishwasher soap. Create a soapy water mix in a plastic container, then swish around the roller vigorously, making sure the roller doesn’t hit the sides. The reason we use detergents like dish soap directly after rolling is because alcohol doesn’t dissolve the proteins found in skin and blood.

Step 7: Disinfect your roller

Disinfect your derma roller again by letting it soak in the 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes. Put it back in its case, give it a kiss, and store it somewhere safe.

Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.

Find Your Facial Cleanser

The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients. 

For everyday cleansing, here’s what to look for: 

What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean Exactly?

This term frequently appears on product labels and is used by skin-care experts but not always defined in simple, clear language. Here’s a quick explanation: If a product claims to be non-comedogenic it means that it shouldn’t clog pores or trigger acne — either by occluding the skin, blocking glands or irritating the hair follicle. The claim is not regulated by the F.D.A., however, and many companies do their own internal tests to determine whether a product should be considered comedogenic or not. (Some common known comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil and cocoa butter.) Typically, the fewer ingredients a product has, the easier it is to determine if it will cause any reactions. 

How to Use Toner

For many, the word “toner” brings to mind stinging astringents from the ’80s. “The original was an alcohol-based product that was used to dry up oily skin and remove any leftover dirt following cleansing. Today’s formulas, however, have evolved. Think of them as supplements — these thin liquids deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion. Consider toner to be optional: “It can be a good way to add in specific ingredients that you may not have in your other products or add another layer of skin-replenishment.” If you have the time and inclination, here are some hero ingredients to look for: 

• Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.
• Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, seal in dewiness and plump skin to subtly treat fine lines.
• Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.

What is Toner?

“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and pass it over your face. But,  “You end up losing a lot of product.”

Tip: “Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Just pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it on.” Or if you prefer, you can pull apart a cotton pad “so it’s not so thick before putting toner on it. Most formulas can be used morning and night, but you might want to use those with exfoliating acids only at night or every other day. 

Among the skin problems women find most annoying are enlarged pores. The pores should be cleaned and tightened regularly. Otherwise, as well as a bad appearance, problems such as blackheads and acne may occur.

You can use natural home remedies to tighten pores. First of all, you should pay attention to your skin cleaning and then you should not neglect the use of tonic. The pores that are cleaned first are tightened with tonic. You can find natural methods that tighten pores in our news. Lemon juice is an important natural resource for porous skin. Since it contains citric acid, it cleans and tightens your pores deeply. For this, it is enough to pour it on a cotton ball and apply it to porous areas.

The ice method is also an effective solution to shrink pores. Wrap the ice, which accelerates blood circulation and shocks, in a cloth and rub it over the porous parts. Do this for a maximum of 30 seconds and repeat daily.

The clay mask was an option that people with porous skin resorted to. In addition to the ready-made clay mask, you can prepare it yourself at home. Mix the clay with olive oil, lemon oil and soda and rub it on your skin, you can wash it off after 15 minutes. Cucumber has many benefits for the skin. While it relaxes the eyes, relieves fatigue and swelling, it is also good for the pores.

Rub the juice of the grated cucumber on your porous skin with cotton, wait 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Another natural pore-tightening product is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, which balances the pH of the skin, acts as a kind of tonic. You can mix it with water and apply it to the porous parts of your skin with the help of cotton.

After rubbing the egg white into your pores, let it dry and then rinse. If you want, you can mix egg white with lemon juice and make it more effective. Do not forget to wait 10 minutes and wash. Mix the milk and oats and make them dough. Then massage this mixture on your skin. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, rinse the dried mixture thoroughly with warm water and do not neglect to apply tonic.