Using a Derma Roller.

Before I get into answering any of the questions that follow I want to disclose that I am NOT a doctor or a dermatologist. These are questions that either I have had, my friends have asked, or readers have sent me. I have then taken these questions and asked my dermatologist about them. Or are things I do at home and have found work best for me. However you should always consult your doctor or dermatologist. 

For those of you that don’t know, a derma roller is an instrument consisting of a heavy duty plastic roller head covered in high quality titanium needles. The needles are designed to penetrate the stratum corneum, which is the hard outer surface of the epidermal layer of the skin, body or scalp. Hundreds of tiny channels are created through the stratum corneum, which facilitate the passage and absorption of your skin care product into the dermis, to maximize its absorption. It gently exfoliates excess skin cells, (which contribute to hair follicle malnutrition in the scalp and ultimately hair follicle failure) scarring or premature aging, , wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and scars. The roller stimulates blood flow to the surface, gives a skin massage, cleans out the pores and stimulates collagen regrowth.

You might be wondering if it hurts. It doesn’t cause me any pain, there is a tingling sensation that is felt. Mainly because the needles on the roller and stamp are long enough to assist in the penetration of the skin care product, but will not damage the skin or scalp in any way. It is normal for the skin or scalp to be a little sensitive when rolling is first started.

Another question you may have is, how long should you roll? The needling or rolling with the skin roller should not determined by time. More importantly are the numbers of roll-movements over a certain skin-area. Ten (10) roll-movements set 160 pricks per square centimeter (15 times about 240 pricks). It should not take more than 3-5 minutes. To go along with the how long question is the, how should I roll question. What I do and recommend to my friends is that with your free hand, hold the skin putting it under some slight tension. Place the skin roller on the skin and roll with a constant movement to the end of the skin area. Roll two or three times over the same spot back and forth over the skin and in different directions.

Another thing that is essential is to keep your roller in a clean and sterile condition. What I do is, I wash my roller in hot running water after every use. Then once a week stand head first in half your plastic cylinder (don’t worry about having to buy one, most quality derma rollers come with it like this one) of disinfectant for about half an hour. I then shake of the excess liquid and allow it to dry on a paper towel. Then I put cap on and store it in the clean sealed container (also supplied with most). Whatever you do, DON’T ever share your roller. As sharing it would leave you open to cross contamination.

As for the disinfectant, you can buy a small bottle of disinfectant from the first-aid section of your local pharmacy. To see the one I use you can click here. I fill my plastic cylinder about 1/4 full with the disinfectant, and 1/4 water, so the cylinder is half full. Put roller in head first for about 1/2 an hour. This sterilizes your roller as well as plastic cylinder you store it in.

 The questions I get most from my friends are: 

What is the best way to treat stretch marks? Most dermatologists recommend to do a very firm roll once a month with numbing cream, it then usually needs 1-2 days healing time. The most important thing is to be patient. Wait 4-6 weeks to see your result as your own collagen will grow and fill in the stretch marks. There should be no down time and no post application. 

What about facial warts or cold sores and using the derma or skin roller? If you have any type of herpes virus dormant or otherwise you cannot use the derma roller on that area. When treating above lip lines, if you have suffered from cold sores in the past, make sure the dermaroller does not touch the lips or the cold sores will flare again. Facial warts if dormant may not flair when using the dermaroller but it is not worth the risk. 

This is my 2nd derma roller as I found having different sizes for different parts of face & body is helpful. I’m sure you can tell that I’m a fan of the whole concept and I have been getting great results by pairing my derma roller with a serum. Just be sure to do your homework on the proper use of product, you can find a ton of videos and instructions on the web. I hihgly recommend you consult your dermatologist because it’s important to get the proper size for your skin.