7 Steps: How To Use A Derma Roller

Follow these steps exactly to avoid infections and hazards.

Step 1: Disinfect your roller

Disinfect your derma roller by soaking it in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol between 5 and 10 minutes.

Step 2: Clean your face

Clean your face with a mild pH-balanced cleanser.  If you plan on using a derma roller with a needle length longer than 0.5 mm, you should also wipe down your face with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.

Step 3: Use a numbing cream if necessary

Depending on your pain tolerance, you may need to apply an anesthetic cream.  If you pan on using a derma roller with a needle length above 1.0 mm, then you will most definitely want to use a numbing cream since that high of a needle length will draw blood from pinpoint bleeding.

Step 4: Begin derma rolling

Technique is crucial.  Dividing your face into sections will make the process easier.

1.  Roll the derma roller in the same direction 6 to 8 times, lifting the roller after each pass.

2.  Turn it slightly, then repeat the process.  Keep doing this until you have covered the area being treated.

3.  After you have finished this, go back to where you initially started rolling, and roll the roller in the opposite direction.  Repeat this 6-8 times, just like before, lifting the roller after each pass. 

4.  By the end of this process, you should have rolled the roller between 12-16 times total on each area, 6-8 times horizontally, and 6 to 8 times vertically. 

It is important that you do not roll the derma roller sideways or diagonally.  This puts an uneven amount of pressure on the center of the face.  If you wish to apply it diagonally, then proceed with caution.

Step 5: Wash your face with water

Do not wash your face with anything but water after microneedling.

Step 6: Clean your derma roller

Clean your derma roller after use with either body soap or liquid hand soap.  Swish the derma roller around in a plastic container containing a soapy water mix.  Avoid touching the sides with the roller.  Using the detergent found in dish soap will dissolve the proteins from your skin and blood, unlike alcohol.

Step 7: Disinfect your roller

Now you should disinfect your roller by soaking it in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes.  Make sure to put it back in its case and store it in a safe place.

Step 8: Continue your basic skin care routine

Follow a basic skin care regimen after using the derma roller avoiding chemicals or harsh active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tretinoin.

Click here to try the derma roller risk free for 60 days.

See related articles:

7 Steps: How To Use A Derma Roller

Why you should select Microneedling

How to Use a Derma Roller

Chloe Glynne

★ Platinum Level Expert Author

Chloe Glynne is a skin care consultant with 12 years of personal experience in the industry. She is recognized for her skin care advice in the treatment of skin disorders such as acne and rosacea, unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, puffy eyes, damaged skin, with emphasis on anti-aging.