If you are interested in derma rolling of the skin at home (also called skin needling, micro needling, micro exfoliating or skin rolling), you might be overwhelmed by the numerous brand choices present. This is natural before you purchase anything, so nothing to feel bad about. When it comes to an at-home derma roller, the cheapest choice is not always the best choice. The following tips will help you in selecting the right roller for you.
Definition of Derma Rolling
In young people’s skin there are good quantities of collagen and elastic fibers which help keep it supple and firm. These substances can diminish due to environmental factors such as sun exposure, bad habits such as smoking and physiological changes. Wrinkles, sagging skin and enlarged pores are all results of the decrease in elastin and collagen amounts.
In a derma roller there is a rotating head equipped with acupuncture type needles that subtly pierce the skin as it is rolled. You can roll on any section of your face, be it right cheek, left cheek, forehead, lips, chin, neck, jowls; you can even roll the upper chest. You can roll over each area about 4 to 10 times, with a small amount of force, while varying direction each time (back and forth or up and down) to create small holes in your skin. This sends a signal that your skin has been wounded. In response, your body gathers elastin and collagen on the site to repair the damage. For added protection, you would apply a night cream and serum on the area. Skin care products can penetrate the depths of your skin thanks to derma rolling. How deep the needle penetrates can be changed to suit individual needs, whether the derma rolling is done at a skin specialist, a skin specialist or at home. Buying derma rollers would cost around $30 to $220 (they can be used for 3 or 4 months), as opposed to treatment in clinic which can cost about $250 per session. At-home derma rollers have smaller needles compared to the ones used by professionals, so they won’t hurt as much; they can prove very useful as a do-it-yourself skincare product. Clinical treatments may have immediate and more obvious results but they also bring side effects such as bleeding and pain. They are generally more costly as well. Derma rolling done at home is more affordable and can provide good results when done regularly. And it won’t hurt you that much either.
How to Select Your At-Home Derma Roller
The following tips and recommendations will help you in deciding which derma roller to use at home
Do not get the cheap one: Do not buy a derma roller based on how cheap it is. Research first and make your selection from a reputed brand. It would be great if the product has a money back guarantee, be it 30 days or 60 days or more. Remember, quality is more important than price.
Ensure it has safe needle: Select a roller with durable needles that are resistant to wear and tear, because blunt needles aren’t effective and, in fact, they can cause pain. Titanium needles are strong and have sharp edges; however they are not hygienic as opposed to stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong and effective, and it is the cleanest of metals. It is used by professionals, acupuncturists and tattoo artists. Stainless steel is a better option for your derma roller than titanium when you consider toxicity and hygiene, even though it is less sturdy than titanium. Moreover, stainless steel is a pretty strong metal.
Look at the feedback of customers: There are numerous derma rollers in the market; most of the cheap ones offer low quality. It is important to look over customer feedback and the reputation of the brand.
Select the correct length of needle: The at-home derma rollers commonly use needles of lengths 0.5mm, 1.0mm and 1.5mm. If you want to use a roller with needle longer than 1.5mm, be sure to use numbing cream, especially if you are derma rolling the face. The roller must be selected carefully as there are some risks associated with derma rolling. Be well informed before you start using derma roller at home.
The dermaroller: what is it? Find out what other people think about micro needle rollers here.
See related articles:
Microneedling: What is It? Do I Need to Do It?
4 Steps To Use The Derma Roller Correctly
What Size is Best for 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.