Derma rolling is one of the easiest and most convenient skincare techniques you can try out at home to improve the quality of your skin. This technique requires the use of derma rollers to create micro-punctures on your face and skin. You might wonder why anyone would want to do that, so here’s a brief explanation: The act of creating micro-punctures on your skin stimulates collagen and elastin production, which are basically the good stuff that makes your skin elastic and supple, just like a baby’s.   

If you are interested to try this effective at-home skincare technique, getting a reliable derma roller is the perfect place to start.  Here’s everything you need to know about derma rolling, and why it could be a game-changer for your skincare routine.

Will it hurt?

Unless your skin is extremely sensitive–and if it is, it's better to resist unnecessary procedures, no matter what–you're unlikely to experience any discomfort. After all, derma rolling is minimally invasive, and the derma rollers’ needles are super small; find a ruler to see just how small 0.5mm is. That said, it is needles rolling across your face, so you will feel something.

How do I use it?

Cleanse before using the best derma roller – this is essential. Pull the skin softly until it is slightly relaxed and roll the instrument with light force. Horizontally, across the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then do the same vertically. The process should take around four minutes, then follow with your usual serum. Professionals suggest vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid. Both will aid with ‘brightening’. Moreover, it’s best to roll at night, before bed, to avoid sun exposure.

Is it different to micro-needling?

The method of producing micro-injuries in the skin is just the same. Both will encourage plumped-up, radiant skin, and both will leave you a little red post-treatment. The real difference is leaving it to an expert. The best derma roller treatment usually includes the use of numbing cream, to prepare your skin for the larger needles used. When it comes to the ‘invasive stuff’ or anything penetrating the skin, it’s always recommended to have it done by a professional.

What are the benefits of derma rolling?

Collagen production is the main benefit of the use of derma rollers. Collagen improves skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Unfortunately, as time goes by, the skin becomes loose and saggy due to collagen depletion. Reducing deep wrinkles and fine lines. The newly produced collagen acts as a natural filler for facial lines and wrinkles. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly and permanently reduced! It also reduces acne scars and stretch marks, and the average users have reported seeing improvements after 4 to 6 treatments.

Does derma rolling hurt?

This is completely dependent on the length of the needles on the best derma rollers UK based. At-home roller needles are small, so they don't puncture the skin hard enough to sting. However, anything over 1.5mm can be painful, so it’s better that you consult the professionals. They usually apply numbing cream on your face an hour before the treatment. You might also draw blood with the longer needles, but nothing to be frightened of.

What is a derma roller?

A derma roller – also known as skin roller and microneedle roller – is a compact hand-held roller with microsurgical steel needles that penetrate the internal layer of the skin to facilitate skin repair from the inside out. The best derma rollers UK based stimulate elastin and collagen production in the skin without causing any damage. The use of a derma roller is also referred to as skin needling.

Derma rollers come with different sized needles, and choosing the right size for the needle depends on your needs. Here are some recommendations:

0.25mm – Increased penetration of skin care products into the skin and overall improvement of skin colour and texture.

0.5mm – Wrinkles, anti-aging, light acne scarring, mild chicken pox or ice pick scars, also recommended for thinning hair.

1.0mm, 1.5mm – Deep stretch marks, cellulite and deep scarring — 1.5mm is also the maximum needle length recommended for use on your face

2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm – For more severe cases, deep scars and wrinkles, rejuvenation of badly damaged skin

Derma rollers come in many different sizes. When you are rolling at home, you don’t want to use anything with needles that are longer than 0.5mm. If you are new to derma rolling, a shorter roller, such as a 0.3mm derma roller is the perfect place to start.  Once you have been using your roller for a while and you’re comfortable with it, you can move up to the 0.5mm derma roller. It’s a little longer so its reach will be a little deeper, providing even better results! This roller is also a great way to get your skin ready for a professional micro needling treatment. You can keep this article as a guide if you are planning to undergo a professional derma rolling procedure soon.