Microneedling With Derma Roller, Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects
Introduction
In the cosmetic industry new things are coming day by day to treat different skin issues and for beauty regimes. There are different topical treatments available to treat certain issues like scars, aging signs, and open pores.
Collagen is a protein used to build skin, muscles, bones, and ligaments. For skin, it helps to form a fibrous network of cells, replace and restore dead skin cells. When we are aging our bodies produce less collagen and the skin gets wrinkles.
Microneedling is a treatment to prick the skin with tiny sterilized needles to make little wounds and produce more collagen. In this article, we will discuss what microneedling is? What is a derma roller? What are the uses, benefits, and side effects of microneedling with derma roller?
It is a cosmetic technique in which a dermatologist uses multiple tiny needles to puncture the skin. Microneedling is a simple and comparatively low-priced modality to treat scars, stretch marks, acne scars, and reduce signs of aging. The purpose of microneedling is to make new collagen to make firm and even skin tone. It is also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT).
Derma Roller
Dermatologists use derma roller for microneedling to treat different skin conditions. It is a drum-shaped tool with multiple tiny needles ranging from 0.25 to 1.5mm. You roll this tool over the skin to make several tiny pricks which helps to generate more collagen.
There are some other tools also available for microneedling. Derma pen and derma roller are the most common tools used in clinics and homes. The size of the needle will depend on the purpose of the skin and treatment area.
Some other devices are also used for micro needling
LED microneedling roller
Fractional radiofrequency microneedling
Microneedling and vacuum-assisted infusion devices (1)
How does Microneedling work?
Microneedling is a process in which when the device rolls over the skin, it makes tiny holes with the small needles. These holes are superficial tiny holes. Derma roller creates a controlled injury on the skin without causing any serious damage to the skin.
These tiny needles break down the damaged tissues and create superficial bleeding as researched in 2016. The healing system of the body is activated by this controlled injury. It helps to generate more collagen, make new blood vessels, and releases the substance to activate skin growth.
After microneedling skin produces collagen and deposits it in the treated area to make it firmer and to reduce fine lines. Research shows that skin treated by 4 sessions of microneedling, one month apart, could produce 400 times more collagen.
Microneedling and Hair Growth
Some studies support microneedling effects in hair growth. If it is paired with some other therapies of hair growth such as minoxidil, topical steroids, and platelet-rich plasma, it shows significant results by stimulating hair follicle growth. However, it has not to gain superiority over these other therapies.
Uses and Benefits of Microneedling
It is a procedural therapy used by dermatologists and aesthetics to boost collagen production for skin rejuvenation and for treating scars and fine facial lines.
Initially, it was developed for skin rejuvenation but later it is used for so many other indications like
- Skin scars or acne scars
- Alopecias
- Stretch marks
- Hyperhidrosis
- Drug delivery
- Less expensive
- Rosacea
- Deposit medicine like Topical tretinoin and vitamin c
- Help in treating large pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Protect premature aging
- It may help to reduce sebum production
- Help to treat pigmentation and sunspots
- Toned the skin
- Increase skin elasticity
Side Effects of Microneedling
- It is not magic. So it takes time to show some results.
- You may have some swelling and pain in the treated area. Your skin may be red after microneedling.
- Your skin may feel flaky and tight.
- Usually, no bleeding occurs but deep microneedling may cause bruises and bleeding.
- Active acne can get worse by doing microneedling.
- If the device is not properly cleaned then it can cause infection in the treated area.
- You may feel a little discomfort in the treated area for the next few hours.
- Reaction to topical medication can occur during microneedling.
- Not good if you do on keloid scarring and it can worsen the situation.
- Treatment from a dermatologist or a properly trained person may help to reduce the risk factors and side effects.
- People with blood clotting disorder should avoid this.
- Should not be done by pregnant women.
Derma Rolling at Home
The size of the derma roller needle for home care is 0.15 mm. You can roll it twice a week for several months. For cleaning, you should use hot running water and put it in the container carefully after it is shaken dry.
Post Procedure care
It is not a complicated treatment. You can tolerate its pain easily or you can use some numbing creams.
- Avoid direct sunlight
- You can continue your daily routine work the very next day
- Avoid itching and rubbing the treated area.
- You can combine with other acne scar treatments like subcision, microdermabrasion, and chemical peel to get the maximum benefits.
- Serums and moisturizers can be applied after derma rolling to maximize the effects.
- Try to use a derma roller at night so the skin gets some time to repair at night.
- Avoid using in the daytime as your skin may get interact with other substances like dirt and pollen.
How to use it at home?
- Take out your derma roller from the container.
- Run under the hot water to sterilize.
- Use topical anesthesia or numbing cream on the skin.
- Hold the skin tight and roll on each section upward and downward, right to left or left to right, and once diagonally.
- You can use serum after derma rolling to get more absorption.
- Spray the roller with rubbing alcohol and wash with hot running water and shake dry.
- Store in the container.
- Repeat this treatment twice a week.
- Apply an ice pack if you feel any redness or pain.
- Never go in the sun without sunscreen.
- Never share your device with other
Difference between Home roller and Microneedling (professional)
Microneedling is a professional procedure done by a dermatologist or board-certified doctor. It is not a very expensive treatment but some people want to save their amount and try home rollers.
Microneedles puncture the skin a little hard that’s why it is quite more painful at the clinic than home rollers. It gives long-lasting, invasive, and more remarkable results.
Conclusion
It is considered that microneedling is a less expensive and safe way to treat skin issues and make it smoother and toned. It is also good to tighten the loose skin after shedding weight and diminishing the stretch marks, acne scars, fine lines, crow feet, and open pores.
Home rollers are easy to do and more comfortable than professional microneedling. The results of home treatments may not be long-lasting. It has more chances of side effects at home without any training or supervision.
It is highly recommended to first consult your doctor and then start microneedling. Always buy a derma roller from a trusted retailer and follow your other skincare regime to get better results. Avoid using a derma roller on the infected or irritated areas.