New in the beauty world, and not for the faint of heart, comes the derma roller and the micro needling process. Covered in tiny surgical needles, the derma roller resembles a medieval torture device. Why would one ever purposefully roll needles over their thin, sensitive facial skin? Read on.
The derma roller claims many benefits, some as follows:
- Scar reduction, including acne scars
- Stretch Mark reduction and repair
- Fine line or Wrinkle reduction and repair
- Cellulite reduction
- Large Pore reduction
- Hair Loss restoration
- Hyper Pigmentation treatment
How does it work?
The theory behind micro needling is that creating tiny holes in the skin does 2 things. First, it allows your topical skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin. Second, it is thought that causing a little injury stimulates the skin’s healing mechanisms and collagen production. This concept is no different than that used in laser treatments.
Do they actually work?
A quick google search on the “derma roller” results in rave reviews by beauty bloggers and consumers alike. While this may be enough to convince you, we brought it to the professionals…
Professional Opinion
Esthetician Jacqueline Burdge from Artisan Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Toledo, Ohio practices the professional version of derma rolling, referred to as Microneedling or Collagen Induction Therapy, and done with a Micropen.
Jacqueline explained that the theory behind derma rolling does in fact work, and she has seen great success in many of her patients that undergo her professional treatment, especially after 3 or 4 sessions. But she has some concerns about the at-home derma roller…
“Rollers are not recommended because when you picture a roller of needles over the skin…the needle goes in at one point then the roller continues in motion and the needle pivots in the skin making the hole much larger than it needs to be. I picture the puncture in the skin looking like a funnel. Not only does this produce an undesirable result, but you must question the sanitation when people are typically using these in their bathroom.”
“When I do this procedure with the Eclipse Micropen, the needles move up and down at 8500 rpm, so not only is there no tearing of the skin, but I can dial and control the depth of my pen. Determining the depth is contingent on the results that are desired.”
Verdict
Many women are seeing results from the at-home derma roller, but it must be used carefully, properly, and consistently sanitized, or it can damage skin and you’ll be worse off than when you started. If you’re not up to that challenge, or you want it done right the first time, professional treatments are safe and effective. If you’re in the Toledo, OH area, make an appointment with Jacqueline at 419-605-0012, or find a licensed practitioner in your area.
