Safety First: Tips for Using a Derma Roller Effectively

A derma roller amazon can make a big difference in the appearance of multiple skin concerns at once, like acne scarring, dry skin, large pores, and fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great alternative to a costly professional microneedling procedure.

A derma roller essentially punctures the outer layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production. It also helps skincare products absorb better.

Best for Acne Scars

A good at-home derma roller amazon can lessen the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, as well as boost your skincare products’ absorption. This one by MPOPUUL has 540 titanium needles that are 0.25mm in length and comes with replaceable heads for the face, neck, eyes, and body. It’s also easy to use and sterilize, and it comes with a disinfecting basin that you can store it in.

When using a derma roller, it’s important to start slow and apply gentle pressure, says Kerry Benjamin, an expert aesthetician at Stacked Skincare in Los Angeles. She recommends starting with a 0.2-millimeter roller for at-home microneedling and gradually increasing the size of the needles as your tolerance grows.

Skotnicki suggests reaching for a tool with titanium or stainless steel needles, as these are stronger than plastic ones and will last longer. When rolling, divide your face into four quadrants and roll the device horizontally, vertically, and diagonally over each area.

Best for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

There’s no guarantee that a derma roller will instantly erase fine lines and wrinkles, but this popular model is said to reduce the appearance of these signs for those who regularly use the device. It also enhances the absorption of skincare products like retinol and facial oil, which is a plus.

This kit comes with five replaceable heads, each of which is designed to target a different zone of the face and body. This all-in-one tool is a great option for first-time derma roller users and has been praised by reviewers for helping to improve the look of acne scars, cellulite, stretch marks, and uneven skin texture.

Unlike the more intense in-office microneedling procedure, at-home derma rollers don’t penetrate the skin as deeply. Still, it’s important to follow instructions carefully to avoid any unnecessary irritation and bruising. For example, you should never derma roll over any open wounds or areas with excessive pigmentation (like your chin or cheeks). And always use a face serum before and after rolling to maximize the benefits.

Best for Hair Growth

A derma roller stimulates hair growth by stimulating the scalp’s natural wound healing response, which leads to the deposition of growth factors and stimulation of hair follicles. It’s especially effective for people with traction alopecia, androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata.

When choosing a hair growth roller, it’s important to choose one that is safe for at-home use. Those with active acne or warts should avoid derma rolling, and those with psoriasis, eczema or blood-clot issues may also experience complications. It’s also important to avoid excessive pressure while rolling and to use an irritation-free oil post-treatment, such as argan, coconut or jojoba, which closely mimic the scalp’s sebum to help control inflammation.

When using a derma roller for hair growth, it’s recommended to start with 1-2 treatments per week and increase frequency gradually as your skin adjusts to the micro-injuries. Always take a day off after each treatment, and monitor for any tenderness or erythema that lasts longer than 48 hours as a sign to reduce frequency or needle length.

Best for Dry Skin

Microneedling can be scary, but this at-home version is easier to handle (and doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as pro ones do). This roller, which has more than 30,000 five-star reviews, contains 540 titanium needles at 0.25 millimeter length that are designed to lessen the appearance of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and wrinkles.

It also helps amplify the absorption of your face serum and moisturizer, so you can get the most out of your skincare routine. Benjamin suggests starting at your neck or jawline and rolling over the entire face in one fluid motion, with a gentle amount of pressure. “You can even move the roller horizontally and diagonally for added exfoliation,” she says.

Then, follow up with your normal routine—you’ll probably want to apply a retinol afterward to help prevent any irritation. And make sure you keep the roller clean with rubbing alcohol before and after each use.