Derma Rolling Q & A
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What is a Derma, Skin or Micro-Needling Roller and how does it work?
The Derma Roller is an instrument consisting of a heavy duty plastic roller head covered in high quality titanium needles. The needles are designed to penetrate the stratum corneum, conium the hard outer surface of the epidermal layer of the skin, body or scalp. Hundreds of tiny channels are created through the stratum corneum, which facilitate the passage and absorption of your skin care product, or minoxidil for hair restoration into the dermis, to maximize its absorption. It gently exfoliates excess skin cells that contribute to hair follicle malnutrition, scaring or premature aging, and ultimately hair follicle failure, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite and scars. The roller stimulates blood flow to the surface, gives a skin massage, cleans out the pores, and stimulates collagen re-growth.
What are the names used for needling?
Needling is also called Collagen-Induction-Therapy (CIT), derma rolling, skin rolling or needling, PCI (Percutaneous Collagen Induction) micro needling, Micro needle Therapy and mesorolling.
What does needle gauge mean?
The gauge of the needles is whether it's thick or thin. Thicker needles will cause scarring, unnecessary pain and bleeding. Thinner needles will not stimulate enough collagen or elastin to be effective. Our Derma Roller needles are the right gauges, so they do not cause these problems.
How long does the Derma Roller last?
Our skin rollers are very high quality, with the proper care and continual use, it will last approximately six to eight months. The needles will not wear out as much (as they are medical grade,) but with continual use they will eventually become blunt, just as an expensive razor would.
Does the Derma Roller hurt?
The needles on the roller and stamp are long enough to assist in the penetration of your skin care product, but will not damage the skin or scalp in any way. It is normal for the skin or skin or scalp to be a little sensitive when scalp rolling is first commenced, but most people report no problems after a few days.
Does the Derma Roller cause color changes on the skin?
Discoloration is rare and generally only a 'permanent problem' if a 2.0 or longer needle is used, I have never seen a permanent color change, and we have been using the skin rollers in our clinic for some time. Changes in skin color can also be because of toxins migrating to the surface and then the color (patches) fading out as you keep rolling. Also, old collagen fibers break down as you roll, and as the skin is uneven, there may look like changes in color in patches, but this is temporary. New color also comes to the skin naturally as you roll, such as healthy glow, as pores are cleaned out and new collagen grows. So that would be the color you're supposed to see. I wouldn't suggest you use any chemical on the color change, just keep rolling and allow it to balance out naturally - if it ever does occur.
Does the Derma Roller damage the skin?
No, there have been no reports of side effects with the roller. The Nova Skin Roller penetrates the stratum corneum (top skin layer), where tiny needles form infiltration channels for a short space of time. The extreme slim needle-tips push the scales of the epidermis only aside, but they do not destroy them. The infiltration channels are closed in less than an hour. With shaving it's a fact that the sharp razor blades remove part of the stratum corneum, but there are no reports that this centuries old procedure of shaving has any negative effect to the skin.
How should I use the Derma Roller?
With your free hand hold the skin, putting it under some slight tension. Place the skin roller on the skin and roll with a constant movement to the end of the skin area. Roll two or three times over the same spot back and forth over the skin and in different directions.
Do you have to use an anesthetic gel or cream with the Derma Roller?
Some people use numbing cream for cellulite and face needling. Others feel it is not necessary. Most people claim that the roller is a little irritating or tickles, but you get used to it. So it varies from one person to the next.
Do I need to sterilize my roller after use?
Yes. It's essential to keep your roller in a clean and sterile condition. Always wash your roller in hot water after every use. Once a week, stand the roller head first in half your plastic cylinder (the one the roller comes in) with disinfectant for about half an hour. Shake off excess liquid and allow the roller to dry on a clean towel. Finally, put the cap on the roller and store it in the clean sealed container, which is also supplied. Do not ever share your roller with another person due to probable cross contamination.
What type of disinfectant should I use?
You can buy a small bottle of disinfectant from the first-aid section of your local supermarket or pharmacy.
Can I treat my face and arms with the Derma Roller?
All areas of the face, neck, and body can be treated.
Is it okay to use the Derma Roller if I have Radiesse injected already in my skin?
Yes, it's ok to use the Derma Roller over skin fillers.
Can I use the skin roller on my face if I have active acne?
No, it will make the acne spread.
I have used the skin roller for the first time and it was ok on the first day, but now two days later I have red bumpy patches on my cheeks and forehead. It looks like I have acne. Is this normal?
It sounds as though you have released toxins/old collagen fibers from below the surface of your skin, which is good of course. Just keep the area clean and do not use the skin roller again until your face is clear. In the meantime, use moisturizer. The renewing skin cycle/new collagen regrowth is typically 4-6 weeks.
Can the Derma Roller be used on broken blood vessels or spider veins?
Yes you can use the roller on veins close to the surface of the face and body. Derma rolling helps to break up larger blood vessels. Derma Roller is like a rolling pin to which many, tiny, thin, acupuncture-like needles are attached. It can be used to crisscross the dilated blood vessels, semi-colon disrupting them like this promotes their disappearance. Healing is usually complete in a few days and treatments may be repeated at monthly intervals as needed.
What cream should I use after rolling?
After rolling use a good quality product (cream or oil) ingredient try our Claudio products, as after rolling the skin will absorb 84 percent of the product - compared to 4 percent without skin needling. The roller facilitates tiny channels/holes for it to literally go into the skin, painlessly. Needling stimulates blood flow and collagen re-growth. Skin care products used after rolling are extremely beneficial. You can also use Vitamin A and C, copper peptides or a high quality, vitamin enriched active ingredient moisturizer.
How long does it take to see results with the Derma Roller?
All skin is different so we can't give a definite time frame for results. However, as you roll, your skin will feel lighter, tighter, and brighter almost immediately. If you are treating scars or wrinkles you will see results each week as they skin changes and collagen re-grows, then after one to three months, deeper results.
Can I use a skin roller when breastfeeding or pregnant?
No. Reason being, when pregnant, lactating and breastfeeding, the body needs all of its vitamins to feed the baby. However, the production of new collagen uses some of these vitamins. Therefore, it's best not to use the Derma Roller at this time.
Do you need to be careful in the sun after rolling?
No, sun-sensitivity is not induced because of needling
Click here for information on treating scars with derma rolling.