Derma Rollers
Derma rolling can be used in combination with the complete line of ReJuveness Scar healing products for older scar revision. Its also effective for acne scars, stretch marks, chicken pox scars, post herpes zoster facial scars and hypertrophic scars.The success of derma-rolling or Micro-needling is a well documented. It works on the principle of forming microchannels which triggers a re-healing response. The tiny wounds produce a powerful stimulous of various signals initiating healing cascades.
Product Guide for Treating Scars and Other Skin Conditions with Derma Rollers
Covering us literally from head to toe, our skin—comprising the epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis—is the largest organ of the human body. Because it lies on the surface of the body, it is also the most vulnerable. Like a fine piece of seamless silk, over time it inevitably shows the wear, tear, and damage that comes from everyday use—or what we would call “scars.” Unfortunately, from the day we are born the skin begins to accumulate scars (remember, the belly button is our very first scar!), not to mention discoloration, blemishes, and other visible signs of the skin’s compromised integrity.
For thousands of years the medical profession and cosmetic industry have sought to maintain and even restore the skin’s youthfulness and integrity in various ways. For example, in ancient Egypt a cream formulated from frankincense gum and moringa tree sap was used to stave off wrinkles; while burns and scars were commonly treated with a poultice made from kohl, red ochre, and sycamore juice.
In the modern era, the arsenal of accepted treatments for managing problem scars has grown to include:
- scar-removal ointments and creams
- steroid injections
- dermabrasion
- chemical peels
- laser resurfacing
- intralesional cryotherapy (or “freezing”)
- surgery
- silicone gel sheeting
Among these, microneedling with derma rollers is one of the newest and most promising treatments for certain scar types. Among its many advantages, it is a relatively inexpensive, minimally invasive, and FDA-approved procedure that can be performed at home, with results similar to those provided by more costly laser treatments, chemical peels, and dermabrasion—but at a fraction of the cost. In addition, it has been shown to be effective in:
- minimizing the appearance of acne scars (pitted, raised, and ice pick type)
- lessening dimpling of the skin
- restoring skin color and texture of aged skin
- removing loose skin, lines, and wrinkles on the face
- reducing the appearance of stretch marks
- improving blood supply to remove cellulite
- slowing the progress of thinning hair, graying hair, and hair loss/alopecia
Acne Scar
(before & after)
Wrinkles Treatment
(before & after)
Hair Loss Treatment
(before & after)
The process can take several weeks or even months, but with a regular treatment regimen most users should see significant improvements in the scar’s appearance in a short time. This guide is intended as a vital information resource for our customers on the use and benefits of microneedling at home with Rejuveness derma rollers and related products.
Microneedling Explained
While “microneedling” is the best-known term for this procedure, it also goes by several other names: collagen induction therapy (CIT), percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), micro-needle therapy, micro-penning, skin needling, mesorolling, skin rolling, and derma rolling. Whatever the terminology used, however, the therapeutic principle underlying the procedure for treating scars remains the same.
By piercing the scar repeatedly without fully traumatizing the underlying and surrounding tissue, microneedling stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (“neovascularization”) and spurs the release of beneficial growth factors in the skin beneath the scar tissue. This mild trauma creates a slight inflammatory response, leading to the migration of new capillaries and fibroblasts into old scar tissue. Subsequently, synthesized collagen fibers integrate into the skin matrix, causing sunken scars to rise to skin level and raised scars to be lowered.
The needles, in essence, cause controlled “wounds” in the skin: that is, they create hundreds or even thousands of microchannels, through which can pass a proliferation of collagen fibroblasts and other growth factors. Research has found that skin treated with four microneedling sessions, one month apart, could lead to a 400% increase in collagen!
Derma Rollers
As the name implies, a derma roller is a small hand-held device equipped with a handle attached to a rolling cylinder studded with many dozens of extremely fine titanium alloy needles, spaced closely together and ranging in length from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. After applying a topical anesthetic cream and antiseptic alcohol to the scar site, the user rolls the instrument in different directions across the scar tissue. Applying the roller over an area of skin 15 times results in about 250 shallow holes per square cm, yet does so without significantly damaging the epidermis.
Derma Stamp
Like the derma roller, a derma stamp is studded with fine metal needles. The only difference is that it is pressed against the skin rather than rolled across it. Derma stamps are more appropriate in scar revision applications where a smaller area of skin is to be addressed.
When used in combination with Rejuveness silicone sheeting and Hyper-Heal Cream, the improvement levels in scar appearance with microneedling can be dramatic. For instance, in one clinical study with acne scar patients, certain types of scarring decreased by nearly half with only three treatments at four-month intervals!
Common Rejuveness Products Used In Conjunction With Derma Rollers
Non-adhesive Silicone sheets 3 to 10 inch
3.2 - 7 inches, starting at $19.95
Hyper-Heal Cream
ReJuveness' Hyper-Heal Scar Cream is the solution to raised and discolored scarring. Hyper-Heal cream works to produce more aesthetic results when healing fresh or problem scars raised scarring as well as return skin to its natural skin tone. The 17 gram bottle is the recommended size for healing small to medium sized scars.
For most types of scars, a derma roller with 192 needles (or derma stamp with 35 needles) should be sufficient. Using instruments of higher needle density (e.g., derma rollers with 540 needles or derma stamps with 80 needles) means you may be able to achieve greater penetration in less time. There may also be less discomfort in the needle therapy process with the latter type of instruments, in that the gauge (or thickness) of the needles is .20 mm, compared to the standard needle gauge of .25 mm.
Whichever type of instrument is used, the effect is approximately the same: derma rolling and derma stamping stimulate a cascade of physiological events intended ultimately to reduce the severity of the scar’s appearance. What is important is the length of the needle used for a specific indication. As this diagram illustrates, the depth and severity of the scar tissue determines which length of derma roller needle may work best for a given situation:
Which Length of Derma Roller Needle Is Best for Me?
There are several types of scars and skin conditions, but not all of them are perfect candidates for successful skin needling treatments. Because microneedling increases the formation of collagen, we have found that the derma-rolling process is best suited to scars of the atrophic type (such as those caused by acne, chicken pox, and herpes zoster), as well as for the treatment of stretch marks, age lines, wrinkles, cellulite, and hair loss. Use this sizing chart as a guideline to determine the length of needle you should order for your derma roller or derma stamp.
For more information about the use, care, and effects of our microneedling products, see this Derma Rollers FAQs page.
You can also click here to read an informative blog post on derma rolling and microneedling.
FAQ's About Derma Rollers and Derma Stamps
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How do derma rollers work on scars and other skin conditions?
The derma roller is a device consisting of a heavy-duty plastic roller head covered in high-quality titanium alloy needles. The needles are designed to penetrate the stratum corneum, or hard outer surface, of the epidermal layer of the skin 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 scar formation, hair follicle malnutrition, stretch marks, cellulites, wrinkles, and aging skin. The roller increases blood flow to the surface, thereby stimulating collagen regrowth.
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How long does a derma roller last?
Our derma rollers are of very high quality and are equipped with medical-grade needles. With the proper care, a derma roller will last approximately six to eight months. Nevertheless, over time the microneedles will eventually become blunt, just as an expensive razor would.
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Does using a derma roller hurt?
The needles on the roller and stamp are long enough to penetration your skin, but thin enough that they will not damage the skin or scalp in any way. It is normal for the skin or scalp to bleed slightly and to be a little sensitive when the procedure is first commenced, but most people report no problems after a few days.
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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 even tickles, but you get used to it. The sensation varies from one person to the next.
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Do I need to sterilize my derma roller before and after use?
Yes! To avoid contaminating your skin, clean your derma roller before and after you use it, and regularly sanitize it with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Never share your roller with another person. A printed sheet with more detailed care and cleaning instructions are included with the product.
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Can I use the derma roller or stamp on an active acne or herpes outbreak or other inflammation of the skin?
No, that will just make it worse. Wait until the acne or herpes breakout or inflammation has passed before microneedling the affected area.