Home based dermaroller

Dermaroller treatment can be carried out at a private clinic or at home. This section discusses home based dermaroller which includes a review of the more popular types of rollers; how to use them and what you can expect.

But if you prefer to have this treatment carried out by a dermaroller practitioner then visit our finding a clinic section. That section contains useful information about what to look for when choosing a clinic, questions to ask and the cost of the treatment.

Choice of dermarollers

There are a wide range of dermarollers available for use at home. Here is a selection of the most popular brands which are discussed individually within this section.

These include:

Visit any of these subsections to find our more about these dermaroller brands. These rollers are arranged in alphabetical order rather than order of importance.

This section includes a set of general instructions about using a dermaroller but each brand will be accompanied by its own set of guidelines.

Follow these guidelines as directed. Do not allow others to use your dermaroller and keep it away from children and animals, e.g. pets.

But let us backtrack a little to the question of which dermaroller should you choose?

What to consider when buying a dermaroller

The type of dermaroller you choose will depend upon your skin condition and budget. Price is always an issue and you need to factor this in when comparing the different brands.

Compare different brands of dermarollers as you would with any product with the aim of finding one which is suitable for your individual needs and lifestyle.

Note the emphasis on ‘your individual needs’: the reason we mention this is because everyone is different when it comes to purchasing a dermaroller and what works for one person may not necessarily be the best choice for you.

Disposable dermarollers

There is the choice of buying a set of disposable rollers (similar to disposable razors) which is a cost effective option. These rollers may not be as durable or strong as the more expensive rollers but it does mean having a nice new roller to use every month.

Using a dermaroller for face and body treatment

Your dermaroller should be packaged with a set of instructions but if not then you will find these on websites such as this.

The following instructions are designed for skin conditions such as acne scarring, stretch marks, ageing skin, surgical scars and cellulite removal.

This treatment differs slightly when used for hair loss and is discussed further on in this section. See Using a dermaroller for hair loss.

Use the dermaroller with care

Whichever method you use, make sure that you do not apply too much pressure so that it causes the dermaroller to draw blood. You should experience a prickling sensation on your skin –which is more noticeable if used on your face but there should not be any pain or bleeding.

If there is then you are pressing the dermaroller too heavily on your skin. Always check your skin before each session and evaluate afterwards.

Plan your dermaroller sessions and keep to a routine. But before you use the roller make sure that you set up a sterile environment beforehand.

Do NOT use a dermaroller on your lips or eyelids as these are sensitive areas which can be easily damaged.

Sterile environment

This involves washing your hands thoroughly and drying them with a clean towel. Set aside an area in your house for dermaroller sessions.

Set up a ‘treatment table’ on which you will place the items needed for your session. Ensure that you have cleaned and disinfected this beforehand.

Place the following items on this table:

Dermaroller
Anti-bacterial cream/lotion/gel
Topical gel (optional)
Bowl of ice cold water and a clean cloth
Clean towel
Paper towels
A face/body moisturising cream
Timer (use a kitchen timer)
Glass of disinfectant (to clean the dermaroller)

If you are using a dermaroller for the first time then you may have to sterilise this first. Some brands are pre-sterilised but check this first before use.

Ensure that the area of skin to be treated is clean and dry.

Choice of two methods

To start with, there are two methods for using a dermaroller which are:

Using a dermaroller 5 times a week but with less pressure than the method above. This is known as the ‘simple method’.

Using a topical gel (local anaesthetic) to numb the skin before use. This is followed by intense use of a dermaroller once a week. Also known as the ‘professional method’.

Basically, the first method involves an aggressive use of a dermaroller but once a week only.

The second method involves a gentle use of a dermaroller but for up to five times a week.

Both of these methods are described in more detail further on in this section.

Simple method

This is the most popular form of use due to the fact that it is quick and easy and fits in well with many people’s lifestyles. Most of us lead busy lives and want something which will not take up too much of our precious time.

Roll the device back and forward over your skin. Do this at least four times and in a range of directions. These directions refer to the points of a compass –north, south, east and west.

There should not be any pain when doing so. You will have to experiment with this at first until you know what the right amount of pressure you can use without causing any discomfort.

After this treatment, apply a vitamin based moisturising cream to your skin.

Use this roller up to five times a week. You can use it every day if you wish but it is better to let your skin rest and repair for a couple of days.

Do not use your roller more than once a day.

Professional method

This requires a greater level of preparation on your behalf but you only have to do this once a week. Arrange when to have this session and set out your treatment area as discussed in the sterile environment section.

Apply a vitamin enriched cream or lotion to the area of skin to be treated a few days before your dermaroller session. This will ensure optimum results from the treatment session.

On the day of your session apply a topical gel to your skin which will act as a form of local anaesthetic (‘topicaine gel’). This will numb the skin and takes around 15 minutes to work.

Wipe away any excess gel with paper towels before you start.

Then apply the roller to your skin. Work in a series of 4 rhythmical strokes up and down your skin. Think of the four ‘compass points’ as you do so.

This method involves a heavier use of the dermaroller.

Once you have completed this session, apply an anti-bacterial cream/lotion/gel to your skin. Choose a skincare product which contains vitamins C and E as these can aid with collagen production. Follow this by the application of a moisturiser.

Your skin may have a reddish colour afterwards which is similar to sunburn but it will ease after a short period of time.

Using a dermaroller for hair loss

This is very similar to that used for face and body treatment. It includes hair loss/thinning hair or loss of hair colour (going grey).

Wash/shower your hair and dry it thoroughly with a towel.

Then apply the dermaroller to your scalp. Roll it over your scalp in just the one direction, e.g. back to front and as a single stroke.

Then apply your hair loss product, for example Minoxidil to your scalp. Massage this in to your scalp as per instructions.

Do this once a day and up to five times a week.

Looking after your dermaroller

It is important to care for your dermaroller. Rinse it out in hot water after use and then place it in the glass of disinfectant. Leave it there for 30 minutes to an hour but only do this if it has been used with the topical gel.

Then shake off any excess water and leave it dry on a clean towel. Do not put it away whilst still wet.

If the roller has been used in the simple method (gentle use) then you only need to disinfect it on a weekly basis. Do not allow your dermaroller to become damaged or come into contact with other objects.

Do not use a dermaroller on skin which is sore, chapped, grazed or cut. Avoid using it if you have developed herpes simplex, skin infections or rashes.

This also applies if you suffer from poor wound healing, blood diseases, are prone to thick scars (keloids) or have been diagnosed with diabetes. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are uncertain then seek medical advice.