This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
One of 2017's most popular (and unconventional) beauty trends, dermarolling has gained major traction for its ability to eliminate imperfections - from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and discoloration - through the use of needles. Yep, that's right. Derma rollers contains hundreds of tiny daggers to create micro-injuries on the skin. This in turn tells your body to produce more collagen and elastin for a plumper, more vibrant complexion.
Whether you're a derma roller devotee or new to the rolling game, read on to discover six useful tips for using the powerful tool.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Choose The Right Size
As far as needle size goes, experts recommend using .3 mm or lower, as anything thicker is more likely to damage the skin. For a quality derma roller that fits this bill, try DivineDerma 540 Micro Needling DermaRoller For Face. Amazon consumers love it not only because it works well with all skin types, but because it's also super affordable (just under $15).
Prep Your Skin Properly
Before start rolling, prep your skin by cleansing and then exfoliating with a chemical peel. This second steps allows your skin to better absorb the ingredients used in tandem with the derma roller.
Apply Special Serums
After your peel, apply one to two layers of serum to brighten dark spots and discoloration from the bottom up. But you'll want to choose the right ingredients to get the best results, celebrity esthetician Kerry Benjamin told Byrdie. She suggests opting for formulas that contain hyaluronic acid, stem cells, peptides, and growth factors, as these "maximize the effects of micro-needling to stimulate collagen, speed up cell turnover, lift hyperpigmentation, smooth out fine lines, firm, plump, and hydrate."
On the other hand, stay clear of ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, which when used with derma rollers, can cause excessive irritation.
Use Your Derma Roller With Care
While you may be eager to get instant results, never apply too much pressure. Gently roll the tool over your cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and neck twice in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal motions. Only press as hard as you can tolerate - no need to put yourself through any pain! You may apply even lighter pressure on your lips and under eyes, as the skin is more delicate in these areas.
Tailor Your Usage To Your Skin Concern
One of the most common questions asked about derma rollers is how frequently they should be used. The answer? It actually depends on the skin concern you're treating. Some people stick to once a month with great results, but it can be used as often as a few times per week if you have a lot of discoloration or fine lines.
Clean Your Roller With Rubbing Alcohol
Finally, you'll want to take care of your derma roller to ensure its long life. After each use, cleanse it with rubbing alcohol and store it in a plastic case. You should also replace your derma roller often: once a month if you’re using it several times a week or after about 10 to 15 uses.
