Benefits of dermarolling and the natural ingredients for the after care

Much has been discussed about the benefits of dermarolling in the wake of this method’s increasing popularity. 

As part of a growing interest in non-invasive skin rejuvenation techniques, dermarolling involves the use of a small, handheld device that is able to generate controlled microscopic punctures in the skin thanks to its roller head, which is covered in tiny needles. While this premise might sound daunting, the buzz surrounding the benefits of dermarolling in skin health and appearance have led many to overcome their initial reserve for the method. 

Going beyond trends and the list of benefits of dermarolling provided below, it’s worth noting only understanding the correct procedure and after care recommendations can open the door to fully accessing this technique’s advantages.

How does dermarolling work on the skin?

Dermarolling utilizes a handheld device with a head covered in tiny needles that can penetrate the dermis, creating controlled, superficial micro-injuries. This process stimulates a wound-healing response in the skin, which is the key to the many benefits of dermarolling: the skin responds by promoting the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins involved in skin structure and elasticity, hence reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines. 

Additionally, this wound-healing response can increase blood flow to the skin, thus enhancing cosmetic product absorption, andWhile some people put dermarolling and micro-needling in the same category, it’s worth noting some prefer differentiating between both concepts. 

Even if both are based on the same principle, some experts prefer highlighting how microneedle tools generally provide a deeper penetration and are recommended only for professional use; meanwhile, most dermarolling rolls can be employed both by a professional cosmetics practitioner and at home. In any case, before any procedure is applied, it’s important to consult with specialized dermatologists or cosmetic practitioners, who can also provide tips on each individual’s skin concerns.

What are the benefits of dermarolling?

The benefits of dermarolling can vary depending not only on the frequency and quality of the application, but also on the different needle lengths, which vary based on the treatment area and the specific skin condition being addressed. 

As an overview, shorter needles such as those measuring 0.25 mm are ideal for minor skin texture issues, as well as enhancing product absorption or superficial skin texture improvement. 0.5 mm needles are able to penetrate deeper and are often allies for overall skin rejuvenation. Needles from 1.0 mm (going up to 2.5 mm and beyond) are recommended for professional use and can target more advanced treatments, including deeper wrinkles or scarring issues.

Taking this into consideration, an overall overview of the benefits of dermarolling includes:

1. Reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles

By stimulating collagen and elastin production, dermarolling can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the visible signs of aging. 2. Improves skin texture

Smoother and more even-toned skin can be promoted through dermarolling thanks to the regenerative and wound-healing action it promotes. 

3. Reduces the appearance of scars or stretch marks

Dermarolling can be effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and other types of scars, as well as stretch marks. Related to rollers with longer needle length, their action is related to the wound-healing system explained above.

4. Enhances product absorption

By creating microscopic channels in the skin, dermarolling can help skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, improving their effectiveness.

5. Promotes Hair Growth

It has been suggested that derma rolling may help to stimulate hair growth by promoting blood flow to the scalp and encouraging hair follicle activity. This aligns with other strategies for hair growth solutions that also target increased blood flow to the scalp.

Is dermarolling really effective?

The scientific literature surrounding the benefits of dermarolling can be traced back to a series of articles back in the 1990s.

A study regarding “subcision” or dermal needling for scars by Orentreich (1995) provided a window into this method’s effectiveness for this specific type of tissue. Additionally, a Camirand and Doucet (1997) article looked at needle dermabrasion techniques to treat scars. These were complemented in the article by Fernandes (2002), which focused on percutaneous collagen induction as an alternative to laser resurfacing.

Then, a review of scientific literature surrounding the benefits of dermarolling for transdermal drug delivery was published in 2020 by Dsouza et al.

From then on, the scientific findings were onto more specific skin concerns that could be easily applied for beauty purposes: Regarding the benefits of dermarolling for acne scars, a study by Fabbrocini et al. (2009) found “the severity grade of rolling scars in all patients was greatly reduced and there was an overall aesthetic improvement”. Or another paper looking at skin needling in the treatment of the aging neck (Fabbrocini et al., 2011) presented evidence for the efficacy of skin needling for the aging neck.

Dermarolling procedure: how do you dermaroll properly?

It’s important to mention that dermarolling treatments performed at home should be based on shorter needle lengths. Taking this into account, the following steps could serve as a proper dermaroll routine:

• Clean the skin and sterilize the roll to avoid infections.
• Roll the device gently over the skin in various directions to create a grid-like pattern of punctures. This opens the door to enhanced collagen production through a mechanical process. 
  Some devices include a product that is delivered while rolling, others may require the use of a skincare product right after, when the skin is more ‘open to penetration’ thanks to the micro-injuries made. Here, products that cointain active ingredients like Zirhafirm™ represent the perfect companion for this treatment, thanks to its proven collagen production action for better skin firmness and elasticity.
• Take the right safety precautions to minimize the risk of side effects. This includes avoiding sensitive areas (those with active acne, sunburn or other skin conditions) and consulting to professional dermatologists for clarifying any potential concerns or underlying skin conditions.
• Consider the right after care for your dermarolling routine. After the rolling, the skin might have a slightly red appearance or feel irritated for a short period of time. Soothing moisturizing and avoiding harsh skincare products in the next hours are key for accessing all the benefits of dermarolling without any undesirable side effects. 
  In this process, the active ingredient Dermasooth™ becomes the perfect partner after a dermarolling session for skin. This plant-based active reduces skin sensitivity caused by mechanical damage, having shown in vitro efficacy in inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, thus reducing inflammation and redness.

As the benefits of dermarolling continue entering mainstream beauty and cosmetic narratives, it’s important to both research the method and get in touch with reputable professionals that may solve any questions regarding both the advantages of the technique and its limitations.

All in all, the combination of mechanical treatments and advanced plant-based cosmetic ingredients such as the ones mentioned here provide a winning combination that addresses current market preferences.