So you finally decided to buy a dermaroller because you heard a lot of good feedback from your friends. But there are still some things you might be concerned of:

• How often do you have to do dermarolling?
• How many times do you have to change the device?
• How will you know if the product is still in good condition?

If you have these questions, we will help you answer this, so you can be properly guided on how to use the tool properly.

How often do you have to use dermarollers?

 

Actually, the length of the needles determines how often you will use dermarollers. Smaller sizes of micro needles can be used on a daily basis while larger ones can be used again after several weeks to months. The most important thing that you should keep in mind is that, before using dermaroller again, make sure that you don’t have any pinpoint redness on your skin.

Ensure that your skin has completely healed and it is ready for another treatment.

Generally, a 0.25 to 0.3 mm needle length can be use every other day. Dermarollers with 0.5 mm length can be used once a week or once a month. While needles with 0.75 mm and above, requires four to six weeks before the next treatment.

But most doctors’ advice to wait for several days until your skin is healed before proceeding with another treatment. If you use longer needles, your skin may need at least 30 days to fully recover.

 

How many times do you have to change the device?

 

Dermarollers used in medical clinics are used only once. For home care dermaroller treatment device, you may use it for several times.  If you handle your derma rollers properly, you can use it for fifteen treatments.

But in case, you accidentally drop your device. Doctor’s advice to dispose it immediately because dropping it may damage the micro needles, which may do more harm than good to your skin.

If you are using dermarollers for your body to remove cellulites, stretch marks, scars and other marks, you may replace your dermarollers after two to three months.

Just make sure to regularly clean your dermarollers every after using it. You may use a hot water to clean it and let it dry afterwards.  Or you may use a dermaroller cleaner, which can be bought in a local drug store.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol to sterilize your dermarollers.  You may also read the product label, if there is any cleaning tips or advice that is specially suited for the device you bought.

And also keep in mind, that you should not share your dermarollers to other users because it is very risky. 

 

How will you know if the product is still in good condition?

 

To make sure that the product is still in good condition, you have to take note when you bought it and how many times did you use it. Typically, you can use it for fifteen times, more than that you have to dispose it.  If you drop it, don’t use it anymore.

If you observe that it is no longer working efficiently as it was before, better to dispose the dermaroller.  Proper handling can lengthen the time that you can use the dermaroller.

 

How often do you have to perform the procedure?

 

The basic rule is – you can perform the next dermaroller treatment after your skin is completely healed.

In a dermatologist clinic, dermarolling treatment is usually performed at four to eight week intervals. And multiple follow-up treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results on your skin.  The duration of the treatment depends on the severity of your skin condition, the extent of the area involved, and it will also depends on your willingness and cooperation to follow the pre and post treatment procedures.

Before the procedure begins, your dermatologist will tell you some precautionary measures and the pre and post treatment procedures that you need to follow. When you do these things religiously, your skin will have a faster healing and recovery.

If you plan to do it at home, make sure that your skin has no any pinpoint redness, itchiness and other uncomfortable skin reactions from your previous treatment. It is also advisable to wait for few days to ensure that there will be no any premature skin reactions that may worsen your skin conditions.  If you notice, that it is healed completely, you may proceed.

Don’t be too eager or too excited to use the dermarollers.  Listen to your body. Give it time to heal and you will see better results.

If you are not sure whether it is healed or not, better to consult your dermatologist, so you can be given a proper medical advice.  It is okay to ask questions, if you are not sure of your judgment.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Keep in mind that proper handling of dermarollers is one of the key for the successful treatment of your skin condition.  Just remember the following tips:

• Read the product label so you would know how to use the device properly.
• Don’t drop the dermarollers, if you do, dispose it immediately.
• Clean your dermarollers every after use. Use sterilizers.
• Don’t share your dermarollers to others.
• Keep it in a safe place.
• Take note how many times you use your dermarollers, so you would know when to dispose it.
• Know the micro needle size, so you know how many times you will have to use it.
• Wait for your skin to heal completely before proceeding to the next treatment.

Dermarollers are simple and easy to use hand-held skin treatment devices. When you use it properly, you will not have any issues at all.  Some side effects noted are only minimal and are well-tolerated by most patients. Other side-effects noted are caused by improper handling of the device.

Just follow the tips that we gave you, and all your skin problems will be reduced or removed in due time!

 

Bibliography

Imran Majid and Gousia Sheikh. (2014). Microneedling and its applications in dermatology. International Journal of Aesthetic and Anti-aging Medicine .

Majid, I. (2009). Microneedling Therapy in Atrophic Facial Scars: An Objective Assessment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg , 26–30.

Mikolaj Milewski, Nicole K. Brogden, and Audra L. Stinchcomb. (2011). Current Aspects of Formulation Efforts and Pore Lifetime Related to Microneedle Treatment of Skin. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. , 617–629.

Moetaz El-Domyati, MD,corresponding author Manal Barakat, MD, Sherif Awad, MD, Walid Medhat, MD, Hasan El-Fakahany, MD, and Hanna Farag, MD. (2015). Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars An Objective Evaluation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. , 36–42.