A derma roller is said to boost collagen production and ensure smoother skin and a glowing complexion. In our large derma roller test, we will tell you how well this works and what you should consider when using microneedling.
Whether acne, scars, wrinkles or cellulite: A derma roller is designed to smooth and tighten the skin and ensure a fresh complexion. How it works? The fine needles of the roller cause micro-injuries in the upper layer of skin, whereupon more collagen and elastin are formed, which are responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. We will tell you here what effects you can expect, how to use the roller and which needle rollers are recommended.
Difference between face roller and derma roller
- A classic facial roller has no needles. Instead, the roller is made of a semi-precious stone, for example rose quartz, amethyst or rock crystal. Jade rollers are particularly popular. They are used to massage the skin of the face and are intended to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Swellings on the face can also be easily cooled and drained with such a massage roller. Simply place the roller in the fridge before use.
- A derma roller has many fine needles. These cause tiny injuries in the top layer of skin, which boosts the natural production of elastin and collagen. Treating the skin with a derma roller is also called microneedling and can reduce wrinkles, scars, stretch marks and even pigment spots. The effectiveness was studies confirmed. Dermarollers come in different needle lengths for different purposes.
What does a derma roller do?
A derma roller creates micro-injuries in the top layer of skin, which boosts collagen and elastin production. Treatment with a needle roller can do this Significantly improve the complexion. Microneedling with the derma roller has the following advantages:
- Better absorption of skin care products: Due to the micro-injuries in the skin, skin creams and serums can be better absorbed.
- Improving skin firmness: The increased production of collagen and elastin helps tighten the skin. Derma rollers are also suitable for anti-cellulite treatment.
- Improvement of the skin structure: Microneedling can refine the complexion and reduce large pores.
- reduction of wrinkles: By stimulating collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced, resulting in smoother and younger-looking skin.
- improvement of scars: The needle roller can be used to treat (acne) scars as it promotes skin regeneration and reduces the visibility of scars.
- Lightening of pigment spots: With regular use, microneedling can help reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation.
How long should the needles be?
The length of needle your derma roller should have depends on which area of your skin you want to treat and for what purpose. If you’ve never used a needle roller before, you should start with shorter needles first and see how your skin reacts. If you tolerate the treatment well, you can try a roller with longer needles next time. In principle, the following needle lengths are suitable for the following areas of application.
- 0.25 millimeters: Needles of this length are good for treating enlarged pores, small scars or wrinkles. After a treatment with a needle roller of this length, active ingredients can also be transported deeper into the skin. This needle length is also perfect for beginners. Needles with a length of 0.25 mm can easily be used twice a week.
- 0.5 millimeters: A needle roller with this needle length will help reduce heavier scars, deeper wrinkles and pigment spots. This length can also be used to stimulate hair growth. You should use a roller with this needle length at most once a week so that the skin has enough time to regenerate in the meantime.
- 0.75 millimeters: This needle length is intended for use on the body, for example to treat severe scars or stretch marks. This needle length is already too long for treatment on the face, as the skin on the face is thinner. A treatment can take place every 14 days.
- From 1.0 millimeters: Dermarollers with this needle length penetrate the top layer of skin and can cause damage if used incorrectly. You should therefore not carry out microneedling with needles longer than 1 mm yourself, but leave it to a beautician or dermatologist. They usually use a dermapen instead of a dermaroller.
Dermaroller test: Our criteria
Unfortunately, there are also many derma rollers of poor quality on the market, which in the worst case can even damage your skin. You should definitely pay attention to the following criteria when buying:
- real needles: Some cheap derma rollers don’t have real needles, but rather stamped-out metal pads. These are blunter than real needles and can easily bend. They therefore harbor a high risk of injury and infection. Needle rollers with fake needles are strongly discouraged.
- material of the needles: Dermaroller needles should be made of medical grade stainless steel or titanium. The material has the advantage that very fine and sharp needles can be manufactured. In addition, the material is well tolerated and does not bend so quickly.
- number of needles: Needle rollers usually have between 100 and 500 needles. The more needles a roller has, the more micro-injuries it creates in the skin. If you want to do an intensive treatment, use a roller with many needles. If you want a softer start, first choose a roller with fewer needles. The main thing is that the quality of the needles is right!
- needle length: Choosing the right needle length depends on what exactly you want to treat. 0.25mm needles are good for treating enlarged pores, small scars or wrinkles. 0.5mm needles help reduce heavier scars, deeper wrinkles and pigment spots. 0.75mm needles are useful for tackling larger scars or stretch marks on the body. Derma rollers from a length of 1 mm belong in the hands of professionals.
- Safe grip: The needle roller should fit comfortably in the hand so that the treatment can be carried out safely. Non-slip material and an ergonomic handle are advantageous here.
Dermaroller test: Our 3 test winners
Faces of Fey derma roller
Our favourite: The Faces of Fey derma roller convinces with 192 real needles made of surgical stainless steel, which promise flawless treatment. The roller is available with three different needle lengths of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm, so you can choose the right model for your needs. The ergonomically shaped handle with anti-slip perforation enables safe use.
Tip: In the Faces of Fey Microneedling Kit Not only does it contain the derma roller with a needle length of your choice, but also a moisturizing serum that was specially developed for microneedling and a sanitizer with which you can thoroughly clean the roller.
Koi Beauty derma roller
The Koi Beauy derma roller has 200 real titanium needles. The material is just as recommendable as stainless steel and even more suitable for people with a nickel allergy. The roller has 200 well-spaced needles and an ergonomic handle. The roller is available with five different needle lengths: 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm, whereby derma rollers from a length of one millimeter belong in the hands of professionals.
Incell Ice derma roller
Top value for money: The Incell Ice derma roller is particularly cheap despite good quality. The Dermaroller is equipped with 200 high-quality genuine titanium needles that will not rust, bend or cause allergic reactions. The Dermaroller is available in five different needle lengths from 0.25 mm to 2 mm. We recommend choosing a needle roller with a length of less than one millimeter for home use.
How do you use a derma roller?
Using a dermaroller is straightforward, but it should always be done correctly to avoid injury and get good results. The application takes place in several steps:
Step 1: Before you start the treatment, you should clean and disinfect the derma roller and then let it dry. This will ensure that the application is hygienic and prevent inflammation.
Step 2: Cleanse and clarify your skin with a gentle cleansing gel and a mild toner. Do not use any harsh product or scrub before your dermaroller treatment. That would only irritate the skin further.
Step 3: Apply a moisturizing serum of your choice. Serums with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, for example, are particularly suitable. They support the skin in the regeneration process.
Step 4: Now guide the needle roller gently over the individual parts of your face, i.e. the forehead, cheeks and chin. You should avoid the sensitive area around the eyes. On each part of the face, you should roll left to right about 6 times and top to bottom 6 times. Set the scooter down in between and proceed carefully and with little pressure.
Step 5: After use, you should rinse the derma roller under running water and then disinfect it and let it dry.
Step 6: Apply a nourishing moisturizer to help the skin regenerate. It is best to use a cream with natural ingredients.
Tip: After the treatment you should avoid direct sunlight and make-up. It is best to carry out the treatment in the evening so that the skin can regenerate well afterwards.
How often should you use a derma roller?
How often you should use your needle roller depends on the length of the needles. You can use derma rollers with short 0.25 mm needles once or twice a week. You should only use a needle roller with a length of 0.5 mm once a week and a needle roller with a length of 0.75 mm or more only every 14 days. The breaks between treatments are important to allow the skin to regenerate. Basically, you should use the needle roller regularly over a longer period of time in order to achieve success.
When not to use a derma roller?
If you have very sensitive skin or suffer from couperose or rosacea, you should not use the needle roller. If your skin is inflamed or injured, or if you suffer from acne, you should also refrain from treatment to avoid infection. Individual pimples, on the other hand, are not a problem, simply leave out the areas during treatment. You should also not use the derma roller on scar keloids (protruding bulging scars) or if you are taking blood-thinning medication. If you are unsure whether you can use the roller, speak to your dermatologist in advance.