Microneedling is a skincare technique where you prick your skin using many tiny needles in a bid to make your skin clearer and free from acne, wrinkles, and scars.

The use of derma rollers as a skincare procedure has become popular among people due to its efficacy. Most people are now using this treatment at their home. Doing it on your own, however, will require you to be keener to get the desired results. First, you must use a high-quality micro-needling home kit. You should then select the type of dermaroller that can solve your specific skin needs.

So, how do you tell if a derma roller is the right one for you?

The Right Derma Roller for You

A dermaroller is a small handheld device you use for micro-needling. The tool contains many tiny needles that you use to prick the skin to induce the production of collagen and elastin to help heal some skin conditions like acne, stretch marks, and sun damage.

Derma rollers have different needle sizes, which determine what condition they can treat. Below are the different needle sizes and what skin concerns the needles can address. See also M Cosmetic Tattooing for further details 

• 0.2mm- Serum penetration
• 0.25mm- Serum production, large pores
• 0.50mm- large pores, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles
• 0.75mm- hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, deep wrinkles, shallow acne scars
• 1.00mm- deep wrinkles, shallow acne scars, deep acne scars, stretch marks
• 1.50mm- deep acne scars, stretch marks

How to Use My Derma Roller

Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can use a derma roller at home.

· Disinfect Your Derma Roller

The first step is to soak your derma roller in a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and leave it for a few minutes. You can also use this solution to cleanse your hands and skin to kill as many germs as possible and prevent any chances of infection.

· Wash Your Face

Wash your face thoroughly and ensure there is no dirt or makeup because the process involves piercing, and you don’t want any impurities to get in your skin and cause an infection. You may also consider using a pH-balanced cleanser to cleanse your face.

· Start Rolling the Derma Roller

Before you start rolling, divide your face into several sections. Make sure you avoid rolling in the area surrounding your eyes, also referred to as the orbital area.

Now start with one section of the face and roll in one direction for up to 6 to 8 times. Ensure you lift the roller after completing one roll and then start the roll once again in the same direction. Never drag it.

After you are done, repeat the process in the same section, this time rolling perpendicularly to the previous direction. Do this for the other sections of your face.

Rolling the derma roller diagonally provides an even pattern across the face, which gives better results.

· Moisturize your skin

You will also have to moisturize your skin once you’re done since the treatment will always leave your skin dry.

· Clean the derma roller

Use warm water and dish soap to cleanse your derma roller. Water and dish soap is preferred to isopropyl alcohol because it removes any proteins that remain on the derma roller, which alcohol can’t.

· Proceed With Your Skin Routine

Once you’re done with rolling, you should wait a few minutes then proceed with your skin routine. You can apply your favorite serum or other skin products. However, these products should contain natural plant-based ingredients. Using harsh products that contain retinol can harm your skin.

How to Improve Microneedling Results

The best way to get good results from micro-needling is by using products that will hydrate your skin, promote healing, and induce the production of more collagen.

Some of the ingredients to look for when selecting serum products include Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, epidermal growth factors, and niacinamide.

How often should I do micro-needling?

The number of times to use the derma roller will depend on the size of the needles of your equipment. The measurements below should guide you.

• 0.25 mm- every other day
• 0.5mm- once to thrice per week
• 1.0mm- once in 2 weeks
• 1.5mm- once every 3 to 4 weeks
• 2.0mm- once in 6 weeks but should be avoided for home use

Microneedling is an effective skincare procedure that you can use at home but needs to be done correctly. This guide should help you choose the right derma roller and the steps to follow when carrying out micro-needling at home to get the best results. However, don’t expect results overnight. The procedure makes use of collagen, so you will have to wait for its production to start seeing the results.