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Way back in 1905, a reputable dermatologist called Ernst Kromayer experimented with using mounted dental burrs as a topical skin treatment. Over the years, he continued to modify his unique device, until he was satisfied with how it could effectively reduce the appearance of discoloration, scars, and birthmarks.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that his creation was rediscovered by a dermatologist in New York. After this, it really took off, and so began the love story with the modern-day dermaroller.
It’s no secret that dermarolling, which is also known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy, can ease the look of discoloration, but is it also possible to use a dermaroller for skin tightening? Read on as VouPre takes you through the ins and outs of dermarolling so that you can decide whether or not this multi-tasking device deserves a place in your skincare routine.
But First, What Exactly is a Dermaroller?
Before we delve into the potential use of a dermaroller for skin tightening, let’s take a few steps back and start at the beginning of this love story.
A dermaroller is a handheld skincare device. The end of the device is fitted with a roller wheel, which is covered in hundreds of tiny needles. The exact size of these needles varies depending on the device. However, they’re usually no larger than 0.3mm-0.5mm in a device designed for home use.
As you may have gathered, a dermaroller is designed to be rolled over the skin. As it does so, the tiny needles create micro-punctures in the surface layer of the skin.
You’re probably thinking; dermarolling sounds painful! Why would I want to do this?
Well, firstly, dermarolling doesn’t actually hurt. Sure, this depends on your pain tolerance, but most people describe it as being mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Of course, the longer the needles on your dermaroller, the more chance of them causing pain. However, this can be avoided by choosing the right dermaroller (more on this later!).
So, why would you want to use a dermaroller in the first place? Once you know more about the various benefits that a dermaroller can bring about, you’ll understand why so many people are falling in love with this simple little device.
What Does Dermarolling Do for the Skin?
There are several ways in which a dermaroller can help to improve your complexion. The most popular reason for using one is to fade the visibility of hyperpigmentation and scars.
However, many experts recommend using a dermaroller for skin tightening too. Studies show that regular use of a dermaroller can result in skin that feels smoother and tighter. Fine lines and wrinkles become less visible over time, with the skin taking on a more youthful finish.
Another big benefit of dermarolling is an increase in product absorption. Thanks to the tiny channels created in the skin by a dermaroller’s needles, any skincare products that you subsequently apply will be able to penetrate your skin’s surface layer much more easily.
So, not only does using a dermaroller enhance the look and feel of your skin, but it can also make the rest of your skincare routine more effective too.
Choosing a Dermaroller for Skin Tightening
If you’d like to try using a dermaroller to tighten the look of your skin, then you’ll need to make sure that you pick the right device. While most dermarollers look pretty similar, needle size varies, and this is what you need to pay attention to.
Ideally, pick a dermaroller with needles that are 0.3mm in length. Professional microneedling treatments make use of devices with longer needles. However, these are not recommended for use by people who don’t have the right expertise. Incorrectly use needles that are too long and you risk causing damage to your skin.
When it comes to choosing a dermaroller for skin tightening, quality is everything. Again, a low-quality device could harm your skin, so make sure that you purchase your dermaroller from a reputable brand.
If you aren’t sure who to turn to, check out the dermarollers available from VouPre. Treat yourself to one of our full skincare collections, be it the Aqua Collection, the Cannabis Collection, or the Thermal Collection, and you’ll find a dermaroller included in the set. VouPre dermarollers come with 0.3mm needles. This is exactly what you need if you want to firm and tighten your appearance.
Want to Try Using a Dermaroller for Skin Tightening? Here’s What You’ll Need to Do
Wondering how you would go about actually using a dermaroller for skin tightening? Here are the steps to follow if you would like to use a dermaroller in a safe but effective way:
Prep Your Skin
To get the most out of your dermaroller, you need to make sure that your skin has first been prepped to receive all of the device’s benefits.
This starts with a good cleanse. We would recommend doing so with the VouPre Radiance Facial Cleanser. Infused with amino acids, vitamin E, and multiple humectants, this formula will gently clear away impurities from your skin without leaving your face feeling dry or uncomfortable.
Of course, cleansers only target the outer surface layer of the skin, whereas dermarollers delve a little deeper. So, follow up your cleanse with an exfoliant. This will ensure that your pores are clear of any debris, allowing your dermaroller to work more efficiently.
However, since you’re already going to be causing a small amount of trauma to your skin by using a dermaroller, it’s important that the exfoliant you use before dermarolling is a gentle one. Our top choice is the VouPre Deep Renewal Facial Peel. Gentler than an abrasive scrub and kinder on the skin than acid-filled chemical exfoliants, this formula will remove dead skin cells to leave your face feeling fresh and clear. It’s the perfect way to prep your skin for dermarolling.
Disinfect Your Dermaroller
Since the purpose of a dermaroller is to puncture the skin, it goes without saying that you need those needles to be 100% clean. This will prevent bacteria from transferring from the needles into your skin, which you definitely don’t want!
There are a few ways in which you can disinfect a dermaroller. However, one of the easiest is to give it a good wash and then soak it in a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
Most people choose to sterilize their dermarollers immediately after use, which is always a good idea. However, we’d recommend doing so again before touching those needles to your skin, especially if you haven’t stored your device in a sterile environment between uses.
Apply One or Two Serums
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest benefits of dermarolling is the way in which it can enhance product absorption. So, before you get started, slather a couple of serums onto your skin. This way, in addition to creating micro-punctures, your dermaroller will also push those serums deeper into your skin to make them more effective.
The best serums to use would be formulas that don’t contain any irritating ingredients. Instead, look for products that will support and enhance the visible effects produced by your dermaroller.
One formula that does this well is the VouPre Aqua Hydration Serum, which you’ll find in our Aqua Collection. Designed to deeply hydrate the skin, this formula works exceptionally well when combined with dermarolling.
Use Your Dermaroller
There are three directions in which your dermaroller should be applied to your face; vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. However, do them all at the same time and you’ll likely end up unintentionally missing out on certain areas of your face.
So, to keep things accurate, start by rolling your dermaroller vertically across your face. Start with your forehead before moving down to your cheeks, and then your chin. Avoid your eye area, since the skin here is thinner and more fragile than the skin on the rest of your face. Other sensitive areas, such as the upper lip and the nose, should be treated with extra care. Try to cover your entire face in under two minutes.
Once you’re done rolling vertically, start again at your forehead, this time with horizontal rolls. Then, repeat the process with diagonal rolls.
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t apply too much pressure to your dermaroller while you’re using it. Pushing down too hard will only cause the needles to damage your skin. So, be firm but gentle at the same time.
Try to complete your dermarolling session in ten minutes at the most. Using a dermaroller for longer than this will likely end up irritating your skin.
Clean Your Dermaroller
Now that you’re done dermarolling, it’s time to give your device another clean.
Again, you can use isopropyl alcohol to do this. Alternatively, you could also soak the head of your dermaroller in boiling water to sterilize the needles while you continue on with the rest of your skincare routine.
Apply a Serum Again
To make the most of all of those freshly created channels in your skin, slather your face with a serum once again. You can either use the same serum that you applied earlier or switch to a different formula.
Either way, make sure that the serum you use is relatively gentle. Stay away from harsh retinoids, as these could irritate your already vulnerable skin.
Moisturize
The final step in your dermarolling routine should consist of a moisturizer. Not only will this help your exposed skin to feel more protected, but it will also lock in all of the goodness from the serums that you’ve just applied.
One of our favorite moisturizers to apply after dermarolling is the VouPre Revitalizing Night Cream. Infused with shea butter, vitamin E, and oat protein, this formula will leave your skin feeling soft, supple, and deeply hydrated.
Prefer to Leave it to the Professionals? Check Out VouPre’s Spa Services
If you like the idea of turning to a dermaroller for skin tightening but don’t feel brave enough to use the device yourself, you can always book yourself in for a professional treatment. Once you’ve experienced the magic of dermarolling a few times, chances are that you’ll then feel confident enough to give a home device a try.
At the VouPre Spa, our 50-minute Thermal Detox treatment involves the use of a 0.25mm dermaroller. However, if one of our other treatments appeals to you more, then you can also opt for dermarolling as an add-on. It works well with all of the formulas that we use in our spa treatments, enabling you to experience even better results.
Summary
So, is it worth using a dermaroller for skin tightening? The answer is a resounding yes. Not only will dermarolling firm and tighten the look of your skin, but it will also brighten and rejuvenate your overall complexion while increasing the absorption rate of your skincare products. It’s a win-win from every angle!
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