Beauty Buzz: Andi tries a dermaroller

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode beauty editor and mama of 3

I’m rolling right along on my exploration of beauty products that I’ve been curious about for years. Next on my list is the microneedling dermaroller that rose to popularity a few years ago.

The small tool that resembles a midevil torture device seemed like a fad or gimmick, and it was sold along with beauty regiments to give them an air of originality. I was skeptical of the actual benefit.

However, after researching them further I learned that first, they aren’t as scary as they look if used properly; and second, they have several benefits including minimizing deep wrinkles and scarring.

The key is knowing the right size. Sometimes the best thing I can do for you guys is something stupid so that you don’t have to… you’re welcome. I jumped right in with the only dermaroller I found at Walmart in the 30 seconds I had to shop. It was a .5 mm sized needle, which seemed pretty small. Ha, no, it’s not. One very short sweep across my cheek and I realized my mistake. Way too intense for a beginner and especially on sensitive facial skin.

If you have deep scarring that you’re trying to repair, a 0.5 mm roller can be used 1-2 times a month but not everyday. A larger roller can also be used as a body treatment on stretch marks and varicose veins. I actually found a great set with interchangeable roller heads at TJ Maxx, and I’ll be trying the .5 mm larger body roller on my veins as they appear to see if it helps break them up.

For your face, an optimal size is .25 mm roller applied with a gentle pressure. It will sting a little when you first finish, but it goes away really fast. I like to follow up with a soothing roll with a cool jade or rose quartz roller when I’m done with a treatment. Also, because you’re literally opening your skin up, this is best done at night so your skin has plenty of time to recover before adding heavy cosmetics.

The question is, why? Why subject yourself to a million tiny needles on a daily basis? The benefits of microneedling are:

• Increases collagen and elastin to thicken and tighten skin
• Minimizes wrinkles and scarring but breaking up damaged areas of the skin
• Safer than a chemical treatment, which can cause discoloration for those with dark skin
• Help to control the effects of rosacea as it increases collagen
• Enhances the effects of serums as it allows for deeper penetration onto the skin

Along with trying to minimize a pesky bump on my nose that won’t go away, the ability to use my existing serums and products (but increase their potency) was a huge factor in my decision to start using a dermaroller. With my allergies, switching products to experiment isn’t always an option, and this provided me with an allergen-free way to tackle some trouble spots. I have already seen a noticeable difference in the the frown line between my brows and the texture of the troubled area on my nose.

If you don’t already have a favorite serum, there are plenty of options available at your local store. Rank and Style has a great list of drugstore serums that you can pair with a dermaroller for amazing results. Apply the serum before rolling and then right after for the best effect.

Make sure you clean your roller after every use with rubbing alcohol to prevent contamination.

An at-home needle treatment was definitely something I would have never seen myself doing a few years ago, but with new wrinkles comes a new standard of what I’m “willing” to do. But I would say on the “pain is beauty” scale, this really doesn’t even register.

Maybe I’m feeling inspired by the Leap year to try new things, but so far I’m very happy with my new discoveries and can’t wait to try the next “fad.” Are you planning on taking the leap this month and trying anything new? Happy Leap Year, Mamas!

Got a beauty or hair question for Andi? Send it to us so she can write about that topic in an upcoming Beauty Buzz. Email it to mamas[at]nwamotherlode[dot]com. Click here to read more beauty posts by Andi.