Microneedling with dermaroller is a new treatment modality for the treatment of scars, especially acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and for facial rejuvenation. It is a simple and relatively cheap modality that also can be used for transdermal drug delivery.
Also called skin needling or dermarolling, this procedure is done by a dermatologist or skin care specialist to treat a variety of skin care concerns, including scars and wrinkles. It may also help with acne scars and clinical studies have shown overall positive results.
Generally, microneedling should be done not more than once a month. This works best as, on average, it takes about 4-6 weeks for the surface skin cells to turn over. You can still discuss the most suitable frequency for your skin with your dermatologist.
1-1.5mm needles are the best derma roller size for acne scars. For enlarged pores and pigmentation, 0.25-0.5 mm needles are the ideal size of derma roller for acne scars.
Roller devices are not going to stimulate enough collagen to make a big difference in acne scarring. Some at-home microneedling devices can actually worsen acne scars because they creates too much skin damage.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you're upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From Skin MicroNeedling? One of the many advantages associated with this treatment is that patients usually see some signs of improvement within a week, with more dramatic results developing over the next three or four weeks.
While dermaroller is not well studied as a specific treatment for hyperpigmentation, evidence does point to its efficacy for this purpose. It causes it causes cell regeneration which is understood to effectively lighten dark spots in all skin types.
Microneedling is a permanent treatment procedure, meaning that the acne scars being treated do not come back after microneedling treatment. Microneedling boosts collagen production in the treatment area, triggering your body's natural healing process.
if you aren't careful, though, it “could potentially cause permanent scarring and darkening of the skin,” says Dr. Saya Obayan, board-certified clinical dermatologist from Skin Joy Dermatology. Some people should avoid derma rolling completely. This includes those with eczema, psoriasis, or a history of blood clots.
According to Dr. Zeichner, derma rollers can initially be used every few days. "If your skin can tolerate the treatment without any issues, advance to every other day, then eventually every day," he explains. "The at-home devices are very different than the professional treatments, which give several days downtime."
Use Your Dermaroller
No need to press too hard or put yourself in pain—apply as much pressure as you can comfortably tolerate. How often you dermaroll is dependent on the size of your needles, as well as your skin type. If your dermaroller has longer needles, you may only need to dermaroll once per month.
The frequency of your treatments will depend on the length of your derma roller's needles and your skin's sensitivity. If your needles are shorter, you may be able to roll every other day, and if the needles are much longer, you may need to space out treatments every three to four weeks.
Acne scars do not go away entirely on their own. Depressed acne scars often become more noticeable with age as skin loses collagen. However, there are a variety of treatments that can make acne scars less noticeable. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or redness may lighten on its own within several months.
Salicylic acid helps clear dirt, skin cells, and other debris that leads to acne from the pores of the skin. It also helps reduce swelling and redness in the area, which may minimize the appearance of scarring. Salicylic acid is beneficial for all scar types.
Combining vitamin C serums with other brightening agents like iontophoresis can significantly enhance the results. It improves the appearance of scars caused by acne. Your skin can take a while to heal after an acne breakout.
When the body produces too much collagen, it creates raised scars, also called hypertrophic or keloid scars. Unfortunately, as you age, your skin loses its elasticity and acne scars become even more noticeable.
"The discoloration from dark marks will usually fade over time," says dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, who notes that they tend to take between 3-6 months to go away on their own. "But, there are a number of treatment options to help speed up the process."
And if you do (one in five people with acne will also have scarring), the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent! Treatments are available. Some treatments nearly remove the scars while others help the skin heal itself with its own collagen.
It's recommended that you use a serum (or some similar "priming" product) with a derma-roller. It acts as a buffer between the needles and your skin, and even increases the absorption.
Hyaluronic acid can be used following microneedling, and it's even recommended in some cases to help stimulate collagen production after your procedure. If your skin feels dry, it's generally safe to apply coconut oil as an emollient to lock in moisture and hydrate your face after microneedling.