Derma Roller Side Effects: Here’s What You Need to Know
Dealing with enlarged pores, stretch marks, acne scars, and wrinkles can be challenging. All these skin concerns make people feel inferior about their skin’s uneven look.
Popular treatments, like creams, oil or serums, may not produce the desired results. In that case, derma roller may prove to be an effective solution. It is especially useful for those who want to enhance their skin’s appearance.
To get the most out of any derma roller, you need to know both the benefits and the shortcomings of this small but mighty tool in skin care.
In this guide on derma roller side effects, you will get to explore the risks involved in detail, followed by do’s and don’ts tips to negate these side effects.
Table of Contents
What is a Derma Roller?
A derma roller is a specialized handheld device often used to treat ageing and acne scars on the skin. It is equipped with hundreds of tiny needles with a roller on its head. The small needles, when rolled over the treatment area, pierce the skin and give way to minuscule holes on the skin’s surface.
These tiny punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing process to produce elastin and collagen that help keep the skin healthy and youthful.
No doubt, the derma roller is an effective option for skin rejuvenation. There are some derma roller bad side effects too, which the latter parts of this guide will largely focus on.
How Does a Derma Roller Work?
Derma roller causes controlled trauma on the outer skin layer. Micro-punctures cause this trauma created during the treatment. This boosts the skin’s natural healing process and produces fresh elastin and collagen ( the two natural anti-aging elements found in the skin). Due to this, the skin undergoes a tightening effect with decreased wrinkles and fine lines.
Derma rolling also works in combination with other professional-grade skincare treatments like PRP before or after applying a derma roller to supply growth factors beneath the top skin surface. Such growth factors promote the healing process and collagen renewal.
Derma Roller Side Effects
Similar to any other professional treatment, the derma roller also comes with certain side effects such as :
- Skin Irritation: Dermarolling may be the reason behind minor irritation and inflammation in the treated skin surface. People with sensitive skin may also face the issue of swelling.
- Increased acne: In some exceptional cases, applying a derma roller may increase acne risk in the treated part.
- Infection: There is a risk of developing infections on the treated surface if the derma roller is not properly sterilized before the treatment. This problem is more common among those who use a derma roller at home.
Derma Roller Side Effects for Hair
Common derma roller for hair side effects include redness, irritation, and inflammation of the scalp, which usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Common Side Effects:
Redness and Inflammation:It’s normal to experience some redness and inflammation after using a derma roller, as it creates tiny punctures on the scalp.
Scalp Sensitivity:The scalp may become more sensitive to touch or pressure.
Temporary Hair Shedding: In some cases, derma rollers can trigger a temporary shedding of weaker hairs, which is a natural part of the hair growth cycle.
Dryness or Flakiness: The microneedling process can sometimes lead to temporary dryness or flakiness on the scalp.
Less Common Side Effects:
Infection: If the derma roller or scalp is not properly sanitized, there is a small risk of infection.
Scarring: Improper use or excessive needle depth can potentially lead to scarring, although this is rare.
Pain: Some individuals may experience pain or discomfort during the procedure, especially with higher needle lengths.
Hair Breakage: If the derma roller is used incorrectly or with too long of a needle, it could potentially damage existing hair, leading to breakage.
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Dermaroller to Mitigate the Side Effects
Here are the dos and don’ts tips for reducing the side effects and avoiding complications of using a derma roller:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin and boost healing. | Avoid wearing makeup for a few hours after using the derma rollers. |
| Try to keep the treated area clean to prevent infection. | Refrain from touching your face after derma roller use to prevent the transfer of bacteria into your skin. |
| Use a mild cleanser and hydrating lotions to let your skin heal from the micro-injuries. | Do not use skincare products with strong, active ingredients. |
| Remember to disinfect the derma roller before and after use. | Stay away from hot showers and baths for atleast 24 hrs after using the derma roller. |
| Make sure to use the derma roller in the right direction to prevent injuries. | Do not drink and smoke for at least 2 weeks. |
More Information For You: How to Use Jade Roller
Recommended Alternatives to Dermarollers
Now that you know derma roller uses and side effects, you may not like the idea of tiny needles rolling all over your skin. Thus, follow these alternatives:
- Laser therapy to improve the apperance of wrinkles, fine lines, and scars.
- Chemical peels to address some of the deeper skin concerns.
- A balanced diet, including fruits, nuts, and seeds, and high-protein foods to support skin structure and appearance.
- Topical products to even out skin texture.
Conclusion
The derma roller is an excellent tool to help achieve your aesthetic goals. But there are derma roller side effects also. To mitigate the risks, follow the aforementioned dos and don’ts to avoid the discomfort that may arise due to needle-piercing.
In the end, although you can use a derma roller at home due to its minimally invasive nature, availing this treatment in a clinical setting is usually recommended to fully reap all its benefits and avert the fallouts.
FAQs
What are derma roller for face side effects?
Derma roller may cause mild and temporary side effects on the face. These include redness, skin irritation, and inflammation.
What are the derma roller benefits and side effects?
Derma rollers provide many benefits like promoting collagen production, improving skin texture, and aiding hair growth, but they also carry potential side effects like skin irritation, infection, and scarring.
Is the derma roller 100% effective?
No, a derma roller is not 100 percent effective. The efficacy depends on many factors, like individual variation, consistency in use, and the correct usage.
Can I apply ice after a derma roller?
No, applying ice after the roller is not the best approach. Instead, use a cool, damp cloth to prevent discomfort.
Who should avoid using a derma roller?
Individuals with some skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, open wounds, or active acne should consult with a dermatologist before applying the derma roller.
Can I use a derma roller daily?
No, derma rollers should not be used daily. Experts recommend using a derma roller once or twice a week, as per the needle length and individual skin sensitivity.
Does dermaroller provide permanent results?
No, derma roller results are not permanent. While derma rollers can improve skin texture, prevent fine lines, and stimulate hair growth, these effects are often not long-lasting and need regular maintenance.
How long will it take to see results from a derma roller?
Results from a derma roller typically appear within 2 to 6 months with consistent use.
What to avoid after derma rolling?
After derma rolling, avoid sun exposure, harsh skincare products, and touching your face with dirty hands.
Do dermatologists recommend derma rollers ?
Dermatologists usually do not recommend at-home derma rollers, but they may recommend rolling treatments done by a professional.
