My Experience With Dermarolling

You know the popular saying about pregnant women with glowing skin? Yeah…that didn’t happen to me. In fact, it was quite the opposite. From practically day one of my pregnancy, I was on a hormone rollercoaster that wreaked havoc on my body and skin. I gained 16 pounds in just the first month (thanks, progesterone). My joints started to ache and my feet started to flatten (thanks, relaxin). Then, my hormones in overdrive combined with my already oily skin gave me a hellish case of cystic acne and regular rosacea flareups.

So, yeah, there was ZERO glowing for me.

After my son was born, it took the better part of 18 months for my hormones to finally calm down and for me to feel and look somewhat like my old self. Although the breakouts and rosacea had mostly subsided, my new postpartum skin looked…splotchy and lackluster.

In typical fashion, I started researching products to help revive my dull, run-down skin. As I was reading reviews for every lotion and potion imaginable, it was during an episode of The Morning Show that I stumbled upon the practice of facial rolling and dermarolling. I remember watching intently as Jennifer Aniston rolled some sort of implement across her jawline – clearly in an effort to keep it taut.

I HAD TO KNOW MORE.

It didn’t take long for me to find the device that she was using (Jillian Dempsey’s Gold Bar).  And while the facial rolling implements seemed a little too wimpy for my needs, this search led me to discover dermarolling.  I was drawn into the craze…and for good reason.

There are tons of websites that will explain this more eloquently than I will, so I’ll give you the Cliff Notes version. Dermarolling is an at-home version of microneedling. It involves taking a roller with lots of tiny needles and rolling it all over your face (YIKES, right?). The needles cause tiny holes that damage the skin, thus activating a healing process that stimulates collagen and leads to overall improvements in skin texture. Even after learning that, there was no way I wasn’t doing it….the online reviews were simply too promising.

Dermarolling for Beginners – Linduray Dermaroller Cosmetic Microneedling Kit for Face

True to form, I researched the best dermarollers for beginners and landed on the Linduray Dermaroller Cosmetic Microneedling Kit. It had by far the most and best reviews for the best price. This particular roller has 0.25mm needles, which is the most gentle available.

Here’s the process I follow:

1. Disinfect the dermaroller with isopropyl alcohol. You’re about to roll it all over your face and make tiny punctures in your skin…this part is important.
2. Wash your face. I typically use the dermaroller after a shower when my skin is much softer from the steam.
3. Slather on a layer of serum. This helps the roller glide more gently across the skin and it helps the overall process. My skin is crazy oily, so serums aren’t really my jam. I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel…religiously.
4. Starting with one quarter of your face, roll horizontally away from the center of your face 3-6 times being careful not to press too hard. Then, roll vertically up 3-6 times. Then, roll diagonally up and out. Repeat this for the remaining 3 quarters of your face. The entire process takes just 2-3 minutes.
5. Add a second layer of your serum and gently massage it in (absorption will be high because you’ve just created lots of little entry points).
6. Wash your dermaroller with soap and water.  Store in the protective case until next time.

And that’s it!

Reasons to Love:

• My results were immediate.  I could see and feel an improvement the very next day.
• It didn’t hurt anywhere near as bad as I imagined…in fact, I would use the word “discomfort” instead of pain.
• This is seriously quick and easy.  I’ll admit it…I’m pretty much THE WORST at implementing skincare regimens.  Time and time again, I have tried to follow those amazing systems that have 2 and 3 steps….and I have failed every time.  This is probably the first time I’ve ever followed something for longer than a week.
• Dermarolling is credited with the ability to improve all kinds of skin woes: hyperpigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, even stretch marks.

Good to Know:

• If you are having an acne or rosacea outbreak, step away from the dermaroller.
• Your skin will be tender after a session…be gentle with it and wear sunscreen.
• Your skins needs to heal in between sessions, so this is not an every day routine.  More like 2-3 times a week.
• You can use a dermaroller on your lips…but it hurts.
• If you like the results and become more comfortable, there are more intense dermarollers available.
• Dermarollers should be replaced pretty regularly – monthly, if you use it 1-3 times per week.
• Finally, I’m not a medical doctor.  It’s good to know that so that it gives you context for this information.  I am recommending this practice based on my own positive experience, but this shouldn’t be taken as medical advice.  Leave that up to the professionals.  

The Verdict:

Dermarolling is the real deal.  When I think of the literally thousands of dollars I’ve spent on lotions and potions over the years, this is definitely the best money I’ve spent.  My skin is visibly smoother and (I believe) firmer.  I’ve only been doing this for 4 months, so I’m going to keep going because the cumulative results have been impressive.

Before and After Dermarolling

Bottom Line:

There is SO much buzz about dermarolling and the positive effects.  Don’t believe me?  Do a Google image search of before and after effects for facial dermarolling.  In fact, I’m so impressed with my facial dermarolling results and have read enough about the benefits of body dermarolling that I’m branching out…if it can make my thighs look half as smooth as my face, I’ll be sold for life. 

I’ll keep you posted!

Click to Purchase the Linduray Skincare Dermaroller Cosmetic Microneedlng Kit for Face (0.25mm) – For Beginners

Click to Purchase the Linduray Skincare Dermaroller Cosmetic Microneedlng Kit for Face (0.3mm)