It boosts radiance and makes your skincare work harder – but what exactly is dermarolling? We’ve called on to the experts to answer everything you need to know about the hottest new skincare trend.
WHAT IS DERMAROLLING?
Otherwise known as derma-stamping or microneedling, dermarolling is the use of tiny needles to create a controlled micro-injury on the skin surface.
While it sounds a little scary, the process stimulates collagen and elastin production for plumper, more radiant skin. “By creating small areas of injury, it jumpstarts the skin’s repair cycle, inducing collagen and elastin synthesis,” assures Dr Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic Surgeon and Aesthetic Doctor and creator of MZ Skin.
HOW DOES IT BENEFIT THE SKIN?
Kate Kerr, clinical facialist, is a fan of microneedling for its skin rejuvinating results. “I offer a range of micro-needling treatments in clinic as it’s an extremely effective treatment for the reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, pore size and the collagen stimulation also improves skin texture, as well as improving the appearance of acne scars. ”
As if that wasn’t good enough, it creates a channel to the deeper layers of skin to fast-track your skincare ingredients to make them work even harder.
“It’s an all round skin treat,” says Fatma Shaheen, skin expert and founder of cosmecuetical skincare and treatment brand, Skin Design London. “It delivers instant radiance to the skin and is an inexpensive treatment and an easy, effective way to rejuvenate the skin and deliver a healthy glow. ”
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MICRONEEDLING?
According to the experts, microneedling works on all skin types but is especially effective on those who have scarring and pigmentation. “It can be used in acne treatments to help improve the appearance of scars by breaking up the scar tissue and stimulating the induction of new collagen and elastin.
“It can also be used on hyperpigmentation because it helps shed the top layer of the skin while also helping in the absorption of topical agents that can be used concurrently to help prevent the formation of new pigmentation,” says Dr Zamani.
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CAN YOU DO IT AT HOME?
“Micro-needling performed in clinic utilises a much longer needle and although this also creates a micro-channel for effective product penetration, the goal is to initiate trauma. This trauma, deep within the skin, kick-starts the wound-healing cascade, leading to stimulation of the fibroblast and enhanced production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. This is compared to at-home treatments where the main benefit is to increase product penetration,” explains Kerr.
However, if you have active acne, rosacea or a skin infection, it’s best to opt out of dermarolling as it could aggravate the skin.
WHAT SKINCARE PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE WITH IT?
To elevate and enhance the results, you can combine dermarolling with active, intelligent skincare.
“To tackle pigmentation, scarring and wrinkles, opt for something with high-quality retinol or lactic acid in it, like Skin Design London Retexturing Serum, which is infused with antioxidants, to boost cell renewal,” says Shaheen.
As for aftercare, it’s all about hydration and keeping the skin clean. “Anything containing hyaluronic acid is great to use post-treatment,” adds Kerr.
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Still unconvinced? GLAMOUR beauty editor Lottie Winter tries it out for herself…
“I’ve never been one to shy away from a treatment, especially if it’s bound to be beneficial to my skin, and the fact that dermarolling claimed to make my existing products work harder was instantly appealing.
I used a traditional Derma Roller from Ecooking, a Scandi brand that unites simplicity with efficacy. The roller has very short needles (0. 5mm) so it’s minimally invasive and didn’t hurt in the slightest.
I rolled around for about four minutes, making sure to go in all directions and covering all areas. Afterwards, I applied a hyaluronic acid serum for hydration. I’ve been traveling a lot recently and all the time spent on heavily air-conditioned planes along with the fluctuating temperatures has left my skin worryingly dehydrated. The serum went on as usual but I definitely noticed my skin look perkier and plumper come morning. I will definitely be incorporating dermarolling into my weekly regime from now on but might try a derma-stamp next to see how it compares! ”
Find out more about the best skincare ingredients with the GLAMOUR A-Z of Skincare.
