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One of the many reasons we head to salons for skincare treatments is due in part to micro-needling.
While there are many who are needle-averse, these tiny needles (hence, the term, micro-needling), gently roll onto the skin, creating microscopic holes that, in turn, help stimulate collagen and elastin, per a 2017 study.
For at-home treatments, derma rollers have risen in popularity as ergonomic alternatives that can help confer similar results. (Related: best jade rollers and gua sha facial tools).
“A derma roller is a tool that also has small needles, but is not meant to penetrate the skin as deeply as a micro-needler, and can be used at home, virtually pain-free,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. “It can vary based on size and number of needles, and the length of the needles.”
What’s more, it can also be used to help improve fine lines and wrinkles, and to enhance penetration of topical products.
Ahead, we pieced together an expert FAQ section after turning to two board-certified dermatologists, along with rounding up seven New York Post Shopping-approved product picks to kick-start your derma-rolling journey.
Dermatologist-recommended, gentle on the skin, produces tangible before and after results
More expensive than the average derm roller on the market
Nazarian recommends the BeautyBio GloPRO Micro-Needling Facial Regeneration Tool and, after digging through the pack, it’s one of our favorites as well.
“I love that it combines derma-rolling with LED red light to double up on your collagen stimulation,” she notes. What’s more, it’s patented, award-winning and gently glides across the skin to stimulate cells and help restore volume.
The best to use on your body that we’ve found, great for traveling
Some users have noted that the micro-needles could be larger
Available at Dermstore, the Beauty ORA Micro-Needle Body Roller is less than $50 and is ultra-portable. Because it’s safe to use on your body, it’s wonderful to help diminish the appearance of stretch marks, cellulite and body scars.
Best-selling on Amazon, affordable, helps stimulate beard growth in addition to general derma-rolling benefits
Makes a slight squeaky sound upon rolling, though not a dealbreaker
With more than 12,000 rave reviews on Amazon, the Roselyn Boutique Derma Roller has rolled its way (ha!) to being an Amazon best-seller. Not only is is safe to use on your skin and body but it also helps stimulate beard growth, making it a lovely unisex option.
Contains a vitamin C and hyaluronic acid-packed serum, travel-friendly derma roller
Doesn’t come with replacement roller heads
What’s better than a derm roller? A full-on set, of course. The Linduray Derma Roller Micro-Needling Kit contains a serum packed with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid (which many dermatologist experts recommend using), along with an easy-to-follow how-to guide.
Positively rated on Amazon, budget-friendly
Not the best for sensitive skin
For a budget-friendly and easily accessible option, add the Sdara Skincare Derma Roller to your cart. Not only is it less than $20, but it’s wonderful at helping to reverse the effect of dull skin, helping to rejuvenate your skin with its 0.25 mm roller head.
While some reviewers have noted it’s not the best on sensitive skin, its quality and value makes it wonderful for more advanced users, or those with other skin types.
Includes a variety of derma roller brush heads to customize your skin treatment
Some reviewers have noted that the needles tend to bend easier than other models
For a fully customized approach to derma rollers, the YaFex 6-in-1 Derma Roller Kit is worth the buy. Coming in an on-the-go friendly case with four attachments, its micro-needles are noninvasive on the skin, while each roller is carefully sanitized and wrapped in sealed packages to ensure it’s as hygienic as possible.
Boasts high-quality micro-needles, comes with a protective storage case
Doesn’t confer results as quickly as some other models, per reviewers, though not a dealbreaker
For an ergonomic derma roller that’s wonderful to use on sensitive skin, the Beauty ORA Micro-Needle Face Roller receives our stamp of approval. Like the brand’s body derma roller — featuring a larger roller head — this one is manufactured with Disc Needle Technology to ensure its needles are of the highest quality.
Ahead, two board-certified dermatologists for the 411 on all things derma rollers, how to safely and effectively use one and more.
“Micro-needling is a skincare technique that uses an electronic device with many tiny needles to create “controlled injury” to skin- altering depth and speed, at which the needles work- this process can stimulate collagen production and enhance penetration of ingredients into the skin,” Dr. Nazarian notes.
Moreover, it’s often used to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and to boost effectiveness of topical products. Keep in mind that if often requires a numbing cream beforehand to minimize discomfort, Nazarian adds.
Conveniently, micro-needling can be performed in a dermatology office with professional devices or at home.
“The at home devices deliver micro needles through a rolling device, commonly referred to as a derma roller,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, told The Post. “The needles on the at home rolling devices are much shorter than those on the professional devices, allowing them to be safe for at home use.”
The best way to use this is on recently cleaned, dry skin. “Make sure that the device itself is also recently cleaned with alcohol, letting the needles have direct contact with rubbing alcohol for about a minute before and after each use,” Nazarian advises. “You should apply very gentle, even pressure, trying not to break the skin or puncture the surface.” Skin should look a little bit pink after use, but no signs of breaking the skin or pinpoint bleeding.
After, go either in an up-and-down motion, or side to side motion; you can alternate between the two. “About four passes over the entire skin is sufficient, and something you can do one or two times a week to determine your own skins tolerability,” Nazarian notes. “Use non-irritating products immediately following use, such as hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid, green tea extract or other products that are meant to hydrate and improve the skin.”
For best results, Nazarian would not recommend using ingredients that are more irritating and drying initially, such as those with glycolic acid, retinoids or any acne medication.
Dr. Zeichner recommends cleaning your derma roller after every treatment. “Dirt, oil and other contamination, including micro organisms, can build up on the device,” he explains. “The last thing you want to do is use a dirty device on the skin.”
Derma rollers should initially be used, intermittently, as well, and advance as tolerated. “Because of the trauma it creates, I do not recommend using them every day,” Zeichner notes.
According to Nazarian, changing out the needle heads at about every two to three months is recommended — or more often if you feel they are dulling quicker if used more frequently.
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