Skin specialists and dermatologists are no strangers to the debate on the efficacy of a Derma Roller vs microneedle.
Both treatments have a lot to offer you, but there are also certain side effects to be wary of.
So below, I’ll go over everything you need to know about these two anti-aging procedures and help you decide which option is right for you!
Let’s jump in, starting with the Derma Roller!
Derma Roller
So, the first thing you need to know is that a Derma Roller IS a microneedling device…it’s just a toned-down version of the type you’d see in a dermatologist’s office.
The Derma Roller is an easily available device that can be used for DIY microneedling at home.
It has numerous needles situated on a rolling head. Don’t let that intimidate you, though!
For mild microneedling treatments, you can choose to use Derma Rollers. These skin improvement tools treat wrinkles, fine lines, and stretch marks.
Check our best derma roller review!
How Does It Work?
As you roll the Derma Roller across your skin, fine needles on the roller puncture that skin. When the tool punctures your not-so-healthy skin, it induces controlled micro-injuries.
That leads to the creation of new fresh cells as your skin heals. Don’t worry, it does not cause actual damage to the outer layers of skin.
The focus of this effective treatment is generally around your neck, belly area, and facial regions.
If you want to know how to use derma roller at home, watch this video:
READ MORE: How Often Can You Use a Derma Roller?
Microneedling
Microneedling, on the other hand, is a professionally done procedure that, more often than not, uses a Derma Pen. (Not always, but in general, the Derma pen remains among the top choices for professionals).
You get more impactful results minus the drawbacks of a microneedling roller. With advanced techniques, skin pen microneedling is performed by licensed aestheticians.
Generally speaking, an in-office microneedling treatment will take about an hour.
How Does It Work?
The Microneedling procedure is pretty much the same as the dermarolling procedures, just on a grander scale.
Tiny needles are used to create small and micro-wounds to the skin. That boosts your skin’s natural healing process by encouraging collagen production within your skin.
Consequently, there is a significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars/acne scarring due to the natural healing of your skin.
READ MORE: Do Beard Rollers Work?
What Are The Key Differences Between Derma Roller And Microneedling?
While these Microneedling tools may work towards essentially the same results, they are still very different from one another.
Efficacy of the Treatment
Microneedling therapy is a lot more controlled. What does that mean?
The skincare professional/aesthetician can control the needle’s depth of penetration during the skin pen microneedling treatment.
Derma rolling, on the other hand, requires that you pass over a wider area rather than specific points. So, this may make it less effective than when done professionally. It also has more room for user error.
Think about it: you’re not a professional, so even if you read every guide and follow every video, you don’t have the years of experience that your dermatologist has when it comes to perfectly targeting the areas you want to treat.
Check: Derma Roller Side Effects
Accessibility
Derma Pens are more often used for microneedling. These tools are rather limited to medical and professional personnel.
In comparison, Derma Rollers are also available outside the ambit of medical use, thus making this multifaceted tool available to more people.
Healing time
By virtue of the specificity of the derma pen microneedling, recovery time is also a lot faster as compared to its DIY relative to the Derma Roller.
Reach of the tool
Unlike the Derma Roller that is designed to enter your skin at an angle, the microneedling procedure via derma pens enters your skin vertically. That reduces the risk of skin tearing and scarring.
The angle that the Derma Roller enters might leave your skin susceptible to irritation. That increases the chances of infections.
Microneedling vs Dermaroller: Which Is Best For Me?
Having elaborated on the differences between these Microneedling devices, you can clearly see that microneedling done professionally is more likely to produce the results that you really want.
That being said, getting microneedling done professionally can be a rather expensive endeavor, with treatments costing anywhere between 200USD to 700USD.
In such cases, the more affordable and frankly not at all bad option of using the Derma Roller that is less than half the cost and easily available might be the more feasible mode of action for you.
Before getting any such microneedling or derma rolling procedure, be sure to consult with your dermatologist to know what might be best for your skin. That way, you can get clear answers to questions such as “How often should I derma roll.”
FAQs
Do dermatologists recommend Derma rolling?
Frankly speaking, No. Your dermatologist will probably recommend you to get the professional Derma Pen treatment. The main reason is to prevent any possible skin damage or infection.
Is skin needling and microneedling the same?
Yes! They are 2 varied names for a single procedure.
The treatment process involves pricking your skin by using small needles. The goal is to achieve a more even skin tone and to produce firmer and smoother skin tissues. The selling point is that it boosts collagen production.
Is Derma rolling better than microneedling?
Again, no!
While derma rolling might be handy for DIY use, getting microneedling done professionally is more likely to have more efficacy.
Also, these Microneedling sessions offer your skin the desired boost you were looking for. It’s a lot safer for your skin as well.
Conclusion
With that, I close my comparison on Microneedling Vs Dermarolling.
I recommend getting the microneedling procedure professionally done. But if you’re looking to try your hand with the at-home Microneedling Roller, may the odds be ever in your favor.
Also, it’s always best that you consult your dermatologist before reaching a final decision on Derma Rolling vs Micro Needling. Keeping that in mind, let me know if the procedure did work out for you by leaving your comments below.
References
- Hollimon, Nicole. 2019. “Microneedling.” WebMD. WebMD. July 29, 2019. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what_is_microneedling#1.
- Kahen, John. 2021. “Microneedling vs Dermarolling: Which Is Good for You?” Beverlyhillsmedspa.com. Beverly Hills Med Spa. June 2, 2021. https://www.beverlyhillsmedspa.com/post/microneedling-vs-dermarolling.
- Sharkey, Lauren. 2020. “Do Derma Rollers Really Work?” Healthline. Healthline Media. February 26, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/do-derma-rollers-work#uses.
Dermarolling or microneedling, which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
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