The Difference Between Dermarolling and Microneedling

Published on: Jul 19, 2023 / Last Updated on: Jul 19, 2023 / SKINCARE
The Difference Between Dermarolling and Microneedling

When it comes to skin resurfacing, dermarolling and microneedling have emerged as the two prominent techniques for achieving a youthful and radiant complexion. These methods have gained significant attention across various platforms, from social media networks like Instagram and TikTok to beauty blogs and personal conversations.

But there are still many questions about these parallel treatments regarding their similarities and differences. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these practices, diving into their definitions, contrasting features, and which of the two is better overall.

What Sets Dermarolling Apart from Microneedling?

Let's begin by unraveling the basics of dermarolling. This method involves using a dermaroller, a small device equipped with a rotating head covered in tiny needles, typically measuring about 0.3mm or smaller. By gently rolling this tool on your skin, you create numerous micro punctures, referred to as "micro-injuries," which facilitate the enhanced penetration of skincare serums and products into the deeper layers of your skin.

Dermarolling has gained popularity due to its ability to deliver a fresh-faced and youthful glow, all from the comfort of your own home. However, it's crucial to distinguish dermarolling from its professional counterpart, microneedling. Microneedling, performed by trained aestheticians or medical professionals, involves a micro-pen device containing many tiny needles. As the device passes over your skin, it creates small "injuries" that penetrate slightly deeper than those made by a derma roller. This process triggers your skin's natural healing mechanisms, stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and new cells.

While dermarolling may seem like the better of the two due to its cost, convenience, and “DIY” aspect, it falls short in actual effectiveness, making all of these differentiating qualities irrelevant. Let’s take a look at exactly why microneedling when performed by an esthetician is the superior treatment.

The Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling boasts an impressive array of advantages, which set it apart as the superior technique for achieving remarkable skincare outcomes. Let's explore the benefits it brings to the table:

  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: Microneedling effectively minimizes the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines, helping you attain a more youthful complexion.

  • Fades scars, including acne scarring, stretch marks, and burns: By stimulating collagen production, microneedling aids in reducing the appearance of various types of scars, giving your skin a smoother texture.

  • Reduces pore size: Microneedling helps minimize pore size, promoting a more refined and even skin surface.

  • Decreases hyperpigmentation: This technique is highly effective in addressing hyperpigmentation concerns, leading to a more balanced skin tone.

  • Improves skin texture and volume: Microneedling works wonders in enhancing the overall texture and volume of your skin, restoring its vitality and radiance.

  • Boosted collagen production: By stimulating collagen and elastin production, microneedling contributes to a radiant and youthful complexion.

  • Enhances skincare product absorption: Microneedling allows skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximizing their efficacy and delivering transformative results.

Microneedling can also be combined with the treatment of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PRF therapy is an autologous treatment that uses the individual's own blood platelets to stimulate growth and healing. It makes for an excellent treatment for skin rejuvenation and when combined with microneedling its benefits are magnified. Considering the comprehensive range of benefits offered by microneedling, it becomes evident that it surpasses dermarolling in terms of skincare effectiveness and overall outcomes.

Key Distinctions Between Microneedling and Dermarolling

woman using dermaroller at home

To recap, let's highlight the key differences that set microneedling and dermarolling apart:

  • Professional Treatment vs. At-Home Technique: Microneedling is a professional treatment performed by trained aestheticians or medical professionals in a salon or spa setting. On the other hand, dermarolling is a DIY method that can be practiced at home.

  • Device Design: Dermarollers consist of a roller head with fixed needles, while microneedling devices utilize a micro-pen equipped with sterile microneedles. The rolling action of a derma roller contrasts with the gentle vibrations of a microneedling pen, which creates the micro-injuries on the skin's surface.

  • Depth of Penetration: Dermarolling mainly targets the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, with minimal penetration. In contrast, microneedling reaches slightly deeper into the epidermis, stimulating the body's healing responses and yielding remarkable results.

Avoid These Common Dermaroller Mistakes

At M Health and Beauty, we advise against attempting microneedling at home due to the potential risks involved. The benefits do not outweigh the potential damage that inexperienced handling of the procedure may cause. However, if you choose to explore dermarolling, it's crucial to avoid the following mistakes:

  • Using Fake or Low-Quality Dermarollers: The market is flooded with counterfeit beauty products, and derma rollers are no exception. Fake derma rollers can lead to irregular wounds that may scar your skin. Ensure you invest in a high-quality derma roller from a reputable source.

  • Selecting an Incorrect Needle Size: Choosing larger needles in hopes of achieving faster results is a dangerous misconception. Using oversized needles can damage your skin, accelerate aging, and yield unsatisfactory results. Select an appropriate needle size that aligns with your skincare needs.

  • Excessive Dermarolling Usage: Longer dermarolling sessions do not equate to better outcomes. Ideally, limit your dermarolling session to a maximum of five minutes, gradually increasing the duration to a maximum of 10 minutes over time.

  • Neglecting Proper Preparation and Aftercare: Preparation and aftercare play vital roles in ensuring the success and safety of your dermarolling session. Cleanse and disinfect your skin before the procedure, avoid exfoliation for at least a day prior, and protect your skin from harsh sun exposure for at least 48 hours. After dermarolling, refrain from intense physical activity and sweating for 24 hours, use a high-SPF sunscreen, and suspend exfoliation and acidic products for three days.

Final Words

While dermarolling may appear tempting as an at-home solution, the risks involved and the limited benefits it offers make it an inferior choice. Instead, we recommend investing in professional microneedling to achieve remarkable improvements in your skin. At M Health and Beauty, we specialize in providing safe, personalized, and effective microneedling treatments, only using medical-grade devices and making sure it’s done the right way.

Whether you seek microneedling for wrinkle reduction, scar treatment, hyperpigmentation correction, or an overall rejuvenated appearance, our experienced professionals are equipped to help you achieve your beauty goals. Don't leave your skin's health and beauty to chance. Entrust your skincare to the experts at M Health and Beauty. Call today to kickstart your personalized skincare treatment plan.