Valuable to know why and where to use the derma roller

I have become fanatic about Collagen Induction Therapy and really want to share my information and experience with this treatment with others. When I read a little about derma rollers, the people who use them seemed very excited with their results.

Then I read what this celebrity, who is very young and fit looking as she is now over 50, repeatedly saying that she uses derma rollers…Jennifer Aniston. She actually talks about using this particular tool a lot. That was the point where I got myself one and started using it. I use it everywhere I want to improve skin health and fight wrinkles, everywhere that I want to prevent saggy skin, and even occasionally do the back of my hands to try and keep that skin from getting thin.

What it is…

Derma rollers are used for a procedure called Collagen Induction Therapy. You can do this procedure yourself at home. The equipment is extremely inexpensive. Irritation from the process is very trivial while the benefits are very significant. This process is quite similar and far less traumatic as the results that a laser treatment will give.

Collagen Induction Therapy causes new skin cells, collagen, and elastin growth which gives firming of the skin. It is simple, easy, and fast to heal. The derma roller treatment looks and feels like a slight sunburn. Just apply your moisturizer afterward. You can do this in the evening and have the majority of the recovery process happen overnight while you sleep. It will reduce wrinkles and surface scars over time.

The importance of collagen and elastin in skin aging process

Our skin decreases in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid as we age. This is part of the mechanism that makes our skin look older. Aging skin produces less collagen over time. Elastin and skin cells becomes damaged over time. How your skin ages is due to heredity, diet, sun damage, environmental effects, blood circulation, and lifestyle.

One of the skin aging factors that is not often thought about is the loss of fat between the skin and muscle/bone below. This insulator loss can cause the skin to thin and age faster. One of the most obvious areas to do this is the hands. Sun damage is the strongest factor in aging of the skin and, unfortunately, the hands usually get the worst sun exposure as well.

Collagen is not absorbed and not a survivor of digestion

Collagen and elastin are the two proteins that maintain the structure and elasticity of your skin. Elastin is an extremely elastic protein in our connective tissue. It allows our tissues to stretch and contract, and then snap back to the original shape. Examples of high collagen content areas of the body are cartilage, bones, and fingernails. Collagen constitutes fibrous tissue that make up tendons, ligaments, and skin. The collagen is made up of amino acid chains and there are many types throughout our bodies.

You cannot replace collagen with a cream or a pill! Anyone who tells you otherwise is using false advertising! The collagen molecule is too large to absorb into the skin and does not survive the digestion process in a supplement. There are methods to spark your body to produce collagen and elastin. You can support this process through proper diet and in the case of skin, proper topical agents.

There are 3 DIY methods to restore collagen

You can induce the skin to replace collagen by means of my favorite methods: chemical peels, dermabrasion, and/or derma roller work. You can aid in this process with proper diet to support the new skin cell growth and collagen production. The derma roller is the best one for firming the skin. It stimulates improvement deeper into the skin than other methods. This deeper reaching treatment allows it to be more effective at firming skin than other methods. With multiple uses, you will see steady improvement.

If you have cellulite skin appearance (early stage)

If your cellulite is in the early stage, collagen induction therapy is a great tool. This is the beginning of the cellulite development (visible in the skin appearance).

When the appearance also involves the lumpy, wavy, and/or dimply appearance caused by the fat structures below, you will need different help for this. The following two blogs here may be more helpful. You may choose to go straight to these tools that effectively smooth the underlying structures, but also improve the health of the skin.

Keep in mind that Collagen Induction Therapy is invaluable in firming and improving skin. It is incredibly helpful with issues in many areas of skin. Like me, you may want to use all of these tools.

Other cellulite fighting tools

The tool used for Collagen Induction Therapy

Derma rollers are basically a hand-held roller that is covered with tiny needles. The needles come in different lengths for different skin locations. You definitely want a shorter length for your face and back of the hand. The needles for use on the body are longer.

Here is some scientific explanation of why it works so well

Micron size punctures make controlled skin injuries that do not cause significant trauma. These micro injuries cause a wound healing processes to begin. The skin releases growth factors like platelet derived growth factor (PGF), transforming growth factor alpha and beta (TGF-α and TGF-β), connective tissue activated protein, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF).

This treatment also breaks down the tough scar fiber strands and allows them to get improved blood flow, heal better, and diminish. Stretch marks follow the same process. The reason that this process helps to restore firmness to the skin is because it causes an increase in fibroblasts and also the migration of them. Fibroblasts are the connective tissue cells that creates collagen and elastin fibers. These bring about collagen production and formation of better blood vessels to the tissue.

Studies explain the effectiveness of this treatment

A microneedling study “Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy: an alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity” by Aust M.C., Fernandes D., Kolokythas P., Kaplan H.M., Vogt P.M. has shown that after 4 sessions, a month apart, collagen and elastin are increased up to 400%.

Other benefits to capitalize upon

The wound healing process sparked causes collagen production that gives skin tightening and also fills in atrophic scars. It is a process that happens for around 5 days following the procedure. Vitamin A and C application can maximize collagen production during this process.

I do not know of any formulations of products with A and C that will not be irritating during this initial stage (the day following). My choice is to use anti-aging and soothing oils during this period and then use the A and C products when the skin is able to handle them through the rest of the healing process, and beyond.

Important to know about Vitamin A and Vitamin C topical use

Vitamin A and Vitamin C should not be used together. They can cause far more irritation when combined. Vitamin A is photosensitive, it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and it is also degraded by sunlight. Use your Vitamin A products at night. You can use your Vitamin C product during the day.

Scar reduction

Surface scars from acne or other injury can be eliminated over time by derma roller work, then chemical peels and dermabrasion can help smooth out the skin surface. Derma rollers also work wonders for stretch marks. Atrophic scars are ones with a sunken surface or pit in the skin. The derma roller work forces the skin in the sunken scar area to heal and level off properly. The sunken area becomes lessened over time and treatment. The same holds true for raised scars (hypertrophic scars).

Chemical Peel, Derma Roller, or Dermabrasion will all contribute to skin improvement. Acne scars can be reduced and possibly eliminated. I have done it for both types of scars. The derma roller helps most for the atrophic scar. Chemical peels and dermabrasion help most for the hypertrophic scars. If you are prone to keloid scars (very, very rare), which are extreme overgrowth of scar tissue, do not do anything to these scars without the help of a doctor.

Restore firmness

There are certain areas of the body that can noticeably lose their firmness as we get older. These are areas like the back of the hand (becomes thinner), underside of the upper arm (starts to sag), upper leg (starts to show cellulite). Gravity can start to take a toll on certain areas of the body. These can all benefit from derma roller work! The procedure will firm up the skin and fight the aging process.

Improves cellulite appearance of skin

Cellulite can be hidden by smoothing and firming the skin above it. The collagen induction therapy is a great way to get these kinds of results. Exercise and massage are the best ways to combat the fat changes that create cellulite and smooth them out. Together all these things can improve your appearance. Regular treatment can improve your skin and combat the aging process.

Cellulite affects around 80% of women during their life…I have seen statistics that are higher. Massage improves the circulation in the area. Exercise helps to tone the muscles, increase circulation, smooth tissues, and burn excess fat. Cellulite appears when the circulation in the area declines and the skin gets less blood supply, weakens, and looses collagen and elastin with aging. The fat nodules get emphasized and develop a rippled appearance.

Back of the hand

The back of the hand is thin skin and you should use the needle length for face there. As we get older this area of skin becomes more thin and shows your age. You can micro-needle there, put on moisturizer, then gloves, and go to bed. Do this regularly to keep youthful, smooth, thicker skin here. This area especially should be done before you go to bed. Put lotion and/or oil on them and cover them with gloves. This is an easy method to keep your hands in good shape.

Neck/chin improvement

Your neck can become crepey and wrinkled over time. Derma roller work can prevent this. This is another area that gives away your age as you get older. Most people work on moisturizing the face and overlook the changes in their neck. You can have amazing improvement here!

Your favorite moisturizers and serums will penetrate more deeply, and firming this skin counteracts the effects of gravity that show very quickly here! Don’t underestimate the value of exercise for your neck. Just the strain of holding your head at an angle while you are doing sit-ups for example, strengthens and improves the muscle in your neck. There are special exercises that can be done to help your face and prevent sagging in the chin area and the area under the chin.

This is a great exercise routine for keeping your chin and neck in good shape. No one has a better one, or more entertaining, than Tracy Campoli.

This is a great exercise routine for keeping your neck muscles strong and toned. These are isometric exercises to do this effectively and safely. They can be done easily anytime and anywhere.

Firm skin on arms/legs

When working on my upper arms or legs, I make sure to go the total circumference of them. We want them to firm up and tighten inward uniformly for the whole area. You may see the saggy skin in the underside area of your arm, but the looseness of that skin is from the whole circumference.

Easy process

Some people apply anesthetic cream before doing derma roller work, but I feel it really is not necessary. It is very minor discomfort. The feeling and appearance afterward is comparable to a slight sunburn. It is best to do this just before going to bed. You sleep through the healing period. The next day you will be free to put on your makeup as normal and the benefits will become apparent over time. Make sure that you use a good moisturizer layer under your makeup.

Moisturizing

Derma rollers can help get rid of surface scars and wrinkles and induce collagen production in the skin. It also allows your favorite face creams to penetrate much deeper. For this reason, evaluate carefully what you want to use on your skin following treatment. You do not want chemicals, perfumes, etc. to penetrate deeply into your skin.

Equipment

Needle length of 1.5 mm or more are for use on your body.
Needle length of 0.25 mm to 1.0 mm are the range for skin on the face.
Make sure that the needles are small diameter. They should not be thicker than 0.7 mm.
You should definitely have 540 needles or more on your roller heads for face or body.

Titanium needles are the best quality for strength. That is why titanium is often used for supporting/rebuilding broken bones within our bodies. Surgical steel are also used and they clean very well. That is why they are a common choice for surgical tools. The metal you choose is a matter of preference, both are very good. My preference is stainless steel because I value the one that cleans the best.

Derma Roller Kits

You can get a derma roller kit that has heads with the proper needle size for both face and body. They should come with a hard material cover or case to protect them. Do not let the needles to be vulnerable to being bent or open to dust, etc.

Equipment material and care

The roller should be good for a year. Needles that are surgical steel clean very well, but titanium needles will have more strength. Which material to use is up to preferences. Avoid needles becoming bent or dull over time with usage, treat them carefully, replace them as needed. With proper handling and care, they should last a long time.

Kits usually have the handle and 2 or 3 different interchangeable heads. The 2 roller head set has a head for body and one for face. The 3 roller head sets have one for face and one for body with a very small head for hard to reach or delicate areas of the face. The heads come with protective covers so that you can keep them safe from damage or dust.

After derma roller work

You will want to put your moisturizer of choice on very quickly following this process because the skin will start closing up and healing very fast. Some prefer to use moisturizer before the procedure because it will be pushed in during the process.

Exercise

You may not want to exercise and get sweaty for one day following this treatment. Much like a sunburn, the saltiness of your sweat may sting. Avoid getting sidelined from your fitness schedule, do this treatment in the evening after a workout day.

That way you have your exercise recovery day and healing day at the same time. This is a process that is intended to be anti-aging and we want to prevent inflammation as much as possible. You will come to know what is right for you.

Safety

I have been using my derma rollers consistently for many years. I have never seen anything but improvement for my skin… never the other way. My skin is always washed right before use. They are always soaked in Isopropyl alcohol for better than 20 minutes prior to usage. I use them like this often.

The oil or skin cream used following this treatment must be clean too. If you have any doubts about the way it has been handled previously, don’t use it. It is very important to handle skin care products and makeup properly to keep them clean, but even more so when you use them in conjunction with derma rollers.

Post Treatment Moisturizing

These are are other oils from the list that are best sellers on Amazon:

These are best sellers on Amazon…

These are great oil sets that you might like to try:

These are some articles that I found where young-looking celebrities talked about using Collagen Induction Therapy:

Article by the AP on CBS news where Jennifer Aniston mentions using a derma roller in her beauty regimen: 3/24/14.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jennifer-aniston-says-she-wont-let-tabloids-steal-her-joy/

Jennifer Aniston from her interview with Aili Nahas published in People.com magazine April 7, 2014.
https://people.com/archive/jen-at-her-best-vol-81-no-14/

This Youtube video has Jessica Alba talking in the intro about how she is recovering from having one of her microneedling sessions…
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TJ_4SoV3I&feature]

Article by CINYA BURTON in E New! in 3/29/16, where aesthetician Mashell Tabe talks about using derma roller treatments for clients, that include Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts.
https://www.eonline.com/news/752347/see-why-gwyneth-paltrow-naomi-watts-more-celebs-are-suddenly-obsessed-with-microneedling

This is Harper’s Bazaar magazine article about Collagen Induction Therapy from 3/27/15:

Note

You will not want to do this procedure too much in the area of skin you are working on because you will cause unnecessary inflammation and damage. This can cause unnecessary tearing of the skin.

Special note for keloid scars – problem for less than 1% of population

If you have keloid scars, work with a doctor for anything you do to these. Keloids are areas of scar tissue that build up extremely far past the necessary normal healing process. These are much more pronounced than a hypertrophic scar. They usually occur when a wound involves cartilage. These are a risk for piercings that involve cartilage. This could mean a lumpy ball shaped area of tissue where you got your ear pierced.

Keep in mind

Do not perform chemical peels, dermabrasion, or microneedling treatments if you are sick, feel unhealthy, or feel that your immune system is compromised or weakened. Also do not perform chemical peels, dermabrasion, or microneedling treatments if you have problems with bleeding or thin blood, or cannot handle pain at the level of a light sunburn. You must keep your skin clean and protected while it is healing.

Cleaning is important

ALWAYS wash the area to be treated beforehand and soak your derma roller for at least 20 minutes in alcohol beforehand. I try to soak it longer. If it has been a couple of hours since you washed the area of skin, wash again. Always allow the full time necessary for recovery before performing another procedure.