Is There Any Difference Between Microneedling & Dermarolling?

Our generation is constantly looking for new ways to enhance someone’s physical appearance. 

For instance, some manufacturers have a skin-specific target market that includes those looking to treat their skin conditions. As a result, they produce skin care products like eye creams, body lotions, exfoliators, and serums to help solve their target market’s problems.

This also applies to manufacturing companies that produce hair care products for the consumption of people who want to maintain their hair’s beauty.

Talking about modern skin and hair care procedures, microneedling and dermarolling are common nowadays. Despite being popular, not everyone knows their differences and how they work.

So, is there any difference between microneedling & dermarolling? 

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is a procedure that involves puncturing using a needle to produce small wounds. These small wounds enable the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which improves appearance by healing the skin.

Acne, hair loss, dark spots or patches on the skin, large pores, scars, stretch marks, and other conditions can all be helped by microneedling. 

This procedure is four times cheaper than laser treatment – the reason why many people are into this, considering their budget.

Microneedling works best with people with darker skin tones because it doesn’t involve heat that affects skin pigmentation, unlike laser treatment. Despite this, it’s still advisable to seek the advice of a doctor or dermatologist before undergoing a microneedling procedure.

To understand the procedure, let’s proceed.

Microneedling Procedure

Microneedling is a simple procedure. It only takes 30 minutes to complete.

You might be anxious about the microneedling procedure because it involves a “needle,” but it’s safe and applies to all skin types.

Using a Topical Numbing Agent

To lessen the pain during the microneedling process, place a topical anesthetic on your skin before starting. Again, microneedling involves puncturing the top layer of your skin with a small tool equipped with tiny needles to activate its healing mechanism.

And since there is a “puncturing” involved, it means there is a tendency for you to feel pain.

Using a Micro Pen Device

The micro pen is a microneedling tool that the FDA has approved in the United States. The technician will use the micro pen to make small punctures in your skin throughout the treatment.

These tiny wounds encourage the creation of collagen and start the body’s natural healing process. Proteins like collagen are essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Applying Calming Gel to the Skin

Your technician will apply calming gel to your skin afterward to lessen redness or discomfort. There may be some dryness, tightness, itching, or pain in the treatment region. 

After the surgery, you must wait 24 hours before using topical creams or cosmetics.

What Is Dermarolling?

Dermarolling is a hair growth treatment using a derma roller that can be performed at home or in a dermatologist’s office.

Compared to microneedling, this is cheaper since you only have to purchase an affordable derma roller online or through a medical supply store.

The good thing about dermarolling is that you don’t need to choose the most expensive derma roller for the best result. You only have to be consistent in the process, and you will see results in a few months.

Dermarolling Procedure

Below are the procedures for derma rolling.

Using the derma roller properly can contribute to your skin’s overall progress.

Sanitize Derma Roller Before Using

Using a sanitizing spray, disinfect the derma roller. Another way of doing this that brings the same result is soaking the derma roller in 70% isopropyl alcohol.

To ensure it’s well coated, spray or wet the roller three times. After that, let it soak for 10 minutes.

Thoroughly Wash Hands and Skin

It’s a rule of thumb to ensure the cleanliness of hands and skin before starting the process, hence washing. It’s also advisable to use any gentle cleanser for optimal results.

It’s always good to be hygienic when going through dermarolling procedures at home or at a dermatologist’s office.

Divide Your Face Into Sections

As you stand in front of a mirror, imagine your face being split into pieces. Inside each segment, roll the area in a grid pattern. 

It’s an assurance that you can treat the whole face and neck, excluding the eyes and lips.

Start With the Derma Rolling Process

Gently grip the derma roller and roll back and forth four to five times, first giving little pressure while holding the skin tightly.

Then, raise the roller off the skin in an alternate roll up and down, diagonally in one direction and then the other direction, as if you’re producing an asterisk shape. Do this several times.

Apply Serum and Moisturizer

It’s essential to treat your skin with serums first, followed by moisturizers, since the process has opened up the skin’s microchannels. 

In terms of serums, stay away from those with active chemicals like vitamin C, retinol, and chemical exfoliants. Instead, choose those with hyaluronic acid that aids in skin restoration.

Disinfect the Roller

With the use of dishwashing soap, clean the roller, removing the skin proteins. Make a solution of soapy water in a container, then rapidly swirl the roller through it, being careful not to strike the edges.

Rinse the roller and sanitize it with alcohol before completely putting it back in its case for protection.

Is Microneedling Better Than Dermarolling?

After learning about derma roller vs micro needling, what is our verdict? In a nutshell, mircroneedling is a much better option.

Let me explain.

First, microneedling is less painful compared to dermarolling. This is because derma rollers insert needles into the skin at a 45° angle, creating tearing wounds.

Second, microneedling is more sanitary. The needles used in microneedling are usually single-use and disposable. Hence there is no tendency for contamination or spread of bacteria.

Suppose I were to choose between microneedling and dermarolling. I would go with microneedling because of the advantages mentioned above.

Yes, dermarolling is cheaper, but it always pays to be safe and clean.