A few years ago, I noticed little wrinkles starting to appear on my forehead.
It was nothing major, just a few horizontal fine lines here and there, but I was surprised. I thought I had lots of time before I started developing lines.
There's a myth that people don't get wrinkles, crow's feet, smile lines, and fine lines until they're older, but that's just not true.
In fact, most people start noticing signs of aging as soon as they finish their teenage years — and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
That being said, some of us choose to take measures to prevent or reverse these signs. Some people decide to rock their signs of aging, while others take steps to change their appearance.
Whether you dye your hair, get Botox, or use certain skin care products, it can help you feel more confident.
In order to try to counteract the effects of stress and daily life on my skin, I decided to try using a derma roller, a special tool that claims to stimulate skin growth, to reduce the appearance of fine lines on my forehead.
Read below to find out more about what happened when I tried using a derma roller for the first time!
What Is A Derma Roller?
A derma roller is a specialized beauty device that's supposed to stimulate new skin growth using microneedles.
According to Byrdie, "A derma roller contains hundreds of tiny needles."
When you use the derma roller, and roll the needles onto your skin, the needles create micro-injuries. To combat these micro-injuries, your body sends collagen and elastin to the area while it heals.
"This makes it an ideal method for filling in fine lines and wrinkles," the site explains.
Using a derma roller also supposedly opens up your skin, helping it absorb moisture.
As a bonus, the derma roller is also rumored to help with stretch marks.
How To Use A Derma Roller
Using a derma roller is really simple.
The most important step is buying the correct size needle. When microneedling at home, it's best to use needles that are smaller than 0.3 mm.
After rolling the derma roller across your face (according to the instructions on your specific roller), you should apply a serum to your face — just avoid any with vitamin C or retinol, because they can irritate your skin.
Derma Roller Side Effects
The point of derma rollers is to slightly injure your skin, so you may experience redness, slight pain, and irritation — especially if you have sensitive skin.
And as previously stated, using certain serums with your derma roller can irritate your skin.
You should be very careful if you choose to use the derma roller under your eyes or on your lips, and you should never microneedle your eyelids.
If you experience any bleeding or bruising, avoid dermarolling that area until fully healed.
Skin Before Using Derma Roller
Before I started using the derma roller, I was frustrated with the appearance of my fine lines.
Although most people probably wouldn't notice my lines if I were just having a conversation with them, it's something I feel slightly self-conscious about.
Often, when I'm stressed, I wrinkle up my forehead, which is what causes the lines.
First Time Using Derma Roller
I didn't know exactly what to expect when I decided to start using the derma roller, but I was hopeful that it would get rid of my fine lines.
I rinsed off the roller with rubbing alcohol — as instructed on the box — and started pressing it into my skin.
I rolled it five times up and five times down on my forehead, then the same from side to side, and the same with both diagonals.
It prickled and stung, but wasn't overly painful.
Second Time Using Derma Roller
The second time, I understood that using the derma roller might sting a little, but I began feeling like my skin was very stimulated — maybe that meant it was working?
After using the derma roller the first time, I noticed my skin felt slightly plumper and tighter, but the lines were still there. Using the microneedler the second time, I hoped I'd notice more of an effect on my fine lines.
Third Time Using Derma Roller
By the third time I used the roller, I was pretty sure I knew what was coming — so I was surprised when I noticed a tiny bit of blood on my forehead. I lifted the derma roller and decided to leave that area alone for the rest of the session.
Around the third time I used the roller, I also noticed that the skin on my forehead seemed especially dry and was actually peeling.
Some people use a chemical peel to exfoliate their skin before beginning each derma rolling session, and it's probably something I'll do in the future.
After Using Derma Roller
My experience using the derma roller was pretty good. Despite minor irritation after each session, my skin always felt tighter the next few days.
At the end of my three sessions (one each week, so I wouldn't irritate my skin too much), I didn't notice a huge change in my fine lines. In order to notice a real difference, I might need to continue the process for longer — like three months or so.
Derma Roller: Final Thoughts
Would I use the derma roller again? Yes, I think so. Other than some dry skin and minor bleeding, I didn't notice any negative side effects, so I don't see any reason to not keep using the roller. I'm also planning on trying to use the derma roller on my stretch marks to reduce their appearance as well.
Would I recommend the derma roller to a friend? Sure! I probably wouldn't recommend it if you have sensitive skin or a really low pain threshold, but otherwise I think it's worth the ten dollars.
Would you try using a derma roller? If you have wrinkles or fine lines, please SHARE this article with your friends!
