Is Acne Scar Microneedling Safe? And How to Derma Roll Scars

Acne is more than enough to crush your confidence, but what if you also have to deal with acne scars? Fortunately, there are at-home treatments you can consider to improve the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate the skin. One of these treatments includes microneedling.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of microneedling for the skin and how you can use a technique called derma rolling for your acne scars.

Is Acne Scar Microneedling Safe?

Microneedling is considered safe and effective for treating acne scars. A study on the treatment of atrophic acne scars found that microneedling therapy does not damage or remove the skin’s outer layer. The study also reported a short recovery time.

Unlike other skin corrective treatments, like laser or dermabrasion, microneedling does not require expensive equipment. All skin types and colors can undergo the therapy as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is rarely observed.

Microneedling causes minimal side effects, including redness, inflammation, and slight bruising. However, this will most likely clear up within a few days. The severity of these effects depends on how you take care of your skin.

Direct sun exposure, tanning, and intense exercise can make inflammation worse. Using alcohol-based skin products and chemical exfoliants can also irritate your skin, so it’s best to avoid them for a while.

Some people may also experience acne breakouts after microneedling. Although they are usually mild, it is advised to avoid picking at your skin to prevent further scarring.

If you are pregnant or scar easily, you should consult your dermatologist to see if microneedling is appropriate for you. The therapy may also not be recommended for those with rosacea or eczema as it can exacerbate their symptoms.

Benefits of Microneedling Acne Scars

Microneedling involves the use of fine needles that gently prick the skin and create small wounds. During this process, the skin produces more collagen to heal the wounds from the needles and smooth out the skin’s appearance. It can also help with the following conditions:

• Acne scars
• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Melasma
• Sun damage
• Enlarged pores
• Skin roughness
• Burn scars
• Surgical scars
• Sagging skin
• Stretch marks
• Hair loss

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends microneedling therapy for widespread, depressed acne scars. This treatment may not be suitable for people with raised acne scars because their bodies already produce too much collagen.

How to Properly Derma Roll Scars

Aside from a professional microneedling procedure, you can also opt for an acne scars derma roller. This treatment is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to reap the benefits of microneedling at home. Derma rollers create small pathways in the skin using shorter needles to produce collagen and elastin.

What You’ll Need to Derma Roll Scars

Don’t worry! You only need two key components when derma rolling scars to minimize their appearance.

Serum

Serums are a skincare product designed to target specific skin concerns and deliver significant benefits. This product contains a high concentration of active ingredients that penetrates deeply into the skin. Serums can help repair and rejuvenate your skin’s barrier.

Using a serum with a derma roller is beneficial as the pathways created by the roller allow the serum to travel deeper into the skin. Thus, the serum is absorbed more efficiently to produce more visible effects.

It is important to choose a serum with nourishing and moisturizing benefits. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid lock in moisture for plumper and more hydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps with the regenerative process that can improve the skin’s texture and tone.

Although retinol and vitamin C are powerful ingredients, they may be too harsh and irritating for derma rolling. These ingredients can cause an adverse reaction, especially when paired with needles.

Derma Roller

Choosing the right size of derma roller will largely depend on your needs. Generally, you should opt for a derma roller with less than 0.5 millimeters of needle length. The ElumeStemCell Derma Roller is 0.5 millimeters which is a suitable length for many skin concerns. There is a higher risk of damaging your skin if you go above this needle length.

Below is a guide to help you know which length to use depending on your specific skin concern.

Step-by-Step Process of Derma Rolling 

Follow these steps for a safe and sterile derma rolling experience.

Before using a derma roller, make sure that it is clean to avoid bacteria transfer. You can disinfect your derma roller by soaking it in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for at least five to ten minutes. Then, dry it with a clean paper towel.

Wash your face with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Derma rolling is best added to your evening skincare routine to prevent sun damage. You can also consider double cleansing your face to eliminate the oil and dirt buildup during the day.

Apply the serum to your face if you are using one with your derma roller. The ElumeStemCell Daily Illuminating Face Serum is lightweight and perfect to use in your derma rolling routine. Then, you can begin with the derma rolling process. It is crucial to get the technique right when doing this. There are three movements involved in the rolling method: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal.

Start in one direction six to eight times, depending on your skin sensitivity and tolerance. After rolling in the same area, slightly adjust the derma roller and repeat until you have covered the particular skin section.

Then, you can go up and down your forehead, cheeks, and chin. If you started horizontally, you could switch to vertical movements. Make sure you are not applying too much pressure.

You should avoid rolling on your eye sockets (orbital area). Be cautious in sensitive areas, like the nose and upper lip.

Once done with derma rolling, you can choose to apply the serum you used earlier. Or, you can also opt for another anti-aging or hydrating skincare product. The Hydra Serum is packed full of good-for-your-skin ingredients such as matrix proteins, natural hyaluronic acid, growth factors and collagen for skin repair and renewal. Avoid harsh exfoliants or products with active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, retinol, tretinoin, and vitamin C.

Always disinfect your derma roller with an alcohol-based solution after every use. You can also clean it with dishwashing soap to dissolve the proteins found in the blood and skin. Dry your derma roller and store it somewhere clean.

How Often Should You Derma Roll Scars? 

Start derma rolling your scars once a week and observe your skin’s reaction to the needles. If you do not notice any adverse effects, you can gradually increase the frequency of use to two or three times per week.

Say “Goodbye!” to Acne Scars with Microneedling at Home

Acne scar microneedling is generally a safe and effective treatment that provides several skin benefits. You can do this treatment at home using the derma rolling technique.

Derma rolling does not have to be intimidating if you learn how to do it right. So, if you’re looking for something to treat acne scars, our Facial Kit includes the derma roller and serums you need to get started today!