Hello my Kings and Queens! (As skin care applies to all, afterall!) Glad you’re tuning back in. It obviously means you are super keen to learn all the skin care tips and tricks to achieve skin perfection.
Just like diets, there are so many fads and quick fix products out there that will "guarantee" results on your skin, but in reality they leave you out of pocket and leave your skin in a worse condition than when you started. So take my hand my darlings and come with me into the world of Microneedling VS Dermarolling! Lets put these skin care competitors to the test and see who comes out top dog! The winner may just take your skin care level up a notch….!
So Frankie, what are you on about?!
I know there's so much information in the world of skin care and in all honesty microneedling sounds pretty scary! but, have no fear, I'm here to guide you through.
First. Things. First. Lets talk about what they are and what they entail.
Microneedling: so known as Collagen induction therapy (CIT). In the short term microneedling creates microscopic channels (teeny little holes) to the epidermis. It is a pen with fine needles that causes little puncture wounds to your skin which results in signals being sent to the skin to heal and regenerate that particular area. This stimulates collagen production, cell turnover and elastin and can treat an array of skin concerns. This can only be administered by a professional. It's kind of like a tattoo gun - but doesn't go as deep and not painful- don't panic!Â
Dermarolling: This looks like a little paint brush with tiny needles on it, ultimately it is designed to do exactly the same thing, but in the comfort of your own home.
So what are the benefits of these I hear you ask? Well, let’s discuss each in turn. First, microneedling……
There are so many benefits to adding Microneedling to your skin care routine, so let me share a few with you;
-Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
-Increases collagen and elastane
-Shrinks pores
-Reduces scarring
-Reduces hyperpigmentation / dark spots/ sun damage
-Reduces Acne
-Evens skin tone and texture
And now you’re thinking, why on earth have I not used this before?! I know, that's exactly how I felt when I turned up to my first microneedling appointment.
I booked in for my microneedling appointment with the same lady who micro bladed my brows ( she is incredible) and I'm sure she won’t mind me mentioning her as I'm hoping by the end of this most of you will be getting treatments by her magic hands! - I will also tag her on my insta page where you can ping her a message to book in.
So when having my fabulous brows done by Tracey at House of Beauty based in Wimborne, Dorset , I whinged to her (sorry Tracey) about a multitude of skin concerns I had. After continuously listening to my constant skin grumbles she introduced me to the world of microneedling and how I could really benefit from it. Instantly I booked in, following my brow healing of course.
The big day had arrived, and I couldn't wait. As part of the process you get a full facial cleanse and clean and then a topical numbing cream is applied. The needles for a micropen are completely sterilised and of one time use. I was absolutely shocked that I could not feel a thing, in fact the most I felt was on the bridge of my nose and it only felt like an itch! (absolute relief right?!) Whilst you’re being microneedled, Hyaluronic acid will be used so it can penetrate deep into the skin, covering all of your hydration needs. After needling, your face will be cleansed again as you will be a little bit bloody, but don't panic, this is normal, painless and completely safe. Afterwards you will sit with a cooling, refreshing face mask packed with vitamins to soak into your skin. The whole experience took roughly an hour.
After microneedling, you are going to look sunburnt and as the numbing wears off, you’re going to feel sunburnt. Please avoid touching your face, or exfoliating, or putting any harsh products on of any kind, including makeup. In fact, I’d avoid any sort of product for at least 24 hours. I'd also avoid any harsh treatments until the redness has gone completely, this took me 2/3 days. It's always handy getting a couple of Moisture Bomb sheet masks from Garnier to use post treatment. Normal after effects include dryness and flaking, as your skin is rejuvenating. I'll be honest, once my skin had fully healed, I booked in for round two, because honestly it is the best my skin has ever been!
I then booked in for session 3 (giving myself at least 4 weeks between each appointment).
I have a couple of scars on my face (well done to three year old Frankie scratching chicken pox *big thumbs up*) and these have almost vanished AND I am seeing all of the benefits mentioned in the list above! In fact I am due to book in again (thanks corona, I have to wait) I really couldn't recommend this treatment enough because afterwards, your usual skin care products are so much more effective and it really does achieve the results it claims to.
I would say at least 4 sessions is what you want to aim for, as the needle depth can increase each time. Another fab thing about this is it continues to work over 6 months, and you really do see the benefits long term! In fact the results were so good, even my very sceptical mum (who is against a lot of "procedures") is looking to book.
So why were the results so good?!
Well firstly the procedure is administered by a trained professional, and let’s be honest, this makes a world of difference. As mentioned, the needles used are of single use so there is no change of bacteria being inserting into the skin. The needle glides across the skin with even pressure and the depth is controlled by the pen and not the person so again this is done evenly causing controlled and precise injuries to the skin so there is no chance of micro tears. All of this allows for a quick and low risk healing process and MAXIMUM results.
So moving on to contender number two……Dermarolling
So Dermarolling, you can buy these online, in different sizes and at a multitude of different prices. Dermarolling is quite simple, clean your face and roll. It tends to be painless as the needle depth isn't as long as a microneedling pen. I did find with dermarolling that the results weren't really substantial, and I found not only did it break me out, I got a little scabby in places. In fact there isn't a massive study on the benefits to dermarolling in comparison to microneedling. HOWEVER, this isn't to say you wont get results, and it doesn't mean it is ineffective (keep reading I'll explain).
So, why did I get negative effects from dermarolling?
Firstly with dermrolling, the needles are not sterile, in fact even disinfecting will not remove 100% of bacteria which is likely to cause breakouts and maybe infection.
-You have no control over the depth of penetration to the skin.
-Uneven pressure can cause these channels to be uneven.
-The rolling can actually cause microtears to the skin due to it hitting the skin at an angle, unlike microneedling which penetrates the skin straight. Micro tears can actually cause long term skin damage and cause your skin to inflame, breakout, flake or redden. They cause the skins barrier to weaken (and we really don't want that!).
-You also risk bending and blunting the needles through frequent use of a dermaroller.
Dermarolling will not penetrate as deeply as a microneedling pen and the depth of a dermaroller cannot be altered, and thus you won’t receive the result you can get through a professional. Microneedling is much more precise than a dermaroller which is so important when focusing on different skin concerns and different areas of the face. Now, I'm not against dermarolling, not at all. In fact, I do think it is a money friendly way of achieving minimal skin results, IF administered to yourself carefully and infrequently (I will preach the 4 week rule). In fact using a dermaroller at home can help your products penetrate the skin deeper than usual and make them more effective. You can still achieve great skin results with a dermaroller for sure! They just wont be as incredible as the skin transformation from microneedling pen. Just check out the before and after photos on google! In fact I've been looking at photos from my procedures from last year and 100% is the best my skin has ever looked.
Sooooo if you haven’t already guessed it, microneedling will always win for me out of the two. I have had such incredible results from my own treatments and swear by them. You will get much more effective and longer lasting results with microneedling, not to mention it’s safer and the results really do speak for themselves. Now you should know by now, I won't rave about something unless I really think its totally worth it and will truly benefit you!
So get onto my Instagram page where I will post the details for House of Beauty and send Tracey a message to get booked! Honestly you will be blown away by how incredible your skin will look when you start your journey, so do it, BOOK NOW!
Please do remember, as with all of my posts, skin care takes dedication and time and is not a one size fits all. I am also not a dermatologist or a doctor and will only write about products I have used.
I have not been paid or sponsored to discuss any products or companies I mention in this post.