When it comes to trying new beauty products, or even at home remedies (yes, I’ve tried the Miraclewhip peel—and it works), I will experiment with anything. My skin has always been my nemesis. I don’t break out, I don’t have too many wrinkles, but I have some minor scarring and it’s all I can see when I look in the mirror. I’ve tried everything, truly everything. Expensive lasers, creams, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and more lasers—and nothing made much of a difference. I spend hours looking at before and after pictures online of just about any procedure. My goal is to look like Rachel Weisz—is that too much to ask? I even visit the same dermatologist as her to increase my chances!
Looking for something new to try at home, I came across articles on the skin needle roller. A fascinating contraption with teeny needles that you roll on your face. Apparently Angelina, Jolie uses this device (it involves needles, are you surprised?). I purchased one right away, the 1.5mm model, and had it over-nighted. I’ve done two sessions with it so far, spaced a week a part. It hurts, not in a excruciating way, but an annoying stingy way. The point of it is to help stimulate collagen production and also open your pores to absorb nutrients more effectively. You guys, it works. I’ve noticed vast improvement from this method more than anything over the last ten years. It is also effective for fine lines. My advice would be to read all you can before doing it for yourself–there are many how-to videos on YouTube. If you are up for trying anything, I give the skin-needle roller two thumbs up.
l-r: MICRONEEDLE SKIN CARE SYSTEM, $27.00, Amazon; DR. ROLLER, $69.95, Amazon.
This sounds really interesting–I looked it up though and it says each roller is good for about 3 weeks with twice weekly use. Is that what you are doing? Or will you sterilize and reuse?
Hi there!
Most of what I read stated the smaller the needle, the more frequent you can use (two to three times weekly). I purchased the 1.5mm, and once a week has been plenty for me (I did it last night again). I have been sterilizing in an alcohol solution and hope that it lasts me about 3 months. If a needle happens to get bent, you will have to replace. Also, to help it glide (and prevent a needle from bending), I use a light oil on my face after cleaning before I roll. Following the rolling, I rinse with cetaphil and then apply moisturizer (sometimes a retinoid). Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks! I’m going to try it! I plan to get a longer needly too to try on my thighs for cellulite—so glad you posted.
Do you know how it fares on age spots? I’m getting some on my cheekbones but am afraid that this might hurt the super sensitive skin under my eyes. BTW, I’m SO totally fascinated by this! How’d you hear about it?
One more question! Is it okay for skin that’s acne prone? I usually get small outbreaks on my chin right before “that time of the month”!
Hi Diana,
I can’t really speak to the acne or age spots from my experience. If you have sensitive skin probably best to talk to your dermatologist before use. The most notable thing I have noticed is just a increased plumpness in my cheek area where my scarring is the worst.
I actually came across information on the roller from my many hours surfing the internet!
As a fair skinned gal whom Keloids no no no. Asain and Blacks Keloid also.
Hi Ann! I emailed the company and they actually recommended denture tablets (in water) to clean the roller over alcohol even.
“Denture tablets are enzyme cleansers and enzymes take off fat as well as reduce bacteria. While not as effective, you may also use alcohol (isopropyl).”
Thought you might find this useful!
Hi! That is makes perfect sense now that I think about it. I actually clean my invisalign retainer in denture tablets! Ha!
Well, looks like I will be cleaning my roller in tablets going forward. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, I SO want to try this. No pain, no gain, right? Things seem like they’re working a little bit more when it hurts a tiny bit!
Kim!! I bought one 2 months ago. It’s still sitting in the box, because I’m so nervous and scared to use it. We need to form a support group for this thing.