What is a Dermaroller?
Skin is not only our greatest barrier protecting our body against external factors, but also the most important element determining our aesthetic appearance. However, factors such as time, sun damage, acne problems, and gravity slow down the skin’s self-renewal capacity. With the decrease in collagen production in the lower layers of the skin, problems such as fine lines, enlarged pores, and loss of elasticity arise. The world of medical aesthetics has focused on technologies that mimic the “wound healing mechanism” to manage this natural aging process of the skin. The ancestor and best known of these technologies is the Dermaroller. This simple but effective device, consisting of hundreds of micro-needles placed on a cylindrical drum, forms the basis of “Microneedling” treatment.
Especially in cities with sunny climates like Izmir, where interest in aesthetic treatments is high, Dermaroller is frequently discussed both as a professional treatment tool in clinics and as part of at-home care routines. However, misinformation on the internet can lead to confusion between home-use and clinic-type devices, resulting in incorrect applications. While a Dermaroller, in the right hands, is a powerful tool that stimulates collagen production in the skin, improper use can turn it into a device that irritates the skin and leaves marks.
How Dermaroller Works: Controlled Micro-Damage
The basis of Dermaroller application lies in “Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy” (PCI). The device is a rotating cylinder containing hundreds of micro-needles made of stainless steel or titanium, ranging in length from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm.
When this cylinder is rolled over the skin, the needles pierce the upper layer of the skin (epidermis), creating micro-channels that reach down to the middle layer (dermis). These channels are too small to be seen with the naked eye and usually do not cause bleeding or cause minimal bleeding. However, our body perceives these thousands of micro-incisions as “injuries.” The brain activates its defense mechanism by sending the signal, “Skin integrity has been compromised, urgent repair is needed.”
Repair Process: Growth factors and repair cells (fibroblasts) rush to the area and quickly begin to produce new collagen and elastin fibers to repair the damage. In fact, there is no actual wound, only a “damage signal.” In this way, the skin repairs itself, renews itself, thickens, and tightens. Areas of Use: What Problems is it Effective For?
Dermaroller is a versatile skin rejuvenation tool. When professionally applied in clinics in Izmir, it is used in the management of the following problems:
1. Acne Scar Treatment
Especially in sunken (atrophic) acne scars, the needles break down the hardened fibers under the scar tissue and stimulate collagen production, helping the base of the scar to lift upwards.
2. Enlarged Pores
The humid air of Izmir can create a breeding ground for enlarged pores. Dermaroller helps make pores appear smaller by tightening the tissue around the pores.
3. Anti-Aging and Fine Wrinkles
It increases skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also increases the absorption of anti-aging serums (hyaluronic acid, vitamins) applied to the skin by up to 200 times.
4. Hair Loss Treatment
It is used to increase blood circulation in the scalp and trigger growth factors. It is usually combined with hair mesotherapy or PRP.
Dermaroller vs. Dermapen: Which is More Effective?
With the advancement of technology, Dermaroller has largely been replaced by its electric and automatic version, Dermapen. Understanding the difference between the two is important for making the right choice.
- Entry Angle: Because Dermaroller is cylindrical, the needles enter and exit the skin at a certain angle, which can create a “tearing” effect (plowshare effect). This can prolong the healing process. Dermapen, on the other hand, inserts and withdraws the needles completely perpendicular to the skin (90 degrees). This reduces trauma and pain.
- Accessibility: With the wide cylinder of Dermaroller, it is difficult to reach narrow areas such as the sides of the nose and around the eyes. With the small head of Dermapen, every area can be easily reached.
Depth Adjustment: The needle length is fixed in Dermaroller. In Dermapen, different depths can be adjusted for the forehead and cheeks in the same session.
For these reasons, while Dermapen is generally preferred in professional treatments in modern clinics in Izmir, Dermaroller is more often used in at-home (short needle) care routines or in body stretch mark treatments (large areas).
Home Use of Dermaroller and Risks
Dermaroller devices, which can be easily found on the internet, can cause serious skin problems if used without proper knowledge.
Important Warning: Home useDermaroller needles should never be longer than 0.5 mm. Needles of 1.0 mm and above should only be used by physicians in a clinical setting.
Risks:
Failure to ensure complete sterilization can lead to infection. Applying incorrect pressure can scratch the skin and leave marks (PIH). Applying it to active acne can spread bacteria throughout the face. Therefore, we recommend that our patients in Izmir consult a specialist for any conditions requiring in-depth treatment.
Comparison of Home and Clinical Applications
The differences between home application and professional clinical application are as follows:
| Features | Home Dermaroller | Clinical Type (Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Length | Maximum 0.25 – 0.5 mm. | Between 0.5 mm – 2.5 mm. |
| Purpose | To increase product absorption. | Collagen production, trace Treatment. |
| Bleeding | No or very little. | Pinpoint bleeding is targeted. |
| Sterilization | User responsibility (Risky). | Fully sterile, single-use head. |
| Effectiveness | Surface gloss. | Deep restructuring. |
Things to Consider After Application in Izmir
The most important thing for those who have had Dermaroller or Dermapen application in Izmir to pay attention to is… Sun Protection is essential.
Thousands of micro-channels opened during the procedure make the skin vulnerable to the sun. For the first 3 days after treatment, the skin will experience sensitivity and redness similar to sunburn. Unprotected sun exposure during this period can cause permanent damage. Therefore, in Izmir, these procedures are generally recommended during the winter months, or if performed in the summer, a very strict protection protocol (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+) is applied. Also, the skin should not be exposed to water or makeup for 24 hours after the procedure.
Who is it not suitable for?
Dermaroller is not a procedure suitable for everyone.
- Those with active, inflamed acne (pimples) on their face (risk of spreading bacteria).
- Those with active skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
- Those with blood clotting problems or those taking blood-thinning medication.
- Those prone to keloid (raised scar) formation.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion: Conscious and Safe Renewal
In summary; the answer to the question “What is a Dermaroller?” is that it is a mechanical stimulator that awakens the skin’s dormant repair mechanism. When used correctly, it is an effective method that improves skin quality and maximizes product absorption. However, with the advancement of technology, it has been replaced by the more comfortable and effective Dermapen systems.
If you want to choose the right method for your skin in Izmir, instead of trying risky treatments at home, the healthiest way is to consult with specialist doctors who analyze your skin and determine the appropriate treatment for your needs (Dermapen, Laser, etc.). Your skin is not a guinea pig; it is your most valuable garment.
