We know that there are a lot of beauty tools out there and sometimes it can be confusing what exactly they all do and whether or not you actually need them. One that you might have heard of is a derma roller. Derma rollers have been gaining popularity as a skin treatment tool to address several skin concerns that comes with ageing.
But before you set out to buy one, it is important to understand how to use it, the benefits of derma rolling and what to look for while choosing the best derma roller suitable for your skin type and skincare needs. This is why we spoke to two experts - Dr Hiba Injibar, consultant dermatologist and founder of Dermasurge Clinic, a London-based skin clinic that specialises in cosmetic procedures and skin consultations and Dr Kajal Babamiri, a GP Specialist in Dermatology, Lasers and Aesthetics at CLNQ.
What is a derma roller?
A derma roller is a small handheld roller device that is covered in rows of tiny needles. While there are a number of different uses for them, they are mainly used for targeting skin issues like pigmentation and improving the overall texture of your skin. Many people also claim that derma rollers help with fine lines, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
Who needs to practise derma rolling?
"Derma rolling is great for people with acne scars, large pores, fine lines or uneven skin texture. It is also an excellent option for those looking to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. People with dark spots or hyperpigmentation can benefit too as derma rolling helps promote skin regeneration," says Dr Kajal.
However, if you have sensitive skin or active acne, she suggests that it is best to consult an expert first.
What needle length should I go for?
"Medical microneedling uses needles with a length of 0.5mm – 1.5mm on the face, neck and chest, or 1.5mm – 2.5mm on the body. So microneedling with needles of greater than 0.5mm length should not be used at home," says Dr Hiba.
How to use a derma roller?
"Take your derma roller and gently roll it over your skin vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, rolling twice over your cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and neck," explains Dr Hiba.
"To achieve a maximum result, make sure that you prepare your skin for the derma rolling session. Wash the specific area with soap and water. Then, you may cleanse and exfoliate the area using a mild over the counter chemical peel for a better result. Cleansing and exfoliating increases the faster absorption of the skin," she adds.
Expert approved techniques for effective derma rolling
"For best results, always begin with cleaning and drying the skin. Using a derma roller with shorter needles, especially if you're new to it and roll in multiple directions to cover the area evenly. You shouldn’t press too hard and let the roller glide over the skin," Dr Kajal syas.
"After treatment, you should apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser to help soothe the skin. Always clean the roller with alcohol after every use and avoid sun exposure post-treatment," she adds.
What are the benefits of derma rolling?
"Derma rolling, also known as microneedling, helps your skin by creating small punctures that boost collagen production. This can help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars, making your skin smoother and more youthful," says Dr Kajal.
"Derma rolling also enhances the absorption of skincare products, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to more effective results," she adds.
Do derma rollers work?
"Fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation are all said to be diminished with regular derma rolling – however, there can be much faster and more effective results when professional micro-needling is done by a professional," says Dr Hiba.
Can I use a derma roller on my scalp?
"Yes, derma rolling can be used on the scalp to promote hair growth. The small punctures it creates help increase blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles. It also helps your scalp absorb hair growth products like serums or minoxidil better."
"It’s important to use a derma roller specifically designed for the scalp and use the appropriate needle length to avoid damage to the scalp or hair folliciles," Dr Kajal adds.
Best derma rollers
Best derma roller overall
purederma.co.uk
The Pure Derma Roller is equipped with 540 medical grade titanium microneedles that helps your skin to absorb skincare products like creams, oils and serums better, thereby making your skincare routine several times more effective. This encourages skin regeneration and repair which is pivotal for older women. Using this derma roller also improves uneven skin tone, textured skin and minimises enlarged pores.
Reviewers who have been using this device shared that they love the handle as it gives them good grip while using it. Most of them also added that derma rolling has helped to absorb skincare products better leaving their skin looking more refreshed and smoother. It also available in 0.25mm and 0.5mm microneedle lengths.
Pros
- Has 540 medical grade titanium microneedles
- Handle with good grip
- Improves uneven skin tone and textured skin
- Minimises enlarged pores
Cons
- It will take continued use for a while to see positive results
Best derma roller for plump and firmer skin
trinnylondon.com
The Trinny London Plump Up Microneedle is a 0.5mm at-home microneedle which can help you achieve smoother and firmer skin. This device is clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles and regular use will leave your skin feeling refreshing and younger without having to undergo any cosmetic treatments. The pack also includes an 8ml cleaning spray which needs to be used to clean the head after every use to prevent infections along with a 1ml sample of Plump Up, their advanced peptide and hyaluronic acid serum to enhance the results of derma rolling.
However, it is important to note that the head should be replaced after 24 uses and it is also recommended to take at least one month break after every eight weeks of microneedling to give your skin the opportunity to rest and regenerate.
Reviewers who have been using the tool shared that it is quite easy to get the hang of it and one user added, “My skin looks fresh, with less lines, youthful, hydrated, plump and my skin clearly absorbs the serums, oils and creams better after using it.”
Pros
- It is a 0.5mm at-home microneedle
- Clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- The pack also includes an 8ml cleaning spray
- 1ml sample of Plump Up, advanced peptide and hyaluronic acid serum comes with it
Cons
- The head should be replaced after 24 uses
- Higher price range
Best derma roller to improve uneven skin
www.boots.com
The Kitsch Micro Derma Roller is perfect if you wish to target uneven skin tone, textured skin, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and large pores. It comes with .25mm stainless steel microneedle technology that will leave your skin looked refreshed and youthful.
Several reviewers started using this tool after noticing signs of ageing skin and one of them says, “My skin feels so fresh and clean. I’ve also been using it in the temporal area where we tend to lose our hair when menopause starts. I just gently roll it in one direction and apply my rosemary and biotin hair oil. It feels amazing.” “I had extremely large pores for a long time. I tried this and the difference already is unbelievable,” added another reviewer.
Pros
- It comes with .25mm stainless steel microneedle technology
- Minimises large pores
Cons
- Some reviewers shared that the roller made a squeaky noise while using it
Best budget derma roller
www.lookfantastic.com
The Brushworks HD Micro Needle Derma Roller provides at-home microneedling experience with 0.5mm needles for a smoother-looking complexion. This tool is perfect for those wanting to reduce fine lines or textural irregularities. Reviewers who have been using this tool shared that it is suitable for sensitive skin as well as it does not irritate the skin. Other users have shared that they noticed lesser fine lines, pores and wrinkles after continued use and that it also helps to enhance hair growth as one user also noticed that she had baby hair growing above her temples.
Pros
- Comes with 0.5mm needles
- Helps to reduce fine lines or textural irregularities
- Suitable for sensitive skin as it does not irritate the skin
- Helps promote hair growth too
Cons
- Some reviewers shared that the roller made a squeaky noise while using it
Best premium derma roller
www.lookfantastic.com
The FaceGym Youthful Active Roller is a microneedling tool designed to visibly reduce redness and fine lines. The head is made up of crystallised ingredients that form advanced dissolving microneedles which delivers topical application of active ingredients. Therefore, this functions more like a special treatment than a routine practice as each roller head can only be used once.
It is packed with Retinol-like Reneseed™, niacinamide and green tea to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores and redness. The tool is also equipped with over 3000 active ingredient-infused microneedles to infuse leave your skin looking radiant and youthful. The pack also includes a roller handle, pouch and 2 Youthful Dissolving Microneedle heads.
Reviewers have shared that the treatment provides instant glow and pigmentation was also seen to be fading. Another reviewer added that it improved her skin’s appearance by reducing redness and helping it feel refreshed and firm. While this tool is more expensive than other similar products, the effectiveness and additional heads provided in the pack does make up for the higher price point.
Pros
- Equipped with over 3000 crystallised ingredients that form advanced dissolving microneedles
- Packed with Retinol-like Reneseed™, niacinamide and green tea
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation pores and redness
- Pack also includes a roller handle, pouch and 2 Youthful Dissolving Microneedle heads
Cons
- Higher price point
- Each roller head can only be used once
Best multipurpose derma roller
www.dr-pen.co.uk
The Dr. Pen Premium Microneedling Derma Roller is equipped with 192 titanium needles, a protective cover and anti-skid grip design on the handle. It can be used on the face, scalp and body depending on where you need it. One of the best features is that you can select the needle length best suited for you when you order it. The brand also provides in-depth explanation on the benefits of different needle lengths so you can make an informed choice.
Pros
- It is equipped with 192 titanium needles
- Multipurpose - can be used on the face, scalp and body
- You can select the needle length best suited for you
Cons
- There are no reviews of the product yet
Best derma roller for the scalp
www.sephora.co.uk
The Hairburst Hair Derma Roller is designed to be used on your scalp to stimulate blood circulation and promote more hair growth. A reviewer who suffers from alopecia shared, “I have been using this for a month now along with the Philip Kingsley Density scalp drops which I apply to my scalp after. I have noticed that my hair does feel thicker and looks fuller.” It is recommended to use this tool for 15 minutes, 3 times a week for the best results.
Pros
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Promotes more hair growth
Cons
- The length or thickness of the needles is not mentioned
Best derma roller for hair growth
The Scandinavian Biolabs Derma Roller is a hand-held microneedling tool made with 540 titanium 0.5 mm needles to stimulate the scalp, improve overall scalp health and hair growth. It can be used on all types of hair, wet or dry, and with or without any other product. It is also advised to incorporate this into your routine gradually by using the tool only once a week to start with.
Reviewers who have been using the tool shared that they have seen new hair grow after sticking to massaging their scalp with it. Another reviewer also added it can also help treat scars and acne by rolling over affected areas. It stimulates collagen production which improves the overall texture of the skin. However, some reviewers added that it can cause slight redness and irritation at the beginning which normally goes down with a couple of uses.
Pros
- Made with 540 titanium 0.5 mm needles
- Helps to stimulate the scalp and improve overall scalp health
- Promotes hair growth
- Improves collagen production, so it can be used to treat scars and acne as well
Cons
- Can cause slight redness and irritation at the beginning
FAQs
Are there any risks in derma rolling?
"Yes, if done incorrectly, derma rolling can cause skin damage, irritation, or even scarring. Using a roller with long needles or not properly sanitised can also lead to infection. People with conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis should avoid derma rolling as it may make symptoms worse," says Dr Kajal.
Can I use a derma roller on stretch marks?
"Yes, derma rolling can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. By encouraging collagen and elastin production, it helps the skin repair itself over time, gradually improving texture and tone. However, it’s essential to be consistent with treatment and patient, as it may take several sessions to see significant results," says Dr Kajal.
Larger needles are typically used for stretch marks, so she also suggests to make sure to consult with a professional.
Meet the experts:
[Dr Hiba Injibar]{href='https://www.dermasurge.co.uk/best-london-dermatologist/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener' class='add-referrer-link'} is a consultant dermatologist and the founder of Dermasurge Clinic, a London-based skin clinic that specialises in cosmetic procedures and skin consultations.
Dr Kajal Babamiri is a GP Specialist in Dermatology, Lasers and Aesthetics at CLNQ. She has had specialist training in dermatology and is passionate about vitamin infusions and bioidentical hormones with extensive experience in lasers.
Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2016 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.