So, you’ve finally taken the plunge and decided you want to derma roll. The next order of business is deciding which serum you should use with the roller. Here, we explain how to choose the right one based on your skin concern.
Let’s start with a quick refresher on derma rolling. The practice works by piercing the skin with small needles, creating micro wounds. These tiny wounds then generate new collagen production. As a result, using a derma roller regularly targets signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne-related issues such as scars and hyperpigmentation. Another plus is that these wounds enhance the absorption of your serums. This is why the serum you use is actually quite important.
To choose one, first think about why you’re derma rolling in the first place. What specific skin issue would you like to target? Read on to discover our picks for your skin goals.
Hydration
I would suggest opting for either the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Mist or The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic 100. Both serums aim to keep the skin balanced and hydrated which is essential when rolling.
The Neogen spray is great because you can spritz and hydrate while rolling, making it easier to glide the roller across your skin and avoid damage. It’s formulated with 90% fermented ingredients for ultimate hydration The Plant Base serum is packed with 100% hyaluronic acid. This serum will soften dry patches and improve moisture levels.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
If you have an anti-aging serum you love, the perfect time to use it is after derma rolling. I’d suggest sticking with ingredients like EGF, peptides, or other superstar ingredients that combat fine lines and wrinkles. The Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Ampoule is a great option. This serum contains two powerhouse ingredients, EGF and snail secretion filtrate. EGF is a medical grade ingredient that speeds up cell regeneration helping to smooth wrinkles. It’s a plus that snail secretion is known to soothe and repair, which is perfect post-derma rolling.
Another option is to use The Plant Base Time Stop Collagen Ampoule which is formulated with 76.52% mushroom extract to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Acne Scars and Pigmentation
Acne scars and other pigmentation issues can be extremely difficult to treat. To get the most from derma rolling on scars, stick with serums that help repair the skin. The Easydew EX Repair Control Active Soothing Serum is a great example of this. This serum is formulated with 3 ppm of medical grade EGF, a protein that repairs skin damage and fights wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and panthenol to hydrate and soothe skin.
Important tip: Although chemical exfoliants and brightening ingredients like vitamin C are great acne fighters, you should skip them when derma rolling. Derma rolling already causes sensitivity so you don’t want to increase your chances of irritation by using those ingredients on open skin.
Derma rolling may seem too intense for some skin types, however, I have extremely sensitive skin and I derma roll at least once a month. I have found that as long as I stick with soothing products pre- and post-use, my skin can handle the treatment.
A personal favorite of mine is the Benton Cacao Moist and Mild Serum. This soothing serum is packed with 80% of high cacao extract as well as hyaluronic acid to infuse moisture into parched skin. The flood of hydration along with allantoin and madecassoside will calm and reduce redness. Adding this serum to your derma rolling routine will soothe your post-rolling redness and provide intense moisture so your skin can heal quicker.
Another great choice is the ENature Squeeze Green Watery Serum. This lightweight serum has a watery texture that instantly absorbs into the skin. This is necessary so you avoid any stickiness that could irritate your healing skin. It’s also formulated with parsley and kale extracts which are rich in antioxidants that protect the skin. The antioxidant boost plus the chlorophyllin-copper complex reduces redness and inflammation. It also fortifies your skin’s barrier making it easier for it to heal and renew itself after each session.
The Bottom Line
Once you decide what your skin goals are when it comes to derma rolling, you can tailor your serum to help you achieve them. Remember to avoid products with harsh ingredients as to not further irritate skin!
