Derma Rollers

The Science Behind Using Derma Rollers for Effective Scar Healing

Woman examining healing scar on face

There have been a number of methods developed over the years for treating different types of scars. One of the newest and most promising is the use of derma rollers.

Covering us literally from head to toe, our skin—comprising the epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis—is the largest organ of the human body. As it is one of the few organs we (and others) can actually see with the naked eye, naturally we want it to look as youthful and attractive as possible. It’s kind of like an advertising billboard signaling our general healthiness to other people. Beauty may be only skin-deep, as they say; but as far as beauty goes, we’ll take what we can.

Among its many functions, skin also serves as our body’s first line of defense in the ongoing battle against microorganisms, ultraviolet rays, physical injury, and the myriad other “slings and arrows” of the outrageous external world. Unfortunately, over time (from the day we are born, actually) the visible outward effects of that battle accumulate on our skin in numerous ways: from old wound scars, to the acne scars of puberty, to postpartum stretch marks, to the wrinkles of old age. No one wants scars and wrinkles; but is there anything one can do about them? As it turns out, the answer is yes: with derma rolling.

Derma roller

Derma rollers like this offer a promising
new technique for scar management

To understand the science behind derma rolling and why it is proving so effective in treating various skin conditions, one must first understand a little how the skin works and, more particularly, the nature of scars.

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Derma Rolling: The Basics

Throughout life, stuff can happen to the skin most people don’t even realize. Whether it be scars, acne or wrinkles, the skin cannot stay flawless forever. Although there are treatments available for people, many include invasive procedures that may be out of the budget. However, there are opportunities to stay youthful through at home treatments.

derma roller and scar treatment

Derma rolling is a great at-home option for people wanting smoother skin

Derma rolling has the results of laser treatment, a chemical peel or dermabrasions, but it doesn’t come with the high costs. Additionally, derma rolling can be done at home and doesn’t have the recovery time that comes with more invasive procedures. The derma roller is studded with very fine needles, with the length of the needles depending on the cause for treatment. Users roll the device over their skin to stimulate the collagen and help repair its surface.
Collagen is what’s responsible for the skin’s elasticity, and derma rolling can help produce more, leading to smoother skin and potentially reducing the visibility of scars, wrinkles and stretch marks.

How quickly a person will see results depends on a variety of factors. For example, people who are using derma rolling for acne scars may find that the treatment could take longer to show results. Additionally, the amount of time depends on the person, as some individuals’ skin may react to derma rolling on a quicker basis than others. It may be a good idea to take a photo of the area before treatment starts in order to have a visual example of how the skin has changed during the course of treatment.