Needle Sizes for the Derma Roller


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The versatility of the Derma Roller means it can be used on virtually any part of the body, on any type of skin, and for a host of different common but undesirable skin afflictions. The Derma Roller is widely used to treat scars, stretch marks, hair loss, and wrinkles on both the face and body, all with a level of success that has seen its popularity rise phenomenally. A feature of the Derma Roller that contributes to its versatility is the number of different needle size that it can be equipped this, and this article explores these options and which ones would suit you best.

Importance of needle size in the Derma Roller

Designed to encourage your skin to produce collagen to restore itself, the Derma Roller is fitted with under 200 (exactly 192) micro-needles which do this by making microscopic perforations in your dermis, a deeper layer of skin. These micro-needles are extremely fine and designed to be painless and work on an amazingly small scale, meaning that you don’t experience any bleeding provided you use the Derma Roller correctly and don’t apply too much unnecessary pressure on your skin.


The length of the micro-needles fitted to a Derma Roller directly influence the treatment because it determines how your skin is stimulated to produce collagen. A longer needle will have a different effect when compared to a shorter needle, and so to get the most out of your Derma Roller you should make sure that you are using needles of the right length for your needs and wants.

Needle Sizes available for the Derma Roller

Derma Rollers are generally available in sizes ranging from 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and each length of needle is suited to a particular set of skin ailments. Needles 2.0mm and longer are only provided for clinics and other facilities staffed with professionals who will deliver the treatment. Needles below 2.0mm in length are available for home use, and these can be 0.5mm, 1mm, and 1.5mm long.

Generally speaking 1mm needles are recommended for the treatment of shallower or less prominent stretch marks, while the more significant variants generally respond well to the slightly longer 1.5mm versions.

The shorter needle options (0.5mm in particular) are advised for scarring particularly facial scarring like acne marks, as well as for wrinkling. You can use the longer needle options for particularly deep scars, although 1.5mm is the longest needle option you should use on your face. These are general guidelines which it is probably best to stick to as you start out with your treatments, as you get accustomed to the Derma Roller and its effects on your skin you can make any adjustments you think work best for your skin.

Thinning and greying hair can be effectively treated with a 0.5mm Derma Roller, although 1mm versions can be more suitable for more dramatic hair loss. Cellulite is best treated by a 1-1.5mm needle.

Remember that needle length isn’t the only thing that affects the results you get from the Derma Roller. Of similar importance is making sure you are using the Derma Roller frequently and properly, following the instructions provided. Nourishing your skin after your treatments with the right creams and skin products are also important to making sure you get as much as you can out of your treatment. Creams and lotions rich in vitamins are particularly useful after a Derma Roller treatment, especially because the actions of the roller make your skin primed to absorb the nourishment they provide.


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