This is how we roll!

Micro-needling…derma roller…derma pen…what in the world is in this “torture-like” device and why are women everywhere of all ages getting one and using it?!?!


Well results, of course. Let’s start at the beginning…about 10 years ago, I bartered my financial and organizational skills with a cosmetic dermatologist…I’d analyze her office and recommend improved processes, if she would give me a few services free. Done she said! I went for a derma-pen procedure. A Dermapen contains a handful of acupuncture-sized needles, that are used to puncture the facial skin. Then various serums are slathered on the skin afterwards. It’s a method known as microneedling—the idea is to stimulate collagen and elastin fibers to make skin smoother. It hurt like the be-jesus, even though I had painkillers and was squeezing a foam ball (I’m a wimp when it comes to pain on my face for some reason),  and I emerged dramatically bruised and my face was swollen for several days.


MY STORY

Fast forward 5 years from there and I decide to distribute Rodan + Fields skincare. The Doctors are known for their innovations and one of the things they like to do, is carefully watch the procedures that are popular in their offices and see how they can create an at-home treatment that delivers similar results. Because the results of micro-needling are so amazing, the Doctors knew they wanted to figure out a way to allow consultants like me to distribute an at-home micro-needling experience, without the downtime, the pain, or the cost!


WHAT IS MICRO-NEEDLING?

Inspired by dermatologists’ in-office treatments, micro needlers like Rodan + Fields’ AMP MD, help delay the signs of aging without the cost or pain of injectables and plastic surgery. They are non-invasive and clinically proven to safely and effectively improve the appearance of skin firmness. Someone that has acne scarring, someone with larger pores, someone who just wants a skin-tightening boost will benefit.


How, you ask? For the roller I distribute, the proprietary, high-precision tips safely and gently condition the skin, which makes the products applied afterward more effective. It’s not cheap - a roller can cost close to $100 (and lasts for ~ 12 months), but that’s a ton less expensive that a treatment in the derm’s office. AND rollers are a great investment because with regular use of a derma-roller, you will see better, faster results from your skincare products/investment. Better? Faster? Pain free?  Sounded good to me! I’ve been using the Amp MD roller for years now.


HOW DO YOU ROLL

After cleansing and toning, gently roll the tool over your skin. Pass it four to 10 times over your face, neck and chest. Roll up and down, side to side and diagonally, avoiding the eye area. If this takes you more than a minute, you’re rolling too long! And don’t press hard! The sensation should feel like a slightly tingly massage on the face and neck. You want to have a light hand. You want to feel it but not to the point where it’s uncomfortable. (Note, rolling is typically not recommended for people with acne or sensitive skin.) Night time is best so you’re not exposed to the sun when you’re more susceptible to damage.


WHAT TO FOLLOW IT WITH?

Once you’ve rolled, it’s time to continue with active skincare products. One of the main benefits of the roller, is that it conditions skin to better accept the products that follow. But you want to be sure that the serum(s) that you follow the roller with are formulated to penetrate the skin more deeply afterwards. For example, Rodan + Fields has three different serums that are recommended to follow rolling:



Of course, all three of the above can be used without rolling but the rolling will give you better and faster results from the serums. And who doesn’t want that? 


WHEN WILL YOU SEE RESULTS 

Start dermarolling once or twice a week to build tolerance up to twice or three times a week, the second week (the smaller the needle, the more frequently you can do it). Within a month you should start to see really nice results. Of course, the best way to know is to take a selfie with no makeup and good lighting when you start, and then regular selfies every 30 days.


CARING FOR YOUR ROLLER

After use, rinse it with warm running water and deep-clean it once or twice a week (use a purifying tablet). Take care not to place it directly on countertops or other hard surfaces, and store it with its protective cap securely in place (if yours came with one). Read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding replacement. The R+F Roller should be replaced every nine to 12 months to be sure the tips never get dull.


I’m telling you this self-care tool has earned staying power over some other buzz-worthy tools.  I highly recommend this less extreme and less painful DIY-friendly variations of the Dermapen process!


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