Benefits
1. Improved blood circulation
Derma rolling can help stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which may promote hair growth. According to a new study by researchers in Japan, "Facial massaging using a roller can increase skin blood flow for more than ten minutes after the massage. It can also improve vasodilation -- the widening of blood vessels."
Healthy blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to your beard, providing your hair follicles with the essential building blocks to grow.
2. Collagen production
Derma rolling, or micro-needling, stimulates collagen production, which can strengthen hair follicles and improve the overall health of the skin. The way this works is by puncturing the skin with microscopic needles, inducing collagen and elastin production.
Collagen is a protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin, and it naturally declines as we age, leading to skin wrinkles and sagging. Microneedling helps to promote the growth of new collagen, helping to improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and address other signs of aging.
3. Increased absorption of topical products
Using a derma roller can increase absorption of products like minoxidil or beard oil, so you can maximize your benefits and increase effectiveness.
By creating tiny punctures in the skin, microneedling allows these products to more easily penetrate the skin's barrier and reach the hair follicles or underlying skin cells. This can make products like minoxidil or beard oil more effective in promoting hair growth or improving skin health.
Risks
1. Skin Irritation
While some redness is normal and should resolve over a short time, symptoms of skin irritation after derma rolling may include itching or inflammation.
To minimize the risk of skin irritation, it is important to follow proper technique when using a derma roller. This includes using a needle size appropriate for your skin type - we recommend a 0.3mm derma roller as a safe yet effective size, avoiding areas with active acne or other skin infections, and using a moisturizer or beard oil (we recommend our Mt. Olympus Beard Oil for it's cooling effect and anti-inflammatory properties with eucalyptus) to calm the skin.
2. Uneven Results
Improper use of a derma roller can indeed lead to uneven or patchy results that may be difficult to correct. To avoid uneven results when using a derma roller, it is important to follow proper technique and to use the device in a controlled manner. Begin using the derma roller, starting at the top of your cheek line and working your way down to the chin. Use gentle, even pressure as you roll the device over your skin, being careful to avoid sensitive areas such as under the eyes.
How to Use
- Clean your skin: Before using a derma roller, it is important to clean your skin thoroughly to avoid any infections or breakouts.
- Choose the right needle size: For beard growth, it is recommended to use a 0.5mm or 1.0mm derma roller, as they can help stimulate blood flow and improve skin health.
- Apply topical product: Apply a topical product of your choice such as minoxidil or beard oil onto the beard area you want to target.
- Begin rolling slowly: Begin rolling the derma roller slowly over the targeted area, applying gentle pressure. Start rolling vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
- Finish the session: After rolling the derma roller for about 5-10 minutes, clean your skin with a gentle cleanser followed by a soothing toner.
- Repeat weekly: Repeat the derma rolling session on a weekly basis, giving your skin enough time to recover between sessions.
