Recent trends show that people have started incorporating a microneedling pen or dermaroller in their skincare routines. In recent years, a huge rise in the skincare market has proven that people are becoming more open to trying new cosmetic treatments and procedures. Men and women alike, are leaning towards body positivity which also motivates them to put more effort into building their confidence and self-esteem. From some people’s perspective, this can be achieved through fitness and proper skincare. This is probably why many people nowadays are making it a habit to customize a skincare regimen of their own. 

Skincare involves any type of practice that improves and restores the integrity and health of the skin. It can be considered a series of products that you apply at home, or a treatment procedure that is done in a dermatological clinic. Today, plenty of skin rejuvenation and resurfacing clinical devices are being developed for home use. Microneedling pens and dermarollers are some devices that are now made portable and easily accessible to skincare enthusiasts. 

What is Microneedling?

Before we talk about the difference between a microneedling pen and a dermaroller, we must understand the technology behind these innovations. Microneedling technology is one of the trailblazers of modern dermatology. The innovation itself has inspired other dermatological breakthroughs that we now utilize today. The concept of microneedling is not new, in fact, the idea of skin rejuvenation and resurfacing has been around for hundreds of years. It has been at the forefront of skin rejuvenation and resurfacing methods and garnered popularity at the beginning of the 21st century.

Microneedling works by stimulating the production of collagen naturally in the body. To better understand, collagen is a fundamental protein that basically holds our skin, bones, and tissues together. As we age, collagen production tends to become less and less which is why skin begins to sag as we enter our golden years. Although many creams and serums contain collagen, it isn’t quite as efficient and natural as skin treatments such as microneedling. 

A normal microneedling machine found in a dermatological clinic utilizes a wand that is studded with needles on one end. The needles come in different sizes and are replaced after every session with a patient. Some microneedling machines are combined with other technologies like radiofrequency. This type of microneedling method delivers radiofrequency energy at the end of each needle as it penetrates the skin. 

With the advancements of technology and more microneedling innovations starting to proliferate the cosmetic industry, it isn’t surprising that dermatological experts are also designing tools that can be used at home. A microneedling pen and a dermaroller are both accessible and easy to use. Though a microneedling pen and a dermaroller work similarly to clinical devices, there are still differences in terms of application and how they work.
 

Dermarolling Defined

Unbeknownst to many, dermarollers were first established back in 1996 by the renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Des Fernandes. He introduced dermarollers as a way to stimulate collagen production on the skin above the lips in the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Congress. It was initially sold in Asian countries since needle treatments were more accepted in those regions. Soon after, dermarollers began gaining international popularity due to how effective and evident the results were.  

Dermarollers generally do not require any power source to function. It is a manual device that looks like a stamp and has a roller attached to one end. The roller is covered with microneedles that may come in different sizes depending on the user and the type of skin condition they wish to address. This part of the tool is then rolled over the affected areas of the skin or face.

Evidence shows that fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation gradually disappear if dermarolling is regularly done or implemented within a normal skincare routine. This is because continuous dermarolling typically results in the incessant production of collagen and elastin on the skin. In a consumer study, 97% of people who regularly practice dermarolling have claimed to notice an improvement in the tightness of their skin and 93% of the participants claimed to have noticed an improvement in their skin’s texture and color. 
 

Microneedling Pen Defined

Unlike a dermarolling tool, a microneedling pen is a more modern twist to indoor microneedling devices. A microneedling pen works using a motor powered by electricity that moves a needle cartridge back and forth to penetrate the skin. The motor can also be adjusted according to the speed necessary for the treatment. The needle cartridges may come in different sizes and should be replaced after each session with a patient to avoid cross-contaminations. 

Some dermatological clinics offer services utilizing a microneedling pen instead of the traditional machine but many people can also purchase one for home use. It is compact and cordless for convenience and better control during each session. A microneedling pen is also designed to fit comfortably in the user’s hand and is lightweight for portability.

A microneedling pen works efficiently like any other skin rejuvenation and resurfacing device. It is proven to eliminate or reduce fine lines and wrinkles resulting in tighter, younger-looking skin. It also minimizes pores and evens out the skin tone. Typically, a microneedling pen is used on the face but could also be used in other parts of the body to get rid of scars. Each treatment should be spaced between 4 to 6 sessions apart to allow the skin to heal and regenerate for better collagen production. 
 

Overview

Now that we know that both methods can efficiently stimulate collagen production, it’s essential to understand the most notable differences between these two innovations. A microneedling pen is a more modern tool compared to a dermaroller. It can also reach curved areas of the face more efficiently because of the way it was designed in shape. You should also take into account that microneedling pen cartridges are disposable and therefore can be replaced each session for better sanitation. 

Although dermarollers are generally cheaper, you still might need to undergo treatments in a dermatological clinic that utilizes a microneedling pen to achieve optimal results. Overall, many people claim that purchasing a microneedling pen for home use is a great investment due to how much money they can save from going to clinical treatments.