A dermaroller is a device that that causes multiple micro-injury points to the surface of the skin to increase circulation. As a form of microneedling, dermarolling has been around for several decades as a way to stimulate the skin. A dermaroller is a simple device that anyone can use at home to help boost hair growth. Essentially, the needles on a dermaroller are just long enough to prick the dermal layer of the skin to stimulate hair growth. People also use dermarollers on their faces to increase collagen production, which in turn reduces wrinkles and makes the skin look more youthful.  

#1 - Derma rollers cause low-level trauma

Dermarollers cause low levels of trauma to the area where they are applied. Although dermarolling is generally a painless process, the microneedles cause trauma to your epidermis (your skin’s outer layer). The goal of microneedling is to reach the dermal layer of your skin to encourage wound healing. The wound healing process creates a cascade of reactions in your skin that helps to repair damage from the needles and promotes tissue repair. Eventually, wound healing causes hair regrowth.  

#2 - Stimulates your skin’s natural anti-aging agents

Collagen and elastin are fibers found in our bodies that support our tissues, such as our joints and muscles. Collagen and elastin are responsible for supporting the structure of our skin. Specifically, collagen keeps the skin firm while elastin helps to keep the skin tight. As we get older, we lose collagen and elastin, which causes the skin to wrinkle and become loose. Derma rolling helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen, in particular, is especially crucial for hair regrowth because it provides the amino acids that build hair.    

#3 - Increases circulation to the follicle

Boosting your circulation is key to delivering nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles. In some hair loss conditions, blood circulation is not sufficient to the scalp, which takes away vital building blocks necessary for hair growth. Remember, hair is unnecessary for our survival (although it used to be essential in human ancestors). Thus, circulation to our scalp decreases when other body systems present a greater need. Because dermarolling causes micro-trauma, it forces your body to send blood to your scalp, nourishing and hydrating your hair follicles.

#4 - Incites skin cell proliferation

The subtle trauma inflicted by derma rolling not only increases circulation, but it also causes wound healing. To heal the wounds inflicted on the skin, we must make new skin cells. This process not only repairs your skin but also causes your hair to regrow. Fortunately, the needles on a dermaroller are not long enough to cause scarring, which is a normal part of skin remodeling. However, if you are a person that easily scars or you have particularly sensitive skin, it is important to talk with a dermatologist first to make sure derma rolling will not cause unnecessary scarring.

#5 - Creates a pathway for serums

Aside from helping your hair grow by way of healing micro-traumas to the skin, derma rolling also creates pathways for nourishing and hair regrowth products to travel more deeply in the scalp. Thus, derma rolling can improve the absorption of hair regrowth serums and may, in turn, deliver more noticeable results. Because derma rolling allows products to penetrate your skin more effectively, you will want to make sure you are using the best products possible with the least amount of side effects. Look for products that contain hair regrowth compounds that include Nanoxidil 5%, caffeine, retinol, adenosine, and azelaic acid.