Microneedling with the help of derma rollers is pretty beneficial on its own. But with the help of serums and solutions, it becomes the lord of all skin treatments and therapies.
Of course, not all serums are good to use with a derma roller. Some can make your skin look glowy and airbrushed like a Snapchat filter, while others can make it even worse than before.
This article discusses which serums and solutions are best to pair with a derma roller before and after the treatment. We'll also talk about what other products you can use and what to avoid to get the best dermaroller results. Read on to know more!
What skincare should you use BEFORE dermarolling?
Some people prefer to apply their skincare solution before microneedling, some do it after, it is up to you! However, the three solutions below must be applied before the dermaroller.
If you’re using several skincares, like a cleanser and a soothing serum for example, it’s good to use the dermaroller in between to let your skin the time to absorb the different solutions separately. Here is a complete guide to Microneedling at home.
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Cleanser
It's important to cleanse your skin and wash off all the dirt and excess oil before dermarolling. However, we don't recommend using cleansers that have alcohol and fragrances - you don't want this stuff penetrating deep into your skin when you use the derma roller.
Go for gentle cleansers that are free from harsh chemicals and alcohol. Try the Avène Antirougeurs Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing Lotion. It's free from parabens and fragrances, perfect for skin prone to redness and irritation.
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Toner
If you're used to toning your skin after cleansing, go ahead and do it. However, try using an alcohol-free formula, like the Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial toner. This will help balance the PH of your skin and give a soothing effect.
But if you don't use toners on a daily basis, you don't need them to prep your skin for microneedling.
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Numbing Cream
If you've got a low tolerance for pain, don't skip applying a numbing cream, especially if you're using needles larger than 0.5 mm.
What skincare should you use AFTER Dermarolling?
A derma roller won't prove to be so miraculous if you don't pair it with your favorite skincare serum. But wait - is your serum safe to use with a derma roller before and after treatment?
Not all serums are okay to use when microneedling your skin. On the other hand, some serums will work like magic and increase their efficacy if you apply them after using a derma roller.
Below, we'll discuss some of the best serums that give incredible derma roller results for different skin types. Don’t skip the last part of this article and find out whether your actual serum is good or not!
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Copper Peptides
It might not be as popular as vitamin C, but copper peptide is one of the best skin-firming solutions out there. It helps reduce fine lines and fill in wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin production.
A copper peptide solution also acts as an antioxidant for the skin and helps in healing scars. Since it's a pretty potent solution, we suggest you start using it a couple of weeks before dermarolling. This way, your skin can get used to it, and you can find out if it suits you well.
Not sure which brand to invest in? Try the Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% solution. It's free from silicones and alcohol, making it perfect to use with derma rollers. Plus, it's pretty affordable, too.
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Hyaluronic Acid
Your skin will most probably feel a bit dry after using a derma roller. You might be tempted to slather on some facial oils, but there's nothing better than a hyaluronic acid serum to quench your skin's thirst.
Formulated to provide deep hydration, your skin will feel super smooth and supple after a few applications of this serum. And when you pair it with dermarolling, its anti-aging and hydrating benefits become ten times more powerful.
The best part about hyaluronic acid serums is that they don't leave your skin greasy - it's just pure, rich hydration for the cellular level of your skin.
We suggest the Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum, the personal favorite of many dermatologists. It's a lightweight formula that also contains purple rice and licorice root extracts for elasticity and brightening effects.
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Soothing Serums
If you have skin that irritates quickly, a soothing serum will be a skin-saver. Even people with normal skin should try to incorporate soothing serums in their skincare routine after dermarolling.
This is because a derma roller results in redness and dry skin, and a calming and soothing serum can help combat that. Such serums usually contain a blend of herbal goodies, such as camellia and chamomile extracts that help relieve redness and itchiness. 
The MV Skincare Organic Soother Booster contains a blend of organic herbal oils that not only nourish and hydrate your skin but also calms it down and helps with redness and sensitivity. Hence, it's excellent to use after dermarolling to combat any irritation and redness.
You can also try the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum. This Korean brand infuses a lot of herbal goodness plus hyaluronic acid in its formula, which helps soothe your skin and hydrate it deeply. It's also fragrance-free, which is exactly what you want for sensitive skin.
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Niacinamide
If your skin concern is aging, dullness, and wrinkles, niacinamide can be your best friend. It's basically vitamin B3, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, adds radiance, and increases firmness.
Applying this to your skin after dermarolling will help it go deeper into your skin and work its magic.
The Skinceuticals Meta cell Renewal B3 emulsion contains niacinamide and a combination of peptides. Together, they give your skin the best anti-aging powers to fight back wrinkles, fine lines, and sagginess.
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Vitamin C
We kept this for last because the use of Vitamin C after dermarolling is debatable. While its collagen-boosting and brightening effects are undeniable, it has irritating properties that might be too risky for use after dermarolling.
However, if your skin takes vitamin C well, go for it. But just to be on the cautious side, go for a hypoallergenic formula like that of DermaDocter Kadaku C serum. You can also try a water-based serum like the BeautyBio's Daily Vitamin C Day serum.
What skincare solutions should be ABSOLUTELY avoided?
Like we said, not every serum and skin care product is okay to use with dermarolling. In fact, there are a lot of things you should avoid before and after using a derma roller.
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Facial Scrubs
A lot of people use facial scrubs after cleansing their skin, but it's a bad idea to do so before and after dermarolling. You don't want to open up your pores more than they should be before using a derma roller.
More importantly, you don't want to scrub and irritate your skin after dermarolling, which would end in a lot of redness and sensitivity.
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AHAs/BHAs
AHAs and BHAs are hydroxy acids. AHAs act as exfoliants that peel away your skin while BHAs such as salicylic acid go deep into your skin to cleanse them.
They're very common in skincare products, and guess what? They're a big NO when it comes to using them before and after dermarolling.
Not only will they give you long-lasting redness, but they might even cause inflammation, swelling, and severe irritation. Derma rollers open up your skin channels with microneedles - you don't want irritating and exfoliating products to go that deep into your skin at this stage.
AHAs and BHAs include:
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Malic acid
- Mandelic acid
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Retinol
Skin renewal serums that include vitamin A and its derivatives (retinol) may be too strong and harsh for use after dermarolling.
It might be tempting to use it, though, for its anti-aging properties, but this chemical might irritate the skin's deeper layers. Hence, it's better to avoid it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
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Makeup
Yep, you read that right. It might sound like a bummer that you can't use makeup to cover up the redness that comes with derma rollers, but it's the bitter truth. You'll have to deal with the redness for 24 hours or at least 12 hours after dermarolling.
This is because makeup contains lots of chemicals, alcohol, toxins, and fragrances. And even though the skin pores start closing up a couple of hours after dermarolling, they're still pretty wide open for makeup products to seep in for the next several hours.
When you do use makeup, try using mineral makeup or makeup meant for sensitive skin that prevents flare-ups and irritation.
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Comedogenic Oils
Some oils are known to clog up pores and cause whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. These include coconut, avocado, and marula oil.
Many facial serums and elixirs contain comedogenic oils, so it's a good idea to check their ingredient list before applying them on your face. Even if your skin handles oils well, it's still best to stay away from coconut oil as it can cause breakouts even in the best of skins.
Try water-based serums like hyaluronic acid for the dryness that comes after dermarolling.
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Tanning Lotions
No, you can't apply tanning lotions or any such product for at least three to four days after microneedling.
On that note, we also suggest staying away from sun exposure for at least 24 hours after using a derma roller. Make sure you give your skin enough time to heal and process the treatment before you head out.
Conclusion:
Using a derma roller results in radiant and luminous skin. It's also super effective in reducing scarring. However, it's not meant for all skin types and definitely requires a lot of precautionary measures.
But as long as you stay away from the sun and nourish your skin with hydrating serums, you’re good to go. And yes, make sure to avoid harsh serums, makeups, and other chemical-ly for better results.