Want to be sure you are getting the most out of your skincare? Consider adding a dermal roller to your routine to boost the performance of your skin and the products you’re applying.

What’s a dermal roller? A skincare tool that rolls needles across your face to stimulate collagen production while increasing the penetration of active ingredients in your skincare. Do needles make you nervous? Don’t worry, the rollers designed for home use are very short (0.1 mm). When you use one, you simply feel the pressure of the roller, rather than the prick of a needle and because they are so short, they leave no visible trace after use.

How does it work? A dermal roller creates a micro-tear in the skin, prompting the skin to repair itself by producing collagen. At the same time, the needles allow skincare to penetrate more quickly and deeply meaning your regular routine is amplified.

When and how to do it? I use my roller at night after cleansing on my face, neck and chest. To get the best coverage from the tool, I roll it in three directions: vertically, horizontally and diagonally. I do three passes in each direction and I cover one section of my face at a time: forehead, lower eye to jaw, nose, below nose to chin (including my lips), neck and chest. The whole process takes about 3 minutes and I try to do it three times per week.

After I’ve treated my face, I apply my eye cream, serum and moisturiser. When I first started using the roller, I could feel a bit of a tingle when I applied my skincare. This is an indication that the active ingredients, such as Vitamin A or retinol, are being absorbed into the skin, helping to strengthen it. I don’t feel the tingle anymore, but I still know the roller is still helping to build collagen and ensuring my skincare is working efficiently.

Would you try a dermal roller?