Holes, little holes, always little holes
2.1.2019
Prick yourself in the face with a roulette wheel full of needles? Why not? After all, everyone's talking about it, and it's even supposed to make you more beautiful.
This method, called "micro needling", is supposed, when used regularly, to make the skin more elastic, younger and firmer. The principle? Small needles cause tiny wounds in the skin and ensure that healing takes place at these points. To do this, the skin produces collagen, a protein that scaffolds and firms the skin. Although collagen is now contained in many cosmetic products, the external contribution only moistens the skin, as the molecules cannot penetrate deeply enough. On the contrary, during "Micro Needling", you stimulate the skin's own collagen production.
When and how to use it
You can either apply this procedure at home or decide to go to an aesthetician or dermatologist. Depending on the area of application, the latter work with longer needles and can achieve more effective results. Going to a professional is especially advisable for the treatment of scars caused by acne and cellulite. Roller micro needling for home use is not very effective. Self-treatment may also be insufficient in cases of hyperpigmentation.
But if you want to tone your skin, restore radiance to your complexion or reduce stretch marks without burning a hole in your budget, an at-home micro needling tool can be a good thing. Personally, I chose the derma roller from Viliv.
Needle after needle
The roller is equipped with 540 small 0.3 millimetre-long surgical steel needles. They roughen the stratum corneum and inflict micro-injuries on the skin, which in turn stimulate collagen production. What's more, the channels created by the wounds promote better absorption of the active ingredients contained in skincare products. The manufacturer promises that the skin will already be firmer after the first use. Regular use over several months should strengthen the skin's structure and enhance the complexion's radiance. Viliv recommends using the roller twice a week. In total, it can only be used ten times, as the needles become dull with use.
Important: under no circumstances should you use the roller on irritated skin or pimples. Otherwise, you risk spreading the bacteria all over your face.
They see me Rollin'
As a first step, I disinfect my skin and the roller and leave them to dry until the liquid evaporates. For regular use, I strongly advise you to consult a pharmacist to buy a disinfectant that won't dry out your skin too much. Using light pressure, I move across my forehead and cheek four or five times, using horizontal, vertical and diagonal movements. I feel a slight stinging sensation. But only from time to time. I wouldn't say it's painful. My skin reacts immediately. The treated areas become slightly warm and red, but the effect wears off quickly. After doing half my face, I apply my moisturiser. Itching followed. It's like I've gone from freezing cold to hot, or like I've been jogging for a while. Maybe it's the blood circulation. Or maybe I'm reacting to the active ingredients in my cream, which are now penetrating much deeper than usual. My skin becomes a little uneven, swells slightly and looks a little softer than the untreated side.
Which side is cooler?
I can see a difference. The cameraman Stephanie Tresch can't see it, but feels it after touching my cheeks. Back in the newsroom, I ask my colleague Vanessa Kim which side of my face looks fresher and more rested. She points to the wrong side. Carolin Teufelberger points to the good side. OK, they had a 50/50 chance. A day after use, I look in the mirror. I see two little pustules that itch a bit. They're not pimples. I can't really tell if they're from the treatment or if they just appeared by chance. On the second use, the pustules didn't reappear. All in all, I'd say the product is a plus, but it's not a must-have. If you're still unsure, I'd recommend talking to your dermatologist.
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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