Reader question
Hi. My name is [removed] and I am very interested both in your hair growth method and the serum you are selling. However, I have some doubts regarding the use of the dermaroller, and possible complications that might arise from its use. I read several articles and sites suggesting that the use of the dermaroller might cause problems like infections, irritation and other issues, such as the microneedles breaking and getting stuck in the scalp. Also I read that it is better to use at only the maximum needle length of 0,5mm at home (below your suggested needle length of 1 mm) because of complications deriving from deep puncturing of the skin. Also I saw the advice for using a medical grade dermaroller (supposedly with titanium needles). Can you suggest the specific brand that you use and how many needles should the dermaroller have (I have seen them from 100 to a little over 500 needles) ? I suppose the serum you sell helps in avoiding irritation and infection, correct? I greatly appreciate any advice you may have in the questions above mentioned and any other detail that you might remember regarding the issues mentioned above. Thank you for your time and understanding.
My answer
Thanks for emailing. Millions of people have been using Dermaroller type devices for decades now and they’ve been found to be safe and not cause infections. I always clean mine using anti-bacterial spray after use and then rinse thoroughly.
I personally prefer to use the 1mm for the scalp because the scalp skin is thicker than the skin on other areas of the body. I have also read that 1mm is more effective.
Here’s some information from researchers studying needle length effectiveness:
After evaluation of all of the biopsies in Dr Schwarz’s study, new collagen fibers were only found close to the corium and not deeper than 0.5 to 0.6 mm. Although the Dermaroller model MF8 has 1.5 mm long needles, no significant new collagen and elastin formation could be found in the sub-dermal tissue. 6 weeks after micro-needling, collagen and elastin fibers are increased by 1000% and to a depth of 0.5 to 0.6 mm. Although we do not know much about the mechanisms of the Dermaroller and
how its needles induce such a dramatic amount of collagen in a short session… …we have scientific proof that the needling procedure triggers new collagen fibers, new melanozyts, stimulates re-vascularization, hair growth, evening in scars (Camirand), re-pigments stretch marks, fills depressed acne scars, softens scars and so on. Quality needles do not damage the skin in the sense of a classical injury. The pricking channels close within 60 to 90 minutes and infections therefore are unlikely.
However, I’ve also read research from one of the pioneers of hair follicle neogensis research, Dr George Cotsarelis, and he agrees that 1mm is most effective.
Regarding the number of needles — the more the the better. Regarding the material — yes titanium is best. Most of these devices are made using as standard design, so they don’t vary much. I personally use more or less the cheapest one because I know the cheapest one will not be any less effective than the most expensive.
I would search Amazon for 1mm Dermaroller and pick one of those.
Regarding when to use it — first apply the Growth Factors serum and then use the Dermaroller immediately afterwards. You only need to use it once per week in my view.
