Tips on How to Treat Common Derma Roller Side Effects
Written by: Aither
l
Published on June 18, 2025
l
Time to read 8 min
Want to buy Aither but worried about derma roller side effects? No matter how promising a treatment is, or even if a professional does it, there's always a chance of an adverse reaction, and derma rollers are not an exception. But here's the good news: these side effects are typically mild.
Go ahead and add that derma roller to your cart. Once you start rolling it, you might notice some redness or irritation—it happens. But don't stress; you can always do something to soothe your skin.
Why Derma Roller Side Effects Occur?
Side effects occur because the device creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production. While this process promotes skin renewal, it also temporarily compromises the skin's barrier. Broken skin makes it more sensitive.
The common side effects are part of the skin's natural healing response. If you're experiencing more intense reactions—like prolonged inflammation or breakouts—it could be due to improper technique, using a roller with needles that are too long, or not properly sanitizing the device. Your skin is just doing its thing, adjusting to the process.
Is Derma Roller Side Effects Severe?
According to a 2021 study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, researchers conducted a systematic review of 51 articles, covering a total of 1,029 patients who underwent microneedling for various skin concerns. The verdict? Microneedling, no matter the device, proved to be a safe procedure with minimal side effects.
Findings from different devices:
Device | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|
Roller microneedling devices | Erythema and pinpoint bleeding |
Dermastamp microneedling | Erythema, edema, and xerosis |
Pen microneedling | Erythema, pain, edema, and mild bleeding |
Radiofrequency microneedling | Temporary pain, erythema, and edema |
Derma Rolling Side Effects And How To Treat Them
It's well established that derma rolling, like other microneedling treatments, comes with side effects, but thankfully, they're mild. That's the good news. The even better news? These temporary annoyances are just part of the process toward that radiant glow you're after.
To help you breeze through the following side effects, here are a few things you'll want to do.
Redness and Irritation
Mild redness and sensitivity are common right after using a derma roller. This reaction is similar to a sunburn, as increased blood flow to the area causes temporary redness and warmth. The level of irritation depends on factors like needle size, pressure applied, and individual skin sensitivity.
How to treat this derma roller effects:
• Apply a cold compress – A clean, chilled washcloth or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth can reduce redness and inflammation.
• Use a gentle moisturizer – Ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, or centella asiatica soothe irritation and support the healing process.
• Avoid heat and sweating – Stay away from hot showers, saunas, and intense workouts for at least 24 hours, as heat can worsen redness.
• Use sunscreen – If going outside, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, as freshly treated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage.
Note: This solution can also work with derma roller for beard side effects.
Redness and irritation should subside within a few hours to a day, but if it lingers longer than 48 hours or is accompanied by swelling, pain, or peeling, consult a dermatologist.
Skin Dryness and Flaking
Microneedling speeds up skin renewal, which can cause dryness or peeling a few days after treatment. This happens because the process stimulates collagen production and sheds older skin cells. While this is a natural part of healing, it can make the skin feel rough, tight, or slightly irritated.
To avoid excessive dryness:
• Apply a gentle, hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid after microneedling to lock in moisture.
• Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin barrier strong.
• Drink water to maintain hydration from within.
If flaking occurs, resist the urge to pick or scrub the peeling skin, as this can lead to irritation or scarring. Instead, use a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser and continue moisturizing regularly. Avoid strong skincare ingredients like retinol or acids for at least a few days.dermatologist.
Swelling
Sometimes, your skin might appear a little swollen after microneedling. This is simply the result of both natural and mechanical injury from the treatment. The amount of swelling, if any, depends on your skin's sensitivity and how intense the treatment was. If swelling does occur, don't worry; it's usually mild and will disappear within about three days.
To avoid excessive swelling, always use a light hand when rolling and stick to the recommended needle size for delicate areas like under the eyes. You may swap your Aither derma roller with derma stamps.
If swelling occurs:
• Cold compresses or a chilled jade roller can reduce puffiness after treatment.
• Applying a soothing serum calms the skin.
If swelling persists for more than a day or becomes severe, take a break from microneedling and let your skin fully recover before your next session.
Infection Risk
Infection due to derma rolling is uncommon, and when it happens, it's due to using an unclean derma roller or failing to disinfect it properly. When the tiny needles puncture your skin, it makes it easier for bacteria to enter the deeper layers. If the roller is not cleaned properly before use, you risk transferring bacteria.
To avoid this, always disinfect your derma roller before and after each use.
• Clean it with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant solution to kill any bacteria.
• Make sure to store the roller in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination.
• Wash your face before using the microneedling tool to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria.
• After treatment, avoid touching your face with dirty hands, and keep the treated area clean.
If you experience any signs of infection, like pus, swelling, or severe redness, stop using the derma roller and consult a dermatologist for advice.
Breakouts or Flare-ups
For some, a few visible marks may appear, but they're typically light and short-lived. Any odd appearances on your face post-microneedling are temporary and should clear up in a few days. If you're prone to acne, you might see a flare-up, especially if active lesions are present in the treated area.
To avoid this, don't roll directly over active acne or inflamed areas. Stick to using the Aither derma roller on clear skin or areas that aren't affected by breakouts. You can also consider using smaller needles (0.25mm–0.5mm) for more sensitive skin.
If you do experience breakouts after microneedling, treat your skin gently.
• Use a soothing, non-comedogenic moisturizer
• Avoid harsh acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid immediately after treatment
• Focus on hydration and gentle skin care products to calm inflammation.
Are Derma Rollers Safe?
They're effective if you know how to use the tool correctly. Most side effects, like infection or swelling, happen because of improper technique, but you can avoid them. Check out our blog on "Do Face Rollers Work?" to learn the ins and outs of how it works and how to use it properly.
Now that you're equipped to handle minimal downtime, it's time to add the Aither derma roller to your cart and enjoy the promising results.