Do Face Rollers Work?
Written by: Aither
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Published on June 17, 2025
l
Time to read 8 min
Skincare isn't just about slapping on some moisturizer and calling it a day. It's about the experience, the glow, and the aesthetic. But do face rollers work, or are they just another beauty trend we're all pretending to need?
These little gems promise to make you look like you just had an expensive dermatologist treatment.
No, they are not just a tool you use every day. They symbolize a commitment to self-care, relaxation, and looking effortlessly radiant, just like some Hollywood celebrities' radiant glow and flawless skin.
What Are They Supposed To Do?
You've seen it on commercials and social media: women holding derma rollers or face rollers with glowing skin. They look effortlessly beautiful. So, is this what it takes to get that glowy skin you desire?
Yes.
Face rollers promise to banish those stubborn dark circles, wrinkles/fine lines, tighten your skin, and might also help your skin look fresher.
But just like any product, one works only when you use the tool in the right way.
Do Face Rollers Work?
First, let me clarify that face rollers with needles can sometimes mean derma rollers or microneedling. And for the short answer, yes, these tools do work.
Microneedling gives your skin a tiny wake-up call, basically, controlled chaos. The tool creates micro-injuries that kick your skin's healing process into high gear, triggering collagen and elastin production. The result? A fresher and firmer version of you.
These little spiky wands also create tiny pathways in the skin for your favorite serums to dive deep and work their magic. More absorption equals better results, or at least that's the dream.
Angela Caglia, the LA aesthetician, said yes, it works, but if you roll with intention instead of aimlessly gliding it all over your face. Always roll upwards, never back and forth.
Why You're Not Getting Results?
"I've been microneedling for three years now, and have not seen any improvement in my rolling acne scars. In fact, they may look worse now (it could just be in my head that they look worse, I stupidly didn't take before pictures on this journey)..."
Clean Your Roller
Do you know why you're not getting results? Clean your roller. Even if your face is squeaky clean, your roller isn't immune to the grime of the world. Like any surface exposed to air, rollers can collect tiny pollutants like dust mites.
Let's not forget the mix of bacteria and fungi naturally chilling on your skin. Yep, your roller picks those up, too. Translation? If you're not cleaning it regularly, you're basically rolling old gunk back into your pores. That only worsens the problem.
Too Much Pressure
If you go too soft, you're missing out on collagen stimulation and better circulation. Press too hard, and you risk bruising or making acne worse than it already is. The sweet spot? Brisk, firm strokes, enough to get things moving, but not so much that you're wincing in pain.
Your Skin's Not Ready
Derma rolling can work wonders, but only if you're the right candidate. It's a game-changer for anyone with acne scars or enlarged pores. But if you've got active breakouts? Hard pass. Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, warns that it's best to wait until your skin is mostly clear before diving into microneedling.
As for anti-aging? Dr. Frank suggests that those having in-office microneedling do something stimulatory every quarter. You can totally take matters into your own hands with a derma roller that requires zero downtime. Bonus: you can roll your way to better skin while binge-watching your favorite show.
Keep Things Simple
The golden rule? Keep it simple. Right after microneedling, your skin is basically an open book, vulnerable to bacteria and anything else you throw at it. So, do yourself a favor and leave it alone until the next day.
For the next week, stick to the basics: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, nothing fancy. Want to level up your recovery? A hyaluronic serum will flood your skin with hydration, while a soothing serum keeps irritation in check.
Rolling Back and Forth or Downwards
Don't roll your microneedling tool like you're using a paintbrush. That's not how it works. Start with a light, steady hand. Roll that derma roller across your skin in every direction: horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. But don't go pressing too hard or speeding through it. Once you've covered one direction, switch it up and go again, making sure every inch gets some love. It's roll, lift, roll.
Don't Use Retinol
Skip the harsh acids and retinols for at least a week or two. Your skin just went through it and needs a breather. Instead, give it some extra love with a hydrating mask or serum to really amp up the glow. Not sure what's best? Hit up your derm for the ultimate post-treatment game plan.
Does It Hurt?
"I wanted to use one, but I'm scared that it would hurt."
The dreaded question. It's totally normal to freak out a little at the thought of rolling tiny needles across your face because, well, needles. But don't panic! Despite how it sounds, derma rolling isn't some medieval torture device. It's way less scary (and painful) than you think.
When you're microneedling at home, you'll typically be working with derma roller titanium needles around 0.25mm to 0.50mm unless you're feeling bold and want to go for the big guns. Just know that bigger needles may feel a bit painful. No worries, as you can still apply numbing cream to avoid that sensation.
What Serum Should I Use?
Some skincare ingredients can backfire, causing irritation instead of glow-up magic. So, skip the harsh stuff like retinol and vitamin C. Instead, go for a serum packed with hyaluronic acid—Laura Kearney, aesthetician and founder of Skinsanity, swears by it. It'll lock in moisture and boost skin regeneration. Get that smooth, radiant finish.
Are There Side Effects?
Derma rolling is mostly safe if you know what you're doing. Use the right technique, pair it with the right serum, and you're golden. But go in recklessly? You might just earned yourself some unwanted souvenirs like permanent scars or skin darkening, according to Dr. Saya Obayan, a board-certified clinical dermatologist from Skin Joy Dermatology.
Also, not everyone should hop on the derma-rolling train. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or a history of blood clots, this tool is not your friend. Got active acne or warts? Rolling over them could spread the problem, so definitely check in with a dermatologist before going full DIY.
Sunburnt or dealing with inflammation? You can still roll; just steer clear of the affected areas because irritated skin does not look good.
Does Microneedling Work for Stretch Marks?
Yes, we're always obsessing over the face—but skin concerns don't stop at the jawline. We know derma rolling can work wonders for facial skin, but what about the stuff that doesn't magically disappear overnight, like stretch marks?
A 22-year-old woman claimed a $129 derma roller kit from eBay transformed her stretch marks. She had been self-conscious about the marks on her legs for years, so she went all in. First, she slathered on a Hyaluronic Acid Serum, then aggressively rolled over the area, definitely harder and longer than recommended. "I'll be honest, I wanted fast results, so yeah, it hurt," she admitted.
After just two sessions (instead of the suggested months-long gap), she saw a major difference. She also skipped daily serum applications, saying she was "lazy" but still saw results. When asked if she worried about skin damage, she shrugged it off.
Her theory? The rolling helped her skin absorb serums better, speeding up repair
You can try her method, but we wouldn't recommend going overboard. She probably went a little too hard since it's a less visible area. That said, she's not alone when using derma rollers. Tons of people (and actual studies) swear by microneedling for stretch marks. Just grab longer needles and roll smart.
Do Face Rollers Work? The Final Verdict — YES
Microneedling device gets a thumbs-up from dermatologists, and plenty of people swear by it. Worth a shot if you're looking to level up your skincare, but if you've got bigger concerns, maybe let a pro take the wheel.
Ready to level up your at-home microneedling game? Buy our Aither derma rollers! With 0.25mm titanium needles, these bad boys are here to tackle all your skin concerns and even help with hair growth.