There are many skincare products and cosmetic procedures that can improve your appearance by developing better-looking skin. On some occasions, these products and procedures can be combined to enhance your skin even further. However, this isn’t always the case. Some people may wonder if they can combine two similar procedures like microneedling and exfoliating treatments in one go, like derma roller and diamond microdermabrasion.
So can you use a derma roller and diamond microdermabrasion treatment at the same time? Unfortunately, this isn’t a good idea because you’ll have to wait at least one week after using a derma roller before you can get exfoliating procedures such as a diamond microdermabrasion. Below are further reasons why combining two similar procedures is a bad idea, as well as tips on how to maximize the effects of your derma roller – including other skin care products and cosmetic procedures that are safe to pair microneedling with.
Why Microneedling and Microdermabrasion Don’t Mix
You can’t use a derma roller (or any other DIY microneedling tool or microneedling service in an aesthetic center) and get a diamond microdermabrasion or any other exfoliating treatment at the same time. This can have a negative effect on your facial skin, and here’s why.
Combining the Two Procedures
When you undergo a microneedling procedure (or collagen induction therapy), you’re puncturing microchannels into your facial skin surface. This triggers your body’s natural skin trauma response through production of collagen and elastin while repairing your damaged skin with newer skin cells. Microdermabrasion machines, on the other hand, offer a deep exfoliation procedure that scratches and vacuums away the top level of your skin to make way for newer skin cells to shine.
The problem with combining both microneedling and microdermabrasions is that they tackle the problem area of old skin cells in different ways. Not only do they clash with each other, but their processes can be painful and pointless when combined.
If you start with microdermabrasions, you’re essentially sanding away the old skin cells. So, when you follow this with microneedling, you’re simply puncturing holes into fresh new skin, which can be painful and doesn’t do much since you’ve already removed the upper layer of skin cells. Even worse, if you’re doing DIY microneedling, there’s a risk that you’ll end up scarring your new skin instead.
Alternatively, microneedling creates punctures that, depending on the needle length, can go deep into the epidermis (and down to the dermis for professional devices). If you follow this process immediately with diamond microdermabrasions, you risk sanding punctures that could be painful.
After a Few Days
After a few days, newer skin cells will replace your old and dull skin cells. This can result in peeling and flaking skin. Naturally, your instincts may tell you to peel, scratch, and exfoliate the dead cells.
But this can disrupt your skin’s healing process, which means it’ll take longer to see the results of microneedling. You also risk transferring bacteria onto your new skin or into microchannels that have not fully healed, resulting in a skin infection or acne outbreak.
What to Do Instead
Instead of combining microneedling and microdermabrasions immediately or days between each other, it’s best to use your derma roller and then wait at least one week before undergoing a diamond microdermabrasion to get rid of any remaining dead skin cells from your treatment.
If you experience peeling and flaking, avoid picking and scratching off the dead skin cells. These will fall out on their own. Instead, moisturize your skin to avoid dryness. After three to five days, you can use a gentle exfoliator. Avoid skincare products that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoic acid (retinol), and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) because they can be harsh on new skin.
Aftercare to Improve Your Healing after Microneedling
Rather than getting a diamond microdermabrasion, it’s possible to get the results you want with microneedling alone. On its own, microneedling can help peel away dead skin cells if done effectively. Here are some aftercare practices you can do during your healing time to help shed away your old skin cells and get the best results out of your derma roller.
- Moisturize your face frequently. Not only does it prevent dryness (especially if you have a skin condition) when you start to peel, but it can also penetrate your skin deeper thanks to the microchannels.
- Apply sunscreen before prolonged sun exposure. Ideally, you should be reducing sun exposure to a minimum since you’ll be more prone to skin damage, which can cause your new skin cells to age faster. If you really must go out, use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen on your face.
- Wash your hands before touching your face. Your hands may contain dirt and bacteria that can cause acne and skin infection, which can lead to acne scars and scarring.
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours. It’s normal for skin to be red immediately after derma rolling, and your face may be redder than usual for a few days until it returns to normal. Avoid covering the redness with makeup, as this can enter your microchannels and slow down healing. If you’re using a makeup brush you haven’t washed in a while, there’s a risk of bacterial infection.
- Know which skin care products to avoid. One of the benefits of microneedling is that your skin care products can penetrate and nourish your skin deeply. However, some skin care products contain ingredients that can be harsh on the punctures and your new skin, so avoid using these products up to a week after your microneedling.
- Scented skin care products
- Glycolic acid
- AHA acids
- Vitamin C
- Most acids except hyaluronic acid
- Use your derma roller frequently. Derma roller products come in various needle lengths, which can determine how often you should practice microneedling to get the best results. Use 0.5 millimeter needles up to three times a week, 1.0 millimeters every two weeks, and 1.5 millimeters every three to four weeks. Avoid derma rollers with 2.0 needle lengths or longer, as this should be limited to professional use.
Procedures that Can Improve Your Microneedling Results
Although dermarolling and diamond microdermabrasions can’t go hand in hand so closely, microneedling can still be combined with other skincare products and treatments. Consider these other treatments if you want to bring out the best in your facial skin.
- PRP injections. A popular trend of combining microneedling with PRP injections is more commonly known as “vampire facials”. Your plastic surgeon or cosmetician will extract blood from you, process it to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and re-inject it into your skin after microneedling. Your platelets can promote faster healing, which can help rejuvenate your skin and result in radiant skin.
- Dermaplaning. If you want to focus on exfoliation, do dermaplaning before your microneedling session. An aesthetician uses a scalpel or dermatome to scrape off dirt, peach fuzz, and a superficial top layer of dead skin. Do this before microneedling to help your needle reach deeper into your skin and help with effective treatment and penetration for other topical skincare products. This is also recommended if you have brown spots and want to use microneedling to help even your skin tone.
- Chemical peels. Like diamond microdermabrasions, you shouldn’t have microneedling and chemical peels at the same time. However, when combined, they can bring out the best results. Start with a chemical peel to get rid of the outer layers of skin. After six weeks, use microneedling to boost more collagen to your new skin. Keep in mind that results may be for different skin types and may result in an uneven skin tone for certain patients. This is an ideal combination if you have age spots, stretch marks, or skin texture you want to address.
Get Quality Microneedling and Exfoliation Tools From FACE Med Store
Although microneedling and diamond dermabrasions make for good skincare procedures, you shouldn’t use both at the same time. It’s best to start with dermabrasions and then, a week later, microneedling to boost your collagen production.
FACE Med Store supplies devices, tools, and other medical, health, and wellness products to aesthetic practices and everyday users. Find quality supplies at competitive prices, delivered straight to your home or business’ doorstep.
Give your patients the best microneedling experience with supplies found at FACE Med Store. Shop for your supplies today.
