Dermarolling the at-home hyperpigmentation treatment you need

Did you know hyperpigmentation on your face can be addressed with a beauty tool? It's true. Thanks to the invention of derma rollers, hyperpigmentation can now be treated effectively at home.

Sound too good to be true? Here’s how it works and the clever science behind micro needle rollers as a hyperpigmentation treatment.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of melanin in a specific area of your skin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, eyes and hair their colour, but when clumped together in high concentrations in your skin, it creates dark spots or hyperpigmentation.

An overproduction of melanin on your face is usually caused by one of three things:

+ Hormonal fluctuations

+ Inflammation caused by acne 

+ and sun exposure. 

The first cause, hormonal flux, is one of the most common reasons women complain of sudden areas of hyperpigmentation appearing on their faces; especially during pregnancy. In fact, hyperpigmentation during pregnancy has its own name: The pregnancy mask or melasma. 

Hyperpigmentation caused by acne occurs when dark patches develop after blemishes heal. (As if having a spot wasn’t bad enough!) Although harmless, it can be frustrating to say the least.

Sun damage is also a very common cause of hyperpigmentation to the skin as sunlight triggers the production of melanin. Melanin protects you from harmful rays, however the extra melanin makes your skin look darker or sun-tanned. This can cause an uneven increase in melanin production, which produces irregular colouring (pigmentation) of the skin. 

So now you know what hyperpigmentation is and what causes it, you need to know what to do about it. Luckily there’s an affordable at-home solution that’s proven to work: Dermarolling.

What is dermarolling?

Dermarolling is the practice of using a small roller covered with microneedles and rolling it up your face. The microneedles on a derma roller create microscopic skin wounds which signal the body to boost collagen and elastin production; which rebuild and rejuvenate your skin. The needles of high-quality derma rollers are made of medical-grade titanium and can be 0.3mm or 0.5mm in length. 

Dermarolling is also a technique used to increase the permeability of your serums and skincare products. Most skin experts recommend applying your serum prior to dermarolling, then allowing the product to ‘sink in’ for a minute or two after rolling. This helps your serum get deeper into your skin’s layers and work its magic. 

Too busy to wait around after applying products? No worries. The best news is that you don’t even have to use products with a dermaroller as the micro needling works well on its own as a stand-alone treatment.

Thanks to recent developments, dermarolling is now available as an at-home treatment after previously only being available in medical spas.

How does dermarolling help with hyperpigmentation on the face?

Derma rolling breaks up melanin clusters, thereby changing the appearance of the pigment on your face. In areas where melanin has clustered together in a thick bundle (hyperpigmentation) microneedling can break up the melanin, restoring an even skin tone to that area. 

Science agrees: One study of all the available evidence of microneedling for skin pigmentation issues including vitiligo, melasma and periorbital hypermelanosis (dark under eye circles) found it was both effective and safe when used as a stand-alone treatment. 

What are other benefits of derma rolling?

Derma rolling is a god-send for areas of hyperpigmentation, but it’s also amazing at treating acne scars and age-related changes like dehydration and wrinkles. This is thanks to its ability to boost collagen, elastin and blood flow, leaving your skin looking fresh, rejuvenated and bright.

In fact, one study found that just four microneedling facial treatments improved fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity and skin texture at 90 and even 150 days after the first treatment.

Dermarolling has become so popular, one reddit thread of before and after photos has gained popularity in the media thanks to the incredible and visible results. 

Hyperpigmentation treatment 

To treat areas of hyperpigmentation to wrinkles and fine lines, dermarolling is a modern way to bring a medi-spa grade treatment that really works, into your home.
Whether you decide to combine dermarolling with your favourite serum, or use it as a stand-alone treatment, derma rolling for hyperpigmentation is the newest skincare treatment you must try at home. With impressive evidence to support the safety and efficacy of the practice, buying a high-quality dermaroller for at-home treatments should definitely be on your to-do list.