It’s time to start derma-rolling

I have always had hang ups over my stretch marks. I grew too quick and developed my marks around the age of 14... They aren’t offensive, nor do the effect my health; but I’m still unhappy with them. I have researched for years ‘how to get rid of stretch marks’ and improve the appearance of my skin. However, for a long time, I couldn’t find a solution. Only in the past couple of years, has derma-rolling (aka, micro-needling) been a popular trend! I am constantly bombarded with videos on my Instagram explore page, showing before and afters of acne scarred skin. The results can be life changing for someone who has always suffered from scarring, so I thought... why not give it a go for my stretch-marks! 

What is derma-rolling?

It is a treatment used to stimulate the skin into repairing itself. It increases the blood flow, collagen, and elastin production. So is great for: Under eye circles, acne scars (you can not do this, if your acne is still active. It will make it worse!), and stretch marks. 

I did some extensive research before trying it. What I mostly found out was:

1) It is so expensive to have treatment (mostly because you have to have serval treatments, for an impact to be made)

2) It is almost guaranteed to work

With both reasons in mind, I decided it would be worth the heavy price tag. If it was going to change the way I felt about myself, and make me more confident... Then I was up for saving all my pennies. It was only after a random google search, that I stumbled across a derma-rolling kit?! It was cheep and pink, so needless to say I was drawn in. Could I really cure my own stretch marks? Surely not, or else why wouldn’t everyone do it!

I thought, if I’m going to spend £850 on a course, then it would be worth the £10 to at least see if I could do it. Needles to say, it was the best decision of my life. 

Here is my kit

I wanted the biggest head, since that is what penetrates the skin deepest. (1.5mm) The smaller heads are for the face (which I have never used). The skin on my face is absolutely fine, so don’t fix what’s not broke. Plus, I would recommend seeking professional advice before attempting the roller on the face... Just be safe. 

Derma-rolling is an amazing creation; however, you have to know what you’re doing. I researched a lot before I began on myself. There are hundreds of You Tube clips out there etc, which can help and teach you what to do. 

My Derma-rolling routine:

1) Shower. I like to be as clean as possible before hand, this is for safety reasons. Do not put any moisturiser on after, simply towel dry.

2) Use a disinfectant spay on the desired area. Again, I have only done the marks on my bum, so if you’re planning on doing your face be careful! Here's mine

YOU MUST SPRAY THE ROLLER TOO. Even if it hasn’t been used, always disinfect before and after. 

3.) ROLL! I do it in front of a huge mirror, so I can see where I’ve not hit etc. This does sting... and there will be specs of blood, this is normal. You can buy numbing cream, but I am fine without any. 

4.) After I have finished, I put on a vitamin C ointment. Any will do. This helps speed up the healing process.

I have done this process about four times now, and don’t feel the need to continue. I did it once every two weeks, although most will suggest a month's wait is best between rolls. I didn’t want to eliminate my marks completely, just lessen the appearance. I honestly do think though, if I was to continue, they’d be gone. Mine are now 70% less visible (I’d say) than they were before. 

I hope this has helped! I don’t want to glorify the process, as the body is an amazing thing and so are our marks. But if something effects you mentally, then it is worth making yourself feel better about it. It’s not for everyone, but it worked wonders for me. Please make sure you do all of your research before attempting this, and as always, seek professional advice before hand.

Tamara x