Why You Should Try Dermarollers for Acne Scars

Also known as microneedling, dermarolling involves using tiny needles to gently prick your face with a handheld device called a dermaroller, which features a mini wheel covered in hundreds of needles.

Yep, it sounds like a torture device, but derma rollers are actually great for healing acne scars, clearing pigmentation, and evening out skin tone.

While the idea may seem intense at first, the process itself is simply the use of those fine needles across the skin with a tool designed specifically for that purpose.

In other words, despite the slightly alarming description, dermarolling is a well-known skincare technique that uses a small rolling device to create those gentle pricks.

The name may sound clinical and the tool may look a little intimidating, but the core idea remains the same: a dermaroller is a handheld mini wheel covered with hundreds of needles that can help improve acne scars, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

These tools are a step up from other facial tools you may have heard about. It sounds weird, but a dermaroller pokes almost-imperceptible holes into your skin. When your skin is punctured in this carefully controlled way, the injury stimulates a healing response from your body (similar to the way chemical peels work).

Your skin will start to release substances that stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Skin will also begin to make more collagen (there can be up to a 400% increase in collagen production after microneedling).

The results? Acne scars, pigmentation, and fine lines are quickly reduced, and skin feels firmer overall.

Dermarollers have microneedles of different lengths to create different results on the skin. Don’t worry: these microneedles are extremely fine and designed to be painless.

A shorter needle (0.1 to 0.2 mm length) is great for helping your skincare products penetrate the skin

When it comes to healing acne scars with dermarollers, a large needle (minimum 0.25 mm length) is optimal for stimulating collagen synthesis to achieve the healing effects you’re after.

If you’re a newbie to the world of derma rollers, this is a great beginner option. Mukti Organics Microneedle Dermal Roller is a gentle roller that incorporates 0.25 mm length needles, which can work on acne scar pigmentation and fine lines. A huge bonus - by creating microchannels in the surface of the skin (basically microscopic holes), this derma roller can help your skin to absorb your skincare up to 40% more efficiently. The treatment should take a couple of minutes and can be repeated 2 to 3 times a week.

The Skinstitut Skin-Inject MTS Derma Roller 0.25mm features 0.25 mm surgical-grade stainless steel microneedles on 10 independently rotating discs to help promote the skin's own regeneration process. Another great option for those venturing into the derma roller world, this tool stimulates circulation and triggers the body’s natural healing processes to work on acne, blackheads, sun damage, and pigmentation. For first-time rollers or sensitive skin, apply your serum first and follow the rolling technique that comes with this product. For further tips, read our Skinstitut Derma Roller guide.

Bring the salon to your bathroom with the Aesthetics Rx Derma Roller! This tool can increase the penetration of your serums by up to 90% while also triggering elastin and collagen production within your skin. The Aesthetics Rx dermaroller utilises 540 needles at 0.25 mm needle length to target skin concerns such as acne scarring, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, excessively oily or dry skin, dehydrated skin, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. It’s recommended to use this tool up to 3 times a week (spaced evenly over the week), depending on your skin's tolerance and your concerns. Build up to this frequency gradually. Too much, too soon is no longer a controlled injury; it’s just an injury!

After you’ve used your dermaroller, it’s time to nourish your skin. As we’ve mentioned, dermarollers create microchannels in the skin. Applying a serum for acne scars straight after a microneedling treatment can help your skin absorb the products more effectively, so you’ll see your acne scars healing faster.

An anti-inflammatory formula boosted with potent antioxidants, asap super B complex 30ml quenches your thirsty skin with its infusion of Hyaluronic Acid. This ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture into the skin while plumping it and visibly reduces dehydration and fine lines. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) also supports the skin by boosting collagen production to minimise redness and inflammation. Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid gently exfoliate dead skin cells to minimise pores, uneven texture/tone, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines while stimulating collagen production. This product is suitable for all ages, genders, and skin types. Ensure a SPF is used afterwards for daytime use.

With a unique, groundbreaking line-up of synergistic actives, Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum 25ml works to firm the skin and rejuvenate its appearance. Inspired by the results of dermal fillers and infused with Primahyal Ultrafiller, this Hyaluronic Acid serum hydrates the skin more effectively than your average Hyaluronic product. Pollushield builds a barrier between the skin and the harmful aggressors in the environment. This product is ideal for mature, sensitive, dehydrated, and tired skin. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of SLS, parabens, and silicone.

The perfect nourishing serum after derma-rolling, Pixi Glow Tonic 250ml softens and refines skin while helping it retain moisture better for a plump, radiant look. This lightweight serum infuses your skin with beneficial nutrients. Glycolic Acid gently exfoliates while moisturising. Aloe Vera calms irritated skin. Ginseng peps up and balances dull skin. And antioxidants help protect and repair skin against harsh environmental aggressors. Formulated to be paraben-free and cruelty-free.

If you’re looking for a serum powerhouse, Skinstitut Rejuvenate 15 is your pick.  Created with a unique blend of ingredients, this serum uses Magnolia Bark Extract and Resveratrol to help correct pigmentation and acne scars as it brightens the skin. Then, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3—a potent signal Peptide—sweeps in to stimulate collagen synthesis to support healing and firmer skin. Use morning and night, and remember to follow with an SPF for daytime use.