Derma Roller

There's no question that I'm a skincare devotee. Not only am I constantly writing about new products, but I'm actually smearing them all over my face, too. Typically, I have about a 10-step skincare routine both AM and PM. And no, it wasn't because of the K-beauty trend. It's been since I was 18. (I'm now 31.)

For all of the oils, serums, and scrubs I've tried, loved, or abandoned; I've never really felt comfortable with anyone touching my skin, let alone getting a professional facial. I can't help it—I just hate when people touch my face. I'm convinced that they're going to make it worse.
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So when I first heard about at-home microneedling—an affordable way of giving yourself what's normally a $250 in-office dermatologist treatment—I jumped at the chance to try it. If I could use one of these "dermarollers" for facial-like results without letting anyone touch my face, I was in.

What is microneedling?

Let me back up. First, it's important to know what microneedling is so you can understand how it works. Which also explains why I'd be interested in putting a ton of, well, needles into my face. Microneedling is when you use a dermaroller or microneedler over areas of the skin. The little hand-held device looks a lot like a miniature paint roller covered in metal spikes.

Kerry Benjamin, the founder of Stacked Skincare, tells SELF that the purpose of microneedling is two-fold: To stimulate collagen production and to increase the absorption of skincare products. Good news: At-home microneedlers have much smaller needles than the tools in the dermatologist office, so they aren't supposed to hurt. (But more on in-office stuff later.)

Does microneedling actually work?

Louis Bucky, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, also tells SELF that at-home kits aren't really effective. According to Bucky, all you're getting is a bit of microdermabrasion, a light exfoliation of dead skin cells on your face. But Bucky says this isn't the same level of microneedling he practices in his office.

But know you can get a deeper treatment at the dermatologists' office.

Bucky and his team of medical aesthicians use the EndyMed Intensif in their offices, as does NYC dermatologist Neil Sadick, MD. "The EndyMed Intensif is an in-office radiofrequency needling device that is great for rejuvenating the skin and also for treating things like acne scars and stretch marks. The depth of the needle can be varied, so you get the benefit of being able to individually tailor the procedure to what is needed," Sadick tells SELF.

However, an EndyMed Intensif facial can cost you around $250, while a dermaroller from Stacked Skincare goes for just $30. And it's even less if you order a subscription, since you should toss an at-home roller every two to three months to keep things hygienic. The point: It's far more affordable than its in-office counterpart. So perhaps the evidence is minimal, but I went with Bucky's idea that it was like a DIY dermabrasion treatment (which, of course, I also haven't had) and microneedled my face at home for a week or so.