I'm thankful for your realistic, humanistic, harm-reduction approach, versus the standard gate-keeping, "just don't do it!!" approach. People are gonna do what they're gonna do and it's For A Reason. Might as well make it as safe as possible through knowledge for those who cannot access the care they should be able to access.
I have been using a Dr. Pen. It's not a roller it's got a tip with multiple needles and they go up and down like a stamp. It goes up to 3.0 in depth. I've used it 3 times with 6 weeks in between each use and my face has tightened up a bit. But I don't drag the device across my face like most people do. I use it like a stamp. Works pretty well, just gotta have patience and not overdo it.
This post is 7 months old so not sure if you will get this message. I just bought a Dr. Pen 8 and I haven't used it yet. What setting did you start at and did you numb yourself first? I like the idea of stamping with it and lifting it up and moving rather than dragging it across the face like I've seen so many DIY on youtube do. What products are you stamping into your face? Thank you.
I really appreciate you- you are so realistic about things like this. I get really frustrated with other derms on RU-vid who vilify microneeding. So many women cannot afford to get it done, but they can do it safely at home if they are thorough with researching how to do it. You’re the best!
Great info! When I was in college and couldn’t afford anything, I did micro needling on my acne scars. It was by far the best thing I have ever done to my face. I think it’s important to get this information out there because people are inevitably going to do this at home to some extent. Some other social media dermatologists only want this done in office, which most people cannot afford.
@Ray An The scars on my cheeks were pretty deep. I used 1.5mm (because that’s the depth you need for collagen production) on only the scar areas on my cheeks once per month for three months. Since it takes 3-4 weeks for collagen synthesis, my skin was still getting better a few weeks after doing it. It was pretty amazing to see the progress as the weeks went on. Definitely don’t do this on areas with thinner skin. Hope this helps! 🙂
thank you sooooo much for sharing this! there are so many misconceptions about microneedling at home and i'm literally living proof that it works. i had severe cystic acne in college and used to pop my pimples so often because i just wanted them to go away.. and that left me with every type of acne scar you can think of (boxcar, rolling, icepick and of course hyperpigmentation like no other) i've been using the banisher 2.0 from banish microneedling tool for YEARS and i have never felt more confident in my skin than i do now. the pricing of in office treatment was never even something that was attainable for me, so i opted into doing it at home and im soooo glad i did!
Girl!! I'm so happy to see your comment, i have also the same size of your microneedling, can you tell me which products do you combine it with and how often do you use it?
Hey! I'm really sorry for the late reply. But I use the Banish Kit from Banish - I use it like every other week (youre able to use it once a week I just am not that consistent with it sometimes lol) and I use their pumpkin enzyme mask once a week (this is a game changer as well) hope this helps - @@claubarbosa5908
I loooove micro needling at home but I took a break years ago due to starting tretinoin. I have a bunch in their boxes (I used single-use out of my paranoia for bacteria) just sitting in my skincare closet. But when I did it, it made my skin absolutely glow and feel moisturized. I always wore gloves and cleansed my skin with Hibiclens beforehand. Paranoid? Yes, but I don’t want to introduce a new problem with a procedure meant to help my skin!
My favorite part of my Saturday morning. I really wish your skin care line will eventually be available worldwide (Argentina here!) cause I find it really interesting. Congrats on everything Dr😍
I used to go hard with a dermaroller and ended up getting all these little under the skin bumps which I would end up needing to exfoliate to get rid of. It ended up being a rollercoaster of skin issues. Now I'm just sticking to at home topical products! Thanks Dr Idriss 💜x
I did it 4-5 years ago and I’m still treating the hyperpigmentation 😢 My skin was acne prone but was “stable” and OMG! I ended in the dermatologist with a massive breakout!!!
@@Oatmealxxx Anything that irritates the skin can cause a acne flare I believe, and it’s harder to perfectly sterilize the equipment at home, possibly introducing bacteria into the skin.
This is why she said, “If you have an active acne breakout, do NOT use this….” Um, rolling needles through bacteria and pus just spreads all that around. 😢
I've tried microneedling without sterilising the pen and no proper aftercare i.e using tret straight after and nothing happened I still experienced the benefits. But majority of the time I tend to sterilise the equipment beforehand but if I don't have the isopropyl alcohol then I do without simples
Thank you for another awesome video! I would be interested in learning more about menopause and how it impacts skin and hair loss. Thank you, Dr. Idriss!
I think you forgot to say the most important thing of all: be careful which roller you buy. Some have spikes instead of needles which are larger at the base and thinner at the top. You DO NOT want this type. You want the type with individual needles, not spikes. Spikes don't have a uniform shape and will leave scarring. I use 3mm needles for my head and 1mm for my face and I do push to let the needles get into the skin instead of dragging. The needles go in straight but come out obliquely when you roll . So i don't roll, I just punch. Of course it's painful with some parts being more painful than others but I love it.
Hello thank you: I’ve been micro needling with a Dr. pen M8 ultra it has a depth up to 2.5 I do nano, & cosmetic micro needling. I’ve not medically MN. The M8 Dr Pen does all 3 numbing is key: with CMN & MMN ty again for the information and sharing with us. 💙🧚 I use Coso BAHA a non cross link HA. It’s improved my acne scarring, as well as help with cystic acne. Of course always done without a breakout. My texture has improved. It’s a beautiful tx. I am a nurse of 40 years. I’m very cautious and less is more. It’s a ongoing process. Not a one time fix all.
Please do a video on sun spots or age spots. Many women in my family have them and no good starting point to learn about them. How do we differentiate between melasma and age spots?
Please do review on female hair loss esp Female bald pattern hair loss. I know you did this topic during you Covid journey. I’m glad you recovered! Review on some hair products such as Vegamour, Keratase… besides Monoxildi. Thanks a bunch!
Could you make a video on laser hair removal vs electrolysis? I'm trying to decide between the two. Thanks so much and this was super informative as always!
Thank you so much Dr. Shereene for this in-depth and informative video! In 2016, I suffered 2nd degree burn scars from a skin peel that I reacted very badly to. I also had acne scars from hormonal acne (which I still get sometimes). While my burn scars were healing, I was doing SO MUCH research on what I could do at home to help my scars, because I cannot afford in-office treatments. I've been using the Banisher 2.0 micro needling stamp from BANISH Skincare for a few years. I'm 45 years young and my skin looks better than it did in my 20's!!!! It has helped to soften my fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate hyperpigmentation and more... with the incorporation of their Vitamin C Serum.
How often do you replace the Banisher ? I’ve been considering getting it because I have such sensitive skin that I think I may be allergic to the nickel in stainless steel . Last home treatment I did was with the Anteage Microneedling roller and serum . I’d had pro in office treatments before with the same exact serum . But this time , I got itchy and had red , scaly areas for a few days . Dunno if it was the nickel in the needles or the serum . Since Banisjer is gold plated , it seems I’d not have any allergies and I can skip the serum.
Thank you for this video ! Micro needling in office is too expensive for the general public so I appreciate you giving advice on doing this at home. Can you talk about the Dr. Pen though ? This is what I see most people actually getting benefits from and it goes down over 2mm in depth. Heard amazing things.
Dr Idriss, a kind request if I can you please do a hair care video for thin hair..!! Very educational and very much appreciate you taking out time and putting in the effort and Absolutely a fan or yours…!!! 💓
I am a keloid grower sooooo I think I’ll pass 😔. Not too much treatments for people that suffer with keloids. We always are alert of not getting cut and getting it infected. Another reason I will not have plastic surgery. Not many plastic surgeons on RU-vid or in general discuss our pros and cons. I still have severe keloid scars on my belly from a surgery. I do want to thank you for putting out this video 👍🏻. Helped me make a decision. You always explain with good detail. Very helpful. ✨.
Dear Shereene, Titanium and SS medical grade do not rust, however cleaning must be by ultrasonic bath otherwise is not clean. At the electron microscope the best polished needle looks like a pine tree and many pollutants inside. Thanks for your well done video. You have a new fan.
Thank you, Dr. you are so thorough yet concise when you explain you are so amazing and thank you for explaining it so clearly that we could do it at home if we are careful
great information. as i was watching i was thinking it would be really interesting to see more types of videos but also doing an "at-home" video and "in-office". i think it would e interesting to see the guide for at hime versus what to expect in the office, also, an in office video could also be a good learning experience as far as what to look for and ask when hunting for derms in our own areas. idk if this made sense, but yeah
I have done microneedling...2 yrs. ago....I stopped & won't re-start. I've learned by watching you that I have sensitive skin (6 of the 7 symptoms....all but acne) & my skin barrier has been disrupted. I have those symptoms, too. (skin won't aborb some creams, skin burns after a shower in Winter).....so, I'm changing products I use. I now use Bioderm Ataderm cleansing oil, First Aid Beauty (ceramides). I'm repairing the skin barrier. I haven't used my Clarisonic in months & won't any more. I've learned how to properly take care of my skin. Also am now a sunscreen convert. That picture of the truck driver....that REALLY drove the message home !! Thank you, Dr. Idriss. (I'm 74....have never had skin cancer....had LOTS of severe sunburns as a child...sunscreen didn't exist.)
I’ve been using the Qure micro-infusion microneedling system. They’re one time use heads and they’re not roller heads, it’s a stamping motion. Only .5mm in depth, but it comes with a serum that gets infused into your skin as you use it. I haven’t been using it long so I can’t speak for long term effects but what I’ve noticed so far is that the next day my skin looks and feels more plump. It’s temporarily but I feel like each time I use it, the effect seems to last longer. I purchased a 3 month supply originally and I did end up repurchasing again. I guess I’ll see how I feel near the end of it!
I have been using the GloPRO micro needling tools for over 2 years now. They are sophisticated facial tools and very effective. Like you mentioned, less is more and keeping it clean and dry is vital.
For anyone sorting by new, buy less needles. I did some research and more needles doesn’t equal better and can cause more slices than puncture wounds because of how compact these needles are in a small space. Go for the 192 needles or less, and go for genuine needles instead of disk needles, because they have a diamond shape which will cause further scarring. (If you can’t tell buy transparent dermarollers like angel kiss where you can see the individual needles) If you don’t want to deal with any of that go for stamps, since you don’t need to roll and risk dragging needles across your skin.
Thanks for calling out the skin tone factor! This is why I've steered clear from this. Would love to know if at home light therapy is also something for darker skin tones to be careful with?
I have dark skin. I’m glad i saw this as I was contemplating getting it done, but I thought I might as well invest in one if I’m going to incorporate microneedling in my skin care regime for fine lines and hyperpigmentation. I was considering the dr pen. I think I’ll hold off. Thank you for this very informative talk.
I’m dark skinned like Issa Rae. I have a Dr. Pen and use the 2.5 setting on my body. I haven’t had any issues with hyperpigmentation. In general I don’t deal with a lot of hyperpigmentation because of my skincare routine. If I get a blemish, i immediately begin treatment soon as it heals. The main thing is to understand your skin, have a solid routine, and don’t try to do too much too soon. I’ve also done laser hair removal and electrolysis and haven’t had hyperpigmentation issues as some have experienced.
Thought I'd let anyone know whose interested- Gin Amber beauty has her own product line with real, individual needles, not wheels with triangular shaped spikes. I've been using her products and following her in depth tutorials for several months now and I highly recommend checking out her channel for all your micro needling questions.
I love watching your videos every Saturday morning! I’ve learned so much about from you! 🙌🏼May you create content about body skincare on hyperpigmentation? I greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much for your time.
Will you do a video on microneedling vs microdermabrasion vs laser treatments for large pores or even chemical peels? Trying to figure out what procedure I should do :)
Today in my clinic, I saw the worst case of eczema herpaticum post at-home unassisted microneedling today! I cannot state this enough, but your skin and your micro needling device has to be SQUEAKY CLEAN everytime you use them! PS- microneedling is a big no for those with recurrent herpes.
I had micro needling done twice by an aesthetician and it really improved my skin. However, I have to stop because I was diagnosed with melasma. I’m not fond of buying gadgets for skincare. I’d also prefer skincare procedures be done in a controlled environment for safety reason.
Congratulations 🍾 🎉 on your success!!! I have to say it was like watching a friend introducing her newborn (a love you can’t express but you could feel and see all over your face) so 🥂clink to that!!! Your so genuine and clear what’s realistic about this overly saturated market and I appreciate the no fear monger Kung-Fu tactics bc of your character, your experience, your generosity of time and compassion bringing the Facts to the little nerdlings we are 🤓! Thank you Doc 🔬🧪🕳🧬📊📉📈 🇫🇷 👩🏻🔬🧘🏻♀️- I’ll sit patiently while whip up another batch
I just started using the Sdara .25 titanium and being a former licensed manicurist I have tons of alcohol and a uv sterilizer for disinfection. I sterilize the heck out of mine and the case, just to be safe and only use it once a week. I'll admit I was scared to death to try this at home but so far so good.👍❤️
Can you review the mechanical pens? Like Dr. Pen and the various needle lengths? The risk of infection is lowered because they use sterile needle heads, a new one for each session, and my mother reckons with the electric pen you don’t need to go deeper than .7mm to get collagen induction. Thoughts? Also, must say, I love your energy. Your videos feel sincere and real af. 🖤
Good morning from Bermuda... I still have yet to see a derm talk about step by step what to do after a pimple has appeared, and step by step how to reduce inflammation afterward over the healing process (days/weeks)..so much misinformation out there and 'tik tok' remedies/tricks that a basic guide for those of us with the occasional flare up of pimples would be really helpful. Thank you!
Have you tried the microdart hydrocolloid patches with salicylic acid? They are my favorite go-to for spot treatment. They help take care of the acne and reduce the following inflammation. You can also go the prescription route with a combo of benzoyl peroxide, Clindamycin, azelaic acid and tretinion. That combo will zap anything.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Dr Idriss! My question is about zinc oxide & sensitive skin… what should you use instead? I’m going back to watch older videos, in case you’ve already addressed this. Wishing you a great weekend, and I hope you get a chance to rest.
Hi, just wanted to say say that this is a great video! Doing it in office is pretty expensive for no guarantee of good results and I started doing it at home a couple of weeks ago. I'm aware of the risks and I'm taking whatever precautions I can. So, I feel like I'm willing to take that risk and since I'm an adult that's pretty much up to me if I want to do it. No results yet, but I only use 0,2 mm so hopefully it will show something later :) Thanks for the info and congrats on all your successes, you've definitely earned it!
Wait! She only talked about derma rolling not really any good microneedling tools. It is a very different tool and results. Don't think this video really helps much for microneedling in general.
Love your videos, they're so informative. I'm curious if you've done a video on the infrared/red light therapy masks for the face. The before and after pictures I see online look like these devices might be a good investment. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
Dr Pillowtalk could you possibly discuss the pro/cons to pen micro needling devices such as Dr. pen? Since we control the depth of these, what would be considered “unsafe?”
Hello doctor!! I hope you reply to this. Since i cant afford a dermatologist or a dermapen because they both are very costly, I ordered a dermastamp it has 0.25 to 3.00mm needle setting with titanium needles. When i use the stamp i do feel the redness and burning sensation but i dont feel the needles penetrating my skin. So when i was cleaning the tool i tried the 3mm setting on my hand and it did not penetrate the skin there too. So now im concerned that since the needles are not even penetrating my skin how are they gonna treat my scars?? And yeah, i did clean the dermastamp with alcohol after testing. But I'm really worried, should i order a derma roller maybe it's needles would penetrate my skin. Please reply!! I really need guidance. 🙃🙃🙂🙂🙏🏻
I use retin-A on my back and chest every night. I also wash my face and body with benzoyl peroxide every night. I’ve been using retin-a cream 0.1% for a few months every night but I still have clogged pores every night.
I just bought a derma stamp with gold needles to help with fine lines and wrinkles. I have not used it yet as I wasn’t sure how to do it. Thank you so much for explaining
Habibti Dr Sherine, love your videos and congratulations on your new skincare line. There is so mixed messaging about using Lactic acid and retinol together apparently they can cancel each other out due to the PH levels. Can you please clarify this, I’m going crazy 😭😭😭😭
Dr. Idris, I love your videos. They are straightforward and easy to understand. I have one question about Microneedling Pens...SPECIFICALLY. They come with a plastic ring that is obviously opened at the top and the needles move thru it, I guess? Every Esthetician, Dermatologist and DIY-er...I see on these videos, moves the device, touching directly on the face, and moving it in circular motions or crisscross motions. I have been conditioned thru the years...to never DRAG a microneedling device over my face...or I may TEAR IT UP. In the past week, I have been asking Derms and Estheticians while watching their videos this question and am still waiting for an answer. On Camera...TO MY EYES...they all do it that way. No tearing. Is it not tearing...because of the ring at the top of the device, somehow acting as a buffer for the needles going in and out? I used a stamp motion the first and only time I used my new Hydra Pen...afraid of tearing up my skin. End result was uneven tiny red holes allover the face. Please answer this question about pens and dragging? Thank you. Unfortunately, I do not have an Esthetician "on speed dial" to answer this question. Simple question should only require a simple answer, correct? thanks for your time. If anyone else out there can answer me...that's great too.
The needles should move so fast that there shouldn't be any dragging. However, if you move the device, do it slowly. Imagine taking a cloth to wipe the table. Instead of just wiping you move the cloth up and down really fast, if you move to the side very slowly you basically just hit the table with your cloth and lift it up before it's being dragged. If your side motion is very fast, you will drag the cloth.
Skin problems people eat too much sugar junk food and smoking, process food and trans fat and that damage collagen and cause premature aging of the skin, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Taking supplements and skin care don’t help when collagen are damage.
I would like to see a video on Accutane and your opinion on it! I've been dying to hear your professional opinion about Accutane and its disadvantages. Please, please, please make a video!
Does micro needling can increase the facial hair growth in females bcz a lot males have been using micro needles for growing beard? What if i am using derma roller on my fave for scares and i end up growing facial hair???????
Could you show us a treatment? Maybe on someone who agrees to be filmed or a staff member? Like a laser treatment for example and why you might want to get it or what it’s good for. Or something new like Morpheus? I think a lot of people don’t know a lot about med spa treatments/derm treatments like lasers.
It's a long video to make the following points: Make sure your tension is right. Make sure you use the right stitch length. Most people already know this. The problem is knowing how to choose the 'right' tension or stitch length and this video doesn't really help with that.
I have a microneedling tool that I bought from a cosmetic physicals clinic. it's titanium .5 mm and I am always very sanitary with it but has seen other videos where I just cringe. My question is what product do you recommend post microneedling? I have always skipped all products the night that I microneedle to prevent breakouts and I tend to do the same thing when I dermaplane.
For me...100% don't do at home. I've been getting it done for quite some time now professionally, I can't get the depth that it takes to be productive on my skin. Professionally, i get amazing results!
Hi dr. Thank you for your informative channel, I had a micro dermabrason done five years ago. About 5 consecutive treatments and I was very happy with results. It removed some minor scars and sunspots. Is this procedure still in practice ? After calling around to dermatologists it seems it’s been replaced by chemical peels and micro needling which I don’t feel works as well. Your thoughts please. Also I use to use a sponge known as a buff puff, a type of mildly rough sponge to clean and refresh facial skin. I used it twice a week and it did seem to mildly refresh my skin. What is your opinion ?
I agree; I've watched her videos and actually purchased her rollers which, imho, are good and safe when used properly. She, I believe, was the one who let everyone know about the difference between the two different types of rollers: that some have 192 needles, and some have 540 (or more) needles. She explains and illustrates this by dismantling one of the latter rollers and shows that those are not in fact individual needles but are actually sheets of metal made to look like rollers. And close up it can be seen that the needles on those do look more like tiny knives. She said, and others have agreed, that these 540 needle rollers are potentially dangerous to the skin as the action is more of a "slice" than a "poke". I hope it's ok to drop a link in here of a blogpost (not by Gin Amber in this case), just to make the search easier. Would love to hear Dr. Idriss' view on this.
I agree with you! I just made a purchase of dermaroller from Gin amber, I used 0.25 first time and I didn’t feel pain just a little tingling. Her products seem very promised and @ginamber surely approved Dr. Dray wrong and also Australian Dermatologist Dr.Davin Lim just made a video last week on dermaroller and he corrected himself in regards to dermaroller benefits
Could you do a video on recommendations for someone with sensitive + oily + acne prone skin living in a dry climate? I literally have all the worst odds against me! Constantly itchy and trying to focus on repairing my skin barrier after over exfoliating but concerned about clogging pores and breakouts with too many occlusive since I’m so oily.
Based off of tests and basic physics I would never use or recommend a roller. The needles insert into the skin at an angle and they exit at an angle so basically instead of microchannels you're making micro slices to the skin and causing way more damage and negative results/risk. Just search microneedle roller banana test to see effects for yourself.
I would enjoy hearing what Dr. Idriss thinks about the Hydra Pen and those types of microneedling devices. I have some fading scars from using the "dermaroller" 3 YEARS AGO...which I will never use again. It was 100% my fault. I got too aggressive in low light conditions with a .50 and overdid my left mid face area. I am now ready to try a different device...so I bought the Hydra Pen H3 with the intention of being a heck of a lot more careful. I bought growth serum and beta glucan to put into the little Well of the device...for a serum infusion during the process. I appreciate any opinions about this device from anyone who has used them.
