Derma Stamping: The Benefits Of The Safe And Easy Treatment
There are always new ways to improve your skin with various treatments you might get through facials from aestheticians or at-home skincare routines. With experts actively formulating the next ingredient that could help improve the skin, we're always on standby, excited to try it out. However, improving the skin can take more than serums and face masks. That's why skin treatments like derma rolling have become popular. Derma rolling, a micro-needling technique, is meant to help reduce acne scars, tighten the skin, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles by using a roller with tiny needles that you drag over your skin. If you've heard of derma rolling, you also might've heard of derma stamping, another form of micro-needling that gives similar results.
Derma stamping is easier and safer, since it comes in the form of a pen with tiny needles at the end that you lightly stamp over the areas you want to heal. In addition, it allows you to target specific areas by pressing the pen into your skin rather than rolling it on areas you might want to avoid. You can get micro-needling treatments done by skincare experts, or make it part of your skincare routine and do it at home. If it's not done right, you could cause more damage to the skin, but there are multiple benefits the simple tool offers.
Benefits of derma stamping
Derma stamping helps penetrate into old scar tissue and stimulate skin cell turnover. Using the derma stamping technique, you're lightly puncturing the skin through to the epidermis, causing it to heal naturally and increase collagen production. If you struggle with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne scarring, or skin texture issues, derma stamping can help rejuvenate your skin.
Since you're opening up the skin with micro needles, it'll allow your skin to absorb your skincare products better. Most derma stamping treatments last up to five months; depending on how many repairs your skin needs, it can last longer or shorter. You'll be able to see results a few days after the treatment if you go to a professional. Your skin will be slightly inflamed and sensitive, so you'll want to use cooling and hydrating products like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, if you use a derma stamp tool at home, the effects will vary since you won't be able to puncture the skin deep enough if you have severe skin concerns.
Choosing the right derma stamp
If you're a beginner interested in using a derma stamp, there are some things to know. The needles are available in different sizes, and you'll want to start with the minimum. They range from 0.2 mm to 3 mm, but a professional will use something above a 1.5 mm needle length. You can see results with the smallest size, but if you have deeper scars, you might want a professional to do the treatment. However, if you're trying to reduce fine lines, adjust uneven skin tone, or reduce hyperpigmentation, a 0.5 mm pen is ideal. You can use a 1 mm length to treat light scars and wrinkles.
It's best to start with the minimum length, but if you do not see the improvements you had hoped for, you can increase the size. At-home derma stamping will give you results after a few days, at which point you can determine whether you should move up or keep the length. You'll want to speak with your dermatologist to ensure using any type of derma tool on your skin is safe. They'll be able to recommend which length to use or if you should seek a professional to do the treatments with a larger size needle.
How to derma stamp at home
Derma stamping is simple, and you can do it in the comfort of your home. However, you want to keep everything sanitary to prevent infections or the transfer of bacteria. The routine only takes a few steps; you only need a derma stamp pen, 70% isopropyl alcohol, face wash, hydrating serum, and dish soap. You can use a numbing cream if you're susceptible to any pain level.
First, sanitize the derma pen in the isopropyl alcohol for five minutes. While it's sanitizing, wash your face with your go-to cleanser or a pH-balanced cleanser. Then, apply some isopropyl to your face as well for extra protection. Next, mentally divide your face into four sections, and starting in one section, stamp the area with good, even pressure and speed. Avoid over-stamping the same places. In addition, avoid getting close to your eye. Finally, after stamping all your desired areas, apply your choice of hydrating serum and end with a moisturizer to lock in everything.
Sanitize your derma pen in dish soap and water, then again in the isopropyl alcohol, and place it in its case. You should replace your derma stamp frequently, at least after every ten uses. Of course, the amount of use depends on how quickly your skin recovers. You can use it two to three times a week, or once every three weeks for a 0.5 mm needle.