#derma roller

We all have pores, and sometimes these pores can get clogged with oil & debris. No matter how hard you “scrub” or how clean your face is, pores are stubborn when it comes to how to extract out that build up. I’ve talked about the wonders of chemical exfoliants, these can help unclog your pores. I’d stay FAR AWAY for a pore/nose strip, as these can cause more damage to your hair follicles than they do any good. The way pores appear are solely based on genetics. Unlike the myth of pores being able to shrink in size, avoid any product that garuntees reducing the size of your pores. What products can do for your pores is instead minimize their appearance by getting rid of the dirt, oil and debris built up.

Important facts to know about pores:

Pores are indeed the opening to your hair follicles.

Excessive cleaning can actually cause your pores to produce more oil & buildup.

Regular cleansing can minimize their appearance, but without products with chemical exfoliants in them added to your routine, cleansing can only do the minimum.

Your pore appearance is based off of your genetics. Their size can never increase or decrease.

Environmental factors, dry skin, aging, acne and oil can make your pores APPEAR bigger.

Important tips to minimize pore appearance:

Cleanse your skin 1-2x daily in order to remove any makeup oil or dirt that has built up on your skin through the day.

Choose the right products for your skin type such as non-comedogenic skincare & makeup (won’t clog pores).

Exfoliate 1-3x a week to remove dead skin cells & help unclog pores. Don’t overexfoliate your skin! stay away from face scrubs!

Make sure you’re applying your SPF everyday, UVA damage not only ages your skin quicker but it ages your skin by breaking down your collagen & can cause your pores to appear saggy.

Always be mindful of what products you’re using on your skin. Always read directions and ingredients to make sure you’re using something that your skin will react good with. Also be mindful of what products are safe to use in the day vs. the night, since some products can cause irritation when exposed to sunlight.

My Recommendations for products that will minimize the appearance of your pores;

Obagi Pore Therapy Toner : contains 2% salicylic acid

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha-Beta Pore Cleansing Gel : A non-stripping cleanser that gently tones & exfoliates the skin.

PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment: Contains natural enzymes to break down oil and debris from the skin. Can be used 1-2 times weekly.

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub: DISCLAIMER- DO NOT USE OVER ANY ACTIVE ACNE!! Perfect for people who like the feel of a scrub but don’t want to damage their skin. I’d use this 1-2 times every other week. Perfect for normal-dry-oily

PicoSure Laser

PicoSure is a non-invasive, non-surgical laser procedure that is attracted to pigment in the skin. It’s a great way to get rid of stubborn sun damage, melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, pigmented lesions and freckles. This procedure may take 2-3 sessions but it definitely works quickly and is painless. There’s no down time for this treatment & is semi-permanent. As long as you’re doing your at home care this procedure is perfect for achieving beautiful healthy looking skin.

IPL Photofacial

IPL (IntensePulsedLight) is similar to the PicoSure. but is only used for fitzpatrick skin types (I-III), essentially lighter skin tones. Due to the intensity of the light it could cause hypo-pigmentation, (complete removal of melanocytes, which causes permanent white spots) for darker skin types. Now this doesn’t mean this procedure is more “powerful” than the PicoSure Laser. It’s just less inclusive for all skin types. The after affects of this procedure is your pigment spots will become darker in color and appear like a coffee ground, then eventually after a week will fall off on its own. If you’re the right fitz type this treatment is fantastic in getting rid of broken capillaries on the face. Broken capillaries appear like little teeny red veins and are typically seen around the nose.

Collagen Induction Therapy

1️⃣ Start with a clean face 🧼 – Always cleanse your skin before dermarolling to remove dirt and bacteria.

2️⃣ Less is more 🎯 – Avoid over-rolling; 5–10 rolls per section are enough to stimulate collagen.

3️⃣ Hydrate your skin 💧 – Drink plenty of water and apply hyaluronic acid post-treatment for plump, glowing skin.

4️⃣ Store your dermaroller properly 📦 – Keep it in a clean, dry case to prevent contamination.

5️⃣ Replace old dermarollers 🔄 – Dull needles can damage the skin; switch to a new roller every 3–6 months.

6️⃣ Do a patch test first ⚠️ – If you have sensitive skin, test on a small area before rolling your full face.

7️⃣ Focus on problem areas 🎯 – Roll extra gently over fine lines, scars, and dark spots for targeted results.

8️⃣ Combine with a healthy lifestyle 🥗 – A nutrient-rich diet with vitamins A, C, and E can boost collagen production.

9️⃣ Be patient with results ⏳ – Collagen takes time to rebuild, so expect visible changes after 4–6 weeks.

🔟 Consult a dermatologist if unsure 👩‍⚕️ – If you have skin conditions or concerns, seek professional advice before starting.

✔ Choose the right needle size – Start with 0.2mm–0.5mm for beginners to boost collagen without excessive irritation.

✔ Always disinfect your dermaroller – Soak it in 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after use to prevent infections.

✔ Roll gently – Apply light, even pressure and roll in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions.

✔ Use hydrating serums after rolling – Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides enhance healing and results.

✔ Avoid harsh skincare for 24 hours – Skip retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids post-treatment to prevent irritation.

✔ Stay consistent but don’t overdo it – Follow the recommended frequency based on needle size to allow proper healing.

✔ Always wear sunscreen – Your skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays, so SPF 30+ is a must to protect your results.

✔ Be patient – Visible improvements in fine lines, texture, and scars take weeks to months with regular use.

✨ A dermaroller might be your secret weapon!

🔥 Learn how to use it safely & effectively at home 🔄💆‍♀️