Achieve your ideal beautiful skin with a derma roller, which is gaining attention for its skin regeneration properties.

Dermarollers are popular not only for their skin-beautifying effects, but also for their convenient at-home use. While many people want to try them, it's important to understand their actual effects, how they work on the skin, and the differences between medical and home-use devices. In this article, Dr. Taro Takeda, a researcher in acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture who is actively working to popularize dermarollers, will explain the effects and mechanisms of dermarollers, as well as key points to keep in mind when choosing an acupuncture clinic or cosmetic acupuncture salon where you can receive treatment.

A researcher dedicated to promoting the use of derma rollers.

Dr. Taro Takeda graduated from Meiji International University of Health Sciences, completed medical training at the university's affiliated hospital, and then went on to graduate school where he obtained a doctorate in acupuncture and moxibustion. After that, he worked as an educator and researcher at the same university, and currently serves as the director of Kanazawa Acupuncture Clinic in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. In addition, as a member of Transparency Co., Ltd., which manages the clinic and handles acupuncture-related products, he has been engaged in research and treatment of acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture for many years.

Recently, the number of people receiving facial acupuncture at acupuncture clinics has been increasing and it has gained some recognition. However, globally, microneedling therapy (a method of creating wounds in the skin with extremely small needles to promote skin regeneration) is the mainstream method for promoting skin beautification, and there are many research publications on this topic. Therefore, Dr. Takeda has long focused on microneedling therapy because it is a simple and safe treatment.

The "Dermaroller(R) HC902," sold by Dermaroller GmbH in Germany, is the globally recognized device for this microneedling therapy. However, the self-care microneedling therapy devices that have been available in Japan until now have been mostly imitations of this device, of low quality, and their effectiveness and safety could not be guaranteed.

Therefore, Transpalace Co., Ltd., where Dr. Takeda works, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Dermaroller GmbH in Germany, established Dermaroller Japan, and obtained approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan for the "Dermaroller(R) HC902" as a medical device for acupuncture treatment, and will begin official import and sales of the product in Japan.

Until now, microneedling therapy could only be received at cosmetic clinics, but with the availability of the "Dermaroller(R) HC902," acupuncturists can now easily and affordably offer microneedling therapy. Under the supervision of Dr. Takeda, "Derma Cosmetic Acupuncture" and "Derma Hair Growth Acupuncture" were developed, marking the first step in establishing new cosmetic acupuncture menus.

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Taro Takeda

Biography: Born in Ishikawa Prefecture, graduated from Meiji University of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (now Meiji International University of Health Sciences), completed a three-year postgraduate residency in internal medicine at the university's affiliated hospital, then went on to graduate school at the same university, completed the doctoral program, and obtained a PhD in Acupuncture and Moxibustion. He joined the university and spent 13 years training and educating future generations in clinical acupuncture and moxibustion, and in parallel with his teaching activities, he also conducted research on cold sensitivity, with his main achievement being involvement in the development of socks. He returned to Ishikawa Prefecture, worked at Eijukai Mirai Hospital, and then joined Transparency Co., Ltd., where he became the director of the Takeda Taro Acupuncture and Moxibustion Research Institute and concurrently served as the director of Kanazawa Acupuncture Clinic. He currently serves as the chief director of four group clinics.

Qualifications: Acupuncturist and Moxibustionist
Affiliations: All Japan Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society, Board Member of the Hokuriku Branch of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine, Board Member of the Ishikawa Prefecture Acupuncture and Massage Therapists Association, Board Member of the ib Wellness Hokuriku Promotion Association, President of the Japan ASP Therapy Promotion Association.

Kanazawa Acupuncture Clinic　https://transparence.jp/kanazawain
Transparency Co., Ltd.　https://transparence.jp

The first genuine derma roller to arrive in Japan

The Dermaroller, first imported to Japan in 2023, is a microneedling product developed by Dermaroller GmbH in Germany. Microneedling is a beauty treatment that creates tiny holes in the skin to activate the repair function of skin cells and promote skin regeneration.

In Japan, the only officially imported derma roller is the "Derma Roller HC902" handled by Derma Roller Japan. This product features 162 ultra-fine (maximum thickness 0.08mm) medical-grade stainless steel microneedle rings with a needle length of 0.2mm to 0.3mm, which contact the skin at a 90-degree angle, preparing the skin for optimal absorption of active ingredients.

Dermaroller Japan　https://dermaroller-japan.com

What is a derma roller?

A derma roller is a medical device used to improve skin problems such as loss of firmness, fine lines, and acne scars, and is also known as a microneedle device. This device involves applying a roller with many tiny needles to the skin and rolling it over it, intentionally creating countless micro-injuries on the skin's surface. As a result, it is expected to stimulate the skin's natural healing and tissue regeneration abilities, leading to an improvement in the skin's surface.

Dermaroller treatment focuses on promoting the natural process of repairing damaged skin and improving skin tone and texture. Generally, greater effects and faster results can be expected by using growth factors or introducing active ingredients before and after the treatment, depending on the area being treated.

The effects of derma rollers and other microneedling devices are not immediately apparent. Because the skin's regeneration process takes time, effects typically begin to appear 5 days to a week after treatment, and become more noticeable after two weeks. However, it is rare to achieve perfect skin in a single treatment, and multiple treatments may be necessary. Repeated treatments at intervals can help you get closer to your ideal skin condition.

Benefits of receiving derma roller treatment at an acupuncture clinic

The Derma Roller HC902 can be purchased for self-care and used at home. It is easy to use at home with relatively low risk, but proper cleaning and storage, regular care, and self-management in case of side effects are necessary. Therefore, it is suitable for people who are good at self-management on a daily basis and can handle any problems that may arise on their own responsibility.

On the other hand, there are three advantages to receiving derma roller treatment from an acupuncturist at an acupuncture clinic or cosmetic acupuncture salon, rather than doing it yourself.

1. Skin diagnosis and treatment by a beauty professional.

Dermaroller treatments performed by medical professionals with national acupuncture and moxibustion licenses ensure that the skin condition is assessed by experts, and appropriate stimulation is applied to meet individual needs. Furthermore, if temporary redness or other adverse reactions occur after treatment, you can consult with a specialist, providing peace of mind. Before visiting, it's important to check the clinic's website or other sources to see if they have any affiliated dermatology clinics or expertise in cosmetic procedures.

2. Comprehensively solve your beauty and health concerns.

Acupuncture clinics specializing in beauty treatments offer cosmetic acupuncture and treatments for various physical ailments. Cosmetic acupuncture is effective in improving facial sagging and wrinkles, and acupuncturists also treat other physical ailments. In addition to the skin-beautifying effects of derma rollers, the ability to consult and resolve physical ailments is also a major attraction.

3. High safety through proper management.

When used for self-care, proper cleaning, disinfection, and storage may not be possible, so the expiration date is set to a short 3 months. However, in acupuncture clinics, the derma roller is cleaned, disinfected, and properly managed under the supervision of a nationally certified professional, so the expiration date is 6 months, making it safer to receive treatment there than with self-care.

Effects of using a derma roller

Medical microneedles, such as derma rollers, are widely known as a treatment method that can comprehensively address a variety of skin problems and concerns. These treatments not only resolve existing problems but also activate the skin's natural regenerative abilities, offering potential benefits in preventing aging. Below, we will examine the effects of derma rollers in detail for various common skin problems.

1. Improvement of acne and acne scars

Acne can take many forms, including red pimples, whiteheads, and acne scars, depending on the cause and symptoms. Dermarolling can address these various types of acne. In the case of red pimples and whiteheads, microneedles create tiny holes, allowing acne bacteria and pus to be expelled, leading to improvement. There are also two patterns for improving acne scars. For pitted acne scars, improvement is achieved by promoting repair from the dermis to the epidermis. For hyperpigmented acne scars, collagen production is promoted, reducing hyperpigmentation.

2. Improvement of blackheads and enlarged pores

Dermaroller treatment improves skin cell turnover, which can remove excess sebum and blackheads, resulting in cleaner pores. This eliminates blackheads, balances the skin's moisture and oil levels, and tightens pores.

3. Improvement of wrinkles, dullness, blemishes, and sagging skin.

Microneedles stimulate fibroblasts in the dermis, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which is expected to improve wrinkles, dullness, age spots, and sagging. Increased levels of these components enhance skin firmness and reduce signs of aging.

4. Improvement of stretch marks and cellulite

Dermarollers can also be used for body care, such as treating stretch marks and cellulite. By activating the skin's regenerative abilities, they can help reduce the appearance of these symptoms. They are particularly effective on wrinkles and cellulite in areas with a lot of fat.

5. Improving thinning hair

Dermarollers help improve hair loss through four mechanisms: promoting blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating collagen production, enhancing the absorption of hair loss medications, and revitalizing the scalp. The micro-stimulation of the scalp promotes blood circulation and increases collagen production, thereby promoting healthy hair growth. Additionally, creating tiny holes in the scalp makes hair loss medications more effective, and it also stimulates the activation of hair matrix cells during sleep.

How long does it take to see results with a derma roller?

The time it takes to see the skin-beautifying effects of dermaroller treatment varies from person to person, but it generally takes a relatively long time. It also depends on the frequency of treatments and the condition of your skin, but as a general guideline, many people tend to notice an improvement in their skin quality after about three months of treatments once a week.

Considering the skin's turnover cycle, it may take about a month to notice the first changes. As you continue the treatment, your skin's condition will gradually improve as the surface of your skin becomes smoother. Specific changes include improved skin texture, brighter skin tone, and increased firmness, radiance, and elasticity.

On the other hand, improving localized skin problems such as enlarged pores, fine lines, and light blemishes may take more time. These problems may not be completely resolved in a single treatment, and it is common for them to gradually improve after several treatments.

Furthermore, it is estimated that it takes approximately 6 to 12 months for the induced collagen to mature. Therefore, a long-term perspective is necessary before experiencing the full effects of a derma roller treatment.

For those receiving derma roller treatment at an acupuncture clinic, it is recommended to continue treatments for at least three months after the initial few sessions. However, it is important to understand that the time it takes to see results varies from person to person, as it depends on skin condition and individual sensitivity.

Safe and secure treatment and support at our acupuncture clinic.

Dermarollers are safe medical devices that can be used at home, but there are a few things to keep in mind when receiving treatment. First, the dermaroller itself needs to be replaced regularly. For safety and hygiene reasons, dermarollers used in acupuncture clinics are usually replaced within six months. If you continue to use it for more than six months, you will need to purchase a new product. Also, many acupuncture clinics do not recommend taking the dermaroller home after treatment. This is because taking it home shortens its lifespan, and there is a possibility that you may forget the device on the day of your treatment.

Dermaroller treatments also have side effects. Irritation to the skin can cause temporary redness and rashes. Those with sensitive or dry skin are particularly prone to these reactions. Before treatment, it's important to counsel about your skin condition and constitution, and to minimize irritation during the first treatment. These inflammatory reactions usually subside within a few days, but if they persist or worsen, you should consult the acupuncture clinic or dermatologist who performed the treatment. It's especially important for those with allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis to consult with the acupuncture clinic beforehand.

You also need to be careful about makeup on the day of the treatment. You will need to remove all makeup and sunscreen before the treatment, but makeup removal is also available at the clinic. After the treatment, your skin will be sensitive, so it is important to avoid using liquid cosmetics and sunscreen, and instead protect your skin from UV rays with light makeup while moisturizing.

When receiving derma roller treatment at an acupuncture clinic or cosmetic acupuncture salon, it's important to keep these points in mind. With the support of an acupuncturist knowledgeable in beauty, you can use the derma roller correctly and achieve your ideal beautiful skin.

Dermaroller: A new form of treatment in acupuncture clinics

Currently, Dr. Takeda is actively holding seminars and developing various curricula to spread microneedling therapy using derma rollers to acupuncture clinics nationwide.

In acupuncture clinics, facial acupuncture is commonly used as a cosmetic treatment. Facial acupuncture involves inserting dozens of needles about 2mm deep into the skin, targeting acupoints, stiffness, and wrinkles on the face. However, dermarollers safely create tens of thousands of tiny holes of about 0.2mm in diameter into the skin, so the approach is completely different. Dr. Takeda advocates that rather than simply replacing traditional facial acupuncture with dermarollers, combining the two treatments can lead to a better skin condition and is the best treatment method that can be expected to have a synergistic effect. Currently, the following treatments are being introduced in many acupuncture clinics.

Derma Acupuncture

This is a new type of cosmetic acupuncture that promotes skin regeneration by combining microneedling therapy, facial acupuncture, and microcurrent therapy.
Cleansing → Microneedling → Facial acupuncture/acupuncture → Microcurrent → Application of active ingredients

Derma hair growth acupuncture

This is a new type of hair growth acupuncture that promotes hair growth by combining microneedling therapy, acupuncture, and microcurrents.
Pre-massage → Microneedling → Acupuncture → Microcurrent → Application of active ingredients → Post-massage

Dermarollers are gradually spreading to clinics nationwide because they offer low-cost, safe treatments that maximize skin-beautifying effects. If you are concerned about the safety and hygiene of self-care that can be easily done at home, we recommend treatment at a clinic where you can feel more at ease. Please consult with your nearest acupuncture clinic.