Like its jade roller counterpart, a derma roller (also known as microneedle) features hundreds of needles poised to puncture your skin. FDA-approved at-home versions max out at 0.3 mm needle length; anything longer could put more at risk and should be left for professionals only.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid can be found naturally in our skin, helping hydrate and plump it up. It can also be found in joints, eyes and tendons. Hyaluronic acid consists of long chains of carbohydrate molecules that hold water within its structures to act as cushioning fluid between skin cells. As we age our stores of hyaluronic acid can diminish, but topical products with this anti-ageing ingredient such as serums or moisturizers may help replenish these levels.
Hyaluronic acid can be made into creams for topical application to the skin, eye drops and injections. When selecting a serum or moisturizer containing this molecule, check its ingredients list for its molecular weight; the lower it is, the better its penetration into skin layers; additionally its low molecular weight makes hyaluronic acid an effective filler against fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycerin
Glycerol is an effective skin conditioner that acts as a humectant and helps hydrate the outer layer of your skin, while increasing absorption of other ingredients found in skin care products. Ideal for people with dry skin and can often be found in natural beauty products; additionally it can be combined with other moisturizers to balance moisture levels on oily or combination skin types.
Vegetable glycerin can be obtained from various plant sources such as coconut, palm and soybean oils or animal fats; or synthetically produced. Glycerin is an odorless and syrupy liquid that’s nontoxic – perfect for using in facial mists or masks to moisturize the skin, or added to oral care products like mouthwashes and toothpaste for dry mouth prevention. While safe to use by most, allergic reactions such as redness, itching or irritation may occur; its safety depends on individual factors.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate, the salt form of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid, can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water for incredible hydrating capabilities – making this ingredient popular in face washes, eye creams and moisturizers that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Apart from its anti-ageing effects, this ingredient can also help treat osteoarthritis by acting as a shock absorber in knee injections. Furthermore, it may help soothe dry eyes and treat rhinitis.
Weinstein and Shah both suggest adding serum with this ingredient to your skincare routine as it improves moisture retention, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, is suitable for sensitive skin types, can hydrate after laser treatments or microneedling that leaves it vulnerable, is compatible with other skincare ingredients used together as it works very effectively together.
Vitamins
Vitamin C is an exceptional ingredient used in skin care that can combat signs of aging and repair sun damage, while also stimulating collagen synthesis to give your complexion a brighter, younger glow. When applied topically it boosts collagen synthesis while possibly diminishing dark spots or hyperpigmentation to give you radiant, younger-looking skin.
vitamin C has also been demonstrated to decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning it helps your skin retain more moisture in its upper layers. A 2019 study showed that an antipollution serum containing Deschampsia antarctica extract, ferulic acid and vitamin C reduced TEWL by 19 percent.
Firming serums often include vitamins K and E as active ingredients to reduce dark circles by improving circulation and pooling under the eyes, and provide antioxidant support for healthy skin. Vitamins are naturally occurring micronutrients which play an essential role in our bodies, from maintaining a balanced diet to managing inflammation and regulating hormones.
