Can Retin-A gel and the Dermaroller® be used safely?

We receive many questions about what can be delivered into the skin by the Home Roller C8 or Beauty Mouse®. One of the most common questions is about using Retin-A. 

Depending on your skin type and other factors individuals can have various commonly observed skin reactions including redness, swelling, peeling, stinging, irritation, etc. The side-effects diminish as the concentration of the applied Retin-A gel or cream is diminished. Often, even when the concentration is diminished, side-effects are still observed. The reason for the side-effects is simply that you are applying a concentrated chemical that remains in the uppermost layers on the skin. To avoid side-effects and increase the efficacy of Retin-A or similar compounds the answer is simple. Either decrease the strength of the Retin-A or increase the penetration of the Retin-A into the lower layers of your skin. A higher concentration of Retin-A does not necessarily equate to better results. In fact less is more in this case.

The Dermaroller® (otherwise known as the Home Roller C8 or Beauty Mouse®) with 0.2 mm length microneedles can accomplish the goal. However, and this point is very important, you will have to decrease the strength of the Retin-A that you’re using by half or more because tretinoin is being delivered into the skin rather than sitting on the skin, thus it becomes more effective and the side-effects will diminish.

Some sensitive individuals may require lower concentrations of tretinoin than is commercially available. If this is the case, an experienced compounding pharmacist can be of assistance. As always, please consult with your prescribing skin care specialist.

To your health,

César A. Maúrtua MD

Medical Director

Dermaroller® USA

info@dermarollerus.com