Derma rollers are small cosmetic rollers that are used to maintain healthy skin and treat acne and scars. To prevent it from contaminating the skin, clean the derma roller before and after use. Use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to sterilize the derma roller, disinfect it with a cleaning tablet, or use soap for a quick clean. With a little bit of disinfectant and patience, you can easily clean the derma roller.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Sterilizing Derma Rollers
Step 1. Rinse the derma roller in warm water for 2-3 seconds
Turn on the faucet, and soak the derma roller in the water for a few seconds to remove small debris, such as dead skin cells or blood.
This step helps get rid of skin particles that might not be removed with just rubbing alcohol
Step 2. Pour the isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide into a small bowl
Fill a bowl with 60-90% alcohol or hydrogen peroxide until the derma roller is completely submerged. If you use alcohol below 60%, the solution will not be able to disinfect the derma roller.
For example, you can use plastic Tupperware containers or ceramic bowls
Step 3. Soak the derma roller for 60 minutes to thoroughly disinfect it
Place the derma roller upside down in the container. The needle on the roller should be facing up.
If you want, you can set a timer on your phone or kitchen clock
Step 4. Rinse the derma roller with warm running water for 30-60 seconds
After soaking for 1 hour, remove the derma roller from the container and place it under running water. This step can remove any remaining skin particles and alcohol or peroxide residue.
Step 5. Place the derma roller upside down on a paper towel, then let it dry naturally
After the derma roller is cleaned, it is very important to keep it germ-free. Turn the handle so that the roller is down, then place it on a clean, dry paper towel. Leave the derma roller for 10-20 minutes.
Drying naturally is the best way to dry a derma roller. Towels can get caught on the derma roller needles
Step 6. Place the derma roller back in its protective case once it dries
After it dries, place the derma roller in the container and tighten the lid. That way, the derma roller will remain clean and hygienic.
If you store your derma roller carelessly, you can expose your face to bacteria when you use it later
Method 2 of 3: Using Cleansing Tablets to Disinfect the Derma Roller
Step 1. Use a special tablet or denture cleaning tablet to clean the derma roller
Many derma roller companies sell cleaning tablets to make the cleaning process easier. If the derma roller came with the cleansing tablet, read the detailed instructions for use on the package. If a derma roller is not available with a cleaning tablet, use a denture cleaning tablet instead.
Denture cleaning tablets are designed to disinfect, so they can be safely used on derma rollers
Step 2. Fill the container with warm water as described in the instructions for use
Different cleaning tablets will require different amounts of water. Typically, cleansing tablets require approximately 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Measure the amount of water using a measuring cup, then pour it into a small container.
If the derma roller cleaning container has a measuring line on the outside, just use it as a guide as you fill it
Step 3. Put 1 tablet in the container and immerse the derma roller
Tear off the packaging that encloses each tablet, and drop them into the water. After the cleaning tablet is placed in water, the chemical substances in it will mix with the water and form a disinfection solution. This process is fast, so dip the derma roller in water as soon as the tablet is inserted.
Make sure the entire derma roller is completely submerged in water for a thorough cleaning
Step 4. Leave the derma roller in the solution according to the instructions for use
Follow the instructions for use on the packaging to ensure the derma roller has been completely disinfected. Some cleansing tablets only require 5-10 minutes of soaking time.
If you are using denture cleaning tablets, soak the derma roller in the cleaning solution overnight
Step 5. Gently rinse the derma roller with warm water before placing it on a paper towel
Once the derma roller is completely submerged, use warm water to rinse off the cleaning solution. Then, let the derma roller sit on a paper towel for 10-20 minutes to allow it to dry naturally.
If you pat the derma roller dry, the needles may bend. If bent, the derma roller needle could scratch your face
Method 3 of 3: Using Other Cleaning Techniques
Step 1. Soak the derma roller in soapy water for 20 minutes to clean the surface
Fill half the plastic container with warm water from your faucet. Add 3-5 drops of dish soap or castile soap, and dissolve with a spoon. Then, insert the derma roller into the container upside down. Soak the derma roller for 10-20 minutes.
This method can remove any blood or skin cells adhering to the surface
Step 2. Use a clean and soft toothbrush if you want to scrub away any dirt or residue
Derma rollers have many tiny needles that can get into the skin pores. Dirt, blood, and dead skin cells can become trapped between the needles. For a deep cleaning, use a new, clean toothbrush with soft bristles. Turn on the hot water tap, then place the derma roller under the stream. Gently brush the derma roller with a toothbrush for about 60 seconds.
- This will remove any dirt and residue that the alcohol or soap may not have removed.
- Although this is an optional step, using a toothbrush results in a thorough and deep cleaning.
- If you use an old toothbrush, you can spread bacteria on the derma roller.
Step 3. Roll the derma roller over the damp sponge to remove any debris
Place the wet sponge on a flat, clean surface. Then, roll the derma roller back and forth over the sponge. Do this step for 20-45 seconds to get rid of dirt and residue that cannot be removed by other means.
- This is an optional step, but a good idea if you use a derma roller regularly or have an older roller.
- Use a fresh, clean sponge to avoid contaminating your face.
Step 4. Rinse the derma roller in warm water and let it dry naturally
Use warm water from the tap to rinse the derma roller and remove any dirt, skin cells, or small debris that came off when you cleaned it. Then, place the derma roller upside down on a clean paper towel.
The derma roller will dry in about 10-20 minutes
Tips
- Cleaning the derma roller regularly can make it last longer. Derma rollers are usually good for 15 uses.
- Sterilization removes all microorganisms, whereas disinfection can clean thoroughly but still leave an acceptable number of microorganisms.
Warning
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on the derma roller, such as bleach. These chemicals can damage the skin when the derma roller is used.
- Do not use boiling water when cleaning the derma roller. This method can damage the needles on the derma roller.
- If not cleaned, the derma roller can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which will transfer to the skin when used later on.
