Not all derma rollers are created equal, so we set out to determine which ones are worthy of a spot in our routines. We tried some of the top-rated products on the market, our testers using them for weeks at a time and rating how well each improved the texture and appearance of their skin. We then combined these results along with our own research to compile this list. Foam rollers may cause slight pain or discomfort as they release muscle knots, but not severe pain. If you feel sharp or stabbing pain, stop immediately. It’s amazing for massaging your face and you can keep it in the fridge to give a cold and refreshing twist to your daily DIY facial. Massage and trigger point therapy can help through two mechanisms. First, it works through neurophysiological means, as the pressure from the massage signals the muscle to relax and decrease resting tone or guarding,” he says. “Secondly, this repeated on/off pressure from the massage or trigger point therapy helps pump more blood flow into the region, therefore delivering more oxygen and reversing many of the effects of the acidic environment.” You can use the pillow on bare skin, but if that feels too intense (as it did for us) it will work through clothing, too. After a 20-minute treatment, you’ll feel a rush of endorphins and hopefully be more relaxed and at ease. Plenty of people report a reduction in pain and stress, better sleep, increased energy levels and lots of other positive outcomes.

Get on a roll with the latest skincare tool to top the beauty charts. Not only is it good enough to snap and share on social media (have you ever seen a more beautiful beauty tool?), it could also provide some pretty big benefits to your skin.

Get to grips with your muscles with our pick of the best neck massagers

While these versatile beauty tools may seem like a great simple addition to your skincare regimen, it's important to note that they're not for everyone. According to Dr. Marmur, you shouldn't use derma rollers at home if you have sensitive skin, eczema, cold sores, actively infected acne, sunburn, or rosacea. The top choice for an all-around derma roller, it can be used for a slew of beauty concerns — whether that's minimizing the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation, smoothing out fine lines and stretch marks, massaging serums deeper into the skin, or stimulating hair growth on the scalp. The price point is also very fair considering the tool offers multiple skin benefits and can be used on both the face and body. All you have to do is glide it over the skin with gentle pressure in all directions — horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Start slow, once a week, to see how your skin reacts. Most derma rollers are available in either titanium or stainless steel needles. Dr. Marmur recommends titanium needles over titanium needles because they are stronger and typically more effective. That said, Dr. Avaliani likes stainless steel needles because they are considered to be more hygienic. Whatever needle material you choose, make sure you keep your tool clean to avoid the risk of infection. Also, resist the urge to share your derma roller with friends and family.

You should also avoid them if you have a compromised immune system or you're taking medications that suppress your immune system, including medications for autoimmune diseases like lupus or psoriasis, Dr. Avaliani cautions. Key specs – Device type: Wraparound; Massage type: Shiatsu, deep tissue; Power : Mains-powered; Heat option: Yes; Intensity/speed settings : Three speeds Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. A thin layer of lycra covers eight medium-sized shiatsu nodes that rotate in two directions and are surprisingly powerful, giving a satisfyingly deep massage even on the lowest of the three intensity levels. It can take a little experimentation to find the right angle and pressure, but once you’ve adjusted the foam-filled leather straps to a suitable length, it’s pretty intuitive to manoeuvre it into knotted muscles. An added bonus is how quiet this massager is – we almost forgot it was there. Van Borsel J, et al. (2014). The effectiveness of facial exercises for facial rejuvenation: A systematic review.Heated massagers: Heated massagers apply warmth to the target areas, which helps relax your muscles. Miyaji A, et al. (2018). Short- and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity. Crawford C, et al. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations — a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: part 1, patients experiencing pain in the general population. Key specs – Device type: Wraparound; Massage type: Shiatsu; Power : Battery-powered; Heat option: Yes; Intensity/speed settings : Three speeds & multiple settings The needles — and your skin — must be washed and disinfected appropriately before and after each treatment. Dr. Marmur recommends spraying the device with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) solution and washing it with warm water to sterilize it before each use. You could also soak your derma roller in hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol for up to an hour post-use. Rinse with warm water and allow the tool to air dry before storing it away.

Fernández JMS, et al. (2005). Preliminary study of the lymphatic drainage system of the nose and paranasal sinuses and its role in detection of sentinel metastatic nodes. Rotation: Many electric massagers allow you to change the direction of the massage element for a more comprehensive massage. Alternatively, apply a few drops of your favourite serum, moisturiser or facial oil to your jade roller and gently massage it into your skin until it’s all been absorbed. We like to do this at night time as part of our relaxing skincare regime. We love the 15-minute auto shutoff, which allows you to completely relax knowing the VIKTOR JURGEN won’t overheat. It’s also compact and portable, making it a great option if you want to bring it along on a flight or to the office. Speed: Massagers with speed settings allow you to choose between a slow, rolling massage or faster massage strokes depending on your preference.

Manual massagers: They may not be hands-free, but manual massagers allow you to apply as much pressure as you like. Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester. Roll from your forehead up toward your hairline, only in the upward direction. It’s the same gentle pull you would use if you were pulling your skin taut and wrinkle-free with your hands. If you're not using your derma roller properly or keeping it clean, you could put yourself at risk for bleeding, bruising, and peeling, or even infection. "I would not universally recommend at-home derma rolling to some of my patients because of these scary side effects," Dr. Marmur says. Rolling needles all over the skin, no matter how small, is intimidating, but you'd be happy to know that the procedure is hardly painful when conducted at home; at-home derma rollers don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as those used by the professionals in an office setting by a dermatologist or aesthetician. The recovery time with at-home derma rollers is shorter, too, and there's something to be said about achieving healthier-looking skin directly from the couch.

Heat : Using a heat setting will help to further relax tight muscles by increasing blood flow to the target area. Some derma roller brands say that their tools can help stimulate beard growth—a claim that is based on evidence suggesting that microneedling can help promote hair growth on the scalp. However, although there is some anecdotal evidence that supports this claim, Byrdie's experts agree that the science supporting beard rollers as a means of generating facial hair growth, specifically, is still evolving. Unfortunately, this item does not have an auto shut-off option, so make sure you stay awake during use. Electric massagers: These are convenient because they are hands-free, but they also allow you to change pressure and speed. Overall the HoMedics sling is easy to use—press the power button once for high intensity, twice for medium, and three times for low. The heated massage is a nice add-on; however, our tester noted that it took a few minutes to heat up. “Once it did,” she said, “that was a nice added feature.”

Multiple speeds and/or intensities : Being able to play with speed, intensity and rotation direction means every massage will feel different – and you can more specifically target the muscles that need attention.