Hair loss sufferers have been using the dermaroller for their hair loss in recent years with some anecdotal success online. However, a new product has come out recently and is being touted as a more effective tool for hair loss.
This product is called the "dermastamp pen" many hair loss sufferers are stocking up on this product in hopes that it will reverse their hair loss, but is it more effective than the dermaroller?
Well, in this article we will discuss the differences and come to a conclusion.
What Is The Dermastamp Pen
The dermastamp pen is a microneedling tool that contains 40 titanium needles that are used to puncture the skin or scalp. The size of the stamp that contains the needles is around the same size as a fingertip.
The dermastamp is marketed as an ideal tool to treat isolated scars as well as other difficult to reach areas. This includes areas in between the eyebrows and smile lines.
The needles come in varying sizes from 0.5 millimeters (mm) all the way up to 2.5 mm. The size of the needles depends on the area that is being treated.
For example, the nose has thicker skin and requires around 1.5 mm needles, but the skin around the eyes is a lot thinner and requires 0.5mm.
What Is The Dermaroller
The dermaroller is a microneedling device. The dermaroller is the predecessor to the dermastamp, thus it is user friendly and less technical to use. The dermaroller consists of a rolling-pin that is covered in tiny needles that roll across your skin or scalp.
The needles on the dermaroller range from 0.25 mm to 3 mm in size. The needles are rolled across the scalp or skin, creating very small punctures.
How Does Microneedling (Dermaroller or Dermastamp) Treat Hair Loss
While microneedling (dermarolling or dermastamp) is widely used as an anti-aging skin or scar treatment, it has gained popularity for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss).
Theoretically, the collagen and healing properties that is induced by creating tiny wounds in the skin is thought to also regenerate miniaturizing hair follicles. Additionally, it is believed that microneedling (dermarolling) may induce stem cells in the scalp, which can lead to hair re-growth and regeneration.
Moreover, the use of microneedling (dermarolling or dermastamp) may also promote the absorption of FDA approved topical hair loss solution Rogaine (minoxidil). There have been some studies that also suggest microneedling (dermarolling or dermastamp) may reduce hair follicle inflammation usually associated with alopecia areata an auto-immune condition that causes patchy hair loss.
What Is The Difference In Effectiveness?
Both devices are used for cosmetic procedures that involve repeatedly puncturing the skin. The purpose of the treatment is to generate the production of collagen and make skin smoother and firmer.
In the beginning, microneedling (dermaroller or dermastamp) was used to treat acne scars, stretch marks, and other cosmetic conditions. Therefore, the use of both devices is the same. However, the potency of the treatment may differ based on the angles the needles enter and exit the skin.
The dermastamp needles enter at a 90-degree angle, which doesn't cause the epidermis (surface of the skin) to tear. This is because the motor on the pen oscillates and isn't dragged across the skin. As previously mentioned, both devices require different size needles depending on the area or treatment.
The advantage of the dermastamp is that the depth of the needles are adjustable and can be tailored to the treatment. However, the dermaroller would require various rollers with different needle sizes.
The most important difference between the dermaroller and the dermastamp is the micro-punctures the device makes. Most dermarollers make around 300 to 400 holes per second, while the dermastamp creates 1,300 holes per second.
A team of dermatologists including Professor Tony Chu conducted an open comparative study of the dermaroller and the dermastamp pen in 60 patients to compare the use. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the dermastamp pen was more effective in producing visible results.
However, it should be noted that the study was conducted for the treatment of atrophic acne scarring and not genetic hair loss.
Conclusion
The dermaroller and the dermastamp are similar devices that are used for the same treatments. However, there appears some clinical evidence that suggests that the dermastamp device may be more effective.
However, the small study was not for the treatment of genetic hair loss and the sample size was small. That said, based on the price it may be a better option to invest in the slightly more expensive dermastamp.