POSTED UNDER Dermapen Reviews
Dermapen Damaged My Skin, Opened Pores and Caused Scars
UPDATED FROM fctrygrl
1 year post
July 2019 Update
fctrygrlJuly 4, 2019
$336
hi everyone! I just thought I’d give a quick update to share my current routine. It has now been almost 2 years since I received this horrible treatment. I wanted to show that healing is possible, but I have accepted that my skin will never be what it used to be.
Recently I’ve discovered a few products that have made a HUGE difference to my skin - I think something that was causing a lot of issues was that my skin was extremely dry. Products that I thought were helping my skin actually weren’t fully protecting my barrier, and probably stripping it (including make-up). I have rosacea which actually makes it more difficult for your skin to hold onto moisture, this is why I think my damage was so severe. Now my main focus is MOISTURE and repairing my skin barrier.
In the evening I wash with psoria gold’s foaming cleanser (it’s extremely mild and removes all make-up with a double cleanse), follow by klair’s unscented toner (this product has been a GODSEND) followed by the ordinary’s niacinimide serum (reduces redness), klair’s moisturising serum, psoria gold’s moisturiser and an oil (either organic jojoba or rosehip).
In the morning I just wash with mild water and follow with the klair’s toner, moisturiser then my HOLY GRAIL product - klair’s illuminating supple blemish cream SPF40 PA++! seriously, this stuff makes me glow, protects me from harmful rays and is not heavy at all yet covers my redness from rosacea? I feel much more confident and more like “myself” - but maybe I’m just more accepting of my appearance?
As I said, it’s been almost 2 years since my damage, I’ve accepted that my skin will never be the same but I life is too short to dwell. I’ve sworn to never get another cosmetic procedure and work on nourishing my skin as much as I can. Please let this be a warning to those thinking about getting this procedure, focus on nourishing your skin slowly over a long period of time rather than going to a “safe” procedure (a quick fix) such as this an potentially ruining your skin for life. If anything getting through this has made me a much stronger person, I am less focused on my appearance as I know there is SO much more to me than my skin.
Recently I’ve discovered a few products that have made a HUGE difference to my skin - I think something that was causing a lot of issues was that my skin was extremely dry. Products that I thought were helping my skin actually weren’t fully protecting my barrier, and probably stripping it (including make-up). I have rosacea which actually makes it more difficult for your skin to hold onto moisture, this is why I think my damage was so severe. Now my main focus is MOISTURE and repairing my skin barrier.
In the evening I wash with psoria gold’s foaming cleanser (it’s extremely mild and removes all make-up with a double cleanse), follow by klair’s unscented toner (this product has been a GODSEND) followed by the ordinary’s niacinimide serum (reduces redness), klair’s moisturising serum, psoria gold’s moisturiser and an oil (either organic jojoba or rosehip).
In the morning I just wash with mild water and follow with the klair’s toner, moisturiser then my HOLY GRAIL product - klair’s illuminating supple blemish cream SPF40 PA++! seriously, this stuff makes me glow, protects me from harmful rays and is not heavy at all yet covers my redness from rosacea? I feel much more confident and more like “myself” - but maybe I’m just more accepting of my appearance?
As I said, it’s been almost 2 years since my damage, I’ve accepted that my skin will never be the same but I life is too short to dwell. I’ve sworn to never get another cosmetic procedure and work on nourishing my skin as much as I can. Please let this be a warning to those thinking about getting this procedure, focus on nourishing your skin slowly over a long period of time rather than going to a “safe” procedure (a quick fix) such as this an potentially ruining your skin for life. If anything getting through this has made me a much stronger person, I am less focused on my appearance as I know there is SO much more to me than my skin.
UPDATED FROM fctrygrl
7 months post
April Update
fctrygrlApril 15, 2018
Hi everyone,
I can't believe it's been almost 8 months since I received this horrible treatment, I've given up hope that my skin will ever get better. I don't think it's getting worse and I am able to manage the dryness/acne with some calming products (natural oils, avene moisturiser etc) but when the light hits my face at certain angles it just looks terrible. My antidepressants help me to stop focusing on my looks and get on with my life, it's still a daily struggle but I try to be thankful for everything that I DO have (after losing a close friend it has put everything into perspective). Anyway, I don't have the money to spend on lots of treatments and expensive products - who knows if they may help in any way? This place has been a good place to connect with others who are going through the same situation. I hate that I ever did this to my skin and I HATE that I will be stuck with this damage for the rest of my life. Unfortunately I haven't read anything about anyone healing/recovering their skin after this damage. It breaks my heart but is also something I must now accept. Anyway, I smile, try to go out more and try not to look in the mirror except in the morning when I put some make-up on. I've even started wearing no make-up more often, I'm trying to accept myself the way I am (no matter how disgusting it is!). Much love to everyone on here, just know that you are all wonderful people no matter what you look like!
I can't believe it's been almost 8 months since I received this horrible treatment, I've given up hope that my skin will ever get better. I don't think it's getting worse and I am able to manage the dryness/acne with some calming products (natural oils, avene moisturiser etc) but when the light hits my face at certain angles it just looks terrible. My antidepressants help me to stop focusing on my looks and get on with my life, it's still a daily struggle but I try to be thankful for everything that I DO have (after losing a close friend it has put everything into perspective). Anyway, I don't have the money to spend on lots of treatments and expensive products - who knows if they may help in any way? This place has been a good place to connect with others who are going through the same situation. I hate that I ever did this to my skin and I HATE that I will be stuck with this damage for the rest of my life. Unfortunately I haven't read anything about anyone healing/recovering their skin after this damage. It breaks my heart but is also something I must now accept. Anyway, I smile, try to go out more and try not to look in the mirror except in the morning when I put some make-up on. I've even started wearing no make-up more often, I'm trying to accept myself the way I am (no matter how disgusting it is!). Much love to everyone on here, just know that you are all wonderful people no matter what you look like!
Replies (5)
May 20, 2018
hi try sensifine fluide from svr it really did improve my skin and promised my barrier .
June 11, 2018
Hi, have you noticed if those affected areas on your cheeks are getting smaller in circumference?
June 20, 2018
Aw.. you are very strong.. but its quite hard to understand because micro-needling is for acne scars, large pores, etc. It is supposed to help your skin.. I have done my first microneedling last week but Im not really satisfied either.. haha.. anyways.. your skin condition is nothing compared to me.. my acne scars are sooooooo much worse than yours.. I would be so happy if i had your skin condition.
Anyways, cheer up ! : )
Anyways, cheer up ! : )
July 3, 2018
You can try fractional laser treatment it worked really well for my acne scar and large pores. I did the laser treatment and prp with hylaronic acid to plump my skin and boost collagen for healing and it worked perfect for me.
July 31, 2018
So sorry about all your bad treatment.
You said ths you use 2mm depth.
Could you help us and tell us, if you know the number of needles?
You said ths you use 2mm depth.
Could you help us and tell us, if you know the number of needles?
UPDATED FROM fctrygrl
4 months post
January Update (5 months post)
fctrygrlJanuary 17, 2018
Unfortunately no improvement, some days it seems better and some days its worse. I urge anyone considering this treatment to PLEASE consider the side-effects, I hadn't been warned about any of this before my treatment and if only I'd known my life would be completely different. Anyone who has gone through this (people who have messaged me and reviews I've read on here) agrees that it is very difficult to get on with your life after your facial skin has been severely damaged. I worked in a forward facing job, I ran a blog, I was "okay" with my appearance but thought that this would even out my skin texture. I have started CBT and have now been given SSRIs to take, I struggle to leave my flat and I am not the same person that I used to be. I hope in time that I will recover, both mentally & physically. Suicidal thoughts have crept into my mind as well, and I used to be the most outgoing person. I can never forgive this Doctor for what he did to my skin. I think we need to all have a rethink about how we view our bodies, and stop paying for these "miracle" treatments that ruin our skin. We need to learn to love ourselves.
Replies (4)
January 17, 2018
So sorry to hear that ...I was left with the same "big holes and lines" ( please see posted pics in my profile) after 2 Skinpen treatments. I am almost 8 months from the first treatment and my holes are larger and some of them have became lines now. Not even a FFT helped to fix this damage. I am totally hopeless about finding a product or treatment to repair it..If anyone finds something to address this issue, PLEASE let us know. Thanks!
January 17, 2018
Hi Caro, I followed your story on here - what a tough time you've had! My heart goes out to you. I can't believe that I'm only 24 and will have to live with skin like this for the rest of my life...trying to make a career, dating etc etc. It makes me anxious just thinking about it! I only feel confident going out at night when people can't see the damage so much. My biggest fear is that this will get worse over time, I don't know what my skin will end up looking like or if it will improve. That's the scariest thing about all of this. I'm afraid that this damage is irreversible from accounts that I've read on here. I don't want to try anything harsh like peels/PRP etc as it may make it worse.
February 9, 2018
I’ve had a very similar result from dermapen treatment. I had many of these in the past and never had an issue but last year my dr prescribed me differin which I have since learnt really dehydrated myself skin and damaged the barrier. So when I did the microneedling thinking it would be a good thing (mind you I did get the drs ok to do it) I was devastated afterwards to see to orange peel texture, pores pores pores and the lines connecting then. Some areas look like acne scars even though I didn’t have anything there. So long story short, I recently saw a kinesiologist who tested all of my skin care and vitamin products and that has helped me to change what products I am using. I’ve moved to more natural products (emu oil, colloidal silver, antioxidants etc) with no parabens or silicones - except for my primer which does a good job at hiding the damage and reducing the look of the orange peel. One thing the kinisiologist said was to repair the skin barrier first before doing anything that will cause trauma to the skin. Like you, I also want to do the PRP injections but am waiting for the skin to heal as much as it can naturally. I’m also looking into red light therapy and buying my own LED for home use, Others have commented that LED therapy has had good effects on their skin, something for you to look into? goodluck with it all, I hope you find something that helps x
February 9, 2018
One session of Co2 did pretty much same to me. Although it was done with PRP. But still I feel my pores has fused n gives an appearance of lines on my cheek area. Don’t know what to do now
January 23, 2018
Hey there,
So sorry to hear about your experience. I am in a similar boat after using a derma roller in December and it sounds like we are in good company. My skin's reaction seems identical to yours so I just wanted to chime in and share a helpful insight I've found throughout my painstaking research. Firstly, I've found a few similar experiences (namely: https://www.realself.com/review/netherlands-nl-dermapen-microneedling-ruined-skin) - similar reactions have been seen with microneedling, lasers and over exfoliation (ie retinoids, peels, etc). From what I understand we have damaged our skins protective barrier which is what moisture in and protects our skin - it is also the sacred layer that makes skin look tighter, pores smaller etc. I found some optimistic perspectives on healing the skin barrier which requires cutting out harsh products, nourishing the skin from the inside with proper hydration + diet + supplements, moisturizing + protecting the skin with natural products until it fully heals. The skin has tremendous healing power and I believe the mind does as well. What has helped me a lot is getting rid of the stress, maintaining positive optimism, visualizing my skin healing day by day and most of all being patient (from what I understand it can take 6 months from when you start your healing skin regimen...!) Some good reference: https://www.realself.com/review/columbus-retin-a-thinned-skin-damaged-skin-barrier-retin-good-for-the-skin, https://www.realself.com/review/new-jersey-nj-retin-a-retin-damage-enlarged-pores-orange-peel-texture, https://www.realself.com/review/san-fransisco-damage-from-ipl-heal-your-skin-after. Hope some of this helps and I wish you the best on your skin journey! I completely agree that we need to learn to love ourselves and in a way I am glad I am learning that lesson even if it is the hard way. Please stay positive, your skin is a living organism and it is more powerful than you think. So is your outlook!
So sorry to hear about your experience. I am in a similar boat after using a derma roller in December and it sounds like we are in good company. My skin's reaction seems identical to yours so I just wanted to chime in and share a helpful insight I've found throughout my painstaking research. Firstly, I've found a few similar experiences (namely: https://www.realself.com/review/netherlands-nl-dermapen-microneedling-ruined-skin) - similar reactions have been seen with microneedling, lasers and over exfoliation (ie retinoids, peels, etc). From what I understand we have damaged our skins protective barrier which is what moisture in and protects our skin - it is also the sacred layer that makes skin look tighter, pores smaller etc. I found some optimistic perspectives on healing the skin barrier which requires cutting out harsh products, nourishing the skin from the inside with proper hydration + diet + supplements, moisturizing + protecting the skin with natural products until it fully heals. The skin has tremendous healing power and I believe the mind does as well. What has helped me a lot is getting rid of the stress, maintaining positive optimism, visualizing my skin healing day by day and most of all being patient (from what I understand it can take 6 months from when you start your healing skin regimen...!) Some good reference: https://www.realself.com/review/columbus-retin-a-thinned-skin-damaged-skin-barrier-retin-good-for-the-skin, https://www.realself.com/review/new-jersey-nj-retin-a-retin-damage-enlarged-pores-orange-peel-texture, https://www.realself.com/review/san-fransisco-damage-from-ipl-heal-your-skin-after. Hope some of this helps and I wish you the best on your skin journey! I completely agree that we need to learn to love ourselves and in a way I am glad I am learning that lesson even if it is the hard way. Please stay positive, your skin is a living organism and it is more powerful than you think. So is your outlook!
February 4, 2018
hi there, I don't have damage from dermapen but just one session of Co2 laser.. all the same emotions as you and those lines, big pores* ... yours are much better than mine, as youll see in my pictures .. I was actually wanting to do dermapen to try to possibly improve the textural damage. But, having second thoughts of course.. It is insane the emotional trauma this causes , no one will get it if they havent gone through it. but , as you said , u become a different person , hard to even leafve the house etc etc... and that fear that it could get worse.. just downright scary . Anyways. I guess I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing or if you have found anything to help?
February 20, 2018
Hey, thanks for the message. I'm doing much better in terms of my mood, I still have bad days but I just tell myself that I have to live with this for the rest of my life so I might as well get over it! No more dwelling on the negatives. Nothing has helped the scarring really, I'm refusing to do any more procedures as my skin is super sensitive. I use a gentle balm cleanser & avene moisturiser. That's about it. Sorry to hear that you've suffered from this too, have you found anything that has helped your skin?
September 22, 2021
I totally agree. I too have changed after my skin was ruined but to add to it I suffered severe swelling and my eyes have never gone down.
Replies (5)
Such as yourself it has been about 2 years ago since I've had the derma pen procedure and I still have scarring and skin tearing marks but they have improved. But other than you I have decided to go for another cosmetic treatment in order to restore the damage that was made with the Genesis laser. I've had my first treatment 1 month ago and there's already some improvement visible. It will take about 5-7 treatments. I'm hopeful!