Debunking the Cosmeceutical Industry: Pore Vacuum and Micro Roller

YouTube is chock full of creative make-up tutorials and trendy beauty tips, so much so that sometimes it’s difficult to decipher fact from myth. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Sonia Batra, MD, investigated some of the various techniques that were being promoted by various YouTube beauty charlatans, and learned of some the harming repercussions.

The micro roller, also known as a dermaroller or Derma Pen, is a very small hand-held rolling pin that contains tiny needles that puncture miniscule holes in your lips. In response to the damage, the lips produce new collagen and after several sessions, might look slightly more plump and rosy than usual. Although the micro-roller can effectively produce that natural pout, it’s definitely not safe. According to Batra, the tool can traumatize the skin, cause infection, introduce fungi and viruses, and trigger cold sores. Although Angelina Jolie claims to be a fan, the Food and Drug Administration has called the these rollers “adulterated”, and in 2015, sent a warning letter to Derma Pen citing various violations.

The pore vacuum is another tool in the cosmeceutical family that is being touted by YouTube beauty gurus. However, Batra found the device to be detrimental to capillaries. The vacuum works well for those who have superficial black heads, but if your pores are deeply clogged, the suction will only irritate the skin.

Although many of these devices have received positive reviews in several publications, it’s important to do your research before you do serious damage to your skin.