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FaceGym’s new micro needling tool is for at-home derma roller experts and beginners alike

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Helen Wilson-Beevers
Wednesday 07 September 2022 06:30 EDT
The brand claims you can see results after as soon as 10 minutes, so we put it to the test
The brand claims you can see results after as soon as 10 minutes, so we put it to the test (The Independent)

At-home skincare tools brighten and tighten the face and neck, with techniques focusing on rejuvenating skin. They range from Gua Sha stones to electric massagers, and some are a bit more complicated than others. Microneedling rollers can fall into the former category, with these tiny-needled tools designed to promote collagen production but requiring careful use.

Facegym is a vegan-friendly brand renowned for innovative skincare tools, and as the name suggests, each product centres around the main principle of a facial workout. Offerings span across a massaging tool mimicking a miniature gym ball and an electrical face mask.

Coming in three roller versions to target different skin concerns, you can choose between hydrating, youthful and brightening, and each pack includes two dissolvable heads. The roller heads contain targeted ingredients such as niacinamide, tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid in crystallised form, which is what makes up the dissolving microneedle element. You can then buy refill packs to coordinate with your skin needs.

Described as a professional-style skincare tool for easy at-home use to improve elasticity and firmness, Facegym claims you should see results after only ten minutes of rolling. Plus, our interest is piqued by the prospect of a derma roller minus needing to sterilise the device.

But does this newly launched face tool live up to these bold claims? Read on for the full tried and tested lowdown.

How we tested

We trialled the brightening active roller over two weeks, putting each dissolvable head to the test. Our reviewer looked at ease of use, value for money and skincare results, while also considering how likely we’d be to invest in replacement rollers.

Facegym brightening active roller 2-in-1 skincare microneedling tool

Facegym brightening active roller.png
  • Includes: One reusable forever roller handle, hydrating dissolving microneedle heads and one roller pouch

Out of the three available skin type options, our tester was sent the brightening active roller, which includes ingredients vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and liquorice root extract. Opening up the reusable presentation box, our tester found the roller handle, two dissolvable micro needling heads and a storage pouch.

The micro needling head is very straightforward to attach onto the lightweight roller handle, and it then clicks securely into place. So far, so simple.

Created for use on clean, dry skin, we scanned the box’s QR code to watch a video demonstration of the roller in use. What’s clever about this is it’s tailored to describe the roller head type you’ve chosen, and the clearly explained tutorial made us instantly relax into the process.

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We began rolling the sides of our neck, and while moving the tool up and down, we started to feel a slight tingling. The device did need to be flat on the neck too, for optimum roller impact. Moving onto our cheeks, we applied light pressure and used vertical strokes first, before switching to horizontal.

We learnt to hold the skin with our opposite hand when focusing on delicate areas like the nose, and we were finding out more about derma rolling while happily following instructions. Our tester finished rolling and noticed some redness, but there wasn’t any discomfort.

The first stage complete, next up we applied serum and repeated the same derma roller process. We noted that initial tingling and stinging began to disappear, and that was as the microneedles were dissolving and those actives were being delivered into our freshly rolled skin. Almost a smooth roller by now, the treatment probably feels nicest on skin at this stage, but we did find the tingly sensation satisfying too as we knew something was happening.

Finishing up, our face and neck seemed even redder than before, and we noted some skin residue on the roller head too. Adding more serum, we could feel stinging and it’s advised you don’t use any active ingredients for the next few days. Disposing of the removable micro needling head felt a relief as we knew there’d be no sterilising needed and the very simple process was complete.

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Ten minutes later, our face had a fresh glow and felt softened. There was some residual redness and flushing until it settled down an hour or so later, and the next morning we woke up with brighter-looking skin and a toned texture.

Our tester repeated the process a week later and saw an improvement to that initial brightness and a further glowy, balanced finish. We spotted this in particular on our forehead and cheeks, although as a four-week treatment of once weekly rolling is recommended, we’d expect to see the all-over brightening improve with continued use.

You can buy a four-pack of brightening, hydrating or youthful refills (£47, Independent.co.uk) and could switch between types depending on how your skin is feeling. Alternatively, the roller wardrobe (£130, Independent.co.uk) features four refills of all three options.

The replacement rollers are a treat to buy at this price. But, for an easy and effective at-home skincare treatment spanning over several weeks, we think the cost offers value for money and would definitely snap up different refills to try.

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The verdict: Facegym brightening active roller

We’re suitably impressed by this innovative micro needling roller tailored to different skincare concerns. Whether you’re an at-home derma roller expert or beginner, it’s a straightforward face tool. We like being able to shop for specific active ingredients and interchange the dissolvable roller heads depending on skincare preference. Plus, the roller slots easily into any weekly routine with ease.

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