Dermaplaning 101: What is it and why should I get it?

Let me start strong: It’s kind of a secret to good skin. 

You might think that Dermaplaning is just a trendy new beauty treatment that seems to be too good to be true so you might just brush off the thought of it. BUT, dermaplaning is actually one of the most effective, dermatologist-backed treatments for dealing with some of the most annoying skin issues, like dullness, wrinkles, and breakouts. Why and how? It’s because it attacks the culprit behind dull skin — the layers of dead skin that’s on your face that you didn’t know. 

So what exactly is Dermaplaning? 

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves a dermatologist or licensed medical aesthetician gently scraping the surface of your skin with a surgical scalpel to remove dead skin. To make it sound simple, it’s basically like shaving your skin but by an expert. Yes, it might sound weird but it has exploded in popularity recently thanks to the fact that it gets rid of facial hair, can make your face feel baby soft, and helps give you a smooth foundation application, all without having to use harsh exfoliators.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE DERMAPLANING

What are the benefits? 

The results can vary for everyone, but realistically, you can expect to see smoother skin, zero peach fuzz (until it grows back, of course), and slightly brighter-looking skin. And because you’re removing all your dead skin cells, your skincare products will better penetrate your skin when you apply them, making them all the more effective.

Does it hurt? 

Saying that your face will be shaved sounds scary indeed BUT DERMAPLANING IS NOT PAINFUL AT ALL. Think of it as if you’re shaving any other part of your body. Yes, you can feel it but it doesn’t hurt. 

Does it have any side effects? 

In the hands of a professional, dermaplaning is safe for all skin types. However, if you have highly reactive, sensitive skin (like those with rosacea or keratosis pilaris), you may want to pass on this one, since it might irritate your skin. The same goes for anyone with inflamed acne. 

Will it cause breakouts?

Nope, it’s actually the opposite. A buildup of dead skin can clog your pores and hair follicles, which can not only cause pimples but also block your skincare products from penetrating the skin which is why dermaplaning is a very good way of exfoliating. However, like we mentioned earlier, if you already have an existing breakout, it’s best if you would sit this one out. 

Will it make my facial hair grow back thicker? 

We all heard about the belief that when you shave your hair, it will grow back thicker. In contrast to this, dermaplaning will not make your hair grow back thicker or darker. Once your hair begins to grow back, it might feel different because the hair was cut straight across, but it’s actually the same texture as it was before and it will grow at the same speed.

How often do I need dermaplaning treatments?

As this is a deep exfoliating treatment, we recommend waiting at least a month between appointments. 

Who should I see for my dermaplaning treatment? Can I do it myself?

Don’t trust just anyone to perform the procedure, including yourself. Dermaplaning is performed with surgical scalpels (not your average razor), so you should leave it to the pros to avoid nicks, ingrown hairs, and stubble. We recommend only seeing a cosmetic doctor or experienced medical aesthetician to ensure the best and safest results.

If you are looking for the best place to have your dermaplaning, check out our facial services here.