I’ll admit, when I first heard about dermaplaning, I was skeptical. Shaving my face? Isn’t that just for men? But then I started seeing the glowing, smooth skin of my friends who swore by this treatment. Eager for some real talk on skin care, I jumped at the chance to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of dermaplaning.
Turns out, dermaplaning is a lot more than just shaving your face. Think of it as spring cleaning for your face; removing all the unwanted stuff like dead cells and light hairs brings out your natural brightness and makes everything super smooth. But is it right for everyone? Let’s find out.
Table Of Contents:
- What Is Dermaplaning and How Does It Work?
- Pros of Dermaplaning
- Cons of Dermaplaning
- How Does Dermaplaning Differ from Other Hair Removal Methods?
- What to Expect During and After a Dermaplaning Treatment
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning
- Conclusion
What Is Dermaplaning and How Does It Work?
Before booking any hair or beauty appointment, it’s always best to do your research. Find out if it’s right for you. Dermaplaning treatment is no different and, seeing as it involves a small blade, it’s no wonder first-time clients have a ton of questions about it. If this sounds like you, you’re considering dermaplaning but want to know the ins and outs first, you’re in the right place. Let us take you through the answers to all of your ‘how’s and ‘what if’s’, by explaining every pro and con there is to know.
Benefits of Dermaplaning
First things first, let’s talk about what dermaplaning actually is and what the procedure entails. Dermaplaning is a skin treatment during which an experienced aesthetician uses a small, sterile exfoliating blade, to remove both hair and dead skin cells from the face. The blade is held at a 45-degree angle, and gently scrapes the outermost layer of the skin. To achieve this the skin is held in a taught position by your aesthetician. This way the blade moves smoothly across the skin. The treatment lasts only around 20 minutes, therefore, you can book in for this alone, or enjoy it in conjunction with other treatments too.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Absolutely not. During treatment with a licensed professional (as it should always be.), you will not experience any pain at all. Imagine the feeling of shaving your legs, there is a sensation never any pain. In a way, yes, dermaplaning is like shaving your face. A blade removes the hair you want gone and dead skin cells along with it. However, unlike traditional shaving, dermaplaning is much gentler. The blade used is much smaller for starters. Also, there is less pressure applied. We’re only looking to remove the very top layer of dead skin cells and those fine, whispy facial hairs (vellus hairs). The other main way it differs from shaving is that it’s a lot more precise, largely thanks to that much smaller blade.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?
Depending on different skin types, it’s recommended you receive a dermaplaning treatment once a month (4 weeks apart). That is if you want to keep up the results long term. Once again the results will vary from person to person. Results, therefore, can last anywhere between two and four weeks.
Pros of Dermaplaning
Improved Skin Texture and Tone
If you’ve always felt your face had more hair than you’re happy with, dermaplaning could be for you. It’s a very quick, very gentle way of sloughing away those fine hairs to reveal the smooth skin beneath. Happily, even those with very sensitive skin are candidates for dermaplaning. Even those that are pregnant or have rosacea. If you’re concerned about your specific skin needs, any professional aesthetician should be very happy to discuss them with you. They can assess before treatment whether or not it’s right for you.
Enhanced Product Absorption
Many decide to pursue dermaplaning for the removal of hair and dead skin. However, it’s amazing for so much more than that. Dermaplaning is also capable of improving the appearance of acne scarring and fine lines. Additionally, the removal of peach fuzz means your skin is so much smoother. Your makeup with glide on much better and your skincare products will absorb much easier.
Makeup Application Benefits
Dermaplaning is very quick and requires no downtime. Therefore, you can happily book this treatment even if you have only a small amount of spare time. Many are put off by the thought of those fine hairs growing back thicker and darker. Happily, this is not true. The hairs grow back just the same as before.
Painless and Non-Invasive
Though many skin types including those with sensitive skin can enjoy dermaplaning, those with cold sores or active acne cannot. This is due to the scraping action of the blade. This can cause a great deal more harm than good for these skin conditions.
Cons of Dermaplaning
Not Suitable for All Skin Types
Though it’s not as expensive as some hair removal treatments such as laser hair removal, derma planning is pricer than many others. If you do decide, therefore, to book this exfoliating treatment every four weeks, things could add up.
Temporary Results
Unlike waxing or laser hair removal, dermaplaning will not give you long term results. Expect yours to last anywhere between two and four weeks depending on your skin type.
Potential for Irritation or Breakouts
The results of dermaplaning can differ greatly from client to client. This can depend on the condition of your skin, age, the thickness of your facial hair, and so on.
Requires Regular Maintenance
If you’ve always felt your face had more hair than you’re happy with, dermaplaning could be for you. It’s a very quick, very gentle way of sloughing away those fine hairs to reveal the smooth skin beneath.
How Does Dermaplaning Differ from Other Hair Removal Methods?
Comparison to Shaving, Waxing, and Laser Hair Removal
Many decide to pursue dermaplaning for the removal of hair and dead skin. However, it’s amazing for so much more than that. Dermaplaning is also capable of improving the appearance of acne scarring and fine lines. Additionally, the removal of peach fuzz means your skin is so much smoother. Your makeup with glide on much better and your skincare products will absorb much easier.
Unique Exfoliating Benefits
Dermaplaning is very quick and requires no downtime. Therefore, you can happily book this treatment even if you have only a small amount of spare time.
What to Expect During and After a Dermaplaning Treatment
Preparation and Procedure
First things first, let’s talk about what dermaplaning actually is and what the procedure entails. Dermaplaning is a skin treatment during which an experienced aesthetician uses a small, sterile exfoliating blade, to remove both hair and dead skin cells from the face. The blade is held at a 45-degree angle, and gently scrapes the outermost layer of the skin. To achieve this the skin is held in a taught position by your aesthetician. This way the blade moves smoothly across the skin. The treatment lasts only around 20 minutes, therefore, you can book in for this alone, or enjoy it in conjunction with other treatments too.
Aftercare Instructions
Absolutely not. During treatment with a licensed professional (as it should always be.), you will not experience any pain at all. Imagine the feeling of shaving your legs, there is a sensation never any pain. In a way, yes, dermaplaning is like shaving your face. A blade removes the hair you want gone and dead skin cells along with it. However, unlike traditional shaving, dermaplaning is much gentler. The blade used is much smaller for starters. Also, there is less pressure applied. We’re only looking to remove the very top layer of dead skin cells and those fine, whispy facial hairs (vellus hairs). The other main way it differs from shaving is that it’s a lot more precise, largely thanks to that much smaller blade.
Frequency of Treatments
Depending on different skin types, it’s recommended you receive a dermaplaning treatment once a month (4 weeks apart). That is if you want to keep up the results long term. Once again the results will vary from person to person. Results, therefore, can last anywhere between two and four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning
Will Hair Grow Back Thicker or Darker?
Many are put off by the thought of those fine hairs growing back thicker and darker. Happily, this is not true. The hairs grow back just the same as before.
Is Dermaplaning Safe?
Absolutely not. During treatment with a licensed professional (as it should always be.), you will not experience any pain at all. Imagine the feeling of shaving your legs, there is a sensation never any pain.
How Often Should I Get Dermaplaning?
Depending on different skin types, it’s recommended you receive a dermaplaning treatment once a month (4 weeks apart). That is if you want to keep up the results long term.
Can I Perform Dermaplaning at Home?
In a way, yes, dermaplaning is like shaving your face. A blade removes the hair you want gone and dead skin cells along with it. However, unlike traditional shaving, dermaplaning is much gentler. The blade used is much smaller for starters. Also, there is less pressure applied. We’re only looking to remove the very top layer of dead skin cells and those fine, whispy facial hairs (vellus hairs). The other main way it differs from shaving is that it’s a lot more precise, largely thanks to that much smaller blade.
Key Takeaway:
Dermaplaning offers a quick, gentle way to remove facial hair and dead skin, improving makeup application and product absorption. But it’s not for everyone—those with active acne or cold sores should steer clear. Results last 2-4 weeks, requiring regular treatments.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict on dermaplaning? For many people, the pros outweigh the cons. Smoother skin, better product absorption, and a glowing complexion are hard to resist. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you have sensitive skin, active acne, or certain skin conditions, dermaplaning might not be the best choice for you. And even if you love the results, keep in mind that they’re temporary, and you’ll need regular treatments to maintain that smooth, fuzz-free look.
At the end of the day, the decision to try dermaplaning is a personal one. But armed with the knowledge of its pros and cons, you can make an informed choice about whether this trendy treatment is right for you and your unique skin needs.