Dermaplaning for Glowing Skin: Is It Worth It?
What is Dermaplaning, and How Does It Rejuvenate Skin?
Dermaplaning is a simple, safe procedure that refreshes your skin by gently exfoliating the top layer with a surgical scalpel. This removes dead skin cells, vellus hair (peach fuzz), and other debris that can make skin appear dull and uneven.
The treatment immediately reveals smoother, brighter skin by getting rid of anything that hides your natural glow. It also kickstarts cellular turnover to keep skin looking vibrant between sessions.
Dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types and effectively treats:
- Dull, lackluster complexion
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin texture
- Superficial acne scars
- Peach fuzz on the face
Those with extremely sensitive skin or inflammatory acne should avoid dermaplaning. For everyone else, it is a quick, low-risk way to uncover softer, more radiant skin.
Before Dermaplaning vs. After: What Does My Skin Immediately Feel Like
Your skin will likely have a bright red glow immediately after dermaplaning. This temporary flush indicates increased blood circulation and oxygenation. As this subsides, your complexion will look immediately renewed.
The removal of the stratum corneum’s top layers leaves skin incredibly smooth to the touch. Your complexion will have a “glass skin” effect as the scalpel glides across to remove any roughness or debris.
Some pinpoint bleeding can occur but this is rare with an experienced esthetician. Always discuss your medical history and any blood clotting concerns beforehand.
Proper aftercare is crucial to avoid irritation. Use only the gentlest cleansers, moisturizers, and SPF for 72 hours post-treatment. Avoid retinoids, acids, scrubs, and anything abrasive during this time.
With the proper aftercare, most people experience minimal downtime and side effects. Some initial redness is normal and subsides within a day.
How Does My Skin Improve Over Time After Dermaplaning?
The rejuvenating benefits of dermaplaning increase over the following weeks as cell turnover accelerates. You’ll notice improvements in:
Product Absorption
Removing the top barrier allows serums and creams to better penetrate the newly exposed skin. Ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids can work more effectively to hydrate, brighten, and anti-age.
Makeup Application
Makeup glides onto the smooth canvas effortlessly, minimizing the need for primers or heavy coverage. Foundation seamlessly blends without catching on peach fuzz or dry patches. The results are flawless!
Radiance
One of the most immediate effects is restored luminosity. Removing the dull, dead cells allows your natural glow to shine through. Ongoing cell turnover sustains a bright, even-toned complexion between treatments.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Smoothing away roughness visibly softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Increased collagen production over time continues improving skin’s texture.
Acne Scars
Dermaplaning gently refines the skin’s surface to minimize the look of post-acne marks and shallow scars. Improved cell turnover helps fade discoloration over time.
Does Dermaplaning Cause Facial Hair to Grow Back Thicker or Darker?
This is a common concern but fortunately just a myth! Shaving facial hair does not alter the structure, growth rate, or color.
Dermaplaning simply removes vellus hair temporarily with no lasting impact. Regrowth occurs naturally just as before treatment.
The tool only glides along the skin’s surface, so it cannot stimulate thicker or darker hair. You can expect the same subtle fuzz to return within 1-2 weeks.
How Long Do Results Last and What’s the Cost of Treatment?
Results from a single dermaplaning session last approximately 3-4 weeks as the stratum corneum regenerates. Most people opt for monthly maintenance appointments to maintain the smooth, glowing results.
Costs range from $75-$150 per treatment depending on your location and provider. Packages or membership plans can offer discounted rates for ongoing care.
While at-home dermaplaning tools are available, professional treatment is highly recommended for safety and effectiveness. Avoid over-exfoliating or worsening scarring with improper technique.
At-Home vs. Professional Dermaplaning Treatments
Dermaplaning is generally safe for DIY care when done properly using sterile, single-use tools. However, professional treatment offers distinct advantages:
- Estheticians are fully trained on proper dermaplaning techniques to avoid irritation and scarring.
- Medical-grade tools are precisely designed to glide safely across all facial contours.
- Professional extractions, chemical peels, masques or LED light therapy can be incorporated.
- Estheticians will fully evaluate your skin and custom tailor the treatment.
Unmonitored over-exfoliation with at-home dermaplaning increases the risks of irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Always consult a dermatologist before starting any new exfoliation regimen.
Dermaplaning Alternatives for Facial Rejuvenation
Dermaplaning uniquely exfoliates and removes vellus hair with a scalpel-like tool. But other options can also refine skin texture, including:
Microdermabrasion uses a wand that sprays fine crystals across the skin to gently “sand” away the top layers. This stimulates collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines and acne scars.
Chemical Peels use acids like glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic to induce a controlled “burn” that kicks cellular turnover into high gear. Improved radiance, tone, texture, and firmness result.
Microneedling involves tiny needles pricking the skin to trigger collagen and elastin production. This reduces signs of aging while allowing better product absorption.
Discuss your skin goals with a dermatologist to decide which facial rejuvenation treatment may be best for you. Combination therapies are commonly used for optimal results.
Before and After Dermaplaning: See the Transforming Results
Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of the procedure, let’s look at the typical results dermaplaning can offer:
Dull Skin Transformed
Dermaplaning excels at restoring radiance to dull, tired-looking skin. Imagine a complexion that has lost its youthful glow, perhaps looking slightly crepey or grayish. After dermaplaning, the difference is striking. Expect a smooth, even skin tone with a soft, healthy glow. Regular treatments can help maintain this brightened appearance.
Fine Lines Softened
Dermaplaning’s exfoliating action has a remarkable effect on early fine lines and wrinkles. Imagine those tiny creases becoming less noticeable as the buildup of dead skin cells is gently removed. The result is a smoother texture and a more refreshed overall appearance.
Acne Scars Faded
Those with post-acne scarring may see benefits from dermaplaning’s ability to soften certain types of scars. Imagine indented or discolored marks gradually improving with consistent treatments. While dermaplaning alone might offer noticeable improvement, combining it with treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or lasers can provide even more dramatic scar reduction.
Peach Fuzz Removed
Dermaplaning was originally designed to remove fine vellus hair on the face and neck. The handheld scalpel gently shaves away that soft fuzz while exfoliating, resulting in instant smoothness. Imagine a subtle, furry-looking layer of peach fuzz casting shadows and creating dullness. After dermaplaning, the skin becomes fuzz-free, allowing for flawless makeup application.
Dermaplaning FAQs: Answering Common Questions
Considering dermaplaning but still have some questions? Here we’ll cover some frequently asked topics about the treatment:
Is dermaplaning safe for every skin type?
Dermaplaning is widely compatible, suitable for all skin types and colors when performed properly. The only exceptions are people with active inflammatory acne, viral infections near treatment areas, or certain bleeding disorders.
Do you need to let your facial hair grow before dermaplaning?
No special preparation is required. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair at any length easily and painlessly. You can shave as normal before treatment.
How long before seeing results from dermaplaning?
Glowing, ultra-smooth skin is immediate. As cell turnover accelerates in the days after, skintone continues to even out and fine lines/scars may further improve.
Is dermaplaning painful?
Most patients report little to no pain, feeling at most slight pressure. Numbing cream can be applied for added comfort if highly sensitive. The scalpel gently glides over skin.
Can dermaplaning be done on the body?
Yes, many estheticians offer body dermaplaning such as on the arms, hands, abdomen, and décolletage. Any area with unwanted fine hairs or dull skin may benefit.
Dermaplaning is a simple, yet highly effective skin rejuvenation treatment. When performed regularly by a professional esthetician, it can transform dull, uneven, aging skin into a healthier-looking, radiant complexion.
If you’re looking to refine your skin’s texture, fade surface scars, restore glow, or remove peach fuzz, dermaplaning may be an excellent option.
