Understand why your face might feel itchy after dermaplaning and discover essential tips to soothe and protect your skin.
If your face feels itchy after dermaplaning, it’s likely due to the removal of the top skin layer, which can leave your skin more sensitive and reactive to environmental irritants. This procedure can irritate sensitive skin, expose underlying conditions like rosacea or eczema, and trigger allergic reactions to skincare products.
To manage itchy skin, use gentle, non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers, avoid harsh products and sun exposure, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Maintaining a simple skincare routine, staying hydrated, and avoiding comedogenic products can also help.
Causes of Itchy Skin
Dermaplaning involves scraping a blade across your skin to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair, which can sometimes lead to irritation.
One of the primary causes of itchy skin after dermaplaning is the inherent skin sensitivity that some individuals may have. If you have sensitive skin, the procedure can exacerbate this sensitivity, resulting in redness, itching, and discomfort.
Another possible cause is allergic reactions to the treatment itself or to products used during or after the procedure. The blade used in dermaplaning can introduce bacteria or other allergens to the skin, leading to an allergic reaction and subsequent itching.
Additionally, using harsh or abrasive cleansers or skincare products after dermaplaning can further irritate the skin and cause itching.
The removal of the top skin layer can also expose your skin to environmental factors, making it more susceptible to irritation and itching. For instance, sun exposure, chlorinated water, and hot water can all contribute to itchy skin after dermaplaning.
Understanding these causes can help you take preventive measures to minimize discomfort and ensure a smoother recovery process.
Exposure of Sensitive Skin
When your skin undergoes dermaplaning, the removal of the top layer can leave sensitive skin more exposed and vulnerable. This exposure is a common reason for the itchy sensation many people experience after the procedure.
Here are some key points to consider regarding the exposure of sensitive skin after dermaplaning:
- Increased Reactivity: Sensitive skin is more prone to irritation and inflammation. Dermaplaning, while generally gentle, can still cause redness, itching, and stinging due to the scraping action of the blade.
- Skin Conditions: If you have active skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or acne, dermaplaning can exacerbate these issues. The exposure of sensitive skin in these cases can lead to increased irritation and potentially worsen the condition.
- Post-Treatment Care: To mitigate the effects of exposed sensitive skin, it’s crucial to follow a gentle skincare routine after dermaplaning. Avoid harsh cleaners, toners, or exfoliants, and apply soothing moisturizers and sunscreen daily.
This care helps to soothe and protect the freshly exfoliated skin, reducing the likelihood of itchiness and irritation.
Potential Bacterial Spread
How might the dermaplaning process inadvertently facilitate the spread of bacteria on your skin?
During dermaplaning, the use of a scalpel-like tool to remove the top layer of skin and vellus hairs can potentially spread bacteria, especially if you have active acne or other skin infections. This is because the blade can transfer bacteria from one area of the skin to another, exacerbating existing breakouts or causing new ones.
If you have active, inflamed acne, dermaplaning can worsen the condition by spreading the bacteria responsible for the acne. This can lead to increased inflammation, irritation, and the potential for more severe breakouts.
Even mild, non-inflamed acne can be risky, as the procedure may spread bacteria and cause further flare-ups.
Proper sanitization of the dermaplaning tools is crucial to prevent bacterial infections. Using a fresh, sterile blade and sanitizing the face with an antimicrobial cleanser before the procedure can help minimize the risk of bacterial spread and protect your skin microflora.
However, if not done correctly, dermaplaning can disrupt the balance of your skin’s natural flora, leading to various complications, including bacterial infections and increased sensitivity.
Removal of Natural Barrier
During the dermaplaning process, the removal of the top layer of your skin can inadvertently strip away your natural barrier, leaving your skin more vulnerable to various issues. This natural barrier, composed of dead skin cells and natural oils, protects your skin from external factors such as bacteria, UV light, and other environmental stresses.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Increased Skin Sensitivity: Without the natural barrier, your skin becomes more sensitive. This sensitivity can lead to redness, irritation, and an increased risk of allergic reactions to skincare products or makeup.
- Moisture Loss: The natural oils that are part of your skin’s barrier help keep your skin hydrated. Removing these oils can result in dry, itchy skin, especially if you don’t promptly moisturize after the procedure.
- Higher Risk of Infection: With your skin’s protective layer compromised, you’re more susceptible to bacterial infections and other pathogens. It’s crucial to maintain good hygiene and avoid touching your face to prevent such complications.
To mitigate these issues, it’s essential to follow post-dermaplaning care instructions carefully, including applying gentle, hydrating products and avoiding harsh skincare routines or makeup for at least 24 hours. This will help your skin recover and rebuild its natural barrier.
Common Side Effects
Following the removal of your skin’s natural barrier through dermaplaning, you may experience several common side effects that can impact your skin’s health and appearance.
One of the most frequent side effects is redness and irritation. This can manifest as temporary redness or discoloration, which usually fades within a few hours to a day. You might also feel a burning or tingling sensation for about 48 hours after the procedure.
Dermaplaning can also cause increased sensitivity to skincare ingredients and the environment, as the removal of dead skin cells reduces the skin’s natural barrier.
Breakouts are another potential side effect, especially if you have skin prone to acne. Dermaplaning can spread bacteria and oil across your face, leading to clogged pores and pimples. It’s crucial to avoid dermaplaning over active breakouts to prevent exacerbating the condition.
Allergic reactions can also occur, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies to metal, such as stainless steel used in the scalpel.
Increased sun sensitivity is another concern, as the removal of dead skin cells makes your skin more vulnerable to UV rays. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and gentle skincare products after the treatment.
Managing Redness and Irritation
Managing redness and irritation after dermaplaning is crucial to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here are some key steps to help you manage these common side effects:
Steps to Manage Redness and Irritation
Use Gentle Products: After dermaplaning, your skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation. Use gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and SPF to soothe and protect your skin.
Avoid harsh or exfoliating ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or astringents for a few days post-treatment.
Apply Soothing Treatments: Your healthcare provider may apply a soothing gel or ointment to reduce redness, swelling, or irritation immediately after the procedure.
You can also use hydrating mists or masks to keep your skin calm and hydrated. Opt for hydrating gel masks about 5 days after dermaplaning, avoiding clay, charcoal, or peel-off masks.
Minimize Sun Exposure and Irritants: Protect your new skin surface by avoiding sun exposure and excessive heat, such as saunas, for a few days.
Wear high-quality sunscreen to prevent sun damage. Also, avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours to prevent sweating and increased circulation that can irritate the exfoliated skin.
Post-Treatment Skincare Routine
To ensure your skin heals properly and maintains its newfound smoothness after dermaplaning, it’s essential to adopt a meticulous post-treatment skincare routine.
Cleansing
Begin by cleansing your skin gently, starting the morning after the treatment.
Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser with lukewarm water, and avoid using abrasive washcloths or scrub brushes. Instead, use your hands and gentle patting motions to clean the area.
Moisturizing
Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to the treated area using clean hands.
Reapply whenever your skin feels dry to keep it hydrated and protected. Opt for hydrating serums or face oils to nourish and protect the skin, but avoid using products like essential oils or coconut oil unless instructed by your provider.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is crucial after dermaplaning.
Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it daily, even if you stay indoors, and reapply every two hours during sun exposure. Direct sunlight and tanning beds should be avoided for at least two weeks to protect your vulnerable skin.
Additional Tips
Stick to a simple skincare routine for the first two weeks, avoiding harsh or abrasive products, exfoliants, and other facial treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, and consider eating skin-nourishing foods to support skin healing.
Avoid vigorous exercise, extreme heat, and chlorine for the recommended period to prevent irritation and ensure optimal skin healing.
Avoiding Harsh Products
After establishing a gentle and nourishing skincare routine post-dermaplaning, it’s equally important to avoid using harsh products that can irritate your freshly treated skin.
Harsh products can exacerbate the already sensitive state of your skin, leading to increased redness, itchiness, and potential breakouts.
To maintain the health and smoothness of your skin, here are some key products to avoid:
Products to Avoid
- Abrasive Cleansers: Steer clear of cleansers that contain harsh exfoliating ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or astringents. These can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause further irritation.
- Physical Scrubs: Avoid using physical scrubs or exfoliating products that contain abrasive particles for at least 2-3 days after your dermaplaning treatment. Instead, opt for gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers that are soothing and hydrating.
- Heavy Makeup and Chemical Treatments: Refrain from using heavy makeup and chemical treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments for at least four weeks after dermaplaning.
This allows your skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation and infection.
Importance of Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial after dermaplaning, as your skin becomes more sensitive and vulnerable to UV rays. Following the treatment, your skin is in a state of heightened sensitivity, making it more prone to sun damage and sun-aging. To mitigate this, consistent sunscreen application is essential.
You should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even if you aren’t planning to be outside for long periods. Reapply sunscreen every 3 hours to ensure continuous UV protection. This is particularly important during the first 3-5 days post-dermaplaning, as your skin is at its most vulnerable.
When going outside, consider additional protective measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to further shield your skin from direct sunlight.
Avoiding sun exposure altogether for the first few days is ideal, but if this isn’t possible, ensure you have a reliable sunscreen routine in place to maintain optimal UV protection.
Hydrating Your Skin
Hydrating your skin is crucial after dermaplaning, as the procedure can leave your skin feeling dry and sensitive.
This exfoliating treatment removes the top layer of dead skin cells and fine hairs, which can strip your skin of its natural moisture.
To maintain healthy and radiant skin, focus on the following moisturizing techniques:
Use Gentle, Hydrating Products
Choose serums and moisturizers rich in hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera.
These components help in retaining water and soothing the skin.
Apply Moisturizer Immediately
After dermaplaning, apply a soothing moisturizer to hydrate and calm the skin.
This step is essential to prevent dryness and irritation.
Opt for a moisturizer that provides the right balance of hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.
Stay Hydrated Internally
In addition to topical hydration, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Aim for at least eight glasses of water and consume fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Minimizing Breakouts
To minimize breakouts after dermaplaning, it’s crucial to follow a strict skincare routine that avoids irritating your freshly exfoliated skin. Here are some key preventative measures to consider:
Avoid dermaplaning if you have active acne, as it can spread bacteria and worsen breakouts. If you must undergo dermaplaning, ensure it’s done by a professional to minimize the risk of physical damage and bacterial infection.
Post-treatment, avoid makeup for at least 24 hours to prevent clogging your pores. Also, steer clear of comedogenic products, retinoids, and physical scrubs for a few days to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation.
Maintaining cleanliness is paramount. Ensure your dermaplaning tools are properly sanitized, and avoid touching your face to prevent transferring bacteria to your skin.
Dietary considerations can also play a role. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients can help support skin health and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
Avoid foods that can trigger inflammation or increase bacterial growth.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
When considering dermaplaning, the expertise of the practitioner you choose can significantly impact the success and safety of the procedure. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right practitioner:
Practitioner Qualifications
- Licensure and Certification: Ensure the practitioner has a valid esthetician’s license and specialized certification in dermaplaning. Typically, this involves a minimum of 1500 hours of beauty, medical, or cosmetology school training, followed by written and practical examinations.
- Experience and Training: Look for practitioners who’ve completed advanced aesthetic skin care programs and have hands-on training in dermaplaning. This could include online courses, hands-on workshops, and internships in medical or beauty clinics.
- Client Testimonials: Check client reviews and testimonials to gauge the practitioner’s performance and client satisfaction. Positive feedback can indicate a practitioner’s skill and care in performing the procedure.
Choosing a qualified practitioner not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also minimizes the risk of adverse reactions, including itchy skin.
Ensuring your practitioner meets these criteria will help you feel confident and safe throughout the dermaplaning process.
