WHY DERMAPLANING IS MORE THAN JUST “SHAVING YOUR FACE”

Want gorgeous skin?

(Okay, that’s probably a rhetorical question. Who doesn’t want youthful, glowing facial skin free from lines, wrinkles, randomly-growing hair, and blemishes?)

The problem?

Getting gorgeous skin isn’t easy – at least not for everyone. Few of us are born with stunning supermodel looks from the moment we become old enough to even have a skincare routine. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve the look of your skin with the right treatment.

That’s where dermaplaning comes in.

This revolutionary and quick treatment isn’t just “shaving your face,” as some people would suggest. Instead, it’s a fantastic way to get rid of everything from excess oil to dirt and debris (blackheads, anyone?). We’ll tell you more about it in the post below.

WHAT IS DERMAPLANING?

Dermaplaning is a type of exfoliation treatment that involves running a very sharp blade over the skin at a specific angle. This “shaves off” the top layer of dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, debris, old makeup, and environmental materials to reveal the newer, younger skin cells underneath. It also strips back the fine hairs or “peach fuzz” most people have across their skin, creating a smoother, more even-toned surface.

DERMAPLANING VS. SHAVING

While the dermaplaning process may sound like shaving with a regular or electric razor, they aren’t really anything alike. The only real thing they have in common is the use of a sharp blade; from there, distinct differences make them more or less suitable for treating very specific skin concerns.

SHAVING

• Removes hair with a sharp blade, but may fail to remove some or all of the fine velus, especially on the face.
• Doesn’t really exfoliate dead skin cells at all (or exfoliates minimally enough that it isn’t worthwhile using as an exfoliation treatment).
• Can also be extremely irritating if the blade is even slightly dull or if the person shaving has sensitive skin.
• Often doesn’t shave close enough to the skin to get a really close, smooth shave, especially if the razor is cheap.
• May drag and pull at hairs and the skin, causing micro tears that lead to breakouts, infection, or ingrown hairs.

DERMAPLANING

• Also removes hair with a sharp blade; unlike a regular razor, the shape of the blade is more similar to a scalpel.
• Blade is much, much sharper and better designed for shaving along the derma for a super-close shave.
• Actively strips back only the top layer of dead skin cells without harming newer, younger skin cells underneath.
• Less likely to cause irritation because of the close-yet-fine shaving style, but can strip away debris and irritating substances (like excess oils).
• Doesn’t drag or pull at the skin (due to the sharper blade), meaning there is much less risk for harm.

THE TREATMENT PROCESS

Thousands of people use dermaplaning to achieve smoother, more beautiful skin every single day. For a non-invasive treatment, the results it provides are absolutely incredible – and it’s fast, too. An entire dermaplaning session often takes less than 30 minutes.

First, your medical provider will prep your skin by washing off any makeup or products. Then, they’ll use a special anti-bacterial cleanser and toner to re-balance hydration and get you ready for the treatment.

After preparing a sterile dermaplaning blade, your provider will carefully hold sections of your skin taught (this ensures the closest possible “shave”). Then, they’ll move the blade across your skin, section-by-section, using short, feathery strokes.

That’s really it! Most providers will follow up with a moisturizer or some kind of topical oil (whatever’s best suited to your skin type). This just encourages cellular regeneration while limiting any mild irritation (although this, too, is rare).

IS IT SAFE?

Yes! In fact, it’s even safer than other skin “planing” treatments, like microdermabrasion, because it’s done with a very fine blade instead of abrasive crystals. It’s also far less harsh with far fewer side effects compared to chemical peels and laser resurfacing, although those, too, have their place in skin care.

Worried about your eyebrows, lashes, or other “wanted” hairs along your hairline? Don’t be. Providers are trained to use the blade in a very specific way to avoid this zones and keep those fabulous eyebrows intact. Just tell your provider if you have areas you want to avoid or areas of concern; they’ll work around your needs.

CAN I DO IT MYSELF AT HOME?

You can – however, it isn’t recommended. At-home dermaplaning kits are available, but the sharpness and fineness of the blade can lead to accidents and incomplete exfoliation. At best, you’ll experience subpar results; at worst, you could even cut yourself or wind up with a scar…especially if you’re a first-time user.

Even if you’re really committed to dermaplaning at home, you should have it done at least once or twice by professional. He or she can show you how to do it right and avoid any serious harm to your skin along the way. They can also tell you if it’s even right for you in the first place (and surprisingly, it is contraindicated for a small number of people).

WAIT…SOME PEOPLE AREN’T GOOD CANDIDATES?

Yes – although the number of people who aren’t well-suited to the procedure is extremely small.  For the most part, the only contraindications are when someone has a specific medical issue with their skin, such as active infection, psoriasis, eczema, or pustular acne. Even then, dermaplaning may be fine once the initial issue is treated and partially resolved. In fact, some patients with mild to moderate acne find it extremely helpful for reducing breakouts!

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

While dermaplaning is essentially one of the safest types of exfoliation in a medical aesthetician’s toolbox, it is still a procedure. It’s important to have it done by someone with skill and enough knowledge to assess your skin for issues beforehand. After all, your skin cares for you every single day – why not care for it the right way in return? You deserve it!