Dermaplaning 101
Dealing with dull, blah skin?
You may want to consider dermaplaning – the exfoliating treatment that gently removes the top layer of dead skin and peach fuzz with a surgical scalpel. You might also know it as face shaving.
Either way, you'll probably want to know the ins and outs of this skincare treatment before giving it a go yourself. Here's your dermaplaning 101.
WHAT IS DERMAPLANING?
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation treatment that uses a small scalpel to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the skin's surface. Over the last couple of years, dermaplaning treatments have exploded in popularity, and it's not hard to see why.
According to dermatologists, it's one of the best treatments for softening, smoothing, and brightening dull, dry skin. Best of all, most skin types can benefit from it. Only those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema and acne should avoid.
Nevertheless, dermaplaning is a great way to remove both facial hair and exfoliate for gorgeous glowing skin. It can be done in a salon by a licensed esthetician or at home.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DERMAPLANING?
The results obviously vary from person to person, but generally speaking, here are the benefits you can expect:
- Deep exfoliation: Dermaplaningis a form of shaving that provides deep exfoliation, removing the top layer of dead skin, surface grime, and fuzz.
- Brightening effects: Thanks to its exfoliating abilities, this treatment can breathe life into a dull appearance, leaving the skin looking radiant and refreshed.
- Improved product penetration: Because you're removing all of your dead skin cells and a layer of facial hair, your skincare products will better penetrate the skin, making them way more effective.
- A smooth base for makeup: Dermaplaning preps the skin perfectly for makeup application. Your foundation will glide on much more easily when your skin is smoother. Without dead skinand vellus hair, your liquid and powder products will sit on flawlessly.
IS DERMAPLANING THE SAME AS SHAVING?
Technically, they're both the same thing. They are both a form of hair removal, after all. However, there are a couple of differences between the two techniques.
First, shaving is a process that can easily be done by yourself at home. Dermaplaning, on the other hand, is best performed by a licensed professional unless you know exactly what you're doing. Some aestheticians advise against DIYing it completely.
And second, dermaplaning is a deep exfoliating treatment. While shaving removes peach fuzz and fine hairs, dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade to remove dead skin cells.
IS THIS SKINCARE TREATMENT SAFE?
A sharp blade and your skin? Isn't that dangerous? It is if you're doing it yourself without the right knowledge and tools. If you're well prepared or you get it done by a professional, it's very safe with zero downtime. That said, experts do not recommend those with active acne, rosacea, or eczema undergoing the treatment.
The only potential side effect of dermaplaning is nicking the skin which may lead to minor skin infections. If you're experiencing redness, pustules, or discomfort, visit your dermatologist straight away.
Now, to answer your question about your facial hair growing back thicker and coarser following shaving: that's a myth. Shaving your hair won't make it grow back thicker or darker because you're not messing with the hair follicle. You're only cutting the hair off at the base.
To sum up, dermaplaning does not cause a textural change to hair growth.
HOW TO DERMAPLANE AT HOME
While it's always a good idea to visit a professional for treatments like these, you can do home dermaplaning provided that you have the know-how and tools. Let us show you how in a few simple steps.
- Start with a clean, dry face. If you haven't already, wash your face with a gentle cleanser like Truly's Super Matcha Facial Cleanser before beginning the process.
- Select the dermaplaning tool you're going to use: a regular razor, facial hair trimmer, or tinkle razor. Choose the one you feel most comfortable handling.
- Begin the process: Hold your skin taut, and make small strokes downwards with the razor at a 45-degree angle against the skin. Start at the top of the ear, moving down to the jawline, in towards the nose, and along the cheek, chin, and upper lip. Then move to the area around the eyes, followed by the forehead.
- Finally, stroke the neck downward in small strokes from the jawline.
- Avoid: hairline, eyelids, and sides of nose.
DERMAPLANING AFTERCARE TIPS
Now that your face is shaved and soft, you'll need to use a few nourishing skincare products to complete the treatment.
Treat
Immediately after dermaplaning, apply a hydrating serum or retinol serum (whatever your skin needs!) so that it sinks in and starts working its magic. Remember, now is the time your products can really shine and work their best. Try Truly's Vegan Collagen Facial Serum if you're looking for an anti-aging boost. Formulated with retinol, collagen, and vitamin C, this formula fades fine lines, discoloration, and acne scars.
Hydrate
Next, seal in the serum with a hydrating moisturizer like Truly's Cream Skin Face Cream. It's made with hyaluronic acid and sea kelp to provide much-needed hydration to freshly-exfoliated skin. Besides nourishing the skin with moisture, it'll make your complexion look and feel even softer.
Protect
Finally, always apply sunscreen as a post-care step. For maximum protection, choose an SPF of at least 30. If you're fair-skinned, go even higher than that. Your skin will be more sensitive than normal after dermaplaning so it needs all the protection it can get.
As long as you're not dealing with skin conditions or sensitivity, dermaplaning is a relatively low-risk skincare treatment that can exfoliate the skin, remove facial hair, and reveal baby-soft, glowing skin. While we always recommend getting it done by a professional, you can try using a regular razor or shaving tool to remove your peach fuzz and make skincare products work harder. If you want a more intense exfoliating treatment, opt for in-office dermaplaning instead.
