Dermaplaning removes facial hair and exfoliates, leaving skin brighter and more even. However, it’s only suitable for some, so you need to know what to expect before booking your first treatment.
Experts say it’s important to remember that facial hair is natural, especially in women and female-presenting individuals. And she says it’s essential to be aware that shaving may cause it to grow back thicker and darker.
How It Works
Dermaplaning involves a trained professional (at your doctor or a licensed aesthetician) using a surgical scalpel to gently scrape over your skin’s skin. The technique removes facial hair and dead skin cells, leaving your skin “baby soft” and immediately brighter.
Dermatologists say dermaplaning is the most effective way to exfoliate your face. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles and help you avoid clogged pores contributing to breakouts.
A specialist will keep your skin taut while carefully scraping off the top layer of dull, dead skin and vellus hairs using a sterile blade during the procedure. You may quickly return to your usual skincare regimen after the procedure, which only takes approximately 30 minutes.
However, experts warn that dermaplaning won’t fix all your skincare problems. For example, it won’t eliminate all acne scars or prevent aging. It will, however, give your products a better chance to penetrate the skin, making them more effective.
Another thing to note is that the vellus hairs that are removed won’t grow thicker or darker. Unless you’re experiencing hormonal changes, the hairs will grow back at the same rate as before — although they may feel slightly different.
Safety
When performed by a professional, dermaplaning is safe for all skin types. However, you should be prepared for a slight redness and flaking that lasts a few hours or days after the treatment. The provider will spray a numbing solution or use a numbing cream before beginning the procedure, which should prevent any pain during the shave. Some people experience minor nicks and cuts from the scalpel, but these are not as common as they would be with regular shaving.
In addition, you should avoid dermaplaning if you have sunburn or other skin conditions that can make your face more sensitive to the sun. Wearing sunscreen on your face after a dermaplaning session is also essential.
Exploring options for the best dermaplaning near me allows individuals to discover local skincare clinics or professionals offering this exfoliation method for achieving smoother, radiant skin.
Many patients report a brighter complexion and smoother skin texture after just one dermaplaning treatment. Additionally, it can aid in lessening the visibility of dark spots, acne scars, and fine lines and wrinkles. Regular dermaplaning can also help with oily skin by removing excess oils and preventing blackheads.
It’s best to go with a trusted and reputable aesthetician or dermatologist with extensive dermaplaning experience. They should also carefully use a sterile scalpel and follow other safety procedures during the treatment. In addition, the providers should be able to answer any questions you have about your skin or therapy.
Side Effects
Dermaplaning is a safe, non-invasive procedure that can help smooth skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation, and make your pores look smaller. It’s a great substitute for chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments for delicate skin. Using a medical scalpel, a physician or esthetician will hold your skin taut while removing the layer of dead skin cells on the outside and any vellus hair, often known as peach fuzz, which is a thin, wiry covering that forms on the skin’s surface. This is the only part of the treatment that might cause discomfort, but the pain is minimal and usually disappears quickly.
If you choose this treatment, ensure your dermatologist or esthetician is well-versed. There have been several dermaplaning horror stories on social media, where she was left with deep scratches and cuts on her face after getting the procedure done at a clinic. She ended up using a wound-healing cream, and the scars eventually faded.
Another potential side effect is that your face’s hair might grow thicker. This is a risk of any hair removal technique and can happen anywhere on the body. However, it shouldn’t happen with dermaplaning unless your shaver isn’t sharp enough or you are shaving too close to the skin.
Cost
Insurance usually does not cover dermaplaning, which is a per-session expense. The average cost is a hundred dollars, but prices can go up depending on where you live and the level of experience of your aesthetician.
The thought of a blade sliding across your face may be nerve-wracking, but dermaplaning doesn’t hurt. The scalpel used during the treatment is very thin. Since it is merely scraping the epidermis, there won’t be any irritation (but your aesthetician may apply a numbing cream beforehand to ensure comfort if you are extremely sensitive).
It also won’t affect the thickness or growth rate of the hair on your face, unlike other hair removal methods like waxing or tweezing. “Dermaplaning removes the vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) without touching the follicles,” says an expert. “So the hair will regrow as before unless you permanently remove it.”
Though dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, you should avoid the procedure if you have a rash or sunburn or are taking acne medications like isotretinoin or Accutane. Treating inflamed acne or rosacea is also not a good idea, as the sharp scalpel could irritate and spread bacteria or worsen your breakout. Those with active acne should opt for other treatments that help smooth the complexion, such as chemical exfoliants or gentle scrubs.