Exfoliation is an important part of any skin care routine. Dermaplaning is an exfoliation treatment that removes the top layer of the skin, whisking away dead skin cells, vellus hair and skin-dulling debris while maximizing the efficacy of moisturizers and skin care products.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, explains, “Dermaplaning is an effective procedure for minimizing uneven skin tone and removing unwanted hair on the face. It leaves skin smoother and more even after a single treatment.”
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, adds, “Dermaplaning allows skin care ingredients to more deeply penetrate the skin, maximizing the efficacy of your skin care products and improving the health of your skin.”
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive skin care procedure that gently shaves away the top layers of the skin, clearing away dead skin cells and removing vellus hair for a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Dermaplaning is often used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, diminish the look of wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin tone.
During a dermaplaning treatment, a handheld scalpel skims off vellus hair and the outermost layer of the skin. Following dermaplaning, your skin may be red and slightly tender for a few days. The results of dermaplaning are noticeable immediately after treatment. For many patients, dermaplaning delivers smoother, brighter, youthful-looking skin.
We recommend professional dermaplaning performed by a licensed clinical aesthetician, or dermatologist, at a professional clinic to avoid the risk of infection or injury. There are at-home devices and razor-like tools that can be used to remove vellus hair from the face and body, however they do not achieve the same level of exfoliation as professional dermaplaning.
Professional dermaplaning
During a professional dermaplaning treatment, a licensed clinical aesthetician will assess your skin and review your health history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. Your skin is cleansed and prepped for the service which, in general, takes about 30 minutes. Your aesthetician will discuss your skin goals and outline a detailed treatment plan that compliments your at-home skin care regime. They may suggest combining dermaplaning with another treatment, such as a glycolic acid peel or facial, to maximize your results. You will be given aftercare instructions and information on what to expect following your dermaplaning treatment.
Professional dermaplaning can be done once every 2 – 4 weeks depending upon your hair growth cycles.
At-home dermaplaning
There are plenty of safe dermaplaning tools, like the DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Anti-Aging Exfoliation Device, available that allow you to try dermaplaning at home. At-home dermaplaning devices often come with detailed instructions and tutorials on how to use the device to achieve the best results. Whether or not you’re using a device or razor, always start with clean, dry skin and do not go over any facial area more than once. Be sure to avoid eyebrows, eyelids, hairline and lips. Once finished, apply a gentle hydrating serums or moisturizer.
It’s important to note that at-home dermaplaning devices are designed to remove vellus hair and can be used to maintain results, or spot treat, in between professional dermaplaning services. There is also a greater risk of injury or infection when performing this service at home.
Dermaplaning Q&A with our LovelySkin Spa Aestheticians
Wondering if dermaplaning is right for you? Our team of licensed clinical aestheticians at the LovelySkin Spa is here to help. Below, they answer common questions about dermaplaning.
Jenna H., CME
Q: How does dermaplaning affect the skin barrier?
A: Dermaplaning exfoliates the dead skin cells on the outermost skin layer, while also removing vellus hair. By removing these barriers, products can penetrate and absorb into the skin more easily. It’s important to have this service performed by a licensed professional who is trained to use specific tools and techniques to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
Amanda M., CME
Q: What do you recommend for the skin post dermaplaning and why?
A: There are a few treatments that complement dermaplaning very well! I like to pair DiamondGlow with dermaplaning for clients with a drier, dehydrated skin type, as this offers additional exfoliation with skin-specific serum infusion. For those with pigmentation, scarring or fine lines and wrinkles, I like to pair dermaplaning with a chemical peel. This is a wonderful treatment to address those concerns with no downtime.
Joey L., CME
Q: What skin care can you use and what should you avoid at home in the days following a dermaplaning treatment?
A: As far as your home care regimen after a dermaplaning treatment, stick with a soothing, gentle cleanser, replenishing moisturizer and sunscreen. Your skin may be a little more sensitive after dermaplaning, especially if you are on the drier side, so extra hydration is always a good idea. If you use a vitamin C serum in the morning, it may tingle a bit when you apply it the morning after your treatment, but it will be fine to use. After 72 hours, you can start using your topical exfoliants, like retinoids or active topicals for acne.
Lainey M., CME
Q: Is dermaplaning best as a stand-alone treatment or paired with another service?
A: Dermaplaning can be done on its own or paired with a facial or an AquaGold Fine Touch micro-infusion treatment. We recommend bundling dermaplaning with other services and using it as the first step to help prep the skin. When dead skin cells and vellus hair are removed, the products used are able to penetrate more easily and effectively.
Revealing smoother, brighter skin
Dermaplaning is a great option for achieving youthful, even, glowing skin. At Schlessinger MD and LovelySkin Spa, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your very best skin. If you’re ready to plan your dermaplaning treatment, you can book a service with a member of our team to discuss your goals. If you’d like to speak to a spa coordinator directly, you can call or text us at (402) 334-1226.