Dermaplaning: What Is It And Is It Right For You?

Written by Aaron Guldager — March 02, 2019

Dermaplaning: What Is It And Is It Right For You?

With all the facial procedures and techniques on the market, it’s hard to keep up with everything. Don’t fret — SiO’s beauty experts have you covered! We’ve done our research and are here to guide you in your skin care journey, starting with dermaplaning.

Dermaplaning may or may not be a new term to you. But after reading this article, you’ll become an expert on this type of procedure and be able to determine if it’s right for you.

Is dermaplaning another one of those trendy skin care fads or a treatment worth investing in? Follow along to find out.

What Is Dermaplaning?

woman relaxing on a treatment table before a dermaplaning session

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment in which a doctor or aesthetician uses a sterile, surgical scalpel to gently and manually scrape off any dead skin cells on the surface of your face. It also removes vellus hair, better known as peach fuzz.

The purpose of vellus hair is to keep you warm by coating your body. It also adds another layer of protection to your skin. But since some women’s peach fuzz may be more noticeable than others’, women are turning to dermaplaning as an option to remove it.

In fact, dermaplaning is now one of the trendiest ways to remove facial hair. Other facial hair removal trends include waxing and threading. But these techniques are known for being painful — dermaplaning isn’t.

We know it sounds painful, but don’t worry, it’s not. It’s actually one of the least painful ways to remove facial hair and dead skin! Simply put, it’s a mechanical technique that shaves your face.

But dermaplaning is more than just shaving. It’s a deep exfoliation that gets below what a razor can accomplish, but not quite to the root of your hair like waxing does.

Pros of Dermaplaning

Where do we even start? The benefits are nearly endless when it comes to dermaplaning!

First and foremost, this treatment results in extra smooth skin. It can help diminish the appearance of acne scars and dark spots. Some specific benefits include:

  • Little to no downtime
  • Immediately brighter skin
  • A more youthful-looking appearance
  • Clear and clean canvas for makeup application

One aesthetician had this to say about dermaplaning: “By removing that dead layer and hair from the face, the skin is evened out, and it helps with cell metabolism, which helps new skin come to the surface.”

Other Benefits

woman looking back over her shoulder and showing off her skin after a dermaplaning treatment

Think about it: if left untreated, your skin accumulates microscopic germs and bacteria. The dead skin cells build up, leaving you with a dull and flaky appearance.

As a result, your face may breakout and your pores will continue to stay clogged. Proper exfoliation is crucial in maintaining a healthy glow by thoroughly cleaning off the top layer of your skin.

Here are some reasons to consider achieving this exfoliation through dermaplaning.

Effective For Most Skin Types

Dermaplaning is recommended for most skin types. This includes sun damaged skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, dull skin, and fine lines. (And speaking of fine lines, try SiO patches to fill them in and give your skin a boost of hydration!)

Dermaplaning is also safe for pregnant women who are looking for a deep exfoliation treatment. You won’t have to worry about chemicals or ultraviolet rays seeping into your skin with this technique.

A Note About Skin Types

If you’re experiencing a breakout, it may be wise to schedule your appointment after your complexion has cleared up.

Remember, your doctor or esthetician is using a sharp tool, so if your skin is inflamed, this procedure may irritate it and could possibly cause more breakouts.

Additionally, it’s important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before making a dermaplaning appointment if you’re prone to cold sores or if you have eczema-prone skin.

If breakouts, eczema, or cold sores are common for you, dermaplaning may not be your best treatment option.

Quick Procedure

Surprisingly, dermaplaning can be performed during your lunch break! It can take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes for the entire appointment, depending on where you have the treatment done.

You can expect some redness after your appointment, but other than that, you should be good to go!

Remember, your skin has a perfectly clean canvas, meaning it will be more sensitive to the sun after this treatment. Be sure to lather on some sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.

It’s also important to be cautious of products containing retinol and glycolic acids. These ingredients may cause skin irritation after dermaplaning. Instead, use a serum that will help your skin cells create more collagen and elastin to maintain the texture and tone of your newer, fresher skin.

Smooth Makeup Application

woman easily applying makeup after a dermaplaning treatment

Just imagine: your skin and its clean canvas bursting with a radiant glow and no more peach fuzz causing your makeup to look uneven. Pure bliss!

Before dermaplaning, you probably noticed some peach fuzz after applying foundation, and especially after applying face powders.

This will no longer be an issue for you after dermaplaning treatments. The special scalpel carefully removes all the little hairs on your face, allowing for a smoother makeup application. Your makeup will look flawless!

In addition, your facial products are often more effective after dermaplaning. The products you use won’t be constricted and blocked by dead skin cells, allowing them to penetrate your skin faster. By combining dermaplaning with a proper morning and nighttime skin care routine, you'll have glowing skin all throughout the day.

Expert tip: For even better makeup application, use SiO Eye & Smile Lift patches at night to lift and reduce the appearance of fine lines. With your fine lines smoothed out, makeup won’t seep into your creases because the creases will be whisked away while you’re sleeping!

Cons Of Dermaplaning

As with anything, there are a few cons of dermaplaning. We want you to have all the facts before taking the plunge.

Cost And Results Duration

The cost and the duration of the results are the two main cons of dermaplaning.

As with most facial procedures, there’s a hefty price tag attached to dermaplaning. It costs anywhere from $60 to $150 per session.

What’s more, dermaplaning removes only three weeks’ worth of dead skin cells. So since the results only last up to four weeks, you’ll have to return to your dermatologist’s office or medical spa every three to four weeks to maintain your results.

While one session may not be too pricey, it can become expensive once you calculate how many treatments you’ll need in a year.

Side Effects

Possible short-term side effects from dermaplaning include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling and scabbing
  • Difficulty eating or talking for a few days after the procedure
  • Tingling, burning, or aching sensation

    Complications

    Possible complications that may accompany dermaplaning include:

    • Fever blisters (those who are prone to cold sores may want to avoid dermaplaning altogether or take an antiviral medication before the procedure to prevent the spread of fever blisters)
    • Changes in skin pigmentation
    • Thickened skin (resulting in swelling)

    Do Your Research

    dermatologist explaining the pros and cons of dermaplaning

    Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that should only be done in a dermatologist's office or plastic surgeon’s office. You don’t want to go just anywhere.

    And make sure you see is a licensed medical doctor or dermatologist. After all, this person is going to be using a medical-grade scalpel on your face. Whoever is handling this tool needs to be confident in what they’re doing and have experience in dermaplaning.

    Dermaplaning In A Nutshell

    side view of a woman with glowing skin after receiving a dermaplaning treatment

    Now that you know a little more about dermaplaning, is it right for you?

    You’ll have ultra-smooth skin along with a radiant glow. Dermaplaning results in a youthful-looking appearance that will have everyone turning their heads. And you can apply your makeup to a flawless canvas.

    However, there are some side effects to consider. And remember: do your research on dermatologists and pay close attention to the complexion of your skin when scheduling your appointment.

    Don’t forget to continue using SiO beauty patches after dermaplaning treatments. You’ll still want to treat your wrinkles and give your skin the hydration boost that it deserves. Use SiO FaceLift patches to reveal younger-looking, more radiant skin!