Dermaplaning and its Amazing Benefits

Many people today dream of a firm, smooth and radiant skin, and for this reason, they are ready to do a lot. They diligently use various products from the cosmetics industry and try new skin improvement methods every day. 

Dermaplaning, the treatment designed to revitalize the condition of the skin, is also among their preferences, with a rapid increase in demand in America — after already wreaking havoc on Asian cosmetic treatments. 

But what are the greatest benefits of dermaplaning, and what exactly makes it one of the best treatments for treating skin imperfections? 

What is dermaplaning: the facial reviving treatment? 

According to the dermaplaning definition, this is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure for women used to revitalize the face complexion and make it look fresher overall. 

In the dermaplane treatment, a razor or a scalpel is passed over the area of ​​the face to shave off the inconspicuous hairs and the dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This triggers new skin cell formation and a revitalization process, which leads to a significantly fresher and more vital complexion.

To better exemplify the dermaplaning meaning, the treatment is a type of mechanical peeling with hair removal. This removes the fine down, the so-called 'vellus hair', and dead skin cells.  As a result, more light is reflected from the skin surface, the lower skin layers are better supplied with oxygen, blood circulation is stimulated, and cell renewal is triggered. 

This leads to a much fresher complexion and a radiant appearance, also known as the 'glow' effect. In addition, the dead skin cells no longer interfere with the effective absorption of active care ingredients, meaning that products - such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin A serums - can be better absorbed by the skin and have a better action. 

However, there is a common confusion between dermaplaning and dermabrasion. Although both have similar names, the two treatments differ significantly. Unlike dermaplaning, which uses a special razor to remove fine hairs and dead cells from the face area, dermabrasion is a purely mechanical process that uses a rotating wire brush or a diamond wheel with rough edges o remove the upper layers of tissue and correct or eliminate the undesired impurities, and is usually performed under local anesthesia. 

The procedure explained 

Dermaplaning can be performed by an esthetician, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist. This treatment must be done only by a certified practitioner to get the desired results and avoid any possible side effects. 

Before the procedure begins, a gentle cleanser enriched with alpha or beta hydroxy acids is usually applied all over the face to help loosen the dead skin cells. The skin must be completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

During the procedure, the professional uses a sterilized 10-gauge scalpel held at a 45-degree angle to the skin. Short movements are performed in the opposite direction of the hair growth. A moisturizer is then applied to the skin. 

The tool used for dermaplaning has a very fine blade that is sharpened on one side and rounded at one end. This particular razor makes precise work possible, and the risk of injury is minimal, as no pressure is exerted.

After a short downtime, patients can return to their usual activities. The session only lasts 40 minutes, and it can be done every two weeks for more satisfying results. 

The benefits of dermaplaning

Many choose to use the dermaplaning treatment to remove hair and dead cells from their face in order to improve the appearance of their skin. However, this procedure can do more than that. 

Let's take a look at the benefits of this fascinating beauty treatment: 

1. Radiant complexion

The dermaplaning treatment removes fine facial hairs, scrapes off dead skin cells, and acts as an intensive peeling. The result: your skin cells get more oxygen and actively regenerate. 

This is particularly important for the coveted 'glow effect', because it occurs when your skin can fully reflect incident light -  and, of course, that doesn't work if tiny hairs absorb the light. 

2. Can help reduce acne

By removing dead skin cells from the skin, dermaplaning can reduce clogged pores and pimples caused by trapped bacteria. With less clogging of the sebaceous glands, the appearance of acne is lessened.

On the other hand, one thing to keep in mind is that people with cystic acne or open scabs from picked pimples should avoid dermaplaning as it can cause irritation and bleeding that can make the problem worse.

However, even if it cannot be used as a cure for severe acne, dermaplaning is still very effective in reducing the appearance of post-acne scars and dark spots.

3. Help the skincare products work better

After a dermaplaning treatment, you will benefit even more from using high-quality skincare products on your skin, as it can absorb more product after the procedure.

The treatment improves skin permeability and increases the effect of active ingredients due to the removal of the concentration of dead cells. Enhancing the capillary circulation also improves the diffusion of nutrients to the epidermis that has no vascularization.

Therefore, products like moisturizing coconut oil, hyaluronic acid,  retinoid creams, essential oils for enhancing beauty, and others, will provide much more effective results following the treatment. If you are unsure which products to apply best depending on your skin type and goals, be sure to ask your dermatologist for advice first. 

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend dermaplaning treatment before another procedure, such as laser treatment, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels. However, this will depend on your specific skin type. 

4. Has an anti-aging effect

After this treatment, cell renewal is initiated, and the outer skin layer is revitalized. Fine wrinkles and facial lines are less noticeable because the dermaplaning treatment rejuvenates the skin, stimulates blood circulation, and helps the skin to form new and firmer skin cells.

The effect stimulates not only cell renewal but also the production of collagen in the skin. This counteracts the skin's aging process and ensures that anti-aging products such as serums and creams will also work much better and more intensively. 

5. Smoothes the surface of the skin and improves its texture

Although some people turn to dermaplaning in hopes of reducing wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and scars,  some other dermatological treatments may be more effective at fighting aging problems, like laser skin resurfacing or topical products. 

Thus, compared to other methods, dermaplaning can make the skin look smoother and more youthful overall, promoting skin cell turnover and regeneration. 

6. Facilitates makeup application 

The better application of make-up is one of the greatest benefits of dermaplaning. The treatment provides greater makeup hold and durability, in addition to leaving the skin with a prettier finish. As a result, makeup sets better on the treated skin, the finish is prettier and the effect is longer lasting too.

Because after removing the fluff from the face, the primer, foundation, and make-up really glide onto the skin, can be applied much more evenly, and therefore last a lot longer. Even powder no longer sticks to hairs, and products collect (the so-called 'caking' effect) much less — a dream for every woman who doesn't want to freshen up her make-up every few hours. 

7. The results are visible immediately and last for several weeks

Dermaplaning will remove dead cells that have accumulated for more than three weeks, which means that you will enjoy a month of purified skin. The best part is that you can repeat this treatment after a few weeks, depending on your doctor's recommendations, without worrying that your skin would be irritated or even damaged due to frequent use. 

8. Hair regrowth is neither darker or thicker

Contrary to popular belief that shaved hair will grow back much thicker or darker, hair regrowth will not change in any way after the treatment -  because this is only a myth. The blade used does not touch the hair follicle but stays above the root, which constitutes a non-aggressive superficial shave. 

9. A gentle alternative to other treatments

Compared to chemical peelings, dermaplaning has the advantage of not affecting the pH value of the skin. This is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive and dry skin. For this reason, the treatment is a suitable technique for pregnant women compared to other procedures, as it does not include acids or chemicals.

10. Suitable for most skin types

Because it is a non-invasive procedure, it is usually suitable for most skin types without any problems and really low risks. However, if you have active acne, it is better not to use the treatment, because the dermaplaning will scratch it up and, under certain circumstances, spread it further on the face. 

Dermaplaning is also strictly not recommended for skin diseases - but only your doctor can determine if your skin is really suitable for this procedure.

Dermaplaning side effects 

This post aims to cover both dermaplaning pros and cons, which is why we will further analyze the side effects of this treatment. 

The results of dermaplaning may vary from person to person. While some find the procedure particularly effective, others feel that their skin condition has not improved and the treatment has not justified the cost, but this is the case for most cosmetic procedures. 

The most common side effects of dermaplaning include increased skin sensitivity and localized redness. Usually, these symptoms go away after a few hours. Among the less common side effects of dermaplaning are minor nicks or cuts, stinging and itching, the appearance of white spots, infections, or scarring. 

Moreover, depending on the skin type, there is a possibility that hairs will grow back under the skin after dermaplaning, especially in patients with darker skin who are more prone to curly hair growth. 

If you perform the procedure in an authorized clinic, your dermatologist or esthetician should provide you with a dermaplaning consent form that describes the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the treatment.

However, to avoid both the common effects and the less common ones, it is essential to avoid doing DIY dermaplaning. An uncertified person and the use of improper techniques could lead to disappointing results and even cause injuries. 

Who is a good candidate for dermaplaning? 

Dermaplaning is indicated for people who seek lighter treatment alternatives. It is considered to be softer than microneedling or chemical peeling. The good thing about dermaplaning treatment is that it is suitable for most skin types without any difficulties and has a low chance of side effects.

This is, therefore, an ideal treatment for women who want to remove fine hairs and improve the structure of the skin to make it soft and silky. It can also be used as a preparatory treatment before other cosmetic or aesthetic medical procedures because it improves the absorption of active cosmetic ingredients that may be necessary. 

However, if you have active acne, it is better not to use the treatment. Treatment is also strictly not recommended for skin diseases. If you suffer from lots of pimples on your face, dermaplaning will scratch them up and possibly spread them further on your face.

Anyone who suffers from extremely sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, or eczema on the face should rather avoid dermaplaning, because their symptoms may intensify. In addition, the risk of injury is slightly increased with uneven skin. 

Contraindications to dermaplaning treatment include active acne, active infections of any kind such as herpes simplex or flat warts, elevated lesions, any recent chemical peel treatment, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, eczema or dermatitis, family history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation, hemophilia, hormone therapy that could lead to thick pigmentation, birthmarks, the use of anticoagulant drugs, recent topical use of active ingredients such as glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and retinoids, rosacea, dermatosclerosis, skin cancer, massive sunburn, tattoos, telangiectasia/erythema, extremely thick and dark facial hair, uncontrolled diabetes, and blood vessel injuries. 

What to Expect After Dermaplaning

The results are quite impressive - and visible right away. At first glance, you will notice some redness here and there, and your skin may seem a little dry, but these effects are really minimal. 

It is possible to book a dermaplaning session during your lunch break and be back at the office - around 40 minutes later - with an ultra glowy complexion because dermaplaning has no downtime. 

However, there is one rule you must follow: you must apply sunscreen because, after the treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun's rays.

After the treatment, the doctor or beautician usually applies a moisturizing product to prevent skin redness (for supple and damp skin).

Active cosmetics can be applied topically, such as an antioxidant serum (containing vitamin C and vitamin E), as their effect is enhanced by the mechanical peeling effect caused by dermaplaning.

Patients are advised to keep their skin clean with a gentle cleanser every morning and evening to reduce the risk of possible infections. They should also avoid touching their face immediately after dermaplaning,  protect their skin with SPF 30 sunscreen, and avoid direct contact with the sun for the first 48-72 hours. 

Direct sun exposure will damage exposed cells that no longer have the protective shield of the keratotic epidermis and, instead of increasing collagen production, there will be a decrease in repair. The use of a hat and sunscreen is therefore mandatory if you want to fully enjoy all the benefits of dermaplaning. 

Patients should also discontinue the use of exfoliating agents for at least a week: agents with AHA such as glycolic acid or BHA such as salicylic acid, agents with microspheres, or with enzymes will cause further exfoliation, which can cause PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), redness, dryness or flaking.

Conclusion 

Benefits of dermaplaning are many -  the cosmetic treatment not only removes facial hair, but also thoroughly exfoliates the skin, reduces acne, improves make-up application and comes with many other amazing advantages for those who seek a radiant and glowing skin. 

If you are looking for a non-invasive procedure to revitalize your facial skin, without downtime and with minor risks, dermaplaning may be the right one for you. 

FAQ’s 

How often should I do dermaplaning?

To achieve the best result for your skin, you must give it enough time to regenerate between treatments. This is the only way to achieve the optimal effect and to stimulate the cell structure of the outer skin layer. Therefore, the dermaplaning treatment should be repeated every 3 to 4 weeks.

Can you wear makeup after dermaplaning? 

While it is not harmful to wear makeup after this treatment, ideally, you'll have to let your face 'breathe' for about a day.

This can prevent your skin from taking on too much makeup, leading to a breakout or irritation. Once your skin settles down, you will likely find that your makeup is smoother and looks better than ever because your face is smooth and hairless.

Can you do it at home? 

At-home dermaplaning is not recommended, as its inadequate performance can seriously damage the patient's health. Therefore, it is necessary to seek a qualified professional to avoid injuries, contamination, and possible skin infections. This procedure should be only performed by health professionals. 

Is dermaplaning painful? 

The word "scalpel" can be scary enough for some patients, but in reality, dermaplaning is a completely painless and harmless practice if done correctly. The only sensation you might experience during the procedure is a slight feeling of tickling.

Is dermaplaning the same as shaving?

Up to a point, yes, dermaplaning is like shaving your face. A blade removes the hair you want to get rid of and dead skin cells as well. 

In contrast to traditional shaving, however, dermaplaning is much gentler. For one, the blade used is much smaller, and there is also less pressure. It's all about removing the top layer of dead skin cells and the fine, fluffy facial hair (vellus hair). The other main difference from shaving is that it is much more precise, largely thanks to the much smaller blade.