Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning Procedures
Dermaplaning is a procedure that exfoliates your skin and gets rid of dirt and vellus hair, better known as “peach fuzz.”
It’s different from dermabrasion, where an aesthetician or doctor uses a high-speed, rotating brush to exfoliate the skin. With dermaplaning, they use a scalpel or a tool called a dermatome. The doctor or aesthetician moves the dermatome, which looks like an electric razor, back and forth to scrape off the top layer of dead skin.
Benefits of Dermaplaning
The exfoliation and hair removal can leave your skin brighter and smoother. The treatment may soften fine lines and wrinkles and ease hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone. It’s also used to treat deep acne scars. How well it works really depends on your skin type, tone, and medical history.
Risks and Side Effects
Most people have little to no irritation or reaction. Short-term side effects may include:
- Red and swollen skin from the scraping
- Soreness
- A burning or tingling sensation for about 48 hours after the procedure
It’s not common for your hair to grow back thicker or darker. But in rare cases, dark hair may grow near your chin or “sideburns.”
Dermaplaning isn’t recommended if you have inflammatory skin conditions such as:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Sunburn
If you’re taking isotretinoin, a prescription medication used to treat severe acne, you should wait 6 months after you stop taking it to try dermaplaning.
Where Can You Get It?
It’s best to go to a licensed aesthetician or doctor if you’re thinking about trying dermaplaning.
How to Prepare
The procedure takes around 30 minutes.
It’s best to avoid exfoliating your skin 3 days before. You should also try to avoid direct sunlight or tanning.
There’s no downtime needed to let your skin heal. Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a moisturizer afterward. That’s because your skin may be more sensitive.
You can do dermaplaning every 3 to 4 weeks.