20 Things You Must Know About Dermaplaning Before You Get It
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20 Things You Must Know About Dermaplaning Before You Do It: Do You Like Smoother Skin?
It’s difficult to avoid the endless social media barrage of fresh-faced beauties brought to us by the likes of Instagram and Twitter.
Their lineless, poreless complexions may seem unattainable, but there’s a secret behind that bouncy, baby-smooth skin, and it’s not just Photoshop: professional dermatological treatments can help you get photo-ready skin.
In today’s age of skincare fanaticism, beauty treatment lovers are spoiled for choice. There is a dizzying array of dermatological treatments to pick from, designed to treat every imaginable issue, from textural irregularities to discoloration.
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Some have goosebump-inducing names, –think chemical peels, extractions, and microneedling–while others utilize lasers and light waves to refresh the skin. Many are classified as skin resurfacing treatments, meaning they involve non-surgical techniques for removing the outer layers of the skin to reveal newer layers underneath, resulting in a youthful, rejuvenated look.
If you’re interested in a skin resurfacing treatment with no downtime but find yourself overwhelmed with too many options, a great place to start is with Dermaplaning.
This gentle, minimalist beauty treatment is for everyone, but most benefits those with hyperpigmentation, skin congestion issues, and who love wearing makeup.
While it’s a quick, painless procedure, there are things to keep in mind before scheduling your first session.
Read on for important things you should know before booking an appointment for Dermaplaning near you.
1. Fancy name, simple process
Compared to more high-tech medical treatments, Dermaplaning involves precious few bells and whistles: a trained professional simply shaves your face with a tiny, surgical-grade razor, lightly removing outer layers of skin and the super-fine peach fuzz, known as vellus hair that grows on our faces. Thanks to this gentle exfoliation, which sweeps away the dead skin cells that give your face a dull cast, your skin appears brighter and smoother.
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2. You should only get it done by a professional
While there are at-home kits available, do-it-yourself Dermaplaning comes with risk. Only a dermatologist or aesthetician who has been trained in the technique will have access to the most precise equipment, and will be able to avoid areas on your skin, like rosacea or rough patches, that won’t respond well to exfoliation. Home kits may be cheaper, but at the end of the day, it’s best to leave this to the pros.
3. It’s not dermabrasion
Though they sound similar in name, Dermaplaning does not use the rough exfoliating crystals or suction of dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, and doesn’t carry the same risk of scarring and infection. If you’ve heard about the side effects of dermabrasion (or seen this disturbing photo of Kim Kardashian after a so-called “vampire facial”), rest assured that Dermaplaning is quite a different process, and does not draw blood.
4. It doesn’t hurt
Dermaplaning is not intended to cut the skin, but rather to skim off already-dead skin. Like shaving any other part of the body, you may feel a light grazing sensation, but in the hands of a trained professional, you should feel no pain.
5. It can enhance other treatments
Many clients use Dermaplaning as a pre-treatment before chemical peels, masks, and light treatments, as it allows for deeper penetration of the products used. Ask your aesthetician for Dermaplaning followed by LED light therapy and a hydrating mask for maximum healing results.
6. It increases cell turnover
Dermaplaning works its magic by increasing cell turnover, meaning that newer skin comes to the surface, faster. This is what yields that baby-smooth texture and luminous look you see on Dermaplaning regulars like Julianne Hough and Kaley Cuoco.
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7. It also removes hair
A big part of Dermaplaning’s appeal is that it doesn’t just remove skin–it also gets rid of tiny vellus hairs and other unwanted facial hair. It’s especially popular among pregnant and postpartum women for this reason; surging hormones during and after pregnancy can often cause new facial hair to sprout up in unexpected places, like your chin and cheeks.
8. Your hair won’t grow back coarser or thicker
Contrary to popular belief, shaving your leg hair does not make it grow back thicker or wirier, ditto facial peach fuzz. After they grow back in, you may feel the blunted edges of the hairs more than you did before the treatment, but they are still the same thickness and texture.
9. It’s a “lunch break” treatment
Unlike invasive dermatological procedures that require hours in the recliner and a long recovery period, Dermaplaning is workday-friendly. It can be done in as little as 30 minutes, with virtually no time needed to recuperate. Be advised that some women experience redness in the hours after treatment; for those with sensitive skin, it’s best to book your appointment at least a day before an event or public appearance.
10. You will need to wear sunscreen afterward
Like any exfoliating treatment that exposes new layers of skin, Dermaplaning will make you more sensitive to sunlight, and you should wear a broad-spectrum sunblock for at least 48 hours after treatment (though you should be wearing it every day). You may also want to avoid direct sun exposure up to a week before treatment; your aesthetician won’t perform the procedure on sunburned skin.
11. It can be done as frequently as once or twice per month
While the radiant, smooth skin from a Dermaplaning treatment can last up to a week, doctors recommend waiting at least two weeks to a month between sessions. Exfoliating too frequently can result in dry, irritated skin and even breakouts, which you should look out for when incorporating Dermaplaning into your regular beauty routine. Everyone’s skin responds to treatments differently, so you should listen to your body to determine what interval is right for you.
It’s important to prepare properly before your appointment to avoid irritating your skin. Doctors advise against applying chemical or physical exfoliants like scrubs, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA formulas 5 days before treatment. You’ll want to avoid scheduling any injectables within a week of Dermaplaning, and you may find your usual waxing or sugaring appointment unnecessary.
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13. Protective aftercare matters
Remember that your skin will be extra absorbent after Dermaplaning, so be mindful of what you apply to it. This is a great time to hydrate and further brighten the skin with hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C serum. As mentioned above, do your best to avoid the sun for at least a few days, and wait a week to exfoliate again.
14. You should avoid it if you have an active breakout
While Dermaplaning can help prevent acne by removing hair and dead skin that trap oil inside pores, it won’t help calm an existing breakout. Shaving over an inflamed cyst or pustule puts you at risk of infection.
15. It lightens acne scars
That said, it can work wonders for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or the reddish, brownish, or blackish marks leftover from acne, as well as other pigmentation issues like age spots and sun spots. Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin cells overproduce melanin in reaction to inflammation or injury, such as acne or lesions, and can affect anyone, though darker-complected people are more vulnerable. By scraping off surface layers of skin, you remove the pigmented cells and welcome less melanated skin to the surface, lightening the marks over time.
16. Unblocks blackheads
Dermaplaning can help solve your peskiest skin issues, like blackheads on your nose, cheeks, and chin. In fact, this beauty blogger’s tutorial went viral after she revealed her Dermaplaning-inspired method of shaving her nose before applying foundation.
17. Evens skin texture for better makeup application
After a Dermaplaning treatment, you may notice that your foundation goes on incredibly smoothly and looks seamless, even without a primer. Without all the hair and dead cells texturizing the surface of your skin, you’ll have a silky-smooth canvas for your makeup. Just remember to wait a day before applying makeup, to avoid irritation.
18. It’s been around for years
If you’re nervous about trying a new treatment, rest assured that Dermaplaning has been around for decades. According to Hollywood legend, Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, and Elizabeth Taylor all shaved their faces to get their baby-smooth skin.
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19. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny
At $150 to $250 per visit, this treatment costs more than your basic facial. But you may find the radiant results more than offset the price tag. After all, you can’t put a price on beauty.
20. Be sure to look for cost-saving value deals online
If full-price Dermaplaning is out of your current budget, try browsing Groupon for reduced-price deals for clinics and medspas in your area. It also doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on your favorite spa’s social media or website for any special deals and seasonal sales they may run throughout the year.
So…
Starting with a noninvasive, simple, and pain-free treatment like Dermaplaning is a great way to dip your toe into the world of professional beauty regimens. But, Dermaplaning still offers benefits to the most seasoned beauty aficionado.
Dermaplaning has become a widely popular service, with practitioners located throughout the world. You can even have estheticians give you’re your Dermaplaning service in your home. When searching for providers, be sure to narrow your list to dermatologists or licensed aestheticians to get the most out of your session.
