Dermaplaning
An amazing treatment that skims dead skin and hair from your face.
Dermaplaning is a method of exfoliation that consists of using a 10 gauge scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells which leaves the skin smoother and with a brighter complexion.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning aims to make your skin’s surface smooth, youthful, and radiant. This treatment claims to remove deep scarring from acne and uneven pockmarks on your skin. It’s also used to remove “peach fuzz,” the short, soft hairs on your face.
Dermaplaning can be used for any skin type and anyone with:
- Acne scars
- Dull skin
- Dry skin
- Sun-damaged skin
- Fine wrinkles
Dermaplaning Fast Facts
- Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of your skin. The procedure aims to remove fine wrinkles and deep acne scarring, as well as make the skin’s surface look smooth.
- Dermaplaning is safe for most people, with little risk of side effects when it’s performed by a certified dermatologist.
- This procedure doesn’t require any downtime for recovery, which makes it extremely convenient. The most difficult part may be finding a trained provider who can administer this treatment.
- Dermatologists say this treatment is effective for people looking to make their skin appear more youthful, smooth, and bright, but results typically only last three weeks.
How It Works
If you look at the tool used for dermaplaning treatments, you may notice it looks like a razor you would use on your body hair.
The basic concept of dermaplaning is the same as shaving. By aiming a sterile blade at a 45-degree angle and dragging it slowly across your skin, you remove dead cells, scar tissue, and other debris that may be making your skin’s surface look uneven.
Your skin is exposed daily to harsh environmental toxins, irritants, and sun damage. This can cause the top layer of your skin to appear dull, and it can make you look aged.
Dermaplaning clears away those damaged skin cells so newer skin cells are what you see when you look in the mirror.
Reports on how effective dermaplaning is are mostly anecdotal. Everyone has different results, and it’s hard to objectively quantify whether the treatment is a success or not.
The Procedure
- During a dermaplaning procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain. You may feel a tingling sensation during the treatment.
- First, you’ll lie down on your provider’s chair in a clean, comfortable room. Sedation options may be available, and these often include a numbing spray or local anaesthesia combined with an oral sedative or rarely general anaesthesia.
- After you’re relaxed, your provider will use an electronic or manual dermaplaning tool to scrape over your skin at a 45-degree angle. This will continue for 20 to 30 minutes, on average, as your provider gently works to exfoliate the skin.
- After the treatment is finished, your provider will soothe your skin with a substance like aloe. They will also apply sunscreen to protect your face.
Risks and Side Effects
Dermaplaning is a low-risk procedure. Side effects may include slight redness in your face in the hours after getting the treatment. Some people develop whiteheads on their skin in the day or two after dermaplaning.
Another possible side effect is a patchy skin pigment in the area where you have the procedure, which may decrease or disappear as time goes on.
Preparing for Dermaplaning
Before you have a dermaplaning treatment, you’ll need to have a conversation with your provider. Your medical history, skin type, and skin colouring will be discussed, as well as the results you want.
If you have an active acne flare-up, you may need to reschedule your appointment to avoid irritating your skin further or tearing your skin’s surface.
You’ll also need to avoid direct sun exposure in the week prior to your appointment, as sun damage, such as sunburn, could compromise your skin and make the treatment painful.
Dermaplaning v Microdermabrasion
Dermaplaning and Microdermabrasion are both exfoliating skin treatments that claim to soothe your skin.
While dermaplaning uses a knife’s edge to remove dead skin cells, microdermabrasion “sands down” your skin using an abrasive surface. Fine particles may be directed at your face in a blast of air, or a special tool may make contact with your skin directly to exfoliate skin cells.
Both procedures are similar in their:
- Results
- Safety
- Possible side effects
- Costs
Microdermabrasion tends to involve several rounds of treatments, with results that can last several months.
If you’re deciding between these two procedures, your best bet is to speak with a dermatologist who can advise you based on what kind of results you’re expecting.
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