Dermaplaning is an exfoliation technique that involves shaving away the outermost layer of skin with a blade. The process can make skin look dewy and fresh, but it’s important to review safety considerations to avoid any dermaplaning regrets.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive skincare procedure. The goal is to remove the upper layers of skin to reduce the appearance of lines, sun damage, and scarring from acne. Your healthcare provider will use a special blade to carefully remove the top layer of skin. This process will also remove the peach fuzz hair on the face.
Dermaplaning can reduce the appearance of:1
- Acne scars
- Actinic keratosis (patches of scaly skin that can lead to skin cancer)
- Dull or dry skin
- Vellus (peach fuzz) hair on your face
- Sun damage
- Fine lines
After dermaplaning, your skin may look younger and smoother. Some people find that dermaplaning provides a better surface for applying makeup.
What To Expect During a Dermaplaning Treatment
Your provider will clean your skin before treatment. You may want to use a numbing cream to ease discomfort, though most people don’t find the treatment painful. Your provider will move a tool called a dermatome across your face, which uses an oscillating blade to remove the surface layer of skin.
After treatment, they might apply a soothing cream or gel to your skin. Your skin may be red and tender after the treatment. Cool compresses or an over-the-counter pain reliever can reduce discomfort.2
How Often Should You Do Dermaplaning?
The effects of dermaplaning are temporary. They typically last about three to four weeks. You need additional treatments to maintain results, but you should wait at least two weeks between sessions.3
Dermaplaning costs anywhere from $75 to $250 per treatment.4
Risks of Dermaplaning
As with any skin treatment, there is a risk of side effects, including:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Breakouts after treatment.
You should not get dermaplaning if you have certain skin conditions, such as:5
- Active acne breakouts
- Cold sore outbreak
- Eczema
- Moles, freckles, or skin tags
- Psoriasis
- Skin rashes
At-Home Dermaplaning
There are home dermaplaning tools available. Experts don’t recommend performing dermaplaning on yourself. The tools must be clean enough to prevent infection, and blades can damage skin if used improperly. Mistakes with home dermaplaning can lead to skin barrier damage, injury, infection, and scarring.6
If you choose to undergo dermaplaning, discuss your medical history and skincare goals with your provider first. They can help you decide if dermaplaning is the right procedure for you.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic: “Dermaplaning.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Dermaplaning.”
- Byrdie: “What Is Dermaplaning?”
- Aedit: “How Much Does Dermaplaning Cost?”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Dermaplaning.”
- HealthLine: “Everything You Want to Know About Dermaplaning.”