Is dermaplaning just shaving under another name or is it something different?
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic facial treatment that utilizes a #10 scalpel blade held at a 45 degree angle to gently remove dead skin and hair (fuzz) from your face, nose and forehead. Since the blade is only used superficially on the skin, there should be no bleeding. A professional dermaplaning session may also include the use of other equipment and may last around 30-45 minutes, give or take.
The process has been used in the modelling industry for some time and over the past few years has become more popular commercially, too. Now many dermatologists and other skincare clinics around the world offer the procedure along with other skincare options.
And yes, dermaplaning is popular with men. Men have skin too and males are certainly allowed to get facials and other facecare procedures just like women even if some don’t think so.
A complete dermaplaning appointment includes a number of other steps as we’ll discuss below.
Dermaplaning Benefits
The main advertised benefits of dermaplaning include the following:
- Several stages of deep cleansing to remove oils, dead skin, dirt and other debris from your skin to clear and open pores.
- The removal of dead skin cells from the top layer of skin on your face.
- The removal of vellus hair (peach fuzz as it’s known) from your skin typically from your upper cheeks, nose, forehead and eyebrow areas.
- A gentle exfoliation of your face.
- Rejuvenation of the skin ie. remove the effects of sun damage, acne scarring.
- Reduction in the signs of aging ie. remove fine wrinkles on the skin.
- Overall fresher, clearer and smoother skin.
- Easier absorption of moisturizers and other skincare products now that your skin is cleaner.
When done properly by a licensed professional practitioner such as a dermatologist, the process should not hurt nor have any side effects that require healing time. You may also find the service is offered by a Medical Aesthetician or Physician Assistant at some clinics.
Dermaplaning Process
The actual dermaplaning process may differ slightly depending on the practitioner you use. As with any service, some providers are better, more thorough, more skilled and more expensive that others.
A typical high quality dermaplaning practitioner might perform a procedure like this:
Step 1: A cleansing milk or wash is applied to the face to wash away surface oil, dirt etc and clean the skin to be treated. The excess is then wiped off the skin. The purpose of this cleaning is to do exactly that: cleanse the skin prior to the actual dermaplaning process and to remove surface inpurities from your skin.
Step 2: A hydrating cleaning gel is then applied to the face and massaged into the skin. It too is then wiped off the skin.
Step 3: A toner is then applied to the face and massaged into the skin. Toners are applied to skin following cleansing and serve the purpose of wiping away remaining oil, dirt and other debris not removed by the cleanser. The toner is typically a natural product possibly containing an ingredient like lavender, free of alcohol and with astringent and anti-bacterial properties. A toner may alternatively be applied later on in the process following use of the scalpel.
Step 4: Now the actual dermaplaning process itself begins. A sterile medical scapel is used to remove dead skin as well as small hairs and fuzz on the face that may not be removed by shaving or are on a part of the face that you typically don’t shave. Commonly it will remove small hairs on your nose, upper cheeks and around the eyebrows. In addition to removing small hairs, the use of the scalpel also removes dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, clearing pores and rejuvenating the skin.
Step 5: An enzyme exfoliator is then applied to the face and massaged into the skin. It is then wiped away from the skin. The purpose of an exfoliator is to remove any remaining dead skin that our body’s own naturally occurring process of dead skin elimination didn’t get rid of. Any dead skin that was loosened by the dermaplaning process gets removed at this time.
Step 6: A facial steamer is used to gently steam the face and a cleaning scrub is then conducted using a device that gently scrapes away more dead skin and debris. Steam opens the pores of our skin and the scrubber is then able to penetrate and further clean the skin.
Step 7: A jelly mask or other product may then be applied to the face for further cleansing. The mask goes on damp like a paste, is allowed to dry and set, and is then peeled off the face after a period of time. The purpose of a mask is to attach to the skin and when removed, gently removes more impurities and dead skin. The mask used may be a professional product only available to licensed practitioners.
Step 8: A moisturizer is then applied to the face to complete the process. A sunscreen may also be applied. Applying a moisturizer is a key aspect of at the completion of the entire dermaplaning procedure. Typically, moisturizers and other skincare products aren’t able to fully penetrate our skin when pores are blocked and oil and dirt has built up on our face. Now that the dermaplaning procedure has removed them along with the dead skin, we’re able to receive benefits from the moisturizer now that our skin is clear and cleansed. A typical moisturizer will again be a natural product and most likely containing essential oils. Commonly, lavender, shea butter, vitamin E and other ingredients are used at this stage to offer anti-ageing, moisturizing and collagen producing functions.
Depending on your practitioner, the process and steps involved might differ. Best to check ahead of time so ensure you’re getting what you want in terms of each step.
You’ll notice that in the series of procedures described above, the actual dermaplaning process itself is one step surrounded by a series of cleansing and cleaning steps. Pre and post cleaning and cleansing is key to fully removing layers of dirt, oil and debris from your skin so if you pick a dermaplaning procedure that skimps on the cleaning part, you may be missing out. It’s kind of like jogging for an hour and then covering yourself in body spray and deodorant to hide the body odor rather than showering first.
Is Dermaplaning Just Shaving?
Commonly, people who research the process of dermaplaning ask themselves if dermaplaning is just shaving under a different name. If you go through the detailed list of steps noted above, you can see that while dermaplaning could be just shaving if steps are eliminated, the actual process is much more detailed, when done correctly.
One of the key parts of dermaplaning is what happens before the actual dermaplaning process involving the scalpel. Deep cleansing the skin before the dermaplaning process and moisturizing afterwards is key. A professional practitioner will use a number of steps to deep cleanse the skin and further eliminate dead skin cells before the actual dermaplaning process has begun.
What Is Dermaplaning Good For?
Other than the benefits listed above, the overarching benefit of dermaplaning is that it cleanses the skin and allows for deeper penetration of skincare products like moisturizers that you apply to your skin following the procedure.
Dermaplaning also assists your skin’s natural exfoliating process by removing the dead skin cells that routinely occur on an ongoing basis.
What Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
People with overly sensitive skin should discuss the process with your dermatologist before the procedure beforehand. Having said that, someone with sensitive skin could actually benefit from the process when you choose a skilled professional exfoliating your skin properly.
Dermaplaning is generally not suitable for people with severe acne, rosacea, eczema, cold sores and other skin concerns.
Is Dermaplaning For Men Too?
Yes, it is. Men may benefit from the procedure the same way as woman do since we have many of the same issues as woman have that dermaplaning tackles. And since we tend to have more hair on our face that might be unwanted, dermaplaning can help with that too.
Men tend to have oilier skin than women and if you do, dermaplaning that involves deep cleansing can be very beneficial to you.
What Happens If You Stop Dermaplaning?
The peach fuzz hair that was removed will start to grow back and the same conditions you experienced prior to the procedure being done will return. Similar to a facial or other procedure, the benefits do last for a period before you may be ready to go back for another procedure to keep the benefits.
How Often Should I Get Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning removes up to 21 days of dead skin cells and it’s often suggested that you do dermaplaning once each month although not more frequently. That way your body is still able to complete it’s own natural skin rejuvenation schedule.
Having said that, if you generally have clear skin, don’t have oily skin and have a good washing regimen, you may only need one treatment. You may also choose to do several visits but over a longer period of time. Discuss with your chosen practitioner for advice.
Can You Have Dermaplaning Regret?
Side effects are rare when the procedure is done properly by a professional in a clinic that specializes in the process.
Low risk side effects may include a temporary reddening of the skin and possibly some whiteheads the day after the procedure similar to whiteheads that often appear after waxing or other hair removal procedures.
Higher risk side effects in rare cases may include infection and scarring. While they don’t commonly occur, they can happen.
Despite what you may have heard, dermaplaning (as with shaving in general) does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker. It will grow back the same way since hair growth is based on genetics.
Most of the regret could be when you attempt to do the procedure yourself at home. Speaking of which…
Can I Do Dermaplaning Myself?
Sure you can do dermaplaning yourself. Just like you can change the oil on your car, paint your house and give yourself a haircut.
You can also give yourself a facial, dye your hair and do other things at home. In these instances the only downside might be the time and effort involved compared to the money you’re saving by doing it yourself.
Should you do dermaplaning yourself?
Look at the above series of steps. In particular, focus on the part that involves running a sharp blade across your face and ask again if you should do this yourself or pay a professional to do it while you lie down, relax and leave it in the hands of a pro.
Do you also have all the cleansing and cleaning products required to do a decent job?
How Much Does Dermaplaning Cost?
The bottom line…how much does this whole thing cost?
You can expect to pay $150-$250 for a detailed dermaplaning session like the one discussed above. You might find cheaper options when you receive less and you may find options that are higher in price.
What Can I Expect From A Dermaplaning Session?
I decided the best way to answer this question would be to go right to the source. Namely to a provider of dermaplaning who offers this service. Here’s the response I got from New York City’s Sacred Skincare when I asked them to explain their dermaplaning process and what I could expect from a treatment:
Dermaplaning is a simple and safe procedure that utilizes a single-use surgical blade to manually exfoliate the outer layer of the dermis (skin). It also removes the skin of vellus hair (peach fuzz). This is a quick and painless procedure that helps to improve the absorption of products and give your skin a healthy glow. It cannot be performed over areas with breakouts or coarser facial hair. As for side effects, you may experience some redness immediately after which usually subsides soon after. It’s also possible to experience some light flaking and on occasion, people can experience one or two breakouts. It’s important to avoid working out for 24 hours following and keep your skin protected with SPF. Any retinoids or acids should be stopped one week prior to your session.
Sacred Skincare, NYC
Conclusion
- If you’re wondering is dermaplaning just shaving, check out the steps typically involved in a professional dermaplaning session and you’ll see that the process is far more involved.
- Dermaplaning began as a process used in the modelling industry but is now more widely and commercially available for women and men, offered by dermatologists and other skincare providers.
- The main benefits of dermaplaning are a deep cleansing and exfoliation of your skin which makes it easier for moisturizers to penetrate your skin.
- Dermaplaning also removes dead skin cells and vellus hair from your skin and may also offer anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation benefits.
- While you can do dermaplaning yourself, you can see from the steps above that paying a professional to do the process is a better and safer choice.
- While side effects are rare, infection and scarring could occur in some cases.
- As with other shaving and hair removal methods, dermaplaning does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker.
Have you had dermaplaning done before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!