By: Tyler Guitroz
It's likely you’ve been scrolling on Instagram or Tik Tok and seen a video of someone taking a razor to their face, and thought to yourself, “OH NO! Another crazy/weird fad!” Welllll, I can assure you, this treatment is not nearly as unusual as it looks. Hi! My name is Ty: Former Sephora Skin Consultant, present skincare enthusiast, and future glass-skin hopeful. Let me take you through the treatment that is known as Dermaplaning, and explain why I think it can make for a glorious addition to enhance your skincare routine and reach your skin goals, as it has mine.
SO... What IS Dermaplaning exactly?
Dermaplaning is a low risk, non-invasive, painless, exfoliating treatment that you can receive from an esthetician or dermatologist. A sterilized and very sharp blade is slowly glided at a 45-degree angle against the skin removing the stratum corneum (or top layer of the skin). This provides gentle exfoliation and also removes the fine hairs known as peach fuzz, which is likely to retain dirt and oil.
As a treatment, dermaplaning functions to stimulate cellular turnover, soften the skin, aid in the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth and lessen the appearance of scars, and remove skin-clogging elements from the surface of the skin. Dermaplaning can also be performed more frequently than other dermatological treatments that may render similar results.
What happens after this treatment?
Well, because of the efficiency of this type of exfoliation, it’s known and often recommended that dermaplaning be done before other treatments because of the resulting enhancement of absorption.. Treatments land facials (i.e. ZitSticka’s PRESS REFRESH, micro-needling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and even lasers may all have advanced results if dermaplaning happens first. Bonus prize: Better application of makeup because of the softness of newly dermaplaned skin! Think about it this way: If a carpenter builds a new dresser with a plank of wood, would they then apply the protective water seal and paint they before sanding the wood? No! They wouldn't dream of it. In this way, the combination of exfoliation by itself and dermaplaning will give the best possible results for anything you use to enhance the quality of your skin.
Also, if you do partake in this treatment, you should be mindful of the implications of removing the top layer of skin. That is to say, please...Please...PLEASE wear sunscreen. Though SPF is something that should be worn every darn day,, the use of exfoliating treatments should make us especially diligent with sunscreen as a means to combat sun sensitivity, discoloration, premature aging, and skin cancer.
So, who best benefits from dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is very low risk. In this way, it is suitable for most skin types. It is an incredibly gentle exfoliating treatment, which can benefit those who:
- Struggle with the strength of over-the-counter exfoliators
- Have super sensitive skin
- Are pregnant
- Would like deeper absorption of products or treatments (and who does want that? ;) )
What are the drawbacks/side effects of dermaplaning?
Drawbacks:
Cost can run anywhere from $90-250 depending on where treatment is received
Results and length of results vary depending on the hair-growth cycle
Is not as long-lasting as other hair-removal treatments as hair is not extracted from the root
Side Effects (the length of which is not mentioned because result varies from person to person):
- You will experience sensitivity to the sun immediately after treatment
- You may develop redness, tingling, or burning
- You may develop swelling or scabbing
- Whiteheads can appear after treatment
- Skin may appear patchy initially, but it is likely to subside with time
Dermaplaning is not suitable for those who:
- Have active cystic acne as it may cause additional irritation
- Have hirsutism: a condition wherein women develop excessive male-pattern hair growth
Do you have any experience with dermaplaning?
Every year, my birthdate is my dedicated “Spa Day”. I go to the spa and do what I want no matter the cost or location. This year, I visited Bella Sante Day Spa, in Boston wherein I had the most glorious mani-pedi, which was then followed by an amazing $90 dermaplaning experience. FYI, I have a particularly sensitive, annoying temperamental skin-type, that is prone to dryness and rashes (not breakouts). The dermaplaning as a treatment was painless and quite relaxing (after which I experienced some redness, minimal irritation, and a mild rash on my left jaw because I accidentally let my face graze one of my two cats—which I’m allergic to—earlier in the spring). Even seeing the hair scraped away at the end was super satisfying. I also opted for a hydrating treatment to follow the dermaplaning, which was the RIGHT choice. As I floated away to lunch blissfully glowing and confident, I could say then as I could now, that I will be making dermaplaning a part of my routine.
Conclusion
If the expense isn’t too much, then the experience is very much worth it (in my opinion). Dermaplaning can make for a great tool in your skin toolbox to help you reach your optimum skin appearance and health.
Have acne-prone skin? You might want to SWERVE away from these skincare ingredients 😬
