Keeping skin smooth, soft, and glowing involves finding the right combination of treatments. For many, that means fitting dermaplaning facials into their skincare routine. According to Ms. Tori Burns, Certified Physician Assistant at the Center for Aesthetic and Laser Medicine in Tyler, Texas, “Dermaplaning facials are a great way to improve the overall appearance of skin tone and texture. For my patients who struggle with chronic skin conditions like acne and eczema, dermaplaning can help to prevent flareups, and when you dermaplane regularly, treatments for these conditions can be more readily absorbed by the skin.” Ready to incorporate dermaplaning facials into your skincare routine? Keep reading to find out more about this treatment option and how often you should dermaplane.
What is Dermaplaning?
According to Ms. Burns, “Skin cells regenerate about once a month, but just because there are new skin cells doesn’t mean the body automatically gets rid of the old skin cells. That’s where exfoliation and treatments like dermaplaning are beneficial. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that uses a scalpel or sharp blade to create an even skin tone and texture by removing dead skin cells and vellus hairs, this is the technical term for peach fuzz.” This treatment may be recommended to improve the appearance of skin in general. It’s also used as a way to combat the adverse effects of acne, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions as well as improving the appearance of skin issues like hyperpigmentation and sun damage. In most cases, patients receive dermaplaning treatments on the face, chin, and neck.
What are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?
There are numerous options to help improve the skin’s appearance, from facials to cosmetic surgery, and each option has its advantages. If you’re still trying to determine whether or not dermaplaning is the right option for your skincare needs, consider the following benefits of dermaplaning facials:
- Dermaplaning gives patients healthy, softer skin without harsh exfoliants that can irritate and cause inflammation
- Collagen production increases following dermaplaning, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars as well as promoting skin elasticity
- Removal of dead skin cells and leaving healthy cells exposed, so they can absorb skincare products used to treat chronic skin conditions, improve appearance, or generally keep skin healthy
- Unlike more advanced cosmetic dermatology options, dermaplaning is gentle, and it requires no downtime
- Dermaplaning works for any skin type. Even people with sensitive skin can receive this treatment without adverse effects
- Acne breakouts and clogged pores can be prevented when patients dermaplane as part of their regular skincare routine
- After you dermaplane, you’ll notice that cosmetics apply evenly and you don’t see areas where makeup clumps or accumulates
Am I a Candidate for Dermaplaning?
According to Ms. Burns, “One of the best things about dermaplaning is that it works for all skin types and sensitive skin, and it delivers a range of benefits for skin health. However, you should speak with a dermatologist about your specific concerns and treatment goals prior to beginning a dermaplaning regimen. They can guide you through the process to help you determine if dermaplaning is the best solution to meet your needs.”
Dermaplaning works for men and women of any age with any skin tone or type, helping patients to achieve a variety of results. If you want to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for a dermaplaning facial before you visit your dermatologist, consider your answers to the following questions:
- Do you struggle with uneven skin tone and texture that isn’t improved with other regular skincare products or treatments?
- Does your makeup look patchy or uneven no matter how much primer you use?
- Do skincare products seem to sit on the surface of your skin without being absorbed, causing your daily care routine to take longer and seem less effective?
- Are patches of dry skin and/or peach fuzz leaving you feeling insecure about your appearance?
- Do you have mild wrinkling and age spots or other cosmetic concerns you would like to address with a conservative treatment option?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, schedule a consultation visit with your dermatologist to discuss the potential benefits of dermaplaning to improve your skin health.
How Does Dermaplaning Work?
The dermaplaning process starts with a consultation visit. During this initial appointment, you’ll discuss your treatment goals with the dermatologist, explore your options, and create a plan to achieve healthy, beautiful skin. If you and your dermatologist determine that dermaplaning is the best solution, you’ll start the preparation process. This may include discontinuing the use of products that chemically exfoliate skin about two weeks before you dermaplane. Additionally, you’ll need to stop physically exfoliating (using scrubs and exfoliating brushes) about a week before treatment. The week before treatment you should also avoid all hair removal (waxing, plucking, and shaving your face) and limit your sun exposure. If you don’t already apply sunscreen each day, you need to do so before dermaplaning facial treatment. You also want to make sure your skin is moisturized before a dermaplaning appointment, so drink plenty of water to hydrate skin from the inside out and apply topical moisturizers at least twice a day. If you notice any cuts, sores, or wounds in the days leading up to your dermaplaning facial, you may need to reschedule your appointment.
On the day of your dermaplaning treatment, clean your skin using a gentle cleanser. Do not apply any makeup or cosmetic products. The dermatologist will carefully examine your skin and apply preparatory products. Then, the dermatologist will use a surgical-grade blade to carefully exfoliate the outer layers of skin and fine hairs. The dermaplaning process is painless, so you shouldn’t feel anything but some gentle movement across the surface of the skin. Depending on the treatment area, a dermaplaning facial typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
How Often Should You Dermaplane?
Each person’s specific dermaplaning needs are different, so it’s important to work with a dermatologist to develop a specific plan to achieve and maintain your desired results. Most patients should dermaplane about once a month for ideal results. Since the body naturally replaces skin cells each month, this ensures the old cells are removed and new, healthy skin cells are visible. In some cases, more or less frequent visits may be recommended based on the patient’s specific needs. Your dermatologist will want to monitor your skin after dermaplaning and adjust your treatment plan according to how long the results last. Ms. Burns says, “Consistency is really important to ensure the optimal effects of dermaplaning treatments. In addition to committing to regular retreatment, patients should follow a thorough skincare routine at home to improve the efficacy of dermaplaning and maintain the results as long as possible.”
Can I Dermaplane at Home?
According to Ms. Burns, “The simple answer is no. Patients shouldn’t attempt dermaplaning at home. Actually, most at-home dermaplaning tools are just dry shaving kits. While this will remove some of your dead skin cells and vellus hairs, it doesn’t necessarily give you the same level of precision and efficacy possible with in-office treatments. You’ll likely still see uneven skin tone and texture since not all dead skin cells will be removed. Additionally, professionals use dermaplaning tools that are surgical-grade and can be used safely and effectively unlike at home dermaplaning tools that may cause irritation or damage to the skin.”
Schedule Your Dermaplaning Facial at U.S. Dermatology Partners
When you’re ready to get started, contact the skilled, board-certified dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners to schedule a dermaplaning treatment consultation. You can get started with scheduling your appointment by filling out our online request form. Once we receive your form, a dermatology team member from an office location near you will be in touch to review the details and confirm your appointment.
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