I’m not into the trendy beauty treatment thing because let’s face it, most of the trendy stuff that goes around is too good to be true and I don’t have the time for it. One of my favorite Instagrammers, Abby with The Chic Mamas, works in the dermatology field, and she’s straight forward about things which has made her a “go-to” especially when it comes to skincare. A few months back, during quarantine she shared a DIY option for dermaplaning at home to get smooth skin. I had never heard of it prior to Abby’s explanation and always thought that if you were to “shave” the hair on your face it would come back thicker and with a vengeance. I was happy to find out that wasn’t the case and about all of the healthy skin benefits that dermaplaning offers.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves shaving your face with a single blade (resembles a scalpel) to help remove the dead skin cells and peach fuzz. By removing the top layer of skin (the dead skin cells) it allows skincare products to absorb better and helps to boost collagen production which decreases fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermaplaning is performed with (very sharp) surgical scalpels by professionals in a dermatologist office.
Why is Dermaplaning Important?
Over time, your skin builds up dead skin cells on your face which can lead to breakouts and dull skin. It takes care of the layers (and layers) of dead skin cells that are just hanging out on your face. For some, peach fuzz can add a slightly dingy look to skin especially around the hairline, ears and chin. When that is removed it can allow for skin to be more even toned.
What’s the Difference Between Professional Treatment and DIY?
Rachel Roff, CEO and Founder of UrbanSkinRX, explains “In a professional office setting, such as a dermatologist office or medical spa, the treatment is performed by a licensed aesthetician using a surgical blade that you can only purchase with a license, with this professional-grade blade, clients receive deeper exfoliation that wouldn’t normally get when they perform it themselves. Plus, in-office treatments provide additional treatments clients can add to their treatment to achieve optimal results.”
What are the Side Effects of Dermaplaning?
I know what you’re probably wondering. Will it make the hair grow back thicker? The answer is no. As explained by Dara Levy, the founder of Dermaflash, “The hair on a woman’s face is called vellus hair (a.k.a peach fuzz) and is soft and fine, the hair on a man’s face is called terminal hair and each piece is like a strand of copper wire. [Dermaplaning] removes the fuzz just above the surface of the skin and does not (and cannot) impact the growth, color or texture of a woman’s facial hair.”
Tools Needed for At-Home Dermaplaning
These Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool work great and they are only $4.99 on Amazon!
How to Dermaplaning at Home-
- First, you will thoroughly cleanse and dry your skin.
- Next, take your blade in one hand and place it at the jawline. Hold the skin tight/taut with your opposite hand. Then stroke the dermaplaning tool in short, feathery like strokes downward. Continue until you have covered the full cheek and jawline area on both sides.
- Repeat on the lip, chin, nose, forehead, and neck. Do not repeat strokes on an area you have already covered.
- Once you’re done, apply your treatment product or your moisturizer. You can repeat these steps every 3-4 days. Some people find that they are happy with doing it every 2-3 weeks so it depends on your preference.
# Tips and Reminders for Dermaplaning at Home
- It’s also important to note if you have any breakouts you want to skip those areas or wait until your skin has cleared up before trying this at home.
- If you have sensitive skin this at-home treatment may not be for you
- Because you have just exfoliated your skin, you’ll want to be careful with your sun exposure.
I love this at-home option because it’s one less appointment that I have to try and get to (or make time for) and it’s an easy way to practice some self-care at home. It makes skin feel super soft as it removes pore-clogging dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Plus, there aren’t worries of the hair coming back thicker, is a huge relief!
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