What is a dermaplaning facial?
If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, I’m sure you’ve come across dermaplaning. Demand for home dermaplaning tools has been booming during 2021.
But what exactly does it involve, is it a fad? and is it something you can do at home yourself? Keep reading, I’ll give you the low-down on everything you need to know before booking your first dermaplaning treatment.
To put it simply, dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment. Also known as microplanning or blading, dermaplaning uses a surgical scalpel to remove the top layer of your skin. The treatment is performed by a professional who uses a sterile surgical scalpel at a 45-degree angle to scrape the skin. It removes the top layer of skin, dead cells, and facial hair.
Face shaving?
Yes, you read me right– it removes the tiny hair you have on your face; some call it ‘pink fuzz’. Face shaving? In a way, it’s like shaving your face but with a tiny, precise, medical standard blade.
What about stubble? Will my hair grow back thicker and darker? Were the first questions I asked when I heard the words ‘shaving your face.’ Let’s bust that myth! Dermaplaning facials do not cause stubble or affect the texture of the hair. Facial hair growth is linked to your hormone cycle. Dermaplaning does not have an effect on the hair follicle and has zero effect on how your hair will grow back.
It’s not just Tik-Tok and Instagram beauty bloggers that are fans of dermaplaning facials. Full face shaving has been around for centuries in some cultures. Apparently, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth I, and Cleopatra all shaved their face. Once a taboo, full-face shaving is now a popular beauty trend to help you get beautifully smooth skin and a perfect flawless glow.
Before you jump on the latest lockdown Tik-Tok beauty trend, check out the 10 things you need to know about dermaplaning
10 things you need to know about dermaplaning
– #Brighter Healthier Looking Skin:
A dermaplaning facial is great for giving your face a glow. Dermaplaning is like an exfoliator on steroids. Expect clearer, brighter skin, a great post-lockdown treatment for dull, grey skin. After a long winter in lockdown, if your skin is like mine, in need of a fresh boost, and a healthy radiant glow. Dermaplaning Is for you.
– #Removes Dead Skin Cells:
Our skin is in a continuous process of shedding itself. Turning over dead skin cells and replacing them with fresh healthy cells. It’s a natural and normal process, although some environmental factors can cause a build-up of dead skin and cells. Such as dry skin, dehydration, make-up, climate changes, and some heating systems.
Dead skin and old cells can lead to blocked pores and cause acne and breakouts. Dermaplaning is a great way to unclog pores and hair follicles, leaving you with beautifully smooth skin. However, if you already have an active breakout dermaplaning should be avoided, as it can cause irritation.
– #Expect Immediate Results
Dermaplaning is a great option if you want to see an immediate difference. Expect to see serious results straight after your first appointment. I’m talking clean, clear, and smoother-looking skin.
– #Anti-Aging
It is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring. Exfoliation is an effective anti-aging tool for older skin. As we get older the skin’s natural shedding process slows down. Incorporating dermaplaning into your routine is a great way to combat the effects of dry skin and slow skin turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines. With that said, have realistic expectations – it’s not going to have any effect on deep-set wrinkles.
– #Quick
Dermaplaning is a quick treatment, it usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It’s pain-free and has no downtime.
– #Not suitable for everyone
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, active acne, cold sores, or any other skin conditions dermaplaning is not for you. It can irritate existing conditions and cause further flare-ups.
– #Redness / Sun sensitivity
After the treatment expect to have some redness in the skin and as with other exfoliates it can make you more sensitive to the sun. Dermaplaning removes the protective layer of skin to avoid UV exposure. Make sure you use sunscreen or an SPF moisturizer, the higher SPF the better.
– #Risks
Although dermaplaning is a low-risk treatment, certain skin types are prone to whiteheads and breakouts. Usually occurring 1 or 2 days after a dermaplaning facial. Although, no further action should clear it up on its own.
– #Cost & Duration
At £65 – £120, a treatment dermaplaning isn’t the cheapest option out there, particularly as the benefits don’t last very long. The benefits of dermaplaning are said to last 2-4 weeks. It’s recommended you wait 3 to 4 weeks before having a repeat treatment.
– #Darker skin tones
Dermaplaning is suitable for all skin tones, unlike some laser treatments and peels that are not suitable for darker skin tones.
First Treatment – What to expect.
If you choose to get a treatment at a spa or salon, it will be performed by a licensed professional, doctor, nurse practitioner, dermatologist, or licensed beautician. The treatment Is performed lying down. Most practitioners will give you a numbing solution to be sprayed to the face prior to the treatment. An electronic dermaplaning tool is then used to lightly scrape over the face, starting in one area, and working around the entire face.
The whole treatment last’s for about 20 – 30 mins and is usually followed up with a serum and moisturizer. The treatment is pain-free with no downtime.
Recovery after Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning doesn’t have a significant downtime. It’s pretty normal to have an appointment at lunch and go right back to work after the treatment is done for 40 minutes. It can make your skin slightly red afterwards and it is recommended to not apply make-up straight away. The skin barrier is more easily damaged after a treatment and should be managed by using hyaulorinc acid and moisturizing creams and moisturizing products like serums. It’s usually recommended to wait several hours before applying make-up.
Dermaplaning facials are not just available in the salon. We have many options for home dermaplaning. If you are thinking about a home dermaplaning facial, make sure you check out my next blog post where I will review the best home dermaplaning tools.
Now I’ve given you the low-down on dermaplaning, tell me your thoughts? Will dermaplaning be your next treatment?