What Is Dermaplaning? How It Works, Benefits, and Risks

Delicious peaches might conjure up memories of decadent cobbler and warm summer days — or they may just remind you of the fine fuzz gracing your cheeks and upper lip. That’s where dermaplaning comes in handy. 

From benefits to side effects, here’s all you need to know about this latest facial trend.

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation treatment performed using a scalpel to gently scrape away dead skin cells and hair to reveal bright, beautiful skin. This professional cosmetic treatment — which is also referred to as microplaning or blading — is quick, painless, and requires virtually zero downtime. 

Almost anyone looking for youthful, radiant skin can benefit from dermaplaning. This procedure is most often used to treat:

• Acne scars

• Peach fuzz

• Dull skin

• Dry skin

• Sun-damaged skin

• Fine lines and wrinkles

While many beauty influencers across social media rave about dermaplaning as the new DIY “it” treatment for smooth, flawless skin, it’s best to leave this practice to the professionals. Performing this treatment without the proper tools and experience may result in cuts, scarring, irritation, or infection.

Schedule an appointment with Beauty Skin Bar to ensure your dermaplaning experience is as safe — and effective — as possible.

Is dermaplaning just shaving?

Not quite. While dermaplaning and shaving both work to remove peach fuzz, dermaplaning has the added benefits of exfoliating and brightening the skin. 

Instead of using a straight razor or multi-blade razor to shave the face, a skin care professional will opt for a scalpel blade or dermatome to remove the top layer of skin (the epidermis) when dermaplaning. Removing the epidermis is a bit more invasive than simply shaving, and is often done in combination with a moisturizing facial to help the skin recover faster. 

In other words, dermaplaning will remove your peach fuzz and exfoliate and smooth your skin, while shaving only removes facial hair. 

How does dermaplaning work?

Environmental toxins, irritants, and UV exposure wreak daily havoc on our skin, causing it to appear dull and aged. Dermaplaning removes those damaged cells to expose newer, healthier-looking skin. Using a sterile surgical scalpel or dermatome — a device that uses an oscillating blade to evenly skim off the superficial layers of your skin — a licensed professional will gently remove the top layer of skin, including dead skin cells and peach fuzz. 

While taking a blade to your face may sound daunting, this procedure shouldn’t hurt beyond a subtle stinging sensation. Some dermatologists may apply a numbing cream or local anesthesia to the area, but it isn’t necessary. A dermaplaning session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treated area. Treatment is usually followed by a soothing moisturizing cream or facial to calm irritation and redness.

By using physical exfoliation to trigger the cell regeneration process, dermaplaning can improve the appearance of stubborn acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin. 

Schedule your first dermaplaning facial for professional results

Dermaplaning is more than just a hot new skincare trend — when performed by a professional, this minimally invasive treatment can have incredible results for those struggling with dull skin or minor skin imperfections.

Now that you know the benefits and risks of dermaplaning, it’s time to book a skincare consultation with Beauty Skin Bar. Please call (571) 564-5656 or book online.