Dermaplaning 

Professional dermaplaning uses a clinic-grade razor, which makes for a more precise treatment and more noticeable, longer-lasting results. At-home dermaplaning tools may not be as effective as a professional treatment and come with the risk of cutting the skin if used improperly.

Dermaplaning only targets the top outermost layer of dead skin, so it isn’t as effective as other exfoliating treatments, such as chemical peels or dermabrasion. The treatment may also cause redness, breakouts or risk infection. Dermaplaning should never be performed on skin with active blemishes or infection that may worsen the spread of condition.

Dermaplaning will not affect the colour, thickness or growth rate of your hair. Shaving the hair at the surface, as with dermaplaning, creates a “blunt” edge that may feel more coarse as it grows back, but this won’t impact the hair growth rate or composition. The only things that can impact hair growth or appearance are hormonal changes, certain medication or certain medical conditions.

Yes! Dermatologists recommend dermaplaning if you’re looking for a regular exfoliating treatment that targets dull skin, blemishes and the appearance of wrinkles. Because it only removes the outermost layer of dead skin, dermatologists will recommend this treatment to sensitive skin types.

Though minimally invasive, there are some things to avoid or limit for a few days post-treatment. Dermaplaning leaves the skin more susceptible to UV exposure and more sensitive to certain skincare. You should continue with regular sunscreen application and avoid skincare products that may irritate the skin for the first 48 hours after treatment.
You should also avoid:

• Using other forms of exfoliation, including scrubs, for a week.
• Saunas, steam rooms or intense exercise for 24 hours.
• Swimming pools with chlorine for 3 days post-treatment.

Professional dermaplaning facials are recommended no more than once a month to allow the skin to fully recover from the exfoliating effects of the treatment. Certain at-home devices can be used more frequently, up to once a week if skin is in good condition. Avoid dermaplaning if using other exfoliating treatments or devices such as acids, scrubs or exfoliating brushes to avoid over-exfoliating.

Dermaplaning is fine to use with retinol, but there are some precautions to take. Avoid using retinol a few days before a dermaplaning facial, and you can continue using retinol 2-3 days after treatment. Always consult with a skincare professional on personal recommendations when using retinol before and after dermaplaning.

Dermaplaning is best performed on cleansed, dry skin, as this allows you to see the skin and hair being removed to avoid too much pressure on the skin. For a professional facial the technician may use a serum or oil to reduce redness caused by friction.

Dermaplaning is a form of exfoliating treatment and, by removing dead skin cells, can help to speed skin cell turnover. In this way it can speed up the removal of pigmented cells that are a response to irritation or blemishes. It can’t however remove dark spots, moles or freckles that are in the deeper layers of the skin. For these cases, we recommend a laser treat or chemical peel.

Dermaplaining is not painful, but there can be an initial redness that goes away quickly. There may be bumps that are similar to shaving bumps, but this can be addressed by skincare products that comfort the skin.

Dermaplaning removers the uppermost layers of skin to smooth out skin texture, which can make the skin appear tighter. Dermaplaning doesn’t increase collagen production like other skin-tightening treatments.

Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells that have been visibly damaged by sun exposure and environmental aggressors, creating brighter, smoother skin. In doing this, dermaplaning also removes facial hair (or "peach fuzz"). Shaving, however, only removes vellus hair on the skin's surface and doesn't have any exfoliating effect. A dermaplaning device also has an angled blade that is less sharp than traditional razor blades so there is less risk of cutting the skin when removing hair.

Although the two are often confused there is little similarity between the two. Dermaplaning exfoliates by removing the uppermost layers of dead skin. Microblading is a tattooing technique where permanent pigment is added to the skin to, usually targeting eyebrows, eyes or lip lines.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing this procedure