Should I get Dermaplaning treatment? Dermaplaning Pros and Cons

Different skincare treatments promise different results. Some will help even out your skin tone, others will help remove age spots. A dermaplaning treatment has anti-aging properties and helps with body hair removal.

Two birds with one stone. It can also help skin care products such as night creams or face oils to penetrate the skin better. And therefore be more efficient. Although unadvised on active acne, dermaplaning can help with acne scars.

It is a facial with a lot of benefits all the while having no downturn and being very convenient. Mostly known to help remove peach fuzz, you may not be aware of all the other skincare concerns it can treat.

We will review some of the pros and cons of dermaplaning to help you decide whether it's the right choice for you and the skin you're in

What is a dermaplaning facial?

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation method that requires the use of a sterile surgical scalpel to gently shave the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, dead skin layer, and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz

The skincare treatment makes the skin's surface look smoother and has no downtime. Thus, it is very convenient. Patients may go back to their daily skincare routine after their appointment. Results usually last three weeks.

The procedure is not invasive. It helps make the skin look smooth, youthful and radiant. Also called microplaning or blading, the treatment uses a blade to remove dead skin cells and hair from your face.

However, it can also be used to help with the following:

• acne scars
• dull skin
• dry skin
• sun-damaged skin
• fine wrinkles

How does it work?

Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade. Aimed at a 45-degree angle, it is slowly dragged across the skin. Dead skin cells, scar tissues as well as other debris will be removed in the process. The skin will thus look even and brighter.

Similar to shaving, dermaplaning can also be used for hair removal. Very light short hair on the skin will also be removed. A maximum exfoliation technique, it scraps particles and pollutants off in a gentle and painless manner.

The treatment also allows products and laser therapies to penetrate the skin more easily. In combination with other facial treatments, it can treat fine lines, scars and pigmentation issues more in depth.

The skin is exposed to harsh environmental toxins, irritants and sun damage. Not only does it make the skin appear dull but it can also make it look aged. Although only acting at the surface of the skin, dermaplaning clears aways dead skin and brings immediate results.

Compared to other hair-removal treatments like waxing and tweezing, dermaplaning can be a bit more expensive. And unlike waxing, dermaplaning does not fully remove hair from its follicle, so hairs might grow back a bit sooner than other methods. Furthermore, just as every individual has different skin types and sensitivities, every person has a different hair-growth cycle. Therefore, some individuals may find dermaplaning to be highly effective in staving off the onset of regrowth, whereas others may not notice a significant difference in delaying the natural process.

 

How much does dermaplaning cost?

You can expect to spend $150 to $250 per treatment, but you’ll notice a difference in your skin’s texture and tone immediately, so at least you know it’s potentially worth the price. And as with any beauty treatment, that price range will totally depend on where you’re located. 

It Can Get Expensive Though it's not as expensive as some hair removal treatments such as laser hair removal, derma planning is pricer than many others. If you do decide, therefore, to book this exfoliating treatment every four weeks, things could add up. Results Aren't Permanent/Long Lasting Unlike waxing or laser hair removal, dermaplaning will not give you long term results. 

Expect yours to last anywhere between two and four weeks depending on your skin type. Results May Differ The results of dermaplaning can differ greatly from client to client. This can depend on the condition of your skin, age, the thickness of your hair"

 

What are the risks and side effects?

Dermaplaning treats the top layers of the skin. It is a low-risk procedure and very safe for most people. Although rare, some side effects may include:

• Redness, in the hours after getting the facial.
• Irritation and itchiness.
• Whiteheads, a day or two after the treatment.
• Patchy skin pigment.

As with any exfoliating treatment, dermaplaning can result in some temporary side effects.

Breakouts

If you are prone to acne, dermaplaning can result in a fresh breakout. You can reduce your chances of a breakout by avoiding active acne when dermaplaning. As Swierczynska says, “Dermaplaning shouldn’t be performed on active acne, as it can easily spread the bacteria and cause another flare-up.”

Because dermaplaning removes a layer of skin, it can leave your face more exposed.

If your dermaplaning blade contains any bacteria or you have bacteria on your hands, you may be more likely to experience a breakout after your treatment.

Irritation

Dermaplaning can also cause irritation to your skin. After all, the procedure involves scraping a blade across your skin.

For 1 or 2 days after your dermaplaning treatment session, you may feel that your skin is red, discolored, or itchy.

Dryness

It is perfectly normal for your skin to feel dry or even a little flaky after an exfoliating treatment like dermaplaning.

Ultimately, the procedure should improve skin dryness by lifting away any dead skin cells. However, in the first few days, the exfoliation may leave your face feeling tight and dry.

Minor cuts

A more intensive dermaplaning session may leave you with a few tiny cuts or grazes on your skin, especially if you have uneven skin texture.

However, if you get the treatment from a professional, any cuts should be incredibly small and should heal fully without leaving any marks behind.

Most side-effects go away within a couple of days. To help with recovery, do not wear makeup after the treatment. Let your skin breathe for a day or so. In the following days, avoid makeup with harmful ingredients.

Heavy makeup can trigger breakouts and irritation as the skin may not be able to absorb it all. Once your skin settles after the facial, it will look even and smoother.

If you have very sensitive skin, or conditions such as rosacea or cystic acne, you may want to avoid this procedure. Should you proceed, do so with lots of caution. Do not perform the procedure at home.

Another con is that “many patients think they have vellus hair and they don't. When the wrong type of hair is dermaplaned it can lead to thicker regrowth.

The Pros of Dermaplaning treatment 

Removal Of Excess Hair On Your Face If you've always felt your face had more hair than you're happy with, dermaplanning could be for you! It's a very quick, very gentle way of sloughing away those fine hairs to reveal the smooth skin beneath! It's Suitable For Most Skin Types Happily, even those with very sensitive skin are candidates for dermaplaning. 

It is also a great option for clients with sensitive skin and pregnant women who are looking for a deep exfoliation. It can be performed prior to treatments like facials, laser, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels for better product penetration. It can be performed frequently. It helps makeup go on smoother and more evenly, your makeup with glide on much better and your skincare products will absorb much easier!. It can help significantly lighten postinflammatory scars from past acne. It does not make the hair grow back thicker and darker. 

Dermaplaning treatment is a skincare treatment. The procedure is a good alternative that works well for all skin types. Gentle and fast, it has a lot of pros that will help you choose this facial over other treatments.

 

Dermaplaning Disadvantages 

Like any other cosmetic procedure, dermaplaning has cons.

• Dermaplaning tends to be more expensive than some other hair-removal treatments.
• Results are not as long-lasting as other hair-removal methods.
• It cuts the hair instead of removing it.
• Results will differ depending on a client’s individual hair-growth cycle.
• Not everyone is a candidate.
• Clients with active and cystic acne should avoid this type of hair removal, as it can cause further irritation.
• It is not advised for clients with hirsutism, a condition of excessive male-pattern hair growth in women.
• It's Not For Everybody Though many skin types including those with sensitive skin can enjoy dermapalaning, those with cold sores or active acne cannot. This is due to the scraping action of the blade. This can cause a great deal more harm than good for these skin conditions 

 

Safety precautions:

the treatment can be extremely beneficial and effective if it’s done right.

Here are a few safety precautions to bear in mind when planning for your dermaplaning session.

Who should avoid dermaplaning:

• people with severe sunburn
• people with active breakouts
• people with sensitive skin
• people who have been taking Accutane or tretinoin in the past 6 months
• people with cancer who are undergoing cancer treatment

What products should you avoid before and after dermaplaning?

• Russell suggests that dermaplaning candidates should avoid retinoids for 3 to 5 days before treatment.
• Candidates should also avoid retinoids for 2 to 3 days after dermaplaning.
• Avoid any physical scrubs for 2 to 3 days after treatment.
• Avoid makeup for 24 hours after treatment.
• Wear SPF after the treatment to avoid sun damage.

Other things to keep in mind

• Do your research. Make sure the clinic you choose has trained practitioners and good reviews.
• Speak with your dermatologist or dermaplaning esthetician to make sure you’re well-prepared.

What to expect after a dermaplaning facial

As the procedure is not invasive, you do not need to plan any downtime. Recovery time is very low and you can go back to your normal routine after your appointment. Each skin type is different and therefore will see different results.

The experience of the treatment will vary from one person to another and so will the potential side-effects. You may experience redness or feel like your skin is scrapped at first. However, this will fade a few days after the procedure.

Your skin will look brighter immediately after your treatment. However, you will need to wait a few days to fully appreciate the results. Redness and irritation will indeed subside a few days afterwards. Know that results are not permanent.

Indeed, the procedure can clear away up to three week's worth of dead skin cells. Results will fade shortly after.

Facial hair will grow back too. However, they will not grow thicker or darker. Your peach fuzz or vellus hair will return as such.

Although the facial has no downtime, you still need to be careful about sun exposure. Sun damage can reverse the effects of dermaplaning. It can also create pigment blotches on your freshly uncovered skin cells. Make sure you apply sunscreen when leaving the house.