Is there really a difference between dermaplaning at a medical day spa and attempting to DIY at home? Absolutely—which is why VIDA has so many clients who come for monthly sessions. However, it’s tough to counteract the countless dermaplaning videos on social media like TikTok, especially when it can be so satisfying to watch the peach fuzz fall away. There’s nothing new about women shaving their faces. It’s been a “trick” to get smoother skin (and better makeup application) since razors were invented. However, you’re not going to get the same results at home as you do in an office—and in some cases, it can be dangerous.
Dermaplaning not only removes peach fuzz but also provides exfoliation. This makes the skin look more luminous and younger (children do not have peach fuzz on their skin). Proper dermaplaning requires a specialized blade to be passed over the skin’s surface. It removes debris, hair, and a tiny bit of the stratum corneum (the superficial layer of the skin that is comprised of dead skin cells). While the stratum corneum provides a protective barrier to some degree, too much of it can make the skin look dull and even trap bacteria. Unfortunately, it is not unusual to want too much of a good thing. Too much pressure at home can create irritation, redness, and even injuries that can lead to scarring or even an infection. In other words, you don’t want to grab the same razor you use on your legs and apply it directly to your face.
What to Expect with Dermaplaning Results
You’re not going to get the same quality results at home as you do in the office, so it’s important to manage your expectations. There are a lot of false claims on social media about DIY dermaplaning. For instance, it’s not going to shrink pores, prevent breakouts, or actually reduce fine lines and wrinkles (though exfoliating the skin in any manner will help to decrease the appearance of some wrinkles). Ultimately, it doesn’t do much for skin health and is really a cosmetic treatment.
However, there are still many benefits to proper dermaplaning. It makes skin look better, healthier, and younger. It can help improve your overall skin care routine. Exfoliation in any manner can also help topical treatments do their job better. If you’re using medical-grade products at home, peach fuzz and dead skin cells get in the way of that product properly penetrating. That’s why many in-office treatments have some element of exfoliation before any topical application.
Choosing Your Dermaplaning
Professional dermaplaning is performed with a tool called a dermatome. It is not available for anyone except professionals and is not considered safe for anyone but approved providers. You may see many “dermaplaning tools” available in stores and online, but they are not of the same caliber. These are instead tiny straight razors, typically on plastic handles. There are also some higher-end options, but they are still not comparable to what you can find in an office setting.
Also, dermaplaning is a different process and technique than shaving. A gentle touch and precision are key. When dermaplaning, skin must be held taut with one hand while the device glides over the skin in short, light, downward strokes at a precise 45-degree angle. Dermaplaning is only really dermaplaning when both hair and dead skin falls off. Too little and it is ineffective. Too much and it is dangerous. Immediately after dermaplaning, the area should be washed with a gentle cleanser, moisturized, and sunscreen should be applied if you are going outside. Dermaplaning should be performed no more than once per month.
Dermaplaning + You
Even with expert application, skin can be irritated temporarily after this treatment. The skin’s barrier is temporarily disrupted, so you may want to avoid this treatment 24 hours before a big event. There are some skin issues that are contraindicated when it comes to dermaplaning, so making sure you’re a good candidate is critical. Some conditions include active acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Dermaplaning can make these conditions worse. If you have any open wounds from any cause, dermaplaning should be postponed.
If you want to ensure the best results, sticking with an in-office treatment is best. To schedule your dermaplaning appointment, call VIDA today or fill out the online contact form.
