The buzzword of the moment when it comes to skincare — dermaplaning, has gained serious traction in recent months. The promise of silky smooth skin and removal of pesky peach fuzz is oh so appealing, but also begs the question – what does dermaplaning actually do? And is it good for you? We spoke to Jodie King of Skin Clinic Blyss to get the lowdown on the benefits, the risks and whether or not it’s the right treatment for you.
What is dermaplaning?
First things first – what actually is dermaplaning? According to King, “dermaplaning is a gentle exfoliating method that uses a surgical blade to remove the outer layers of dead skin cells, as well as removing any fine vellus hair”.
In layman’s terms, it’s essentially having a beautician or dermatologist shave your face with a very sharp razor. While it sounds terrifying (maybe even painful), we can confirm it’s completely safe, the process involving the expert gently scraping the surface of your skin using light, feathering strokes.
What are the benefits?
From an improvement in texture, brightness and overall glow, dermaplaning is loved by celebrities and skincare junkies alike. Plus, with benefits like the reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne scars), the appearance of large pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone, it’s seemingly a no brainer.
As the treatment works to remove dead skin cells, a lesser known benefit is increased absorption of skincare products. As the treatment removes the top layer of skin, active ingredients become more easily absorbed and therefore more effective. As King explains, the treatment is also beneficial for “smooth makeup application”, as the likes of foundation and concealer will sit closer to the skin.
Of course, the more consistent your treatment schedule the better the benefits, with King advising that dermaplaning should be done once “every 4-6 weeks, dependent on growth of the hair”.
Does it hurt?
Short answer, no. King confirms dermaplaning “is a pain free treatment.”
Expect to feel a soft, scratch-like sensation as the blade moves across your face, but according to beauty guru and Go-To skincare founder, Zoë Foster Blake, it doesn’t hurt at all, unlike other commons beauty treatments like “threading, or waxing, or laser”.
Are there side effects?
Done by a professional, dermaplaning is a safe and non-invasive treatment, with no downtime needed. Aside from some slight redness, there are no side effects.
However, because this is an exfoliating treatment King explains SPF is a non-negotiable. “Reapply your SPF more regularly if you are out and about. Especially for the first 3 – 4 days.”
Additionally, King says to keep “aftercare simple for a few days post treatment” additional exfoliation will risk irritating the skin.
Will my hair grow back thicker?
Despite what we’ve all been told, dermaplaning and shaving for that matter, will not make your hair grow back any thicker or darker than it was before. King explains that although it may feel different, “the fine vellus hair will slowly return as it was”.
Who should avoid dermaplaning all together?
Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, although King does not recommend it “for impaired barriers, active acne or skin that has any open lesions.”
Is this something you can do from home?
While there are products available to dermaplane from home, King “wouldn’t recommend this”.
To eliminate risk of cuts, and irritated skin, King recommends seeing a professional with a medical-grade scalpel.
When it comes to cost – “expect to pay roughly “$175 – 220(AUD) for [an] experienced clinician” says King. While it may feel expensive, as King explains a professional treatment means you should see immediate results.
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