Today, let’s have a little fun. We want to let you in on a little skincare treatment secret that will leave you radiant, glowing and coming back for more. This little known beauty tip is brought to you by your friends at Aesthetic Specialists where the skin business IS our business! Read on to educate yourself about the best kept secret of dermaplaning.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation technique that helps remove dead skin and fine vellus hair from your face and neck. This painless method is administered by an aesthetician with a small scalpel or razor that gently grazes your skin. There is probably no one on the planet who doesn’t need a little dermaplaning every now and again! Right? Let’s explore how dermaplaning differs from other exfoliation techniques along with benefits of dermaplaning and how to prepare for your appointment.
How does Dermaplaning Differ from other Exfoliation Treatments such as Dermabrasion?
Dermaplaning differs from dermabrasion, where an aesthetician or doctor uses a high-speed, rotating brush to exfoliate the skin. Microdermabrasion involves crystals that suck debris from your skin. With dermaplaning, a scalpel or a tool called a dermatome is used. The doctor or aesthetician moves the dermatome back and forth across the treatment area to scrape off the top layer of dead skin including those tiny baby hairs better known as “peach fuzz”. Dermaplaning lightens and brightens the skin while leaving the skin soft, supple and rejuvenated. The treatment is quick, easy and effective!
Benefits of Dermaplaning
Let’s discuss the benefits of the dermaplaning treatment and what the treatment can do for you. Think about all the benefits you receive from exfoliating products, but with a little bit of a twist. The exfoliation and hair removal dermaplaning offers will leave your skin brighter and smoother by giving your pores a scrub-down. The treatment softens fine lines and wrinkles, eases hyperpigmentation, and works to even skin tone. The exfoliation dermaplaning offers can also lend itself to better product penetration. Afterward feel free to pile on some good-for-you ingredients like the ones found in our medical grade serums (ie. ZO Firming Serum) and let them work their magic.
Dermaplaning is also used to treat deep acne scars. However, dermaplaning is never performed on a client who is having an active acne flare up of any kind as this could worsen scars. How well dermaplaning works for treating acne scars depends on skin type, skin tone, and previous as well as present medical history.
Risks and Side Effects of Dermaplaning
Most people have little to no irritation or reaction. Short-term side effects may include:
- Mild redness of the skin
- Sensitivity at the treatment site
- A burning or tingling sensation that can last 48 hours (about 2 days) after the procedure
It is not common for hair to grow back thicker or darker in treated areas. However, in rare cases, dark hair may grow near your chin or sideburn areas of the face.
Dermaplaning is not recommended if you have inflammatory skin conditions such as:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Sunburn
If you are taking isotretinoin, a prescription medication used to treat severe acne; it is recommended to wait at least 6 months after you stop taking the medicaation to start dermaplaning treatments.
It is always best to seek treatment from a licensed aesthetician or doctor if you are considering dermaplaning. Licensed aestheticians and doctors know all the pros and cons of dermaplaning and allow you to be fully informed prior to treatment. Speaking to a professional before treatment and getting a consultation allows you to know if you are a good candidate for dermaplaning.
How to Prepare for Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is not covered by insurance and tends to be a little more expensive than other hair removal treatments. Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket. The procedure takes around 30 minutes to complete and can be done in combination with most facial treatments. Results vary from client to client as hair growth cycles vary.
It is best to avoid at home exfoliating treatments or any type of exfoliating treatment on your skin 3-5 days before dermaplaning. You should also avoid direct sun exposure 5-7 days before. It is important to note that you will want to schedule any botox appointments after your demaplaning service and schedule any facial waxing treatments at least 1-2 weeks prior.
Always come to your dermaplaning appointment with clean skin, even if your are planning to do dermaplaning in combination with a facial or HydraFacial. Use your regular skin care routine prior to your visit with the exclusion of exfoliants and retinols. If you cleanse in office, be sure to allow the skin to air dry for about 5 minutes. Moisture on the skin will prevent a smooth adherence of the blade across the surface of the skin.
After Your Dermaplaning Treatment
Unlike other treatments, with dermaplaning there is no downtime needed to allow your skin heal. Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a moisturizer after treatment, as your skin may be more sensitive following the treatment. Be sure to stick to gentle products your skin is familiar with post-dermaplane. Products such as a chemical exfoliant scrub or heavy-duty retinol may spark some irritation and cause redness on fresh skin so these types of products should not be used after treatment. The chlorine in swimming pools should also be avoided as it can dry, chap, and irritate the skin.
Dermaplaning is the secret to soft, silky and glowing skin. In line with your natural cell turnover rate, it is best to have dermaplaning done every 4 to 6 weeks. It is important to remember that dermaplaning will not get rid of all acne scars or stop the aging process. Follow the guidelines recommended by your aesthetician regarding freqency of treatments as treating too agressively or too often can leave the skin very dry and irritated. Not everyone is a candidate for dermaplaning. It is recommended to schedule an appointment for consultation prior to treatment to learn about all aspects of dermaplaning before you get started and find out if the treatment is right for you.
Visit our talented aestheticians at Aesthetic Specialists where we offer complimentary Visia complexion analysis. Try the best kept secret of dermaplaning and put yourself on the road to radiant skin today!
