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What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a skin care treatment that is an effective exfoliating procedure. This procedure, usually done by a doctor, nurse or aesthetician requires the use of a sterile, surgical scalpel to gently “shave” the skin’s surface, removing the top-most layer of dead skin along with fine, vellus hair (aka peach fuzz).
Dermaplaning cleverly stimulates skin cell regeneration process. It helps to improve the overall appearance of skin conditions like acne scarring and skin hyperpigmentation and the effects of the procedure are instant in leaving your skin with a smooth appearance and a radiant glow. Along with the removal of fine hairs, it results in healthier skin that feels silkier.
Dermaplaning is extremely popular, and there are few things you need to know about it.
- Dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types and texture: It is recommended for people with dry, rough and mature skin, which tends to have a build-up of dead skin cells as cellular turnover slows down with age. Anyone with thick and dark facial hair should avoid this procedure as well as people with very oily, hyperpigmented skin and active acne. Acne sensitive skins can become irritated with this procedure,
- Dermaplaning is considered safe for a pregnant and lactating patient who cannot undergo chemical exfoliation due to its contraindication
- Skincare and cosmetic products work better after the procedure. Skin care products can easily penetrate the skin and are absorbed faster since they are not impeded by dead skins or clogged pores.
- Dermaplaning can only be performed by a professional such as a plastic doctor or medical aesthetician as it requires a delicate touch and a skill. It should never be attempted at home so as to prevent cuts and possible complications.
- Dermaplaning is achieved using surgical scalpel blades. These blades are made from high-quality surgical stainless steel. They are well known for their consistency, sharpness, smoothness, flexibility, and If you are interested in shaving your face, there are other devices designed specifically for home use. They include the dermaflash facial exfoliating device, Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning tool, the Shiseido facial razor and Tweezerman bright complexion facial dermaplaner. These products are safe and easy-to-use
- After the procedure, patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for a minimum of two weeks and also to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher. This is needed to protect the skin from sunburns, hyperpigmentation and/or photodamage.
- A dermaplaning treatment can if necessary be performed as often as every two to three weeks if clients suffer from excessive hair growth which has no underlying medical concerns such as those associated with; polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid issues, hirsutism and an imbalance of hormones, which would need to be addressed directly by a medical practitioner. However, as a general rule, clients are usually encouraged to book monthly maintenance treatments or regular dermaplaning sessions every 4-12 weeks when vellus hairs start to grow back.
- Immediately after a dermaplaning facial the skin may look slightly red and flushed, due to the blood circulation being enhanced and any unwanted sebum and dirt which had been trapped by vellus hairs being removed. Erythema (redness) of the skin will subside within a couple of hours with new fresh cells creating a glowing complexion, which will last for several days post treatment and create a perfect base upon which to apply makeup. One of the key benefits associated with a dermaplaning treatment is that due to the gentle yet effective nature of the procedure, there is no downtime required so you will be able to carry on with your day to day activities as normal and are able to apply a mineral based makeup and sunscreen a couple of hours after the treatment has taken place.
- There is no growing back of thick and darker facial hair after a dermaplaning It is all a myth. Dermaplaning removes the fine light colored vellus hairs from the face. As the hair grows back, it only produces hairs of the same consistency and density as they were original.
- Prices of dermaplaning depend on your location, experience of the doctor or aesthetician and additional modalities incorporated into the procedure.
Are Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning the Same Thing?
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure. It uses a stream of fine crystal and diamond tip to scrape the surface layers of the skin together with a suction to vacuum loose skin cells from the face. Microdermabrasion is considered a safe cosmetic procedure for all skin textures and color. It is commonly recommended for people with the following skin conditions
- Enlarged pores and blackheads
- Skin acne and acne scars
- Skin hyperpigmentation, brown spots and age spots
- Dull-looking skin complexion
- Sun damage
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Melasma
- Stretch marks
Microdermabrasion can be done frequently as weekly or up to every 8 weeks depending on your skin’s tolerance and desired cosmetic result. Possible side effects associated with this procedure include skin tightness, redness, mild warming or tingling sensations, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, minor bruising, spots of bleeding, skin sensitivity, swelling, and redness but does not cause any pain or leave any lingering discomfort.
After microdermabrasion, you can expect little to no downtime. You will be able to resume your normal daily activities without any delay. Ensure to keep your skin hydrated by taking adequate fluid and also apply skincare products. Avoid using topical acne medications for at least one-day post-treatment. Always protect your skin with sunscreen as they can be more sensitive to the sun in the few weeks after the procedure.
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References
9 Things to Know Before Dermaplaning Your Face. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13036262/dermaplaning-women-shave-face/
Beran, S., & Bernard, R. (2000). Microdermabrasion. Aesthetic Surgery, 20(3), 0238-0239. doi: 10.1067/maj.2000.107128
BHALLA, M., & THAMI, G. (2006). Microdermabrasion: Reappraisal and Brief Review of Literature. Dermatologic Surgery, 32(6), 809-814. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32165.x
Courtiss, E., & Malherbe, W. (1978). Dermatome dermaplaning and sycosis nuchae excision. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery, 61(5), 806. doi: 10.1097/00006534-197805000-00084
Dermaplaning. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.epicmedspa.com/services/facial-skin-care/dermaplaning/
