Did you know shaving your face promotes a glowing complexion, minimizes sun damage spots, and fights against aging? Yes, you read that right! This is what dermaplaning is all about. Essentially, it’s a process that removes dead skin cells. Of course, there are professionals who can properly treat your skin with such a process, and it is highly recommended that you go for quality care, but sometimes we just want to use beauty tools in the comfort of our homes. So if that sounds like you, continue reading to learn how to dermaplane safely at home for the best results.

What is Dermaplaning?

The first layer of your skin can contain dirt, dead skin cells, oil, and vellus hairs (also known as peach fuzz). Dermaplaning is used as a skincare treatment to effectively exfoliate this top layer of your skin by gently shaving it off at a 45-degree angle with some type of dermaplaning device, like Dermaflash Luxe. One important note is that the skin taut should be held to ensure the dermaplaning tool fully reaches the vellus hairs and the superficial level of the skin.

Who Can Dermaplane? 

Most people are dermaplane candidates, even for at home dermaplaning. Those who cannot and should not use this treatment are people who have active acne, active eczema, sensitive skin, or rashes. For any textured blemish or skin condition, you never want to create an open wound, which could possibly occur with the dermaplane blade. Yikes!

The Beautiful Benefits 

• Deeper Exfoliation removes that top layer of dead skin, dirt, oil, along with vellus hairs. This launches the domino effect of more benefits listed below.  
• Glowing complexion is a result of shedding off all the dirt that was sitting on top of your skin and the peach fuzz (especially darker pigmented hairs). 
• Helps prevent acne. Since bacteria and oils are removed from the surface, it’ll be less likely to clog your pores.
• Anti-aging. Dermaplaning reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The wrinkled area becomes dark and dulls when the skin cells begin to die. Shedding off the dead skin on your wrinkles promotes a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
• Deeper product penetration. Your peach fuzz has a tendency to trap bacteria & oil on your face. This can prevent your serums from effectively penetrating your skin. The exfoliation from dermaplaning works to remove the dead skin cells, allowing your skincare products to thoroughly penetrate your skin in order to nourish it.
• Smoother makeup application. Dermaplaning leaves your skin feeling and looking extremely smooth. This means having a smooth canvas to have your makeup look even better.  

Technique For Best & Safe Use

Three Types of Blades:

1. Eyebrow Razor (Recommended). The single blades for dermaplaning are much better at exfoliating than regular razors used for shaving legs. A highly popular alternative is the Dermaflash Luxe.
2. Women’s facial hair trimmer (Recommended)
3. Razor for your legs (Do not use the actual same razor you shave your legs with. Always better to use a clean or new one.)

Dermaplaning Steps:

1. Cleanse your face & pat dry.
2. Get your dermaplaning tool like a razor. Make sure it’s either new or sanitized. The single blades are most effective and easier to use.
3. Start around the sides of your cheek by your ear and have the blade parallel to your face (this is to prevent cutting your skin). Go with short, light-handed downward strokes at a 45-degree angle, moving towards the bottom of your jawline and then nose. The main areas to target are your jawline, upper lip, and chin. *Don’t forget to pull the skin taut to ensure a close exfoliation of your skin!*
4. Then you can move onto the areas around your eyes and forehead. *Avoid your hairline and sides of your nose!
5. Once you’re done, start massaging in your serum right after.
6. Finish with moisturizer to lock in the serum.

If you get a nick, just cover it with Aquaphor or Vaseline.

Good Rule of Thumb

• Do not over exfoliate or keep going over the same spot too many times with the dermaplaning device, as it can cause increased sensitivity, redness, dryness, or cuts.

How Often Should You Dermaplane?

The recommended amount of times is 1-2 times per month. Although, at the end of the day it is a personal choice.

Myths Around Dermaplaning.

Do the vellus hairs grow back thicker? Contrary to popular belief, they do not! Freshly shaved hair can appear to be thicker and darker, but we have to remember that when you see what one piece of hair looks like under a microscope, it is thickest at the root and gets thinner towards the tip. When we shave our legs, we’re blunt cutting the hair at its thickest point. So as it grows, it can look thicker. This will eventually grow out and return to “normal.” As for shaving our face, our peach fuzz is much thinner than the hair on our legs, so there’s no need to worry about it!

Although the benefits of dermaplaning are quite amazing, the practice is not a cure-all for perfect skin. On top of that, dermaplaning is not the best method to achieve clear skin for those with acne and sensitivity. In recognition of the various needs that people have for their pimple problems, Avarelle’s Acne Cover Patches are an effective solution to promote healthy skin! Through Avarelle’s hydrocolloid technology, the stickers work by absorbing excess fluid from whiteheads, visibly helping to minimize blemishes! Combined with the process of dermaplaning, you’ll be right on your way to gleaming, clear skin!

Now that you know more about dermaplaning, are you ready to try it? Let us know! 

Everyone has their unique skin barrier and conditions. Always consult with your dermatologist & esthetician for what is right for you.

by Grace Min