Frequently Asked Questions
How does dermaplaning work?
Simply put: Dermaplaning is a home exfoliating treatment that removes both hair and dead skin from the facial surface. Its effectiveness depends on the technique used and whether it is suitable for your skin, as dermaplaning can cause irritation if performed incorrectly.
“It provides exceptional shine and beautifully refined texture, but on the wrong skin (like a compromised barrier or active acne), it can raise concerns,” says kristen may leeLead Esthetician at Onda Beauty in New York City. Preparation for dermaplaning is equally important to ensure that your skin takes it well. “Careful double cleansing is essential to remove the day’s pollutants, sunscreen, makeup, and bacteria. Skipping this step risks redistributing impurities into the skin or even pushing them into the pores,” says Lee.
After cleansing your skin, allow it to dry completely before dermaplaning with an electric or manual razor. Or, apply the preparation product the device comes with (if it comes with one). Oilplaning is another technique where you apply a small amount of facial oil or cleansing balm to the skin to help the blade slide quickly and gently and helps keep the skin soothed and free of irritation. It’s up to you which method you prefer—if you have very sensitive skin, oilplaning may be a better option.
After treatment, replenish lost moisture with a hydrating barrier cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to help soften and hydrate the skin and soothe any excess redness.
What should you look for when shopping for a dermaplaner?
Dr. Yang says the number one feature to look for is the blade quality of a dermaplaning tool. “I recommend looking for single-use replaceable blades to ensure clean and effective treatments,” she says. “You can throw them away after use, eliminating the problems caused by using dull blades.” “Dull blades can lead to snags, irritation, and even breakouts,” she says. “Avoid basic disposable razors, as these aren’t designed for facial exfoliation. Look for a comfortable handle that’s easy to maneuver.” In other words, don’t shave your face with the same razor you use on your legs.
Does hair grow back after dermaplaning?
This is a very common myth, says Dr. Yang. “Since the hair follicles themselves are unchanged, the hairs remain the same in color, thickness, and growth rate. These vellus hairs are incredibly soft and fine. Usually only the terminal hairs (thick hair on the arms, legs, underarms) grow back when shaved,” she says. Lee mentions that while a small subgroup of people who have dermaplaned their peach fuzz may feel a subtle blunting of their hair when it first grows out, “this is simply the result of the direct cut from the blade, with no change in the diameter or growth of the hair.”
Is dermaplaning bad for your skin?
Dermaplaning won’t ruin the skin, but when done too aggressively or too frequently it can compromise the skin barrier. “Skin may look beautiful immediately after treatment, but excessive exfoliation can lead to redness, dryness, sensitivity and bumps in the long run. Healthy skin is the goal, not just achieving an instant glow,” says. candace marinoCelebrity Esthetician.
What to avoid? Using excessive pressure or a dermaplaner on already sensitive skin Cheyenne WheelerA cosmetologist based in La Jolla, California. “When performed properly, dermaplaning should leave your skin feeling refreshed, not irritated or flaking,” she says. The aestheticians we spoke to recommend using a light touch and a controlled technique at a 45-degree angle without going over the same area repeatedly to remove as much skin as possible. “Always prioritize safety, blade design, ease of control, and the ability to maintain proper hygiene – such as using tools with protective guards rather than open blades,” says Marino.
According to Dr. Rambhiya, dermaplaning should not increase the age of your face. “If anything, it can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines by exfoliating,” she says. The real risk isn’t aging; In fact, she says, this is overdoing it. “Overexfoliating with a dermaplaner can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to acne breakouts,” she says, so it’s best to stick to the process once or twice a week at most.
Can you dermaplane on acne scars?
Dr. Rambhiya says to skip dermaplaning on raised, dimpled or scarred skin, active breakouts, or inflamed skin. Why? The blade may catch uneven textures and cause scratches, irritation or spread bacteria.
What are the disadvantages of dermaplaning?
It is possible to experience temporary skin irritation such as redness or sensitivity immediately after dermaplaning. Additionally, if you have improper technique (such as using the wrong angle, not keeping the skin tight, or being too aggressive), there is a risk of cuts or scratches. “It can also cause acne in people who are prone to acne, or when the skin has not been properly prepared before treatment,” says Dr. Yang.
Lee recommends high-quality electric appliances for home use. “They provide a much gentler, more controlled experience while maintaining the integrity of the skin,” she explains. Remember: Your shave will only last “one to three weeks,” says Dr. Yang, so consistent maintenance will be required if you want to maintain smooth, buttery-soft exfoliated skin.
How we rated dermaplaners
We evaluated dermaplaners based on ease of use, exfoliating abilities, and how effective they were at removing peach fuzz from our faces. The best skin care tools had gentle but effective replacement blades that didn’t feel like it was irritating or flaking on our skin after use, and were easy to grip and maneuver around the smallest, most delicate parts of our faces. The exfoliating face razors we found were both manual and electric, and they had strong grips that didn’t let our hands slip or slip during this very delicate process. After using these razors to remove peach fuzz, we found that the ones we loved also left our skin feeling soft and smooth, ready for makeup, and free of hair and dead skin.
- candace marinocelebrity beauty expert
- Cheyenne WheelerA cosmetologist based in La Jolla, California
- Connie Yang, MDNYC-based board-certified dermatologist
- kristen may leeLead Esthetician at Onda Beauty in New York City
- Marisa Garshick, MD, Board-certified dermatologist
- Pooja Rambhiya, MDA board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey