For those that are looking to get youthful skin that is brighter and smoother, a shave may be just the thing! Don’t head to the bathroom to steal your husband’s shaving cream just yet, the process you are looking for is actually called dermaplaning, and it has to be done by a professional. If you are still on board, read on to learn all about this skin brightening technique.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is called a physical exfoliation procedure, and it actually uses a surgical scalpel to give your skin a very close “shave.” The cosmetologist uses the sterile scalpel to take off the top layer of skin which is mostly dead, and it also takes off all the vellus hair (aka. “peach fuzz”) that you have on your face.  Dermaplaning is a non-invasive and painless procedure that does not break the skin.

Who Should Consider Dermaplaning?

Most people make fairly good candidates for dermaplaning.  Even women and men that have hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and mild scarring are candidates.  People with sensitive skin can usually tolerate the process better than they can some of the other topical treatments.  Plus, it can be done on women who are breastfeeding or pregnant and aren’t supposed to use peeling agents.

Now, there are a few people that do not make good candidates for dermaplaning, and those are generally people who are suffering from acne.  The removal of the vellus hair can be an issue for those with acne because these baby hairs are what the skin oils created by the sebaceous glands travel on.  When the hairs are removed, the oil and bacteria can actually stay under the skin causing even more acne flare-ups.

Do I need to Do Anything to Prepare for a Dermaplaning Appointment?

You will likely have a consultation appointment with your skin care specialist before heading in for the actual procedure.  She will give you the exact instructions that you may need to follow prior to the dermaplaning procedure.

Your skin care specialist will likely ask you to stop using any exfoliating products up to five days before your procedure.  This includes any facial scrubs or chemical exfoliation products.  You will also need to stay out of the sun and the tanning bed for about a week to ensure that your skin is healthy and undamaged before the procedure.

You also do not want to have any injections prior to your dermaplaning.  Hair removal such as waxing, threading, or sugaring shouldn’t be done closer than one week before your procedure.  Also, you won’t be able to have dermaplaning on skin that is broken or has an open wound.  This includes major breakouts.

What to Expect During Your Dermaplaning Appointment?

If you have ever had a facial before, you may find dermaplaning similar to the facial process.  Your skin care expert will lay you down on your back and use a cleanser on the skin.  We may also use a cleansing brush to scrub away all of the dirt and oils, and then a toner may be used to ensure that all the oil is completely removed.

For the best results when dermaplaning, the skin needs to be very dry.  Once the prep is finished, the skin care specialist will use a sterile surgical blade to scrape the skin.  We will work in sections holding the skin taut.  While it is not a painful procedure, your skin may feel tight because of the lack of moisture. Once the dermaplaning is completed a moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied to the skin.

What is the After-Care Process for Dermaplaning?

Your skin care specialist or dermatologist may give you exact instructions on how to care for your skin after the procedure. However, it will most likely include avoiding sun exposure for a few days post treatment, and wearing a strong SPF for a few weeks afterward. Other things that you may be asked to avoid include:

  • Steam Rooms and Saunas
  • Heavy Workouts
  • Chlorine
  • Facial Waxing
  • Dermal Fillers or Botox
  • Rubbing, Scratching, or Picking the Face
  • Scrubs or Facial Cleansing Brushes

We recommend moisturizing more than usual or even using a serum for the few days immediately following your dermaplaning procedure.

How Long Do Dermaplaning Results Last?

The results of dermaplaning can last from about three to four weeks.  Most skin care experts recommend getting it done on a monthly basis, but your individual results might vary.  After the first few sessions, we will gauge your progress and determine an ideal schedule to fit your individual needs.  Dermaplaning is not invasive, and it gets real results.  People notice that their skin looks brighter and more youthful, and that makeup goes on with a much smoother finish.

Learn more about Bombesque’s Dermaplaning Services or give us a call at 480.543.9878 to schedule an appointment today.  You won’t be disappointed.