Dermaplaning: What It Really Is (And What It Isn’t)
Dermaplaning: What It Really Is (And What It Isn’t)
You may have seen the word dermaplaning everywhere lately—on packaging at Sephora, in TikTok tutorials, or on influencer “skincare routines.” But not everything labeled dermaplaning is the real thing.
Let’s talk about what dermaplaning actually is, what it does for your skin, and why professional treatment is very different from at-home “facial razors.”
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a professional manual exfoliation technique that removes:
Dead skin cell buildup on the surface
Fine vellus hair (“peach fuzz”)
Trapped debris and dull texture
It’s performed using a medical-grade sterile scalpel in the hands of a trained professional with the right pressure, angle, and technique—gently but precisely gliding across the skin in short, feather-light strokes.
The result?
✨ Ultra-smooth, ultra-soft, naturally radiant skin with better absorption of products and a more refined finish for makeup (if you wear it).
What Dermaplaning Is Not
Let’s clear this up once and for all:
Using a $12 tool from Sephora to shave your face is not dermaplaning.
It might feel similar, but the results and safety are completely different.
Why?
Those tools are not scalpels—they’re plastic razors that dull quickly
The angle and depth of exfoliation can’t be controlled
You’re not removing as much cellular debris or buildup
You’re risking nicks, uneven exfoliation, or microtears
It’s easy to overdo it, especially when combining with strong products
That doesn’t mean at-home shaving is bad—it just means it’s shaving, not clinical dermaplaning. It's okay to remove facial hair at home if you're gentle and informed. But it’s not the same as a skin treatment designed to stimulate renewal and give professional-level glow.
Why I Love Dermaplaning as a Treatment
Dermaplaning is a favorite in my treatment room for so many reasons:
It creates a clean, smooth canvas without downtime
It enhances the results of other treatments like masks, serums, or peels
It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but effective enough to see a difference
It boosts product absorption and gives your skincare room to work
It softens fine lines and refines skin texture without disrupting the barrier
Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying in the best way.
Is It Right for You?
Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, but not ideal if you’re experiencing:
Active acne
Inflamed or open lesions
Compromised skin barriers
Certain rosacea flare-ups
If you're unsure, we can always talk through your skin needs and decide what fits best. Sometimes, I’ll combine dermaplaning with a calming treatment or pair it with LED or a customized mask.
Post-Dermaplaning Care: How to Maintain the Glow
Your skin is extra fresh and absorbent after dermaplaning. Here’s how to keep it healthy and radiant:
Skip harsh products for 3–5 days (no retinol, glycolic, salicylic, or scrubs)
Use gentle cleansers and hydrating serums—especially hyaluronic acid
Moisturize generously with a non-comedogenic cream or facial oil
Wear SPF every day (your skin is more photosensitive post-treatment)
Avoid heat, steam, or intense workouts for 24–48 hours
Skip makeup for 12–24 hours if possible to avoid irritation
Your skin may feel smoother than ever—but don’t forget it’s freshly exfoliated. Treat it with kindness and it will thank you.
The Bottom Line
If you want smoother, softer skin—yes, you can shave your face at home. Just understand that it’s hair removal, not exfoliation. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just a different thing.
But if you want:
A deeper, safer, controlled exfoliation
A professional eye on your skin each time
The confidence that your treatment is working with—not against—your skin
Then real dermaplaning is where it's at.
Not trendy, not gimmicky—just clean, classic skin work that delivers results.
Let’s do it the right way.
