Do you shave your face? Well, I do and you should too! Continue reading to find out dermaplaning benefits and how to dermaplane at home for a cheaper alternative.

It’s all over social media, google has over 100,000 searches with the term “dermaplaning,” and it’s on the menu at every aesthetic practice or spa.

So what’s the big deal? Why is everyone shaving their face on a regular basis?

WHAT IS DERMAPLANING

Dermaplaning involves a licensed medical professional, such as an aesthetician, using a surgical scalpel, or blade, to scrape dead skin build-up off your face.

Because a scalpel is used for medical grade dermaplaning, you shouldn’t choose just anyone to perform the procedure. Risk of cutting the skin is possible. 

Before I became a nurse practitioner I performed cosmetic procedures such as Botox, lasers, microneedling, and dermaplaning as a registered nurse. I know first hand it is a hard task to master. It took several co-workers willing to let me practice on them and I did nick a few along the way (including my supervising physician- yikes!). 

The most common charges for dermaplaning are anywhere between $100-$250 depending on the facility and who is performing the procedure. If you choose a well established medical practice along with a licensed personnel that took 4+ years to obtain the license, you will likely pay closer to the $250 range. 

It is your face and it is a surgical blade, so don’t just go somewhere because it is cheaper. Make sure you have a consultation and trust the person performing the dermaplaning.

What to expect during and after the procedure

Dermaplaning is actually a relaxing procedure, in my opinion. It is similar to getting a facial. Your aesthetician should cleanse the face and apply an oil or emollient product prior to dermaplaning. It should not be painful if done correctly. You will experience mild redness depending on your skin’s sensitivity level a few hours post procedure. I would not consider this to need any “down time” such as a peel or laser due to redness or peeling multiple days following. 

If anything, you will just experience an increased glow the next day!

I don’t apply makeup or anything else on my skin for the rest of the day to ensure I don’t cause any type of reaction as my pores are more exposed. This is not absolutely necessary and you should always ask your aesthetician for post procedure care. 

DERMAPLANING BENEFITS

Dermaplaning is widely known for removing dead skin cells and hair on the face, but provides many benefits other than the two just mentioned.

Acne

Dead skin cells are a major component of acne breakouts and clogged pores. Eliminating this build up through dermaplaning can help stop acne breakouts while keeping the pores cleaned out. Medications used to treat and prevent acne will penetrate the skin better as well. To read more about acne click here.

Acne scars are treated through exfoliation with medications and procedures. Dermaplaning can help improve the appearance of acne scars as long as it is done on a regular basis.

Products & Medication

As mentioned above, removal of the top layer of dead skin will make skincare products applied easier to penetrate the skin, and therefore more potent. 

Because there is no longer hair present, makeup application is smoother. Your face will glow more than ever before with no hair to dull the shine.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Men that regularly shave have less facial wrinkles in the area maintenanced. There are a few reasons behind this but constant exfoliation is one of them, which is what dermaplaning provides.

Dead skin cells accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, thus removal will decrease the appearance of them.

Recap of Benefits

• Removes dead skin cells
• Removes facial hair
• Improve acne breakouts
• Improves appearance of acne scars
• Makes skincare products or topical medications more potent
• Makeup applies more smoothly
• Decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

DERMAPLANING AT HOME

Shaving your face can also be done at home. It isn’t technically considered dermaplaning as you would not be using a surgical scalpel, but it’s pretty darn close and still provides many benefits. 

These razors are the ones I use at home and are really affordable! 

Items recommended and that I use to dermaplane at home:

1. Face Wash prior to procedure to ensure face is clean
2. Single Blade Razor
3. Oil or emollient to help the razor glide, 
4. Serum or Oil post procedure for hydration

DERMAPLANING MYTHS

The most concerning factor everyone asks is if their hair grows back more thick and long. The answer is no. 

Coarse facial hair on women is caused from a hormone imbalance, which many women have. Shaving the hair alone does not cause the hair to grow back any thicker or longer. 

I read a lot that dermaplaning is for all skin types. This is not necessarily true. If you have very sensitive skin it may not be for you. I have seen a few patients that are not able to get dermaplane because it will cause a folliculitis-like reaction. This is when the hair follicles become inflamed. And must be treated by a medical provider. This is not very common, but a possibility. 

Listen to your skin. If you try to dermaplane at home or receive the procedure and break out as a result, it is more than likely not the procedure for you.

Comment below if you would like a how- to video!