What Is the Difference between Dermaplaning and Shaving?
Have you heard of dermaplaning before? Probably, since a lot of skincare gurus swear by this procedure! You might have seen one of their videos where they remove their peach fuzz with a sharp blade. So, is dermaplaning the same as shaving? And what are the benefits of dermaplaning vs shaving?
Skin by Kim offers dermaplaning services in Greenville, South Carolina. If you are interested in the treatment, read ahead to learn more about differences between dermaplaning and shaving.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing the superficial layers of the skin. The aesthetician uses an exfoliating blade, also called a scalpel, on the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and peach fuzz. But do not worry! Even though dermaplaning removes facial hair, it does not cause it to grow back coarser and darker.
The provider uses a dermaplaning scalpel and slides it over the skin at a 45-degree angle to perform the procedure. It is a great, chemical-free way to exfoliate the skin and leaves it ultra-smooth and glowing. Some notice that their skin is brighter right after the treatment, but, most times, it takes a few days to see the full results (1).
Since the procedure removes all dead skin cells and facial hair, your makeup will apply better and look smoother. Gone are the days of cakey makeup! However, you should know that dermaplaning makes the skin slightly more sensitive to the sun (1). Applying sunscreen is always important, but even more so after undergoing a dermaplaning treatment.
Difference Between Dermaplaning And Shaving - Why Is It?
Since dermaplaning removes peach fuzz, you might be wondering if it is the same as shaving. While shaving does remove unwanted facial hair, its benefits pretty much stop there.
Regular razors are made with three or four (sometimes less) slanted blades. Dermaplaning scalpels, on the other hand, have a single-edge blade (2). It allows aestheticians to get much closer to the skin and remove hair, but also dead skin cells, and excess oils. This process leaves the skin brighter, smoother, and looking younger (3)! You cannot achieve the same results with facial shaving.
How to Prepare for Dermaplaning?
The best thing you can do is discuss with your provider to see if dermaplaning is right for you. They will consider your previous skin treatments, skin type, and skin color to decide the best treatment course to achieve your skin goals.
You should avoid exfoliating or tanning your skin at least three days before your appointment and stay away from direct sunlight (4). Sun exposure is not recommended in case you get a sunburn right before your dermaplaning session. It could make the treatment painful and compromise the results (1).
Finally, it is best to re-schedule your appointment if you get an acne flare-up right before (1). If you have a lot of pimples, the procedure could worsen your acne by causing damage and irritation to your skin (1).
What Are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?
Better absorption of skincare products
Spending money on high-quality skincare products is only worth it if they can penetrate the skin adequately. When you have a thick layer of dead cells on your face, your skin cannot absorb the serums or creams very well. Therefore, one of the main benefits of dermaplaning is more effective skincare products (2).
Increased collagen production
Dermaplaning increases the collagen in the skin. It tricks the body into thinking that the facial skin was damaged. It responds by boosting its collagen production to compensate for the “injury.” The result is plumper skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles (2, 4).
More even skin tone and texture
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, dermaplaning can also help with those issues (4). Finally, although you should avoid dermaplaning if you have an active acne flare-up, it can help reduce the appearance of old, deep acne scars (4).
What Are the Side Effects of Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is, in general, very safe and does not cause many side effects. However, if your skin is extremely sensitive, or if you have conditions like rosacea, keratosis pilaris, or inflammatory acne, it might be best to avoid the procedure (3).
Some are afraid that dermaplaning will cause them to break out, but it is actually the opposite. Dermaplaning removes the skin debris and the excess oils that can clog your pores and cause acne. Therefore, it prevents future breakouts by deep cleaning your skin and preventing pore clogging (3, 4).
There is no downtime needed after the procedure, and most people have no reaction. However, some redness and sensitivity are possible right after the treatment. Some experience a tingling or burning sensation, but it should resolve within 48 hours of the procedure (4).
Can I Try Dermaplaning at home?
For dermaplaning to be effective, you need to use a sharp blade, hence why we call the dermaplaning tool a scalpel. Although you can buy a DIY dermaplaning tool, using a sharp blade on your face without the proper training might not be the best idea. You could cut yourself or cause a lot of irritation if you do not know what you are doing.
That’s why most dermatologists and aestheticians strongly recommend getting the treatment done by a qualified provider.
At Skin by Kim, we are proud to offer professional service, and your skin health is our number one priority. If dermaplaning is something you want to try, we would love to assist you!
Booking Your Dermaplaning Session at Skin by Kim
You can book your appointment in a few different ways. You can call Kim at (864) 757-2102 or email her at kim@skinbykim.com. If you want, you can also use our contact form here.
Kim offers free skin consultations to all her clients. During the session, you will be able to discuss your skin concerns and goals. Together, you can decide if dermaplaning is right for you or not, and what treatment options are the best based on your specific situation.
Skin By Kim is located within Southside Medical & Laser Center at 3919 South HWY 14, Bldg A, Greenville, South Carolina, 29615, and is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment only.
References
1) https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dermaplaning#what-to-expect
2) https://www.today.com/shop/what-dermaplaning-why-should-you-try-it-t150418
3) https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13036262/dermaplaning-women-shave-face
The Final Verdict
We believe that covering your skin up with different beauty products might work in the short run but will eventually bring more damage to it. Your skin is your representation. It will stay with you all life-long, and having a few problems with it does not require covering it up. Instead, get it treated.
We know skin treatments sound invasive, but the silk peel is not. It is gentle, safe, soothing, and free from pain, so you will not have to suffer anything to get your skin a fresh feel. So, it is now upon you! Either decide to treat your skin correctly or keep covering it up!
Take a look at our website, and you will know what we offer and why we believe that getting a silk peel could do no harm. This is when you make a wise decision for your skin and get fresher, softer, and brighter skin! And they say, when you look fresh, you look happy!
And as Kim says, “Your skin tells a story: I want to help you tell yours!”