Everything You Need to Know About Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning can seem intimidating because, after all, it involves scraping a scalpel against your face. However, it has many benefits and limited side effects, so it is definitely worth a try.
If you live near or in Greenville, South Carolina, you are in luck, as Skin by Kim offers dermaplaning treatments in your city! If you are curious about the procedure and want to learn more, this guide is for you. It discusses anything and everything you need to know about dermaplaning before contacting us to make an appointment.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is an exfoliation procedure performed with a specialized scalpel to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz on the skin’s surface. Before starting the treatment, the professional will clean the face to loosen the dead skin cells. They also often apply a solution to open up the pores (1).
Then, the provider will begin the exfoliation procedure. To do so, they hold the blade at a 45-degree angle on the skin. Then, they pull the skin and gently scrape the surface in short motions (1).
The blade from the dermaplaning tool is sharp and should not be handled without proper training. Therefore, only a professional esthetician, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist should do the procedure to avoid injuries or excessive skin irritation.
After the procedure, most professionals apply a moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin.
It is not painful and takes as little as 30 minutes to complete. Since it requires no preparation and there is no downtime, you do not have to block a whole day to get dermaplaning done. You can even make an appointment during your lunch break!
How does dermaplaning work?
When cells die, they move to the surface of your skin. Eventually, they form a thick layer mixed in with excess oil, dirt, and hair. This combined with the continuous exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other irritants, can make your skin look dull (2).
It can also cause skin issues. Dirt, oils, and dead skin cell prevent your skin from breathing and clog your pores, resulting in acne and pimples (3).
Dermaplaning removes the dead skin cells, unwanted facial hair, and debris lying on your face. The result is cleaner, brighter, and smoother skin. It can sometimes take a few days before seeing the results, but most people notice a difference right when they finish the treatment.
What are the benefits of dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is simple and quick, but it has a long list of benefits.
People with dry and flaky skin or uneven skin tones can benefit greatly from this treatment. The exfoliation process removes the top layer of dead skin, getting rid of dry flakes and evening out the surface.
The skin has a natural cell turnover function. This means that it naturally gets rid of dead skin cells and produces new ones. However, this process is not always efficient, especially when dead skin cells start accumulating at the surface (4). Dermaplaning helps with cell turnover by removing dead skin, triggering the production of new cells. The result is healthier, younger-looking skin.
Everybody ages; it is not something that we can stop. But, what we can do is slow down the visible signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. The process of skin aging begins around the age of 25, which is when the skin naturally decreases its collagen production, the molecule that prevents your skin from sagging (5).
Getting regular dermaplaning sessions from the age of 25 can help compensate for lower collagen levels in the skin. Indeed, the action of scraping a scalpel at the skin’s surface stimulates collagen production. Your skin appears plumper and becomes more elastic, reducing visible wrinkles and fine lines (5).
Another reason to get a dermaplaning treatment is better makeup application. Your foundation, concealer, and powder products will look much better on your skin after removing all the peach fuzz and dry skin.
If you like to invest in your skincare products, then it only makes sense to invest in regular dermaplaning sessions as well. Even the best products cannot penetrate a thick layer of dead skin cells. If you do not regularly exfoliate, your serums and creams will stay on the surface without fully absorbing. If the product does not penetrate the skin, you cannot get its full benefits. Dermaplaning will fix this problem and make your skincare regimen more effective, especially in the first few days after getting the treatment (6).
Finally, acne sufferers can benefit from dermaplaning because it prevents breakouts. Specialists do not recommend getting the procedure if you have an acne flare-up because it can make it worst. However, if you have acne but no active pimples, then dermaplaning can prevent a new attack.
It removes the debris, dead skin cells, and oils, preventing pore-clogging, a common cause of acne (7). As mentioned above, it can also make skincare products work better, like topical acne medications. The exfoliation from dermaplaning can also help attenuate the appearance of old acne scars (8).
Is dermaplaning safe?
There are very few risks to dermaplaning. Most people will not experience any side effects after the treatment, but a few do.
The short-term side effects include redness, soreness, and a burning or tingling sensation (8). Those side effects usually go away within a couple of days.
Small nicks and cuts are possible since the dermaplaning blade is sharp (2). Some clients experience whiteheads after the procedure, which go away quickly Others will develop a patchy skin pigment, but this is rare. It will go down or disappear with time (9).
Other rare side effects include infection and scarring. If you develop a scar, let your doctor know. They can inject the scar tissue with steroids to make it softer (9).
The best way to minimize the risks is to book your dermaplaning session with a qualified professional. They know how to sterilize their equipment and manipulate the blade to avoid injuring or irritating the skin.
Unless you are a trained professional yourself, you should not attempt dermaplaning at home either. The risks related to the procedure are going to be much higher. You are more likely to get a cut or develop ingrown hairs following the treatment. You might also not get very good results if you are not using a proper technique.
Who is the perfect candidate for dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is safe for almost everyone, regardless of skin type and tone (6). Anyone who wants to exfoliate their skin without using chemicals can benefit from the procedure. It can help with a multitude of issues, like unwanted facial hair, dryness, hyperpigmentation, acne, scars, uneven skin tone, and more. If you are battling one of those issues, then dermaplaning might be just for you!
However, there are instances when a person should avoid getting the procedure. As mentioned above, those with active acne breakouts should not get dermaplaning done. The same goes for those with a lesion or a wound on their face.
Those with inflammatory skin diseases, like eczema or psoriasis, should also avoid dermaplaning, because it can worsen the condition (6).
If you get a sunburn right before the treatment, it might be best to re-schedule it. It can cause pain during the procedure and reduce the benefits (2).
Those who have taken Accutane, an acne medication, six months prior or received botox or dermal fillers in the last seven days are not ideal candidates either.
Finally, you should let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores. Dermaplaning can slightly irritate the skin and reactivate the virus, giving you a cold sore. One way to prevent this is to take antiviral medication before your appointment (6). If you have an active cold sore, it is best to postpone the treatment. The blade can cause microtears to the skin, resulting in the cold sore spreading on your face, something you want to avoid (10).
What to expect after dermaplaning?
As mentioned earlier, you might experience redness or soreness after the treatment. On the other hand, you might not have any side effects and notice that your skin is brighter right away. It is hard to tell which one you are going to be, but if you have extremely sensitive skin, chances are you will experience some redness.
Dermaplaning makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is best to avoid direct sun exposure in the first few days after the treatment. You should also wear sunscreen every day. Do not forget to re-apply every two hours!
You should not use any other exfoliants or products with retinol 24 hours after the treatment. It could irritate the skin and cause some damage to your skin barrier.
Some fear that dermaplaning will cause their hair to grow back thicker and darker. Depending on the angle at which it was cut, it might feel a little different when it grows back. However, it will not be thicker, and the texture will be the same. It also will not grow faster because you shaved it (7).
How often should you dermaplane your face?
Unfortunately, the results from dermaplaning do not last forever. Your natural skin cell turnover will continue to happen, and dead cells will move to the surface of your skin. The hair will also grow back.
You can expect the results from dermaplaning to last anywhere from three to four weeks (9). Since dermaplaning is a form of deep exfoliation, you should wait at least a month before booking a new session (7). Some dermatologists also recommend that those with very sensitive skin only get the treatment done once every season (7).
However, the exact frequency at which you should get your treatment varies from person to person. That’s why it is best to discuss with your specialist to see how often you should get dermaplaning done.
How much does dermaplaning cost?
The average price of a 30-minute dermaplaning session can go from $150 to $250 (7). The treatment is usually not covered by insurance, which means you’ll have to pay the whole thing out of pocket.
However, the price does vary depending on where you live and the provider you go to. If you want to know the exact price, it is best to contact the clinic where you wish to book your treatment.
Where to find a dermaplane expert in Greenville, SC?
There are a few places where you can get a dermaplaning treatment, but we are happy to say that Skin by Kim offers the best one in the city, for many reasons.
First, we are trained and highly skilled. We have the best of the best working at the clinic, and we all work towards a common goal: helping the people of Greenville, South Carolina, have the best skin possible.
Second, we work closely with our clients to provide them with a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. We are great listeners, and we’ll pay attention to every little detail of your skin story. It will help us give your skin the care it needs and deserves.
Finally, we use the best skincare products and offer the best prices. Trust us, you will be in the best hands at our clinic!
Take-Home Message
Dermaplaning is one of the best ways to exfoliate your skin deeply without causing excessive irritation. It has many benefits, including younger, brighter, and clearer skin. It also makes your skincare routine more effective and prevents acne breakouts.
Almost everyone can benefit from dermaplaning, even those with sensitive skin! If you want to learn more, please take a look at our website. It describes all the services we offer, and you can use our contact form to book a free consultation or an appointment.
We hope to hear from you soon!
References
1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dermaplaning#procedure
2) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dermaplaning#how-it-works
6) https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a26810937/what-is-dermaplaning/
7) https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13036262/dermaplaning-women-shave-face/
8) https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-is-dermaplaning#091e9c5e8212e708-1-2
9)https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dermaplaning#risks-and-side-effects
10)https://www.self.com/story/what-is-dermaplaning