By now you may have heard about dermaplaning for facial skin. Sometimes called the scalpel facial, this procedure is best done in a salon and it feels like the best facial of your life. Acting as a mini peel, it gives you instant results as it removes dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, brightening your complexion. In the process, it diminishes fine lines and wrinkles as well as eliminates those pesky peach fuzz hairs called the Vellus hair. The result is a radiant glow and make-up application that goes on more evenly.
Every day your skin is exposed to harsh environmental elements inside and outside. From the drying effects of heat indoors to toxins, sun, pollutants, irritants, rain, smog and more. All of this accumulates on your skin and sits on dead skin cells dulling your complexion. Even though you wash your face, the dead skin cells remain. The only way to remove them is to exfoliate. Dermaplaning is an easy and less expensive way to get even exfoliation without damaging the skin, and the best part is there is no downtime. Unlike chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing, you’ll walk out of the salon with glowing and radiant skin that you don’t have to hide.
How Dermaplaning is Performed
Dermaplaning should be done by a licensed cosmetologist who is experienced and trained in using the very sharp blade that is used in the procedure. Done in salons like Aveda Salon Virginia Beach in Virginia Beach, a practitioner places a single sterile surgical grade10 blade at a 45 degree angle to your skin, and then slowly and gently glides it over your face. The blade exfoliates the skin as it removes dead skin cells, dirt, grease, toxins and hair from your face. Yes, ladies, we all have it. Unlike the way men shave, where they only shave their beard area on their cheeks, chin, and neck, dermaplaning is used on the entire face from the forehead to the chin. Some say men’s faces age slower than women’s and shaving may be the reason.
You may feel some tingling during the procedure, but there has been no pain reported. On average, a dermaplaning session takes up to 30 minutes. One of the biggest concerns women have is wondering if their hair will grow back thicker or if they will get a beard. The answer is a resounding “NO!” Your hair will grow back the same way it was before you had the procedure was done and, depending on your hair growth cycle, monthly to every six weeks upkeep is recommended.
After dermaplaning is complete, a cooling serum is applied to the face to infuse your skin with minerals and healing agents. The process triggers cell regeneration, with new skin cells reaching the surface.
Who Can Have It Done
It can be used with any skin type, color and texture; and it can help with numerous skin complaints such as acne, wrinkles, sun damage, dull skin and dry skin. Some women report that they have more facial hair than others, but for some it may just be a matter of hair color. Darker haired people tend to have more noticeable facial hair only because their hair is dark. Those with blonde body hair tend to have light facial hair that is hardly noticeable. Certain ethnicities might have thicker or coarser hair on their heads and therefore may find they have thicker facial hair, especially on the sideburns and upper lip areas.
Who Shouldn’t Have It Done
While dermaplaning is a great treatment for most people, there are some that may not benefit. Those with rosacea, active acne, a history of cold sores and sensitive skin might want to avoid the procedure as it could make it worse. The blade could knick a pimple and spread bacteria over the skin while those with a history of cold sores may suffer an outbreak due to tiny tears to the skin. Those with rosacea and sensitive skin might end up having down time due to red and irritated skin. As with all procedures, not everything is good for everyone. Always talk to your esthetician before a procedure and share your medical history as well as your cosmetic history, allergies and concerns.
Pros of Dermaplaning
There are many pros to dermaplaning. The benefits are better skin that is noticeable instantly.
- No downtime
- Unlike a chemical peel, you do not continue to peel in the days after.
- Glowing Skin
- Smoother Skin
- Easier makeup application
- Foundation sits on the skin better
Cons of Dermaplaning
There are not many cons to dermaplaning, but here are a few:
- It’s not for everyone
- It doesn’t exfoliate as deeply as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and lasers
- Those with super coarse, dark hair that is overly abundant with quick hair regrowth may have to have it done more frequently.
- Those who suffer from ingrown hairs might experience some trouble
Side Effects
There are minimal, if any, side effects associated with dermaplaning. You may notice slight redness and tingling after the procedure and some people have reported whiteheads two days after, but these symptoms subside quickly on their own. Regrowth of hair has a blunter tip due to the razor cut, which for some people may lead them to believe the hair is thicker, but we assure you it is not. You will not feel razor stubble unless you have very coarse hair, and even then, it should only last a day but not be noticeable to others. Those with major concerns should try one area of their face before having the procedure done on their whole face.
After Care
- Be sure to use sunscreen every day no matter if there is sun shining or not, and reapply throughout the day
- Moisturize at least twice a day
- Wash gently
Dermaplaning is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as microdermabrasion, ablative lasers and chemical peels, for maximum benefits. Used first to rid the skin of the first layer of dead skin cells, it opens the skin to other treatments, making them work better and more effectively. Consulting with a licensed esthetician will ensure the best round of treatment for you.
Dermaplaning Compared to Other Exfoliation Methods
Microdermabrasion
Instead of using a blade to remove dead skin cells, microdermabrasion uses fine stone-like particles that remove dead skin cells and sand your skin smooth. While both procedures are safe, several treatments of microdermabrasion are recommended and there is more downtime than with dermaplaning. Stimulating collagen production, this treatment can be used in conjunction with dermaplaning.
Chemical Peel
Depending on the peel, you can go light or deep, with each requiring at least a week of downtime to peel. After that redness may last another week or so. Chemical peels go deeper than dermaplaning, but with regular use, dermaplaning can give you the same results with less trauma. Try the Perfecting Peel, a 50 minute facial that leaves your skin smooth and refreshed after just one treatment.
Laser Resurfacing
Out of all the techniques, laser resurfacing offers the deepest exfoliation, but also has the longest downtime or recovery period. A laser often completely removes the top layers of skin leaving you raw and tender for at least two weeks with redness lasting another couple of weeks. Most people cannot return to work during recovery time.
Overall, dermaplaning is a safe procedure giving most people a clearer, smoother and brighter complexion. What many people don’t understand is that wrinkles are not the only thing that ages you. While we fixate on those lines, we forget that it’s the texture of our skin that changes over time. Take a look at a baby and you’ll instantly understand. Their skin is not only line-free but it’s bursting with moisture, plumpness and a glow from within. Who doesn’t want to reach out and squeeze the rosy cheeks of a toddler?
As skin ages, that glow dissipates as dead skin accumulates and the environment wreaks havoc. That inner sparkle is hidden under dead skin. Remove that skin and your glow returns, then it won’t matter so much if you have some crows feet or laugh lines. Instead you won’t be able to take your eyes off of your gorgeous skin and other people will notice, too. Keeping that in mind, it is even more important to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize then protect, protect, protect with sunscreen and hats. Try not to go to bed with your make up and make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep skin hydrated. You can also read our Pick A Facial, Any Facial blog for more suggestive information on skin care.
Make an appointment at Verde Salon & Spa for all your Microdermabrasion Virginia Beach for your dermaplaning treatment where licensed estheticians use all natural AVEDA products. Pair your dermaplaning facial with microdermabrasion, the Perfecting Plant Peel, a dual exfoliation peel, vitamin C treatment or the natural face lifting facial. Trained and professional estheticians will consult with you and answer all your questions, putting you at ease and helping you to choose the best treatment option.