What is Dermaplaning? And How to Do It

Want glowing, smooth skin? Then look no further than Dermaplaning, a form of physical exfoliation. Instead of using granules, as you would in a face scrub, dermaplaning involves using a blade. Yep, you read that right. And I know, it sounds scary, but it isn’t.

What are the benefits of dermaplaning?

A dermaplaning tool works to gently scrape and buff away the dead layer of skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin beneath. It can tackle acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines and dry patches. And it’s pretty addictive, as you can see the dead skin coming away. Once you have exfoliated the skin, any products you apply afterwards are going to penetrate the skin more effectively, so you should notice your skincare seems more potent too.

Dermaplaning also skims away peach fuzz and unwanted hairs from the face. Plenty of people worry that shaving the hair (because that’s essentially what dermaplaning is doing) will lead to the hairs growing back thicker. That’s just not the case. Shaving the hair has no effect on the follicle to make the hair thicker, but the act of shaving means the hair is no longer tapered at the end when it grows back. Instead it has a blunt end, which can make it feel as if the hair is thicker. For me, the quick hair removal and the fact my skin is clearer and glowier means I’m a fan of dermaplaning in spite of the slightly blunt hair regrowth. And, I’ve shared one tool below I’ve used that actually avoids the whole blunt hair regrowth issue.

How can I try dermaplaning?

There are a couple of different ways to try dermaplaning.

1) You can go to a dermatologist or aesthetic expert who will carry out the dermaplaning treatment for you. (Just be sure, as with any treatment, that you research the clinic and skin expert you are booking in with to be sure they are reputable and well trained at delivering the treatment in question). In a clinic, they will be able to use a dermaplaning tool that is much sharper than you can buy over the internet and use at home. Which brings me onto…

2) Amazon sells a ton of dermaplaning tools that you can use at home to exfoliate and smooth your skin. Quite a lot of them are very cheap and not that great but I have a couple of favourites that I’ll share below. If you’re dermaplaning at home be sure to get an alcohol spray so you can clean the blade before and after each use.

How to do dermaplaning at home

If you’re using a dermaplaning tool at home, you should make sure your face is cleansed before you use it. It’s also worth using an alcohol solution on the blade before and after each use to ensure it’s 100% clean.

Pull your skin taut and, working from your hairline down to your jaw, use light, small, downward motions. Take extra care around your nose and lip edge and don’t use it too close to the eye area. In fact, I would avoid going any closer to the eye than the orbital bone. Take your time and tread carefully, otherwise you could end up with a shaving cut.

Can everyone try dermaplaning?

If you have active acne or spots (not including blackheads), rosacea or sensitive skin then I would avoid dermaplaning. You only want to use a dermaplaning tool on healthy skin that perhaps looks a little lacklustre and in need of deep exfoliation.

Does dermaplaning have any side effects?

You may notice your skin is a little pink after a treatment either at home or in a clinic. Some people may get a couple of whiteheads appearing the next day, to prevent this be sure to use a clean blade, clean hands and apply a little salicylic acid serum or lotion afterwards, if you’re prone to breakouts.

As you’re revealing new skin underneath, always apply an SPF after treating the skin if you’re going outside.

How much is dermaplaning in a clinic?

The price will vary depending on where you are in the country, for example, with Dr David Jack who is brilliant and based in central London, dermaplaning costs £150.

The tools you can buy for home use vary in price, but I would recommend spending a little bit more, as you really do get what you pay for.