What is Dermaplaning? Your Guide to This Popular Facial

In a world full of trendy skin care treatments, products, and devices, there’s always something new to learn about. Today’s lesson: Dermaplaning. Perhaps you’ve heard about its benefits for facial hair removal and fine lines and wrinkles, or maybe you’ve seen someone try it on social media but are still asking, “what is dermaplaning?” Either way, we’re here to answer all of your questions about dermaplaning, including the benefits and potential side effects of a professional dermaplaning facial and whether or not it’s truly safe to try dermaplaning at home. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this trendy facial option.

WHAT IS DERMAPLANING?

According to the Stanford Health Care, dermaplaning (not to be confused with microdermabrasion) is an in-office procedure done with a tool called a dermatome. This tool may look familiar—they look like electric razors. The difference between this and your standard shaving tool is that the dermatome has an oscillating blade that removes the surface layers of skin. Per the Mayo Clinic, when this “planing” removes the skin surface, a new layer of skin grows in its place. Dermaplaning can be performed on small areas of the skin, or on the entire face, so it can take anywhere from just a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area selected.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DERMAPLANING?

Because it literally removes the top layer of skin, professional dermaplaning is used to address things like visible acne scars or other facial imperfections on the surface of the skin, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Per Stanford Health Care, the benefits of dermaplaning are also similar to those of a chemical peel. These include anti-aging benefits like the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and scars on the skin—although dermaplaning is not known to remove all types of wrinkles and scars. In terms of who can benefit from dermaplaning, both men and women can, but your dermatologist can confirm whether you specifically can benefit by taking into consideration your skin type, skin coloring, and personal history beforehand.

CAN YOU DO DERMAPLANING AT HOME?

The at-home version of dermaplaning, which is probably the type you see on social media, works similarly to exfoliate the skin and slough off peach fuzz (or hair) on the surface layer—only it’s much gentler than the service offered by a professional. To perform dermaplaning at home, many people invest in a handheld tool that works to simultaneously exfoliate and remove hair from the surface of the skin, although you should always consult a board-certified dermatologist before trying any of the at-home options.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF DERMAPLANING?

As with any professional, or even at-home, skin treatment, there are always potential side effects to consider. When it comes to dermaplaning, these include skin redness, scabbing, and swelling of the skin, which can last for as long as a few weeks after the dermaplaning session. In some cases, according to the Mayo Clinic, it could take a few months for the visible pinkness on the skin to fully fade. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, as the new skin begins to grow back, it may feel swollen and be very sensitive—so protection from the sun is crucial following dermaplaning.

DOES HAIR GROW BACK AFTER DERMAPLANING?

When the top layer of skin is sloughed off during the dermaplaning process, any hair on the skin usually goes with it—leaving behind beautifully clear, fuzz-free skin. After investing in professional dermaplaning, you might be hoping that your unwanted facial hair won’t grow back, but unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. Of course, your hair will grow back! No, it won’t grow back thicker, as many a beauty myth might tell you, but it will grow back exactly the same. This is why dermaplaning can only offer temporary results.

HOW MUCH DOES DERMAPLANING COST?

In-office dermaplaning ranges in cost since every doctor is allowed to set their own pricing. Typically the range is $100 and up per session. At home dermaplaning tools, on the other hand, also range in cost for anywhere from $20 to a few hundred dollars. But again, if you’re considering purchasing an at-home dermaplaning tool, consult your dermatologist before doing so.

Interested in other ways to remove hair—perhaps more permanently? Here is Everything You Need to Know About Removing Hair Permanently.