Note from “Mantic59” – I’ve been getting some requests for more content oriented to women on Sharpologist. Here is an article on dermaplaning.
If you’re a woman looking for a quick and simple way to remove peach fuzz and improve the dullness and texture of your skin, you’ve come to the right place. Let me introduce you to a skincare technique that’s designed to do all that and more. Growing increasingly popular amongst females today, this technique is known as dermaplaning. Ladies, this one is for you!
What Is Dermaplaning?
Sometimes referred to as blading or microplaning, dermaplaning is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that’s commonly used by women to skim dead skin cells and facial hair using an exfoliating blade. Done correctly, this treatment works to smoothen the skin’s surface, reduce the appearance of acne scarring as well as fine lines and wrinkles, and soften the complexion.
And while dermaplaning is generally thought of as a safe exfoliating technique to try—whether that be at home or from a professional—it’s important to get the facts first and gather all the relevant information out there before jumping into this procedure.
If you, or someone you know, is considering dermaplaning for the first time, follow this guide to learn more about this treatment and how to properly use it to achieve a youthful glow.
Dermaplaning vs. Shaving: Understanding the Difference
Although dermaplaning shares the same concept as shaving—removing facial hair and dead skin cells—there are a few key differences to make note of. First, and seemingly the most obvious, is the tools involved in the procedure. Unlike shaving, you’re not using a special type of razor to remove hair, but rather, a sterile blade that’s (ideally) tilted at a 45-degree angle when in use. Using a smaller, exfoliant blade as opposed to a razor makes it easier to slough dead cells in addition to any unwanted facial hair, hereby helping to improve the tone and texture of your skin.
Another key difference between dermaplaning and shaving is the way in which you prep your skin before performing the treatment. Before grooming his beard, for instance, a man might prepare his skin by wetting it and coating his facial hair in shaving cream or gel. This is likely in an attempt to avoid nicks and razor bumps and get an all-around better shave. But, for women getting ready to dermaplane, on the other hand, all they need to do is wash their face with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a balancing pH toner. Doing so will prevent any germs from surfacing onto freshly exfoliated skin, and ultimately, support a smooth supple complexion post-procedure.
Finally, the last notable difference between the two is that dermaplaning is not a procedure that needs to be done as regularly as shaving. Most people prefer to shave a few times a week—depending on certain factors like what area of the body you’re shaving and/or the desired look you’re going for. With this in mind, the number of times you shave will likely be more frequent compared to the number of times you practice dermaplaning.
Because dermaplaning is a deep exfoliation technique, it has the ability to remove up to two to three weeks of dead cells from your skin after just one treatment. For this reason, your complexion needs some additional time to recover and resurface before the next dermaplaning sessions. This is why skincare experts recommend waiting anywhere between three to four weeks after the initial procedure before performing it again as this will provide your skin with enough rest time.
Is Dermaplaning Safe for All Skin Types?
As mentioned before, dermaplaning is typically safe for most people to try regardless of what skin type they identify with most. Still, it’s imperative that you’re made aware of the implications that may arise if you’re a female who struggles with breakouts or acne-prone skin.
Even though dermaplaning has been found to help to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, this cosmetic treatment does not work to combat bumps and blemishes that are actively on the skin. As explained within the article “What is Dermaplaning,” cosmetic doctor Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, explains that:
“Those with active acne, infection or cold sores in the areas of concern,” Why? “Due to the spreading of potential bacteria or virus this can lead to a wider spread infection that can cause more inflammation, sometimes pigmentation and even scarring.”
This means that if you’re a female who is currently experiencing acne breakouts, namely, cystic or pustular acne, you’ll want to steer clear of this procedure for the time being. Otherwise, the very act of performing this treatment could potentially cause the virus or bacteria that came from those specific acne breakouts, to spread to non-infected areas of the skin. This may lead to issues like inflammation, redness, scarring, and ultimately, worsening skin conditions.
Needless to say, those of you who are currently dealing with acne should focus on treating your breakouts first before dermaplaning. Remember that as long as you aren’t actively experiencing blemishes, it’s okay to perform this procedure. That being said, if you do normally have an acne-prone skin type, it may be a good idea to incorporate personalized acne treatment products into your everyday routine and use them in between dermaplaning treatments. Doing so will allow you to better manage pimples and zits as they occur, and therefore support your dermaplaning journey to achieving a youthful glow.
How to Dermaplane & Achieve a Youthful Glow
Dermaplaning can either be done at home or at a professional salon, so don’t forget to weigh the benefits of both before choosing which option you’d like to proceed with. If you do choose to take on this treatment by yourself, there are a couple of steps you should follow in order to adequately perform this technique.
Once you have finished prepping your skin with a fresh wash, and balancing toner, you’re ready to begin the process of dermaplaning. To achieve a youthful glow, start by using a finger from one hand and hold the skin taut.
Then, using your other hand, tilt the small, exfoliant blade at a 45-degree angle to your skin and make short, feathery strokes in a downward motion. Try to move the strokes towards the center of your face and continue this process for 20-30 minutes, or until you reach desired visible results. And, I think this goes without saying, always always avoid certain areas of your face, including your eyes, mouth, eyebrows, and nose.
When you have successfully completed the treatment, it’s a good idea to dispose of the tool or blade you used throughout the treatment and replace these materials with new dermaplaning supplies. Keep in mind that “double-dipping” with the same blade could cause harmful bacteria to unnecessarily spread onto your skin come time for a second use.
After you’ve gotten rid of the used dermaplaning blade/tool, you can then apply the rest of your skincare products as usual, but be sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your complexion as post-dermaplane skin is highly sensitive to the sun. If left unprotected, sun-exposed skin may reverse the effects that came from dermaplaning or worse, create pigment blotches on newly uncovered skin cells. So, for optimal UV protection, use sunscreen and other sun-blocking products that contain an SPF of at least 30 and reapply as necessary.
Get the Facts First
Like all cosmetic procedures, it’s essential that you do your research about dermaplaning so that you can know the facts before trying this out. Although it’s noninvasive and generally less complex compared to other beautifying treatments out there, dermaplaning still comes with its pros and its cons, and it’s up to you to figure out what those are.
Spend some time seeking out information on this topic and use this dermaplaning guide for women to help you decipher whether or not this procedure is right for you. Jot down the advantages and disadvantages of dermaplaning and ask yourself how they could affect your particular skin type and unique concerns.
For more information on the increasingly popular exfoliant technique known as dermaplaning, check out this post as featured on Women’s Health Mag!
