At-home Dermaplaning: What is it and how to do it right

Facial shaving has gone mainstream. Snoop inside the kit of any A-list makeup artist and you’ll probably find a couple of dermaplaning tools - from Janelle Monae to Lizzo, this exfoliating, hair removal treatment boasts a loyal celebrity following. But should you attempt at-home dermaplaning? 

We spoke to the expert - Dermaflash Founder, Dara Levy, for all your need-to-knows including how to dermaplane, the benefits of facial shaving and aftercare tips.

What is dermaplaning?

For those unfamiliar with the buzzy treatment, “traditional dermaplaning is a form of manual exfoliation performed by a medical aesthetician that uses a surgical scalpel to gently scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and peach fuzz,” explains Dara.  Like LED masks and microneedling, dermaplaning treatments have made the jump from the clinic to your bathroom, with a host of DIY dermaplaning tools available. If you do decide to dabble in the technique at home, make sure you invest in the best dermaplaning device. Dermaflash’s clever gadgets aren’t face shavers in the traditional sense, instead they’re described as exfoliation tools which use a sterile and precisely positioned, single-use blade alongside sonic vibrations to gently remove dead skin cells.

What are the benefits of dermaplaning? - Boosts the results of your skincare: “By removing the barrier to product penetration, dermaplaning allows skincare treatments and topicals to work more effectively,” says Dara - Enhanced exfoliation: Dermaplaning removes dead outer skin cells and ultra-fine vellus hairs, providing more intensive results than your go-to face scrub or chemical exfoliator. - Dials up your glow: The exfoliating treatment amps up cellular turnover, giving dull skin cells the boot and reducing pigmentation and dark spots, leaving you visibly refreshed and radiant. - The ultimate primer: Because dermaplaning removes fine facial hairs and smooths skin texture, “it creates a flawless canvas for makeup,” says Dara

What skin type is it best for? According to Dara, most skin types can benefit from dermaplaning, regardless of age, skin tone or skin type. As it’s free from chemicals, it’s even safe for pregnant women who want to get the glow. However, if you’re experiencing acne and angry breakouts, you might want to give this one a wide berth as it could cause further irritation. Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker? No. There’s no risk of hairs growing back thicker or darker as the physiology of the fine vellus hair follicles are not affected by the dermaplaning procedure.

How long does dermaplaning last? While traditional dermaplaning in a spa is recommended every 4-6 weeks, Dara suggests once a week for Dermaflash’s at-home device - “it is a gentler approach that enables more consistent exfoliation and peach fuzz removal. Is dermaplaning safe? “Dermaplaning is a safe and painless treatment,” confirms Dara. “When done in spa, a surgical scalpel is used, so the elegance of the treatment relies entirely in the hand of the aesthetician. Dermaflash is a safe, easy-to-use alternative that brings dermaplaning to the comfort and safety of your home and offers the same amazing results.”

How to dermaplane at home Dara says that at-home dermaplaning can be achieved in three simple steps: 1. Wash skin with a cleanser to create a squeaky-clean canvas. Ensure the skin is dry before proceeding. 2. Holding the device at a 45 degree angle, pull skin taut with a finger from the opposite hand and use short feathery, downward strokes as you glide the device over your entire face. 3. Finally, apply moisturiser to replenish and hydrate your skin for a baby-soft finish. Dermaplaning aftercare “Sunscreen should always be worn after treatment,” says Dara, “and avoid Retinols the day before and the day after your treatment.” Otherwise, reap the benefits of dermaplaning and give yourself a proper at-home facial, your silky-soft skin will drink it up.

Shop all Dermaflash