What is Dermaplaning and How To Do it Safely at Home

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Dermaplaning is just another way of exfoliation.

Dermaplaning, also called face shaving, is an exfoliating procedure where a dermatologist or esthetician uses a scalpel to remove vellus hairs (aka peach fuzz) and dead skin cells on the surface of your face. A scalpel against your face? It sounds scary but it's not as intimidating as it sounds. The results are also worth it according to Women's Health beauty director Kristina Rodulfo. Since this is a physical type of exfoliation, you'll instantly see a smoother surface and no more peach fuzz. Since dead skin cells will be out of the way, you can also expect your skincare products to penetrate better.

Ideally, dermaplaning should be left to a professional. However, in this time of Covid-19, visits to the dermatologist or to salons are not as doable as before, and this is the primary reason why dermaplaning at home is getting very common. While surgical scalpels are not easy to get a hold of, facial razors are available at your local drugstore or at any beauty aisle.

Dermaplaning at Home

Gather the stuff you need: cleansing oil, facial cleanser, facial razor, and cotton pads. Licensed esthetician and founder of Urban Skin Rx Rachel Roff tells Elle that a clean face is a must before attempting dermaplaning. She recommends double cleansing to make sure all product and grime are stripped bare from the face. This means using a cleansing oil before your favorite facial cleanser. Among Allure's top suggestions are K-beauty cult favorite Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil, Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil, Neutrogena Ultra Light Face Cleansing Oil and No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Micellar Cleansing Oil.

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Once your face is squeaky clean and dry, follow these steps:

Starting at your jawline, take your facial razor and make smooth and short strokes upwards. Make sure to pull the skin taut with your other hand to create a flatter surface as you shave. Continue the process until you've finished shaving your cheeks and jawline. Make sure to wipe your razor on a cotton pad every few strokes.

Do the same around your lips, nose, and forehead. Some also include the neck. Be careful not to shave over the parts you've already covered on your first go.

When you're done, apply your treatment serum or a light moisturizer. For those with fairly normal skin, you can do this once a month. For those with sensitive skin, once a season will suffice. Those with inflamed acne should wait until the blemishes dry out.

Make sure you use a fresh razor for every dermaplaning session for best results. Kristina Rodulfo uses Revlon Face Defuzzer, while Good Housekeeping recommends the following razors: Shiseido Piece Prepare Facial Razor, Tinkle Eyebrow Razor Pack, Schick Silk Touch-Up Facial Razor and Sephora Collection Level Setter Razors.

Aftercare

Avoid wearing makeup for one to two days after dermaplaning to avoid irritation. Steer clear from physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants as well. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft suggests using hyaluronic acid mask, serum or moisturizer to repair skin and keep it hydrated. Some of Popsugar's top picks can be found in the drugstore: Garnier SkinActive Super Hydrating Sheet Mask, CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, L'Oréal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum, La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Light Rehydrating Face Moisturizer and Olay Deep Hydration Serum. She also tells Cosmopolitan that what's crucial after dermaplaning (and basically everyday) is a gentle sunscreen like Supergoop Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 or EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44.