Turns out that “dermablade” is one of the most searched topics on my blog so I decided to make a video blog (vlog) of my experience with dermablading. I will share that video in this post, as well as answers to the top questions I get asked on the daily about my monthly dermablade treatments.
What is a dermablade?
Also known as dermaplaning, dermablading is a highly-effective exfoliation treatment. The procedure uses a medical-grade dermablade to gently slough the surface of your skin. This process removes dead skin cells and vellus hairs, also known as “peach fuzz”.
What are the benefits of Dermaplaning?
- Removes Dead Skin Cell Buildup – Dermablading gently removes the layer of dead skin cells that can accumulate on the surface of your skin. Clearing away this buildup can help reveal fresher-looking skin underneath and leave your complexion looking brighter and more refreshed.
- Removes Soft Facial Hair That Traps Dirt and Oils – Dermablading removes fine vellus hair, often called “peach fuzz,” from the face. These tiny hairs can hold onto oil, dirt, and skincare or makeup residue, so removing them can leave the surface of the skin feeling exceptionally clean and smooth.
- Allows for Better Product Penetration – By removing dead surface cells and peach fuzz, dermablading can help your skincare products spread more evenly across the skin. This freshly exfoliated surface can also allow certain topical products to penetrate the outermost layer of skin more effectively.
- Can Be Great for Many Skin Types – One of the reasons dermablading is so popular is that it can work well for a wide range of skin types and tones because it doesn’t rely on heat, lasers, or harsh chemical exfoliants. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone—especially those with active acne, irritated skin, or certain skin conditions—so it’s always a good idea to consult a skincare professional first.
- Smooths Out the Skin – The combination of removing dead skin and fine facial hair creates an incredibly smooth surface. As an added bonus, makeup often applies more evenly afterward, which can help foundation and other complexion products look more seamless rather than catching on dry patches or peach fuzz.
- Reduces the Appearance of Light Scarring – Dermablading may help soften the appearance of very superficial textural irregularities and light acne scarring by exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin. It won’t remove deeper scars, but regular professional treatments may help the skin’s surface look smoother and more even over time.
- Helps Diminish the Look of Fine Lines – Removing dull, dead surface cells can temporarily make fine lines appear less noticeable and give the skin a smoother, more luminous appearance. While dermablading isn’t a treatment for deeper wrinkles, it can be a nice addition to a skincare routine focused on maintaining smooth, radiant-looking skin.
Which is better microdermabrasion or Dermaplaning?
In my opinion, Dermaplaning yields quicker results. Dermaplaning offers some of the same exfoliating benefits as microdermabrasion, but the difference is that it also removes the vellus hairs, or peach fuzz from your face.
The hair, dirt, and dead cells removed from my Dermablade treatment
Does your hair grow back thicker?
NO! It is an old wives tale that when shaving your face that your hair grows back thicker. Because it is all removed at the same time and grows slowly back at the same time, it may seem that it has grown back thicker. But actually growing back fuller or thicker is definitely not the case.
What is the average cost?
Dermaplaning prices usually range from $75 to $150 and up.
Is Dermaplaning Safe?
One of the questions I hear most often about this treatment is, is dermaplaning safe? For most people with healthy skin, dermaplaning is generally considered a low-risk cosmetic procedure when performed properly by a trained professional. It exfoliates your skin by using a sterile blade to gently remove dead surface cells and fine vellus hair, better known as peach fuzz.
However, that doesn’t mean dermaplaning is right for absolutely everyone. Certain skin conditions may make you a poor candidate, particularly if your skin is currently inflamed, irritated, or compromised. If you have active acne, open sores, an active cold sore outbreak, eczema or psoriasis flaring in the treatment area, or another active skin infection, your provider may recommend waiting until your skin has healed. Dermaplaning over inflamed acne can also potentially irritate blemishes and spread bacteria.
It’s also important to understand that dermaplaning works primarily on the outermost layers of skin. While it can improve the appearance of surface texture and may make very light acne scars appear less noticeable, it isn’t designed to treat deep or pitted scarring.
Risks can include temporary redness, sensitivity, irritation, small cuts, breakouts, and changes in pigmentation, although serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed correctly. This is one reason I prefer having my skin evaluated and treatment performed professionally rather than assuming a treatment is appropriate for me.
I’m sharing my own experience with dermaplaning and skincare here, but everyone’s skin is different. Always check with a licensed esthetician or dermatologist to determine whether dermaplaning is appropriate for your particular skin type and concerns.
How Often Should You Dermaplane?
Generally, professional dermaplaning treatments are spaced about three to four weeks apart, although your provider may recommend a slightly different schedule based on your skin.
Why wait that long? Your skin needs time to naturally renew itself between treatments. Dermaplaning removes accumulated dead surface cells rather than repeatedly stripping away healthy layers of skin, so more frequent treatments aren’t necessarily better.
I find that the immediately smooth feeling is one of the best parts of a dermaplaning session. The peach fuzz will gradually grow back, and dead skin cells will naturally begin accumulating again. Results typically last around three to four weeks, although this varies from person to person.
And don’t worry: dermaplaning does not cause your facial hair to grow back thicker or darker. Cutting vellus hair at the surface doesn’t change the hair follicle underneath your skin.
What To Expect During a Dermaplaning Session
If you’ve never had dermaplaning before, the idea of someone taking a blade to your face can sound a little intimidating. My experience has been much less dramatic than that description makes it sound!
At my appointment, my skin is first thoroughly cleansed so that makeup, oils, sunscreen, and other residue are removed. The skin needs to be clean and properly prepared before the treatment begins.
Next comes the actual dermaplaning. My provider holds the skin taut while moving the blade across the surface in small, controlled strokes. The gentle scraping removes dead skin cells and helps remove peach fuzz at the same time.
You can actually see the combination of fine facial hair and dead skin that has been removed, which is strangely satisfying!
For me, the treatment doesn’t hurt. I mostly notice the sensation of the blade moving gently across my skin. Depending on the provider and whether dermaplaning is being combined with other treatments, an appointment may take around 30 minutes or longer. The dermaplaning portion itself can be relatively quick.
Afterward, my skin feels incredibly smooth. Because dermaplaning helps remove fine facial hairs as well as dead surface cells, I especially notice the difference when applying my skincare and makeup.
What To Do After Dermaplaning
Your skin may look beautifully smooth immediately after treatment, but remember that you’ve just exfoliated it. I like to treat my skin a little more gently afterward.
Immediately following dermaplaning, I focus on hydration and supporting my skin barrier. Gentle moisturizers and hydrating products are usually a better choice than strong active ingredients. Your provider may also apply soothing or hydrating products immediately following your treatment.
For the first few days, I avoid anything that could unnecessarily irritate freshly exfoliated skin. Depending on your provider’s instructions, this may include retinoids such as tretinoin or retinol, exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs, scrubs, and other potentially irritating products. Your provider can tell you exactly when to restart your normal skincare routine.
Sun protection is particularly important. Freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to UV exposure, so I make sunscreen a priority after skin dermaplaning. I use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and try to avoid unnecessary prolonged sun exposure.
As for makeup, recommendations can vary. Some providers may allow makeup later the same day, while others recommend waiting until the following day, particularly if the skin is pink or sensitive. Personally, I prefer giving my freshly treated skin some breathing room whenever possible. Follow the specific aftercare instructions given to you by the professional who performs your treatment.
Can You Dermaplane At Home?
You’ve probably seen small facial razors and dermaplaning tools sold for home use. While these tools can help remove peach fuzz and some dead surface skin, I don’t consider them the same thing as a professional dermaplaning treatment.
Professional dermaplaning uses a sterile, professional-grade blade and a specific technique to exfoliate the skin. A trained provider also knows how to adjust the angle, pressure, and approach for different areas of the face and can identify areas that should be avoided.
An at-home facial razor, on the other hand, primarily removes facial hair and may provide some light surface exfoliation. I personally wouldn’t attempt to recreate a medical-grade or professional dermaplaning treatment on myself with a surgical-style blade. There is simply too much opportunity to cut the skin, cause irritation, or potentially introduce bacteria.
If I wanted to use an at-home facial tool simply to remove fine peach fuzz between professional appointments, I would choose a tool specifically designed for consumer use, follow the instructions carefully, use it on clean skin, and never go over active breakouts or irritated areas.
For me, there’s an important distinction between removing facial hair at home and performing a professional-level cosmetic procedure on yourself. When it comes to deeper exfoliation, I would rather leave that to someone trained to work with the skin.
Have You Tried Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning has become one of my favorite ways to get that incredibly smooth, freshly exfoliated feeling without a complicated treatment or lengthy downtime. I especially love how smooth my skin feels afterward and how beautifully makeup can apply once all of that dead skin and peach fuzz is gone.
Of course, no skincare treatment is one-size-fits-all. What works beautifully for my skin may not be the right choice for someone dealing with active acne, sensitivity, or certain skin conditions.
Have you tried dermaplaning? I would love to hear about your experience! Let me know in the comments whether you loved your results, how often you have it done, or if you’re considering booking your first dermaplaning session.
The perfect companion to your dermaplane treatment is a refreshing and deep cleansing hydrafacial.
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Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
