Ask any woman if she likes her facial hair, and chances are you’ll likely be greeted with a resounding “NO!” Most women will go to any extreme or length to get rid of peach fuzz on their face, and one of the quickest and most reliable hair removal treatments is dermablading (also known as dermaplaning). While it’s important not to confuse dermablading for face shaving, this of-the-moment skin-perfecting treatment is essential for many reasons.
Dermablading continues to be in high demand for its ability to physically exfoliate the top layer of the skin and remove dead skin and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz. The quick treatment is performed with a surgical scalpel to exfoliate the face manually. But patients return for dermablading over and over because of its results: super smooth, fresh-looking skin that reflects light properly. In addition, removing the top layer of skin and hair allows the skin to appear more even in tone and texture while permitting new skin cells to come to the surface.
The Secret to Smoother Skin
Fans of dermablading will tell you that the easy treatment leaves the skin as smooth as silk. The cosmetic treatment relies on a surgical scalpel or blade to exfoliate the face gently. While it sounds somewhat scary, it’s not. Dermablading is painless and fast and leaves the skin looking bright and soft.
Not to be confused with dermabrasion or face shaving, dermablading is entirely different. Dermabrasion treatments use a combination of micro-crystals and suctioning to exfoliate dead skin, but they don’t remove peach fuzz. On the other hand, shaving removes the hair and doesn’t lift away dead skin cells. So while some people confuse dermablading for shaving, they’re not the same. And even if you’ve seen social media videos with women using tiny razors to lift away peach fuzz, dermablading is different. Not only does dermablading use a scalpel as opposed to a razor, but it also exfoliates the upper layers of dead skin, whereas shaving does not. Think of this physical exfoliating treatment as the most effective way to scrape off dead skin cells and facial hair, almost like a supercharged exfoliator.
For the most part, dermablading is suitable for just about any skin type and color, especially complexions that boast signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, dry areas, and overall dullness. Still, you’ll want to consider your skin type and avoid the treatment if your skin is easily inflamed or reactive and pass on it if it’s not right for you.
Treatment Details
On average, a dermablading appointment lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Numbing cream isn’t necessary since the treatment is pain-free, although most patients pair dermablading with a facial, which helps loosen dirt and oil and allows for easier removal of dead skin cells.
During the treatment, a scalpel is placed against the skin and, using short, gentle strokes, scrapes away the top layer of skin and facial hair. The exfoliation is superficial, so not too much skin is removed.
The process is entirely painless–you may not even feel anything at all (we like to say it feels very similar to shaving your legs or another body part). But it’s imperative that the treatment, which takes 15 to 30 minutes tops, is done correctly, which means gliding the scalpel in the right direction against the skin to prevent cuts, nicks, and irritation. That’s why it’s always best to have a professional perform dermablading.
While most people don’t break out from dermablading, you shouldn’t have the treatment performed on your skin if there are active breakouts. But conversely, the treatment helps remove a buildup of dead skin and excess oils from the surface, so it may even reduce the incidence of breakouts.
You’ll likely need to repeat the treatment monthly to stay fuzz-free and keep your skin glowing. However, dermablading the skin too frequently can irritate or damage the top layer of protection.
The Pros and Cons
There’s a lot that dermablading can do and plenty it can’t. The unique benefit of the treatment is that it smooths and evens out the skin so that it emerges more uniformly, allowing your makeup to go on that much better. These are the treatment’s pros and cons:
PROS:
- It’s a painless treatment with no downtime
- Those with sensitive skin and pregnant women can do the treatment
- It works well with facials, lasers, and chemical peels for better product penetration
- You can do it every few weeks
- Your makeup will go on smoother
- It can help reduce the appearance of scars from acne
- The hair does not grow back thicker or darker
- The skin will emerge softer and smoother
CONS:
- It can be expensive
- The results are not long-lasting or permanent
- Anyone with active acne should avoid dermablading
- It can potentially irritate the skin, especially if it’s sensitive
Post-Dermablading Care
Following a dermablading session, there’s not much you need to do to care for your skin other than following the basics of a well-rounded skincare routine. There may be some initial redness or pinkness to the skin, which fades quickly. You’ll be able to resume your routine immediately—save for harsh exfoliating acids, like retinol, which you’ll want to steer clear of for about two days. Moisturization is essential, so apply a hydrating cream or serum, which will help protect the skin barrier. You can even apply makeup directly following the treatment.
Like many other skincare treatments, it’s advised to avoid direct sun exposure during the first few days post-dermablading and always protect the skin with sunscreen. Remember, the uppermost layer of skin has just been exfoliated away, leaving the new skin more susceptible to sun damage.
Most patients say the results last about two to three weeks, depending on how fast the hair grows.
