We’ve all heard about dead skin cells. We all know from our grade school science and health classes, that like other mammals, we shed our dead skin and new skin replaces it. And while we can’t see our dead skin cells due to their minuscule size (thankfully!), what we can see looks like crap.
Ever wondered how those wrinkles became to be or wondered where that dullness comes from that blocks out the youthful glow we want so badly? Yup, dead skin cells.
Luckily, there is an effective dermatologist-backed cosmetic procedure that can deal with the layers of dead skin sitting on your face.
It’s called dermaplaning and it is the secret to fantastic looking skin.
Dermaplaning, also known as microplaning or blading, is a cosmetic procedure that exfoliates away dead skin. Unlike harsh exfoliants, dermaplaning does not use chemicals to peel away or burn away dead skin cells, but instead uses an exfoliating blade or surgical scalpel.
A licensed medical aesthetician will gently scrape your face at a 45-degree angle with the blade to remove dead cells, debris, peach fuzz hairs, coarse hair, and scar tissue.
“Think of it like shaving your face, but instead of just getting rid of hair, you are also getting rid of the dead skin that makes your face look dull, aged, and damaged.”
While shaving your face may seem like a great alternative and a cheaper option than dermaplaning, it won’t get rid of the dead skin or any coarse hairs that you have.
You can remove those peach fuzz hairs, though. Even if you do not have traditionally sensitive skin, when it comes to removing layers of skin, you can do some major damage on a cellular level if you’re not careful.
Dermaplaning is the skin-safe version, is more thorough, and ensures that those top superficial layers of skin are the only ones removed.
While the results vary from individual to individual, you can realistically expect to see no more peach fuzz hair (until it grows back), brighter looking skin, and smoother skin.
For those with deep scarring from acne, uneven pockmarks on your face, or sun-damaged skin, these skin issues may become smoothed out or reduced in their appearance.
Dermaplaning is considered a low-risk procedure and it can be used on any skin type that has issues with acne scars, dull skin, dry skin, sun-damaged skin, and wrinkles.
Dermaplaning is not painful when done by a registered health professional and has no downtime.
Side effects may include the following Slight redness for a few hours after the procedure, Possible development of whitehead a day or two after the procedure, Possible patchy skin pigments where the dermaplaning took place, Possible infection and scarring – although rare.
Individuals that have highly reactive skin, skin conditions like rosacea or keratosis pilaris, or a lot of inflamed acne, may want to skip out on the procedure as dermaplaning can irritate the skin and make it worse.
Yes! In so long as you are getting the procedure done when you have no active acne breakouts, it will help you in the long run.
This is because a buildup of dead skin cells will block your pores and hair follicles, causing pimples and acne to occur. Dead skin cells will also block skincare products from penetrating the skin.
Removing the dead skin opens up those pores, removes dirt and debris and allows your skin to breathe.
A dermaplaning treatment is going to run you anywhere between $150-250 per treatment and may require multiple treatments as the effects are not permanent.
Most individuals limit the treatment to once per season.
“After the procedure, you can wear makeup right away, but it is recommended that you let your skin breathe for at least 24-hours.”
Your skin will be vulnerable after the procedure, so using a rich hyaluronic acid mask or a heavy-duty moisturizing cream will help the skin repair.
Beyond this, apply SPF 30 minimum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
All in all, dermaplaning is a low-risk way to exfoliate away the dead skin cells, brighten up your skin, and remove any unwanted facial hair.
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