Facial Exfoliation

Dermaplaning is a relatively new form of manual exfoliation meant to be performed primarily on the face.

Also known as leveling the skin or simply blading, the treatment involves the use of a sterile surgical blade. The blade is held against taut skin at a 45-degree angle and stroked in a manner similar to shaving. This method removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and supple. Along with sloughing away dead skin cells, dermaplaning can help reduce the visibility of slight wrinkling and acne scarring, as well as do away with extraneous vellus hairs on the face. If desired, the procedure can be followed with a light chemical peel, which would be a part of our Micropeel service.

Who can be dermaplaned?

Dermaplaning is safe for all skin types and skin tones, and is a great alternative to chemical peels or microdermabrasion for anyone who has fine facial hair, extremely sensitive skin, redness or rosacea, or visible facial veins. The only skin type we don’t recommend dermaplaning for is very oily or acne-prone skin. The oil from the sebaceous glands needs to travel up and connect with the vellus hair for it to be excreted. If the hair is removed and the oil builds up, the glands are obstructed and can cause more breakouts.

Worried about removing facial hair?

Contrary to popular belief, shaving of the face will not make the hair grow back thicker, faster, or darker. When vellus hairs are cut, they grow back with the same thickness and length as before, only with a blunt tip, and are expected to return in approximately 2 to 4 weeks post-procedure. Excessive “face fuzz” can trap oil and dirt, which can lead to other skin problems. Best of all, the removal of the vellus hair and dead skin cells allows for the proper penetration of other facial products, increasing their efficacy and ultimately their results.

How often should I have it done?

It is recommended that the procedure be done every 3 to 4 weeks, which coincides with a normal skin cycle of approximately 30 days.

Contraindications of dermaplaning

Current inflamed acne lesions
Skin cancer
Active cold sores
Uncontrolled diabetes
Dermatitis
Open skin lesions
Use of Accutane currently or in the past 6 months

Prescription retinol must not be used within a week of treatment, and patients must refrain from use until a week after.