The Right Way to Shave Your Face Without Damaging Skin

You can’t just grab a random razor and go to town on your face. That’s how people end up with irritation, breakouts, or the dreaded “why does my skin feel like sandpaper” situation.

So, yes I’ve done the research and all the hard work so i can put this article together. Let’s talk about how to do it properly ie the right way to shave your face without wrecking your skin barrier.

What Dermaplaning Actually Is (and Why People Swear by It)

Let’s clear this up first. Dermaplaning isn’t your average shaving routine, it’s a gentle exfoliation method that removes peach fuzz (vellus hair) and dead skin cells from the surface of your face using a sterile blade.

Think of it as a super gentle resurfacing treatment that gives you:

• Smoother skin
• A brighter, more even complexion
• Better product absorption (serums go on like silk)
• Makeup that sits flawlessly

And no, shaving your face won’t make the hair grow back thicker or darker. That’s one of those myths that refuses to die. What you’re seeing is the blunt edge of the hair regrowing, not new growth.

This is why I would never shave my face

Why People Mess It Up (and End Up Irritated)

Here’s the truth: most people who get irritation from dermaplaning don’t have “sensitive skin”—they just used the wrong technique or wrong products.

Here’s what goes wrong most often:

• Using a dull or dirty razor
• Shaving dry skin (huge no-no)
• Going over the same spot too many times
• Forgetting to prep or soothe afterward

If you’ve ever felt that burning or stinging sensation after shaving, your skin barrier was basically yelling, “Please stop!”

So let’s fix that.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin Like You Mean It

If you remember nothing else, remember this: prepping your skin is everything. You don’t want to shave over dirt, oil, or bacteria, it’ll just push it deeper into your pores.

Here’s the right way to prep:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
   Go for something hydrating and non-stripping. Think CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane.
2. Exfoliate lightly (optional).
   If your skin feels congested, use a mild enzyme cleanser or BHA exfoliant a day before shaving to clear away buildup. Don’t exfoliate on the same day, you’ll overdo it.
3. Pat dry.
   Never drag a towel. Pat gently so you’re not irritating your skin before you even begin.
4. Apply a thin layer of facial oil or aloe vera gel.
   This helps the blade glide smoothly and minimizes friction. I like The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane or a drop of jojoba oil.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tool (No, Not Your Leg Razor)

This is where people make or break their dermaplaning routine.

You want a single-blade facial razor, not a multi-blade or body razor. Multi-blades are designed for coarse hair, not your delicate face.

Here are some solid options:

• Tinkle Eyebrow Razors: affordable, disposable, and surprisingly effective.
• Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up: slightly sturdier handle, great control.
• Dermaflash Luxe+ (if you’re feeling fancy): professional-grade and safe for sensitive skin.

Pro tip: Always use a fresh blade. Dull blades drag and scrape instead of gently shaving.

Step 3: Get the Angle Right (and Take It Slow)

Now for the fun part.

Here’s how to actually shave your face correctly:

• Hold your skin taut with one hand.
• Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle.
• Shave downward in small, feather-like strokes.
• Avoid applying pressure let the blade do the work.
• Focus on one section at a time (cheeks, chin, forehead).
• Avoid active acne or irritated areas.

Go slow. You’re not trying to finish a race; you’re trying to remove that thin layer of fuzz and dead skin with precision.

Pro tip: Always dermaplane in good lighting and in front of a mirror you can get close to. You’ll be shocked at how much peach fuzz you actually have once the light hits it right.

Step 4: Post-Care Is Everything (Don’t Skip This)

This is where a lot of people mess up. After dermaplaning, your skin is baby-soft, but also super vulnerable. The barrier is temporarily thinner, so what you do next matters.

Here’s your aftercare cheat sheet:

Do:

• Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry.
• Apply a hydrating toner or essence (like COSRX Snail Mucin Essence).
• Follow up with a soothing moisturizer that locks everything in.
• Use SPF 30 or higher every single day afterward.

Don’t:

• Touch your face constantly.
• Apply active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or vitamin C for 24–48 hours.
• Exfoliate or use scrubs.
• Go heavy on makeup immediately after.

If your skin feels warm or tingly afterward, it’s totally normal. Just layer on a calming gel moisturizer, Aloe Vera, Cicaplast Baume B5, or Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief are all great options.

Step 5: Make It a Routine (But Not Too Often)

How often you should dermaplane depends on your skin type.

• Normal to oily skin: every 2–3 weeks
• Dry or sensitive skin: once a month is enough
• If you’re acne-prone: skip it during flare-ups

You want to give your skin time to recover and renew. Overdoing it can cause microtears or barrier damage.

And yes, dermaplaning does help your serums and moisturizers sink in better, but that doesn’t mean you need to do it every week.

Bonus: Combine It With the Right Skincare Routine

Want that glass-skin glow everyone talks about? Combine dermaplaning with barrier-friendly skincare.

Before Dermaplaning (Prep)

• Hydrating Cleanser
• Aloe Vera Gel or Squalane Oil

After Dermaplaning (Recovery)

• Snail Mucin or Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Ceramide Cream
• SPF 50 (daily, no excuses)

Avoid harsh exfoliants or acids for at least two days post-shave. Once your skin calms down, you can resume your normal routine.

What About Shaving Cream or Oil?

Here’s where preferences differ. Some people swear by dry shaving (especially with professional dermaplaning tools), but a little slip helps.”

If you’re new, use a non-comedogenic oil or gel-based shaving balm. It minimizes drag and irritation.

Good options include:

• Coconut oil (if your skin tolerates it)
• Aloe vera gel
• Rosehip or jojoba oil

Just make sure to patch-test before using oils, especially if you’re acne-prone.

Troubleshooting: What If You Still Get Irritation?

If your skin feels raw, stings, or looks red after shaving, don’t panic. It’s usually temporary and fixable.

Here’s what to do:

• Apply Aloe vera or Cicaplast Baume B5 immediately.
• Avoid all actives for 3–4 days.
• Keep your skin cool and hydrated.
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid touching your face.

If it happens consistently, your blade might be dull, your pressure too firm, or your frequency too high.

Common Myths About Dermaplaning (Let’s Debunk These Quickly)

1. “It’ll make my hair grow back thicker.”
Nope. The structure of your hair doesn’t change. It just grows back with a blunt edge, making it feel coarser temporarily.

2. “It causes acne.”
Not if you prep and sanitize properly. In fact, removing dead skin can actually help prevent clogged pores.

3. “It’s only for certain skin types.”
Anyone can do it—as long as you’re not dealing with active acne or rosacea flare-ups.

4. “It’s the same as shaving.”
Technically, yes it’s shaving. But dermaplaning uses a finer blade and focuses on exfoliation, not just hair removal.

Dermaplaning vs Other Exfoliation Methods

You might wonder, “Why not just use a scrub or peel instead?”

Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	What It Does	Best For
Dermaplaning	Removes peach fuzz + dead skin	All skin types (except active acne)
Chemical exfoliation (AHAs/BHAs)	Dissolves dead skin cells	Dull or congested skin
Physical scrubs	Manually polishes surface	Oily, resilient skin

Dermaplaning gives instant smoothness, which is why it’s so addictive. Chemical exfoliants work deeper but take time. IMO, combining both (safely and alternately) gives the best glow.

A Few Product Recommendations for Smooth, Post-Dermaplaning Skin

Here are some barrier-loving products to use afterward:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (for hydration)
• COSRX Snail Mucin Essence (for repair and glow)
• Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief (for soothing)
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (for recovery)
• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (for daily protection)

And if you’re into more natural options:

• Aloe Vera Gel + Rosehip Oil combo works beautifully for calm, nourished skin.

Finally

Shaving your face sounds a little wild until you actually try it and then you wonder how you ever lived without it. When done right, dermaplaning gives you buttery-soft, glowing skin without irritation or redness.

The trick? Be gentle, stay consistent, and don’t skip post-care.