Most of us want glassy, glowing skin without having to download a 20-step skincare routine or sell a kidney for expensive treatments. If you’ve ever caught yourself staring at your face in the mirror, wondering why your serums aren’t giving “that glow,” there’s a good chance peach fuzz and dead skin are stealing the spotlight. And that’s where dermaplaning comes in.
I tried dermaplaning out of curiosity, and trust me, it felt like sweeping dust off a shelf you didn’t realize was dusty. Suddenly, my face looked brighter, my makeup went on smoother, and I finally understood why everyone was whispering about this skincare hack. But here’s the catch, I’m not 100% convinced it’s all good news. For every success story, there are people dealing with irritation, breakouts, or even tiny scars. So let’s keep it real: dermaplaning has benefits, but it also has risks you shouldn’t ignore.
What Exactly Is Dermaplaning?
In simple terms, dermaplaning is a skin-exfoliating technique where you use a sterile surgical blade (or a fancy scalpel) to gently scrape off dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (aka peach fuzz). Think of it as shaving your face but with more skincare perks.
Here’s what happens when you dermaplane:
- You remove the dull top layer of skin.
- Your skincare products absorb better.
- Your foundation and concealer stop clinging to random patches.
- You suddenly realize how much fuzz was secretly living on your cheeks.
Sounds amazing, right? But let’s not jump too fast, because this is also where things can go wrong if you’re not careful.
The Benefits of Dermaplaning
So why are people obsessed with dermaplaning? IMO, it’s because the results are instant, and in the world of skincare, that’s basically gold.
1. Instant Glow
When you remove that dull layer of dead skin, your natural radiance finally shows through. It’s like polishing a cloudy window, suddenly, the light gets in.
2. Flawless Makeup Application
Ever wondered why foundation clings to certain spots or looks cakey? That’s because makeup doesn’t like sitting on top of peach fuzz or dead skin. Dermaplaning fixes that, and your makeup literally glides on like butter.
3. Better Skincare Absorption
You know those pricey serums you bought at 2 a.m. because TikTok told you to? After dermaplaning, they can actually sink into your skin instead of just hanging out on the surface.
4. Softer, Smoother Skin
Your skin feels ridiculously soft after dermaplaning, like… “baby’s cheek” soft.
5. Helps with Uneven Skin Tone
While it’s not a miracle worker for hyperpigmentation, regular dermaplaning can make skin tone look more even by removing buildup and encouraging cell turnover.
TL;DR: You get smoother, brighter, and more makeup-ready skin in less than 30 minutes.
The Risks and Why I’m Not Fully Sold
Here’s where my skepticism kicks in. Dermaplaning can give great results, but it’s not as harmless as TikTok makes it look. If you have the wrong skin type or you’re not using the right technique, things can go downhill fast.
1. Irritation and Redness
Dragging a blade across delicate skin isn’t always gentle. If you have sensitive skin (like I do), you might end up with redness, irritation, or a burning feeling that sticks around for days.
2. Breakouts and Bacteria
Freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable, which means bacteria can sneak in and cause breakouts. And if your tools aren’t perfectly clean? Forget it—you’re basically inviting pimples to the party.
3. Cuts and Scarring
This one scares me the most. A slip of the blade can leave nicks or even scars. That’s a permanent reminder that maybe a face razor wasn’t the best idea.
4. Not for All Skin Types
If you have rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or active acne, dermaplaning can make things worse. So it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all.
Bottom line: Yes, dermaplaning can make your skin glow, but it can also backfire badly. And personally, that risk makes me hesitate.
Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?
Ah yes, the million-dollar question. Short answer: Nope.
Longer answer: Dermaplaning removes vellus hair (the soft, fine kind), not terminal hair (the coarse kind). When it grows back, it may feel a little blunt because the tips were shaved flat. But it’s not thicker, darker, or faster. That’s a skincare myth that refuses to die.
That said, even if it’s technically not thicker, I know I’d notice the regrowth and obsess over it, so this is another reason I’m cautious about trying it often.
Professional vs At-Home Dermaplaning
Now comes the real decision, should you book an appointment with a licensed esthetician, or can you safely do this at home?
Professional Dermaplaning
- Done with a surgical blade by a trained esthetician.
- Deeper exfoliation and more precise results.
- Costs anywhere between $75 to $200 per session.
- Usually paired with a soothing mask or serum after.
At-Home Dermaplaning
- Done with a dermaplaning razor (you’ve probably seen those little pink ones online).
- More affordable, razors cost around $5 to $20.
- Easier to fit into your routine, but results aren’t as dramatic.
- Higher risk of cuts and irritation if you rush or use bad lighting.
My take: If you’re curious, I’d say start with a professional session before trying it yourself. That way, you’ll know how your skin reacts. But for me personally, the DIY route feels way too risky.
Skincare Tips Before and After Dermaplaning
You can’t just dermaplane and call it a day. Like any skincare treatment, how you prep and care for your skin afterward makes or breaks the results.
Before Dermaplaning
- Cleanse your face: Always start with a freshly washed face.
- Skip retinol or acids: Don’t use strong exfoliants the night before, it’s too much for your skin.
- Dry skin only: Never dermaplane on damp skin, or the blade might tug.
After Dermaplaning
- Moisturize generously: Your skin needs hydration post-exfoliation.
- Sunscreen, always: Your skin is more sensitive to UV rays afterward, so SPF is non-negotiable.
- Avoid harsh products: Hold off on retinoids, glycolic acid, or scrubs for at least 48 hours.
- Hands off: Don’t touch your face too much, you don’t want bacteria crashing the party.
Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is amazing for some people, but absolutely not for everyone. Skip it if you:
- Have active cystic acne or inflamed pimples.
- Struggle with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flare-ups.
- Have a history of keloid scars.
- Just had a chemical peel or laser treatment.
If that’s you, don’t worry, other exfoliation methods like gentle chemical exfoliants might be safer.
How Often Should You Dermaplane?
Here’s the thing, dermaplaning isn’t an everyday hobby. Most experts recommend every 3 to 4 weeks or more, since that’s how long your skin takes to renew itself.
Quick FAQ: Dermaplaning Edition
Q: Can men dermaplane too?
A: Yes, though shaving usually handles a lot of the same exfoliation for them. But if peach fuzz is an issue, go for it.
Q: Can I wear makeup right after?
A: Technically yes, but it’s better to let your skin breathe for a few hours.
Q: Is dermaplaning the same as shaving your face?
A: Kind of, but not really. Shaving removes hair, dermaplaning removes hair and dead skin for that extra glow.
Is Dermaplaning Worth It?
If you’re chasing smooth, glowing skin, dermaplaning is one of the fastest hacks out there. The instant results make it tempting, and plenty of people swear by it. But here’s where I stand: it’s not necessary, and it’s definitely not risk-free.
Think of dermaplaning as an option, not a skincare essential. If you try it, do it safely, preferably with a professional, and take aftercare seriously. But if your skin is sensitive, acne-prone, or you’re just not comfortable with the idea, skipping it won’t ruin your glow game. Hydration, gentle exfoliation, and SPF will still keep your skin healthy and radiant.
So, would I recommend dermaplaning? Maybe, for some. For me personally? I’ll admire the glow from afar and stick to methods that don’t involve a blade near my face. 🙂
