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Dermaplaning, or taking a small razor to remove the hair and dead skin cells from your face, has seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the past several months due to exposure on the popular app Tik Tok. While at first glance the skincare technique may appear only to smooth the top layer of your skin, dermaplaning can actually provide a number of benefits even under the surface. After consulting with skincare experts, this is what we learned about the new skincare trend sweeping social media.
Unlike a typical razor, the dermaplaning tool is much smaller, but still used to the same end. “Dermaplaning is basically a technique we [plastic surgeons, anti-aging specialists] use for facials and facial treatments – it is very simple, basically it is similar to how men shave their faces using a razor – running an exfoliating blade to remove dead skin cells and hair from the face, neck and forehead as necessary,” explains Dr. Andrew Ordon, MD FACS.
The idea behind the process is to remove dead skin cells and light hairs from your face, leaving your complexion smoother, healthier, and more refreshed.“Dermaplaning is a great way to exfoliate the skin to help clear congestion from the pores. It will help to pull congestion to the surface, and over time, the purging will discontinue and your breakouts should subside,” explains Kerry Benjamin, Aesthetician and Founder/CEO of StackedSkincare. “It 100% makes your skincare products more effective. By removing the dead skin, your products can penetrate significantly better.” Acne is often caused by clogged pores, so dermaplaning to clear the surface of your skin can minimize future breakouts as well as prep your complexion for your skincare routine.
Just as exfoliation is a great purifier for your skin every once in a while, so too is dermaplaning, but with longer lasting results. Alex England, Resident Aesthetician, Color Up Wellness Center; and Owner & Operator, England Esthetics says, “It is considered a mild exfoliation with little to no down time, and is safe for most skin types. And no, despite what you may think, the hair does not grow back thicker or darker!”
You can expect few side effects from dermaplaning, with short lived mild redness being the only possibility so long as you use a sanitized tool. If you do struggle with acne, it’s best to wait until worse breakouts have cleared before dermaplaning, as it could further agitate the blemishes and cause an infection. Overall, practicing this technique at home can be a great way to clear up your skin and unclog your pores, leaving behind a smoother canvas for makeup. Dermaplaning will leave your skin smooth and open to absorbing your serums and creams more effectively, improving your appearance over time and allowing for a bright and even complexion.
