Unlike picking your favorite face scrub, figuring out how to dermaplane at home involves a little more effort. The popular form of facial exfoliation gives all the same benefits as your favorite physical or chemical exfoliant: glowing, smooth, more even-toned skin. The tool has quickly become a celebrity and makeup artist favorite for red-carpet events, and one Glamour editor has even likened the IRL-filtered effect to instant “dolphin skin.”
“It’s exfoliating at its best,” says dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., of the procedure. Gohara suggests it for anyone who wants to reduce the look of fine lines and pores, even skin tone, and create the perfect primed canvas for makeup. But for first-time dermaplaners, the much-hyped results also come with a few potential downsides.
To make sure you’re getting the dolphin skin of your dreams—without any unwanted irritation—here’s everything you need to know about dermaplaning like a pro.
What is dermaplaning?
Originally an in-office procedure, dermaplaning has now been adapted to be safe for at-home use. The derm version involves a surgical scalpel, applied with steady pressure to remove layers of dead skin cells and peach fuzz for the ultimate exfoliation treatment.
“Dermaplaning is a form of exfoliation that removes dead skin and the peach fuzz from your skin, leaving it soft and smooth,” says Dr. Katie Mann, DNP, owner of Curated Medical Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Sometimes dead skin sitting on the surface can make your skin appear dry or flaky, when really it just needs to be exfoliated.”
Can you dermaplane at home?
Yes, you can dermaplane at home. “The devices that have been introduced for at-home use are more razor-like than the surgical blades,” says dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, Loretta Ciraldo, M.D. This means you’ll be getting more surface-level skin-cell removal, making it a lot safer to do on your own.
Avoid using the professional scalpels, which Dr. Mann warns can be dangerous. “A true dermaplane uses a scalpel-type blade, which I do not recommend doing at home as you can easily cut yourself,” she says ”There are at-home dermaplaning devices like the Dermaflash or tinkle razors which are safer for home use.”
Lastly, remember that your dermaplaning experience should never be painful. If you feel any discomfort, lessen the pressure you’re applying to your skin or avoid the area entirely.
How often should you dermaplane?
Since at-home dermaplaning results are more superficial, you can do it more often. Both Gohara and Ciraldo suggest once weekly at home, compared with once a month in office.
Will dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
Now for some dermaplaning myth busting. Since the procedure not only removes dead skin cells but also your facial hair, a common worry is that it can cause stubble. Ciraldo and any expert will tell you this isn’t the case; facial hair removal has been clinically proved to have no effect on regrowth. Instead, you’ll just be left with an extra-smooth base for makeup.
What tools should you use for dermaplaning?
Before you begin, pick your fighter. Glamour editors love the Dermaflash Luxe, which also happens to be a beauty bag staple for Lizzo’s makeup artist. The popular tool features gentle vibrations that make exfoliating your face a cinch, even for first-time users.
Gohara’s recommendation is the Versed Skincare Instant Gratification, a nonelectric option that features a reusable, slip-free handle. When you’re done with the blade (each lasts for three or four uses), simply swap it out for a new one. Ciraldo likes the Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool, an esthetician-designed exfoliator with hundreds of glowing reviews on Sephora to back it up.
Dermaflash Luxe
Sephora
Versed Skincare Instant Gratification Dermaplaning Tool
Versed Skincare
Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool
Amazon
How to dermaplane at home, step by step.
Whichever tool you choose, don’t start dermaplaning without watching some how-to videos, which will give you the best idea of how the process works on your own face. “Done improperly, you can leave marks, scars, cuts, scrapes, open areas, inflame the skin, or worsen acne,” says Gohara.
Our derm experts put together a starting guide for you, so make sure to follow their step-by-step tips for safe, smooth results.
Step 1:
Start on clean, dry skin. If your dermaplaning tool is electric, turn it on to activate vibrations.
Bliss Dermaplane Razor
Amazon
Step 2:
Working in sections, hold the skin taut with one hand and use your dermaplaning device with the other. Move the blade over your skin in short, light strokes. You’ll get best results if you hold the blade at a 45-degree angle.
Step 3:
Try to keep the strokes in a downward motion to avoid irritation. You’ll see dead skin cells and hair start to accumulate as you go. Make sure not to go over any areas that are inflamed or irritated, which can cause bleeding.
Step 4:
Rinse your face with a gentle cleanser and proceed with the rest of your skin-care routine.
How do I protect my skin after dermaplaning?
The upsides of dermaplaning—smoother makeup application, softer skin, and more even texture—also mean you need to take extra care of your face. “Dermaplaning lessens the skin barrier,” says Ciraldo. “This means your products will penetrate more effectively, but it also means skin can become drier since there is less barrier to prevent water loss.” To stay hydrated, pack on your moisturizing serums and barrier repair creams, like the Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum and La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm.
You’ll also want to avoid anything that could potentially cause irritation, so skip the AHAs and retinoids on freshly dermaplaned skin. Opt for a gentle cleanser instead (Gohara tells patients to keep it simple with the Dove Beauty Bar), and always protect your skin with plenty of SPF (try the Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen for a light-as-air formula that leaves no residue behind). Check those steps off your list, and smooth, glowing skin will officially be yours in one little 10-minute treatment.
Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum
Dermstore
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40
Violet Grey
Dove Beauty Bar
Amazon
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream
Amazon
Sarah Y. Wu is a beauty writer in Berlin. Follow her on Instagram @say.wu.
The post How to Dermaplane at Home, According to Experts appeared first on Glamour.
