Dermaplaning is a seemingly quick and easy add-on to virtually any in-office treatment and can also be a great treatment all by itself. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, we are more than a medispa, with every provider personally trained by Zuzana Likar—because it’s not just getting matched with the right treatment that makes all the difference, it’s also the skill and knowledge of the provider. Dermaplaning uses a specialized handheld scalpel to remove debris, peach fuzz, and the very top layer of skin from the face. Technically, it’s an exfoliant, but it’s gentle enough that you can pair it with other exfoliating treatments.
One of the most popular treatments that dermaplaning is added onto is the HydraFacial. HydraFacial is a 3-in-1 treatment that exfoliates, extracts gunk from pores, and infuses the skin with hand-selected medical-grade boosters/topicals. However, HydraFacial doesn’t remove peach fuzz, which can get in the way of topicals doing their best work. If you dermaplane before you HydraFacial, you get rid of that facial hair so that skin is even smoother and softer than what is achievable with HydraFacial alone. Plus, it doesn’t add much time onto the appointment so you’re still in and out in under an hour.
Who is Dermaplaning For
Dermaplaning is an effective treatment for most men and women of any skin tone. Of course, for those who grow coarse facial hair—such as men—dermaplaning is not going to be most effective in areas where this coarse hair grows. Since it’s an exfoliant as well as a peach fuzz remover, it can be used anywhere on the face including the temples, forehead, and around the nose and eyes. Dermaplaning results, of course, are not permanent. Most people schedule a monthly dermaplaning sessions to keep the results they love.
You might also notice dermaplaning tools available in stores and online. These are not professional-grade tools and will not give you the same level of results. You may have heard that shaving your face in the shower is similar to dermaplaning, and while it isn’t usually dangerous (unless you nick yourself) it’s also not the “same” as dermaplaning. You might be able to remove facial fuzz and hair, but you’re not getting the same degree of exfoliation. In short, skip the DIY and home dermaplaning options and stick with in-office treatments that are safe, effective, and prone to give you the best results.
Dermaplaning isn’t for Everyone
Those with certain conditions may not want to dermaplane because it can make skin issues worse. This can be discussed during a complimentary consultation because severity varies person to person. However, some of the most common conditions that are not good matches with dermaplaning include PCOS, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and those with hyper-sensitive skin. Depending on your condition and its severity, a “test area” may be conducted. If you have open wounds or lesions, as well as bleeding disorders, dermaplaning might not be the solution for you.
However, don’t worry. There are plenty of in-office treatments that can work well to treat these and a myriad of other skin conditions, and even improve them! Dermaplaning might not seem like it’s removing much superficial material, but it’s deceptively effective. That’s why it’s only recommended once per month in most cases. You don’t want to remove too much superficial layers too often or you’ll risk making your skin red, irritated, and vulnerable.
Dermaplaning in the Summer
Some people like to avoid more aggressive therapies in the summer months because of the increased exposure to UV damage. Dermaplaning is still much gentler than other treatments, such as medium-depth peels, making it a fantastic option for the summer months. Treat yourself to skin that is smoother and softer than ever before, and with dermaplaning you always leave your appointment with a glow. There is no downtime and you can immediately apply topicals (sunscreen is a must). You’ll notice your at-home skin-care regimen goes on smoother and perhaps even performs better now that the fuzz and debris isn’t in the way.
To find out more about dermaplaning or to book your consultation or appointment, call Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today or complete the online contact form now.