Everything You Need to Know About Dermaplaning

life hacks

| LAST UPDATE 03/14/2022

By Zoe Browning
dermaplaning DIY home skincare
@brown_skinopedia via Instagram

Have you ever seen a video online of someone shaving her face with a small tool and wondered what she is doing?! Well, we're here to explain that she was probably dermaplaning. The process is often done by professional estheticians in an office, but there are ways to get similar results at home. Here's how.

Essentially the procedure removes the small hairs known as vellus hairs or peach fuzz from the face using a scalpel or a razer. While it getting the treatment done by a licensed aesthetician will give better results, you can add a chemical peel to your at-home routine to provide extra exfoliation (just don't over do it!) Rachel Roff, a professional esthetician and the founder of Urban Skin RX, explained, "You would be amazed at all the fine hair, dirt, and dead skin that comes off of your face, and I would consider it just as safe as shaving your legs." It helps exfoliate the skin to reveal a new healthy layer by getting rid of the dead skin cells. "It also creates an ideal canvas for flawless makeup application and helps treatment serums penetrate the skin deeper," Roff added. Sounds like an ideal situation if you ask us!

dermaplaning skincare treatment shaving
MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images / Contributor via Getty Images
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So, what tools should you get to accomplish this from the comfort of your own bathroom? The esthetician advises spending money on a quality dermaplaning tool, as well as on a good cleanser to ensure your skin is squeaky clean. "You will want to cleanse your face first deeply. I recommend double cleansing and then thoroughly drying your skin," Roff warned. "No skincare products should be on the skin when dermaplaning." Try the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel or The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil. Now that the face is washed, it's time to move on to the next step.

With one hand, hold tightly onto the skin, starting from the jaw area. On the other hand, take the tool and very carefully start moving up the face in small strokes. Keep going up slowly and gently until you have done the entire surface of the cheeks. Then move on to the chin, nose, forehead, etc. But do not go over the same area twice! Finally, make sure to heavily moisturize, and you should have a clean base for your makeup. Don't forget also wear sunscreen the following days. This process can be done every 3-4 days. Check out these derm tools to ensure you get the best results.

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