What the heck is dermaplaning?
Simply put, dermaplaning is a safe, effective way to gently exfoliate the skin while simultaneously removing annoying peach fuzz.
OK, got it. Ready to book? Maybe, maybe not. There are a lot of questions out there when it comes to a service done with a surgical blade. We get it.
So, let’s dive into this a bit more and answer some common questions about this super beneficial, wildly popular treatment.
I’ve heard dermaplaning is done with a scalpel – scary!
Yes, my dear, this service is done with a surgical tool which does, we admit, sound a little scary at first. Here’s what you need to know.
Your skin will be fully prepped before the instrument touches your skin.
Here at NBB this step is not a one size fits all proposition. Everyone’s skin is unique and that means the prep work needs to be too. The classic approach to prepping for dermaplaning is to start with an alpha hydroxy cleanser and follow with a quick, overall swipe of alcohol, acetone or a combination of both. Theoretically, this is done to ensure the skin is perfectly dry which prevents the blade from “skipping”.
The problem with this approach is that many people cannot tolerate an AHA cleanser followed by alcohol, followed by an exfoliation process. So we’ve come up with protocols which accomplish the same effect using a gentler approach.
Never fear! We do this service a lot. We are licensed, certified and have done our homework. We’ve taken 25 years of experience in the skincare biz and used that knowledge to create a unique, gentle treatment you can feel confident about. Sister, you are, literally, in good hands.
Aren’t you basically shaving my face?
Yes and no.
A razor, such as you would shave with, is locked into a handle which sets it a specific distance and angle from the skin. This design removes coarse, terminal hair and leaves behind stubble that has been cut at a sharp angle. Even though you may not necessarily feel what is left behind, say on your legs, you would definitely notice this residual hair if you used a razor on your face.
Dermaplaning, by contrast, is done with a single blade which can be applied at whatever angle, pressure or direction the esthetician chooses. This means every stroke is customized. Not only is terminal hair (the coarser hair you’d encounter with say, an unwanted ‘stache) and vellus hair (peach fuzz) removed but any surface dead or flaking skin goes with it leaving your skin, as one client described it, “super, sexy soft”.
Will dermaplaning make me grow a beard?
Short answer? Hell, no.
You have two types of hair on your face – vellus hair and terminal hair.
Vellus is the downy, fine hair AKA peach fuzz. Terminal hair is the coarser hair found on your eyebrows, lashes and unwanted areas such as your chin or upper lip.
Here is what you need to know – one type of hair cannot tun into another. When you remove vellus hair it comes back as vellus hair. It will not magically transform into terminal hair because it has been removed. End of story.
That being said, it’s not unusual to feel a certain amount of texture on the skin as the hair grows back. If you find that dermaplaning is your jam but you don’t like that textural feeling, we recommend getting the treatment every two to three weeks. Many of our clients opt for this.
Will my face be all red afterward? What is the downtime?
Merry early Christmas!
Nope, you won’t be all red. Having removed the top layer of dead skin, with effects similar to that of a gentle peel, we can now load your skin up with beneficial, high-performance actives such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and probiotics. All of which are going to give your skin an instant glow and long-lasting, lifting, firming and brightening benefits.
What if I have acne?
Let’s talk this one through.
If you have acne or are experiencing a significant breakout, we’d suggest a series of three Detox Facials to get the things under control first. Post-breakout dermaplaning is a beautiful thing when it comes come to reducing or minimizing any previous scarring but cannot be done on an active breakout.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t get dermaplaned?
This service may not be right for everyone.
If you have been using Retin-A, Tretinoin, retinols, (really any form of topical vitamin A) or high percentage alpha hydroxy acids we suggest you stop using these products for a least a week before and definitely for 24 hours after your treatment.
If you have eczema or rosacea we’ll need to see it first to determine if you are a good candidate. eMail, FB Message or DM a close up of your area of concern and we’ll let you know.
If you have a tendency toward cold sores, dermaplaning can sometimes trigger an outbreak.
If you have a nickel sensitivity proceed with caution. While the blade used on your skin is stainless steel, the handle of the instrument is nickel.
If you are a sun worshipper, you’ll need to promise to stay out of the sun for 24 hours before and after your treatment. No exceptions.
If you have been on Accutane for the treatment of acne within the last 12 months, dermaplaning is not for you.
As always, please check with your regular dermatologist if you have any other questions or concerns about receiving this treatment.