Above: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
By: Marty S.
Nowadays, there are so many options for you when it comes to taking care of your skin. From chemical peels to laser treatments, there is likely a procedure designed to eliminate or diminish any skin issue that is ruining your complexion, whether that be acne, dark spots, wrinkles, et cetera. However, while they are available, not all of these treatments and procedures are good for you. Sometimes, those skin treatments or procedures could damage your skin instead of benefit it and disfigure your skin in the process.
That being said, one of the newest procedures to emerge is dermaplaning. While it sounds like a portmanteau of “dermatology” and “planning”, dermaplaning is a procedure that is said to brighten up the skin and reduce signs of aging. All it takes is about half an hour with a scalpel. Yes, you read that right! Given how popular dermaplaning has become and how curious you may be about the procedure, we wanted to leave it up to you. Today, you will learn all about dermaplaning. While we firmly believe in the power of natural ingredients, we recognize that you should have as much information as possible so you can discover whether or not dermaplaning is right for you.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a procedure where a dermatologist or esthetician will take a razor (not a shaving razor) or a scalpel and manually shed the dead cells on the upper layers of your skin, thereby exfoliating it. First, your dermatologist or esthetician will cleanse your face to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from your skin. Second, they will pull your skin back tight and remove the dead cells by using short strokes at a 45-degree angle; this normally takes about 30 minutes. Third, they will pamper your skin with a toner, serum, and moisturizer; if you get facials regularly, you can get one after your dermaplaning procedure. After your procedure, you will be able to make another appointment in about 2 to 3 weeks, to allow your skin to heal and rest.
Though you would assume differently, dermaplaning is meant to be a painless procedure. While nicking the skin is certainly possible, a dermatologist or esthetician will do their best to keep their strokes light, short, and gentle. That’s why even though at-home dermaplaning treatments are available, it is recommended to see a professional to avoid accidentally nicking yourself, using non-sterile equipment, or damaging your skin.
Related: The Ayurvedic Vitamin C Natural Glow Serum is nourishing but doesn’t feel too heavy on your skin.
Why Dermaplaning Might Be Right for You
Countless people have found success with dermaplaning for different reasons.
First, unlike microdermabrasion, there are no harsh chemicals involved in dermaplaning. We’ve talked about microdermabrasion in the past, and we’ve said that some microdermabrasion treatments could contain harsh chemicals that can damage your skin rather than help it. Since dermaplaning simply involves a razor or a scalpel, as long as you are going to a professional, you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals coming into contact with your skin.
Second, there are a lot of skin benefits associated with dermaplaning. Many people have said that dermaplaning has helped their skin look smoother, diminished the appearance of lines and wrinkles, reduced acne scars, and evened out their skin. It is believed that since dermaplaning is exfoliating your skin at a much faster rate than normal, the cell turnover rate of your skin cells increases and collagen production increases, which may lead to firmer, more youthful skin. Plus, dermaplaning might minimize your risk of acne by getting rid of dead cells that could clog your pores.
Third, it is thought that dermaplaning can help your skin absorb your products better because you are exfoliating your skin and removing those dead cells. As a result, dermaplaning may make your skin care products more effective.
Fourth, and one of the most important reasons people choose dermaplaning, it can get rid of vellus hair, also called “peach fuzz”. Though vellus hair is faint, removing it could make your skin look and feel smoother in appearance. Contrary to popular belief, shaving vellus hair won’t make the hair that grows back thicker, dark, and coarser. It may feel like stubble, but that’s because it needs to grow out. If you already shave your face to get rid of vellus hair, dermaplaning is just one step above it.
Why You Shouldn’t Get a Dermaplaning Procedure
Yet, despite all of these benefits, there are a few things you should know that may make you more hesitant to book a dermaplaning procedure.
First, similar to most skin treatments and procedures, dermaplaning provides a temporary benefit to your skin. It may look more glowing and youthful after your procedure, but in order to sustain that look, you will likely need to have multiple dermaplaning procedures, which, as we mentioned above, can be done once every 2 to 3 weeks. Dermaplaning isn’t cheap either so you could be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars a year just for something that’s temporary.
Second, while dermaplaning might be powerful, it isn’t completely necessary. Dermaplaning will likely give you more visible results, but you can exfoliate your skin safely and from the comfort of your home with a facial scrub. If a facial scrub is already a part of your weekly skin care routine, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about dead cells accumulating on the surface of your skin.
Third, dermaplaning isn’t for everyone. Although it may be able to reduce your acne breakouts, dermaplaning isn’t suitable for those who currently have acne because it could make your skin irritated and more inflamed. On that note, dermaplaning isn’t suitable for those with sensitive skin or issues like rosacea and eczema. After a dermaplaning procedure, you will experience some redness and sun sensitivity so if you have sensitive skin, it may feel a lot more uncomfortable than normal.
To summarize, dermaplaning can be beneficial to you, but you won't need to book an appointment if you already have a daily and weekly all-natural skin care routine. Remember, using all-natural products on your skin won't damage it with harsh chemicals, and there are many natural ingredients in Ayurveda (for example, saffron and almond oil) that can beautify your skin safely.
Related: Skin Exfoliation Tips & FAQs
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