Skin Care Education

Dermaplaning

A manual exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical-grade blade to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair in one pass, leaving the skin immediately smoother, brighter, and more receptive to skincare.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation treatment in which a trained aesthetician uses a sterile, surgical-grade blade held at a precise angle to gently scrape across the surface of the skin. The blade removes the outermost layer of dead and dulling skin cells along with the fine, soft facial hair, known colloquially as peach fuzz, that covers much of the face. The result is skin that is immediately smoother, more even in texture, and more luminous, with a noticeably improved ability to absorb the skincare products applied to it.

The technique requires a trained hand. The blade is held at a specific angle and moved in short, controlled strokes across the skin. It is not painful when performed correctly, and does not involve any cutting or breaking of the skin. The sensation is typically described as a light scraping feeling, similar in some ways to shaving but much more gentle and precise in its application.

Dermaplaning is a purely physical exfoliation treatment with no chemical component. It is often combined with other treatments such as chemical peels, LED therapy, or hydrating masks to maximise results, as the freshly exfoliated surface allows subsequent products and treatments to penetrate and work more effectively. It can be performed as a standalone treatment or as a preparation step within a broader facial protocol.

What to Expect

Before the treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and dried. Dermaplaning requires completely dry skin, as moisture causes the blade to drag rather than glide, which would reduce its effectiveness and comfort. The aesthetician then works systematically across the face, typically beginning at the forehead and working downward, using short upward strokes while holding the skin taut with the free hand.

The treatment is comfortable and most people find it entirely painless. There is no numbing required. The entire face typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Immediately after treatment the skin feels noticeably smooth and looks brighter. Some temporary mild redness may be present for an hour or two, which settles quickly.

There is no downtime. Most people return to their normal routine immediately, though sun protection is particularly important in the days following dermaplaning as the freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV than usual. Makeup can generally be applied the same day, and many people find that makeup sits more smoothly on freshly dermaplaned skin due to the removal of the fine hair and the smoother surface beneath.

Who It’s For and Results

Dermaplaning is well suited to most skin types, including dry skin, dehydrated skin, and those with a dull or uneven complexion. It is particularly popular with those who want a smooth base for makeup, those preparing for a special event, and those who want an immediately visible improvement in skin quality with no recovery time.

It is not recommended for those with active acne, as the blade can spread bacteria and irritate inflamed lesions. Those with very sensitive skin, rosacea that is currently flaring, or very thin and fragile skin should discuss suitability with their provider before treatment. It is also not recommended over areas of raised or active skin lesions.

Results are immediate and most people notice a visible improvement in smoothness and radiance straight away. Because it is a surface treatment, the results are not permanent and the skin will gradually accumulate dead cells again over the following weeks. Most people find that dermaplaning every four to six weeks keeps the skin consistently smooth and bright, particularly when combined with other treatments as part of a regular skin programme.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dermaplaning

No. This is one of the most common concerns about dermaplaning and it is not supported by evidence. The fine facial hair removed by dermaplaning is vellus hair, which is soft, fine, and unpigmented or very lightly pigmented. Cutting or removing vellus hair does not change the structure of the hair follicle and does not affect the type of hair that grows back. The hair returns at the same texture, thickness, and colour as before. The perception that hair grows back coarser after shaving or dermaplaning is a widely held misconception, but it is not what actually happens.

Dermaplaning can be suitable for many people with sensitive skin, as it is a gentle physical exfoliation that does not involve the chemical agents that commonly trigger sensitivity reactions. However, it is not appropriate for skin that is currently experiencing a rosacea flare, significant reactivity, or active inflammation, as the mechanical action of the blade can worsen these conditions. A consultation with a trained aesthetician will determine whether dermaplaning is appropriate for an individual’s sensitivity level and current skin condition.

Yes, and it often is. Dermaplaning is particularly effective as a preparation step before chemical peels, hydrating masks, or LED therapy, as the freshly exfoliated skin surface allows the active ingredients in subsequent treatments to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. It is also commonly included as part of an advanced facial protocol. The main consideration is sequencing: dermaplaning should generally be performed before any active chemical treatment rather than after, as applying acids or strong actives to freshly dermaplaned skin that has had its protective outer layer removed requires careful calibration to avoid over-stimulation.

While both involve moving a blade across the face, dermaplaning and face shaving are quite different in their purpose and technique. Dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade blade held at a precise angle by a trained aesthetician, with the primary goal of exfoliating the dead skin cell layer as well as removing the fine hair. The technique is specific and controlled, addressing skin texture and radiance as much as hair removal. Shaving the face with a standard razor focuses primarily on hair removal and uses a different angle and motion that does not achieve the same level of skin exfoliation. Dermaplaning is a professional skin treatment; face shaving is a grooming practice.