Dermaplaning Aftercare Tips to Keep Your Skin Glowing and Flawless

The quest for a youthful appearance often leads individuals to explore various skincare treatments. Dermaplaning, a non-invasive exfoliation technique, has gained popularity for its ability to reveal brighter, smoother skin. This article delves into the essentials of dermaplaning aftercare, providing a comprehensive guide to help you protect your skin and maximize the benefits of this rejuvenating procedure.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a safe procedure designed to exfoliate the top layers of your skin. It is a form of physical exfoliation that uses a fine blade to slough off the top layer of dead, dull skin cells as well as “peach fuzz” hairs on the face, known as vellus hairs. During treatment, a sterile surgical blade gently removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz (vellus hair) from the surface of your face. Body+Beauty Lab uses a sharp blade to skim your face gently. The removal of fine facial hair is a benefit because excess oil and debris become trapped on the hair and make your skin appear dull.

Unlike shaving, which uses a razor to remove terminal hair, dermaplaning is performed with a blade held at a 45-degree angle against a clean face, using light, feathery strokes. This process stimulates cell turnover, triggering collagen and elastin production. When performed regularly, dermaplaning can lead to less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles, improved texture, and a more even-looking skin tone.

Immediate Dermaplaning Aftercare

After dermaplaning, your skin may feel slightly tight, warm, or appear pink. These are normal responses and usually resolve quickly. You may notice mild redness and irritation that lasts for about 24 hours. It is crucial to let your skin rest and recover naturally, avoiding anything that could clog your pores or cause irritation.

Initial Steps

Gently cleanse your face, apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer, and avoid makeup for the first 24 hours. Stay away from harsh products and sun exposure, and use clean pillowcases and hands to avoid irritation.

Essential Skincare Tips Post-Dermaplaning

Aftercare plays a key role in how your skin responds, heals and benefits from the procedure. Following the right post-care routine helps protect your skin and maximize your results.

Sun Protection

Your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun after dermaplaning, making it easier to burn or develop pigmentation if exposed. Using sunscreen prevents hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and premature aging while helping protect your treatment results.

Apply Sunscreen Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are often gentler on sensitive skin and provide robust sun protection.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight completely and wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever you go outside, even if just briefly. Ultraviolet rays are particularly harsh on newly resurfaced skin after dermaplaning. Avoid it for the first several days, and if you must go out, wear an SPF, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Make Sunscreen a Daily Habit: Make sunscreen a daily habit, even if you are indoors or it is cloudy. Sun protection is a must after dermaplaning, as UV rays can penetrate windows and cause harm.
Wear Protective Gear: Wear a hat and sunglasses for added protection.

Hydration and Moisturization

Proper hydration-both internal and external-is a must after dermaplaning. Your skin has a fresh surface, which needs water and lipids to stay plump and healthy.

Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated after dermaplaning is key to keeping your skin healthy, plump and glowing. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain moisture from the inside out.
Use a Hydrating Mist or Toner: You can also use a hydrating mist or toner to refresh your skin without disrupting its balance.
Apply Moisturizer Regularly: Apply a gentle moisturizer twice daily, and for extra hydration, consider layering it over a hyaluronic acid serum.
Use a Humidifier: Using a humidifier at night can help prevent dryness, especially if you’re in a dry climate or sleep with the air conditioning on.
Choose the Right Moisturizer: Post-dermaplaning skin needs ample moisture, so have your gentlest, most hydrating moisturizer on hand. Look for oil-free, fragrance-free formulas with skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, aloe vera, and shea butter.
Apply on Damp Skin: Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture. The extra hydration will enhance the results of your dermaplaning session, keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing. The goal is to avoid letting your skin get too dry after dermaplaning, as this can lead to flakiness, irritation or sensitivity.

Gentle Cleansing

Use a Mild Cleanser: After a dermaplaning facial, it is best to use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to keep your skin clean without stripping away its natural moisture barrier. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals or strong acids, as they can cause dryness or irritation on freshly exfoliated skin.
Rinse with Lukewarm or Cool Water: After washing your face with a mild, non-foaming cleanser, rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Ensure the products are mild, without acids, retinol, or other potentially abrasive ingredients.
Stick to a Simple Routine: For the first week after dermaplaning, simplify your skincare routine to just the basics-cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Avoid layering too many products, as this can overwhelm your skin and potentially lead to irritation.
Cleanse Twice Daily: Stick to cleansing twice daily with lukewarm water to keep your skin refreshed without compromising its balance.
Opt for Gentle Formulas: Gel or cream-based cleansers are great options, as they are typically gentler on the skin than foaming cleansers.
Wash Your Face Properly: You can safely wash your face the same day after treatment. Proper cleansing helps maintain skin hygiene and reduces the risk of infection. However, make sure to wash your face properly. Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser, lukewarm water, and very light motions.

Hydrating Serums

Post-dermaplaning, your skin is highly receptive to skincare products. This is an excellent time to introduce a hydrating serum, such as one with hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5, which binds moisture to the skin and helps enhance the smoothness and radiance of your complexion. Avoid strong acids, but gentle serums can enhance the effects of dermaplaning, making your skin look and feel even better. Layer your serum under your moisturizer for maximum hydration, especially if you are in a dry climate or using indoor heating.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Your freshly treated skin might feel soft and tempting to touch, but keeping your hands away is essential to prevent transferring bacteria, which can cause breakouts or irritation. Additionally, refrain from scratching, picking, or rubbing your face, as your skin’s protective barrier is more vulnerable after dermaplaning. Keep tissues or a clean cloth handy if you need to dab your skin to remove oil or sweat without touching your face directly.

What to Avoid After Dermaplaning

There are a few key things to avoid in the days following your dermaplaning treatment. The goal is to give your skin a break while it renews itself.

Harsh Products and Treatments

Avoid Exfoliants: Dermaplaning provides deep surface exfoliation on its own, so adding other exfoliants like scrubs, acids (AHAs/BHAs), or retinoids can irritate or over-dry your skin. Give your skin at least a week to recover before reintroducing any exfoliating or active ingredients.
Skip Harsh Exfoliants and Active Ingredients: Dermaplaning provides deep surface exfoliation on its own, so adding other exfoliants like scrubs, acids (AHAs/BHAs), or retinoids can irritate or over-dry your skin. Give your skin at least a week to recover before reintroducing any exfoliating or active ingredients. During this time, focus on gentle, calming products that nourish and soothe. Replace your exfoliants with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, which calm and hydrate without causing sensitivity.
Avoid Other Facial Treatments: Avoid other facial treatments for two weeks after dermaplaning to prevent skin irritation. Wait at least four weeks post-dermaplaning before undergoing chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, injectables, and other intensive skincare therapies.
Avoid Hair Removal Techniques: Since dermaplaning is a form of hair removal itself, it is best to avoid any additional hair removal treatments, like waxing or threading, on the treated area for at least a week.
Peels, Waxing, or Laser Treatments: Avoid peels, waxing, or laser treatments for at least 5-7 days.
Strong Skincare Actives and Harsh Exfoliants: Avoid heavy exercise, direct sun exposure, makeup, strong skincare actives and harsh exfoliants for the first few days. Let your skin breathe and recover naturally.

Heat and Sweat

Avoid Excessive Heat and Sweat: Post-dermaplaning, your skin’s barrier is more sensitive, so it is wise to avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or exposure to high heat, like saunas, hot showers, and intense workouts.
Heat and Sweat Can Irritate: Heat and sweat can increase irritation or even lead to infection in open pores. Instead, take a couple of days to relax and avoid anything that might cause your skin to flush or become inflamed. Opt for low-intensity activities like walking or stretching to stay active without exposing your skin to excessive heat.
Avoid Intense Exercise: Medical providers recommend avoiding intense exercise that causes sweating and raises your heart rate for at least 24 hours after dermaplaning. You can engage in light activity, such as walking.

Makeup

While it is tempting to try out makeup on your super-smooth skin, it is best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours. Freshly dermaplaned skin is more susceptible to product absorption, which means that makeup ingredients can penetrate more deeply than usual, potentially causing irritation or breakouts. Additionally, avoiding makeup allows your skin to breathe and recover without being exposed to any harsh ingredients. If you must wear makeup, opt for mineral-based options as they are typically lighter and contain fewer irritating additives. You can wear makeup 24-48 hours after dermaplaning. During this initial period, the open pores are more prone to clogging and infection. After two weeks, most skin can handle makeup application again. Still opt for mineral makeup and non-comedogenic products.

Specific Ingredients

Fragrance-heavy or Alcohol-based Products: Sticking to calming, hydrating formulas ensures your skin stays comfortable and doesn’t react negatively during this sensitive window.
Acne Products: Acne products may contain retinoids, salicylic acid, and other harsh ingredients that tend to over-dry and irritate sensitive skin.
Chlorine: Chlorine can additionally dry out sensitive skin after dermaplaning.

Addressing Common Concerns

Redness and Irritation

It’s not unusual to experience some redness for a few days immediately following dermaplaning. Common side effects, such as mild redness, irritation, and dry skin, typically go away after 24-48 hours. If your skin becomes increasingly red, sensitive, itchy, or irritated at any point, discontinue use of any active ingredients and see your dermatologist.

Breakouts

Increased breakouts can happen as a reaction to the thorough exfoliation. Avoid sun, use non-irritating skincare, and gradually ease back into your normal routine. Consult your esthetician or dermatologist about your particular needs.

Sensitivity

As we mentioned, your skin will feel sensitive and vulnerable right after a dermaplaning facial. The skin remains sensitive in the days following dermaplaning. Do not pick, peel, pop, or scrub at any dryness or flaking. After about a week, your skin should feel less sensitive and ready for your regular products again.

Post-Treatment Care

After dermaplaning, your current skin care products become more effective than before. After dermaplaning, your skin is more receptive to skincare products, which is a great opportunity to feed it with nourishing, calming ingredients. Topical products that nurture your skin are essential after dermaplaning.

Sleep

Always aim to get seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep during the night, especially after a cosmetic treatment, when your skin needs more attention and nurturing.

Pillowcase

After dermaplaning, your skin is more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Use a freshly washed pillowcase to avoid potential bacteria transfer.

Benefits of Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a great way to enhance your skin tone without turning to plastic surgery. Most people choose dermaplaning because it removes extra peach fuzz and dull skin cells. This means you can notice some improvements almost immediately after your appointment. Since no incisions or anesthetics are required, no downtime is needed after dermaplaning. Patients can return to their day as normal.

Smoother, Brighter Skin: Dermaplaning is one of the most effective and gentle ways to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
Better Product Absorption: Enables better product absorption: When you apply creams and serums to your face, they need to penetrate the top layers to fully benefit your skin. With dermaplaning, the top layer and dead skin cells are removed, meaning the product can penetrate more deeply. Because dead skin cells and vellus hairs have been removed by the dermaplaning blade, the fresh, new skin underneath can more effectively absorb topical skincare products.
Removes Peach Fuzz: The fine soft hairs on your face will be completely removed with dermaplaning, leaving your skin clear and soft.
Non-invasive and Minimal Recovery: This isn’t a complex cosmetic procedure, and within a few days you’ll notice the benefits. Dermaplaning is considered to be low-risk and suitable for most people.

How Often to Dermaplane

How often you should dermaplane your face depends on who is doing the dermaplaning. Professionals and their scalpels provide a deeper exfoliation than at-home treatment does. While you should always follow your provider’s guidance, most recommend spacing out your professional dermaplaning treatments every three to four weeks. Results last about 4-6 weeks as peach fuzz slowly grows back. For optimal maintenance, schedule follow-up dermaplaning sessions once a month.

Is Dermaplaning Right for You?

While dermaplaning is generally safe for most skin types, certain skin conditions might make it inadvisable. If you have any of these conditions or other skin concerns, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist before undergoing dermaplaning.

tags: #dermaplaning #aftercare