While the idea of a blade sliding across your face sounds daunting, itโs actually completely painlessโat least, when performed by a trained professional. DIY dermaplaning kits and tools can cause cuts or irritation, so itโs best to avoid this at-home treatment.
Prepping skin with a steaming treatment (like jumping in the shower) before your dermaplaning session can help make the process smoother. This is especially helpful for people with rosacea.
Exfoliation #
Dermaplaning is a painless procedure during which an aesthetician uses a sterile blade to remove peach fuzz, dead skin cells and other debris from the face. Unlike shaving, which can cause irritation to the top layer of your skin, dermaplaning only affects the superficial layers, leaving the epidermis intact. A professional may use a scalpel blade or an electric razor-like device known as a dermatome. The blades used in dermaplaning are much sharper and safer than the ones you might use at home. The treatment is performed on dry skin that has been cleaned and free of makeup or product. A topical numbing cream may be applied to reduce the sensation.
The results of dermaplaning are usually visible immediately. They can also continue to improve in the days after your treatment as cell turnover speeds up, and your skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles may further smooth out. While dermaplaning is generally safe for almost all people, it shouldn’t be done during an active acne breakout or when you have cold sores or open wounds close to the treatment area. Additionally, it isn’t recommended for pregnant women, because the risk of a rash or an allergic reaction is higher.
You should also avoid excessive sun exposure after a dermaplaning treatment, because the sun’s UV rays can reverse the benefits of the exfoliation and potentially create pigment blotches. It is best to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or more.
A few weeks after your dermaplaning session, you can start to shave again, but you should avoid doing so over the areas that have been treated. Your therapist will let you know if there are any areas that should be avoided.
You should also avoid waxing the facial hair, as it can cause irritation and inflammation. It’s best to visit a professional who specializes in dermaplaning to get the most out of this skin-smoothing treatment. It is also important to follow the proper skincare routine after a dermaplaning treatment. That means washing with a gentle cleanser and using a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients, as well as a sunscreen that contains antioxidants and other skin barrier-protective elements.
Minimizing the appearance of pores #
Although dermaplaning does not treat the root cause of rosacea, it does help to minimize redness and the appearance of pores by removing the buildup that can trap oils and dirt. This can help to reduce the risk of future rosacea flare-ups and improve the overall complexion of the skin.
As an added bonus, dermaplaning can also help to minimize fine lines and wrinkles by lifting dry and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This leaves the skin with a smoother texture and can make makeup application more even and effective.
However, it is important to note that dermaplaning should not be performed while a person has active acne or rosacea. Nicking the face with a blade during these times can trigger over-activity in the sebaceous glands and lead to an excess of oil. In addition, if someone has open sores or elevated marks, they should not undergo this treatment as it can cause them to become infected.
It is also important to use gentle and fragrance-free cleansers, exfoliators, and skincare products that are suitable for your skin type when you have rosacea. You should also avoid triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures to help keep your skin calm and reduce inflammation. Additionally, avoiding the sun can help to prevent further damage and irritation.
The good news is that dermaplaning can be used on most skin types and can be safely used on those with sensitive complexions. However, if you have very sensitive skin, you may want to consider other facial rejuvenation treatments that are less invasive, such as chemical exfoliating pads or enzymatic peels.
During a dermaplaning session, a trained dermatologist or aesthetician will gently scrape the skin with a small, sterile blade. This will remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and peach fuzz, revealing brighter and more even-looking skin. The procedure is very quick, painless, and effective. Although some people experience a slight redness or sensitivity after dermaplaning, these effects typically resolve within a few hours. For best results, a dermaplaning treatment should be repeated once a month.
Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles #
Dermaplaning is a gentle exfoliation procedure that can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be useful for reducing the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone and brown patches on the face, clogged pores and dry or flaky skin. However, itโs important to understand that itโs not a permanent solution and that the results are only temporary. The vellus hairs (peach fuzz) will grow back in just a week or two, and you will need to repeat the process on a regular basis to keep your skin looking smooth and radiant.
Itโs important to find a skilled skincare professional for your dermaplaning treatment. The technique should be performed using a medical-grade scalpel to prevent cuts, inflammation and infection. The provider should first clean and then steam your face to loosen dirt and oils, making the vellus hairs easier to remove. Itโs also a good idea to avoid over-exfoliating, which can damage the delicate epidermis. A professional should recommend an appropriate frequency of treatments for your specific needs.
The average dermaplaning session can last from 30 minutes to an hour and may include the use of a numbing cream. Some providers may use the tool to gently exfoliate the entire face, while others prefer to work on smaller areas, such as the chin or cheeks. In addition to removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz, dermaplaning can improve makeup application by eliminating the barrier that makes it difficult for products to penetrate. This allows for more even, effective product absorption, and can make your skin look brighter and more youthful.
Some people have reported that dermaplaning has caused breakouts, but this is usually due to an active acne outbreak. In fact, dermaplaning can actually help clear breakouts by removing the buildup of pore-clogging oil and dead skin cells. Itโs also important to follow up your dermaplaning treatment with a good moisturizer that contains skin-brightening ingredients and barrier-repairing ceramides. Itโs also a good idea not to exfoliate your face too often, as this can cause the skin to become overexposed to environmental toxins and pollutants.
Improving skin texture #
While dermaplaning has become the marmite of beauty on social media, this safe, painless procedure can actually help smooth uneven skin texture and brighten dull complexions. It also minimizes the appearance of pores, removes excess oil, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And it can be combined with other treatments, such as lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels, to increase their effectiveness.
Dermaplaning involves shaving off vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) with a sharp blade, and though this may sound scary, itโs actually very comfortable. Itโs similar to shaving any other part of your body, and youโll only feel slight prickling as the esthetician scrapes across the skin. If you have sensitive skin, your esthetician can apply a topical numbing agent before dermaplaning to avoid any discomfort.
The most common negative side effect of dermaplaning is dryness, redness, and irritationโbut only if youโre doing it incorrectly at home or trying to exfoliate too frequently. When done correctly, dermaplaning can be gentle and effective on all skin types, but itโs important to communicate with your esthetician about any skin sensitivities to ensure your treatment is a success.
Itโs also important to protect your skin from the sun after a dermaplaning treatment, and be sure to use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher. You should also avoid using any products containing acids or retinoids for a week following the treatment to allow your skin to recover.
If youโre looking to address uneven skin tone, large pores, fine facial hair, or hyperpigmentation, dermaplaning might be the solution for you! To learn more about how this treatment can improve your skin, contact us at AIVI Aesthetics Skin Health Clinic.
Itโs also important to remember that dermaplaning is not a good treatment for pregnant women, people with open wounds or active infections, or anyone with eczema or other skin conditions. However, if youโre not suffering from any of these issues, itโs definitely worth giving it a try to see how your skin responds! We look forward to welcoming you into our spa. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone today!
Conclusion #
Dermaplaning for rosacea is a complex topic. Here’s what to understand:
- Not for Active Flares: Dermaplaning is strictly contraindicated during active rosacea flare-ups, as it can worsen irritation and redness.
- Potential Benefits for Some: If your rosacea is well-managed with minimal constant redness, gentle dermaplaning in the hands of a skilled and experienced professional might offer a few indirect benefits:
- Smoother surface texture
- Improved product absorption
- Risks Remain: Even with controlled rosacea, there’s always a risk of aggravating sensitive skin.
- Crucial: Consult a dermatologist who specializes in rosacea before considering dermaplaning. They can assess your individual suitability.
AIVI Aesthetics Agoura Hills prioritizes your skin health. We’ll work closely with your dermatologist to determine if dermaplaning is right for you.
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