Dermaplaning: Should You Shave Your Face in the Name of Beauty?

With the seemingly endless pandemic and coming in-and-out of quarantine, this beauty trend is still No.1 at-home skincare treatment. It involves full-face shaving, or dermaplaning, for women, started by TikTok and YouTube beauty influencers back in 2016. And by 2020, it's completely taken hold of social media.

However, this skin-rejuvenating technique isn't exactly new – Japanese women used facial razors to remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells ages ago. Still, the trend keeps on living and growing in popularity.

Curious to know why? Keep on reading to find out how dermaplaning can lead to younger and baby-smooth skin. We'll also share some useful tips on how to do it safely at home.

What Is Dermaplaning?

While shaving your face may sound daunting to many ladies, it really isn't. You can even do it yourself at home, as long as you follow some basic rules and guidelines that we'll share later on in this article.

Dermaplaning is a beauty treatment that involves using a scalpel, razor, or specialized shaving tool for gentle removal of the dead skin cells and vellus hair, i.e., peach fuzz. Essentially, it's an exfoliating technique that's done by scraping the outermost layer of the skin, stratum corneum, inducing cell turnover and faster skin rejuvenation.

What Are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is much more than just removing your facial hair. Some of its most incredible benefits include:

• Improved skin texture and tone: By exfoliating the dead skin layer, you're making way for the new and fresh skin cells. Right after the treatment, the skin is so much softer to the touch and the complexion looks brighter and even;
• Anti-aging effect: Like regular exfoliation, dermaplaning stimulates skin cell renewal. Over time, it can lead to fewer fine lines and deep wrinkles;
• Easier makeup application: Removing peach fuzz from your face will make the skin become a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. Additionally, it will allow your skincare products to penetrate the skin more quickly and deeply.

But, you may wonder – Isn't shaving my facial hair make them grow back darker and thicker? According to the experts, this won't happen as shaving won't change the structure of your hair follicles. You're only cutting the hair off at its base, which is thicker than the ends of the hair.

Is Dermaplaning Safe?

It's generally considered a safe procedure for most people. However, those with very sensitive skin or skin conditions, such as rosacea, keratosis pilaris, or cystic acne should probably avoid it.

Temporary dermaplaning side effects may occur right after the treatment, such as redness, irritation, and itching. This should go away within a few hours or a day. However, if these side effects persist or get worse, it's best to visit a dermatologist.

Another possible longer-term side effect is ingrown hairs. Once baby hairs start growing back, their blunt end may make them impossible to resurface, and they may end up ingrown.

How to Dermaplane at Home

First, you'll need a clean and sharp tool. You can use a facial hair trimmer, an eyebrow shaper, or a regular razor you would use on your legs (as long as you use a fresh one, straight out of the box). So here's your step-by-step guide to dermaplaning at home:

Step #1: Before you start, make sure to cleanse your face and dry it thoroughly. Your skin should be clean, dry, and without any products on it;

Step #2: While holding the razor in one hand, use the other to tighten the skin slightly upwards and hold it in place (this way, you'll avoid any accidental nicks);

Step #3: Position the razor at a 45-degree angle against the skin, then move it downwards, using short and feathery strokes (you can go with or against the grain, whatever feels the most comfortable for you);

Step #4: Move the razor from your ear, along the jawline, and toward your chin, then do the whole cheek, chin, and upper lip;

Step #5: When you are done with the chin, cheeks, and jawline, move on to the nose, forehead, temples, and neck (avoid eyelids and the sides of your nose). It's also important to note not to repeat areas you've already covered;

Step #6: Once done with dermaplaning, wash your face with just water or a gentle cleanser to remove any excess hair, and then apply your serum and moisturizer. And of course, sunscreen is a must to protect your new baby-smooth skin.

Takeaway...

So, dermaplaning at home could be a non-invasive solution to a number of skin woes, like rough patches, dull complexion, or fine lines. As long as you're careful with it, use feather pressure, and short strokes, you're good to go. And of course, focus your attention on proper aftercare – use hydrating skincare and sunscreen.

On the other hand, if you have acne, rosacea, eczema, or other inflammatory skin conditions, skip on shaving your face for now.

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