The Benefits of Dermaplaning and How to Do it At Home

March 17, 2025

The products we use to exfoliate our face in our teens and twenties aren’t as effective as our skin matures. Cellular turnover slows as we age, making dead skin buildup more apparent. This leaves our skin looking dull and feeling rough. Exfoliating more isn’t the answer, elevating our exfoliating is. At-home dermaplaning is one way to elevate exfoliating.

Below are dermaplaning aftercare tips to maximize glow following DIY treatment.    

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is an effective method of deep exfoliation that instantly leaves our skin smooth and glowing. Many think of dermaplaning as a less invasive method of microdermabrasion. Like microdermabrasion, the top layer of skin is removed. This layer, the stratum corneum, is where dead skin cells build up. Unlike microdermabrasion, the dermaplaning tool removes peach fuzz (vellus hair). 

When completed in a spa, a surgical-grade scalpel is used to complete this exfoliating treatment. At-home blades are also available.

How to Dermaplane?

Remove all makeup and skincare products before treatment.  Make sure your blade is clean and sharp. If the skin is not clean, or the blade is not clean and sharp, the risk of nicks and ingrown hairs rises. 

Hold your skin taut in the treatment area. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle while completing short scraping motions to gently remove peach fuzz and the top layer of dead skin. Wipe the blade clean throughout the treatment to ensure clean scraping.

Why Deep Exfoliate?

Our skin naturally self-exfoliates, and our cells naturally repair and regenerate. Most of this restoration occurs while we sleep, making antiaging one of many reasons to prioritize sleep.

We can support this restorative process by cleansing our skin, applying an anti-aging serum, and hydrating night cream. We must deep clean our pores and exfoliate our skin.

Deep exfoliating treatments allow our bodies to invest energy in healing and repair instead of daily maintenance. This rejuvenates our skin on many levels.

What Are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?

• Instant smoothing effect: Exfoliating the skin’s top layer instantly smooths and renews the complexion. 

• Glowing skin: Removing the dulling buildup reveals the healthy and radiant skin beneath.

• Flawless makeup application: Makeup glides on flawlessly for a smooth and natural look and feel.

• Enhanced product absorption: Serums and anti-aging creams penetrate deeper into pores.  

• Minimized fine lines: The buildup of dead skin cells increases the depth of fine lines.

• Evens skin tone: Regular exfoliation helps the skin regenerate and repair acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Post-Dermaplaning Care Tips

Dermaplaning aftercare is essential for rapid healing and a radiant glow. Skin may be red for 1 or 2 hours post-treatment, and sensitive for 24 to 48 hours.

• Expect mild sensitivity: Skin may feel slightly dry and tight and even flake in a few areas. This is part of the healing process. Avoid the temptation to pick, peel, or exfoliate flakey areas. Be mindful not to touch the treatment area throughout the day, other than cleansing and applying a serum, hydrating cream, and daytime sunscreen.

• Hydrate the skin: Calm skin, minimize irritation and support the healing process by applying a skin-brightening serum. I use the NeoGenesis Recovery Serum with my clients. The stem cell technology in this hydrating serum accelerates post-treatment healing.

• Cleanse gently: Continue to cleanse skin in the morning and evening but use a gentle cleanser. In fact, I suggest a gentle cleanser every day. My preferred product is CBE Botanicals Clean + Gentle Cleanser. This will cleanse without stripping the skin’s moisture layer. Avoid using a washcloth, silicone brush, or other cleansing tools for the next week. 

• Adjust skincare routine: Skip toner, retinoids, and vitamin C serums, for the
  
  next 48 hours, and don’t exfoliate for at least 7 days. Apply a high-quality sunscreen for at least 2 weeks, but preferably every day. I suggest the Sun Protection Ultra Repair SPF 50 Sunscreen. It provides broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores.

• Be gentle: Avoid all heat sources, including steam, sauna, direct sunlight, and hot water. Sit in the shade when outside, and wear a hat to minimize sun exposure. I also suggest switching to a clean pillowcase and sleeping on your back to avoid putting pressure on your face. Skip workouts and other strenuous activities. Yes, permission to skip a few days of workouts! Feel free to stretch gently, without breaking a sweat.

• Allow skin to breathe: Go makeup-free for a full 48 hours. This includes mascara and lipstick, but continue to apply a hydrating lip balm. This allows the skin time to breathe and heal.

Maintaining the Glow Between Treatments

When it comes to dermaplaning, more is not better. Treatment can be completed every 7 to 30 days depending on individual needs. Maintain radiance with the tips below. 

• Return to standard exfoliators: Wait at least 7 days post-dermaplaning before exfoliating. Use a gentle granular or chemical exfoliator (lactic acid or glycolic acid) 1 to 3 times per week, or as directed.

• Continue with a gentle cleanser: It’s essential to cleanse every morning and evening. Even without makeup, skincare products, oil, and daily grime buildup. I suggest the cleanser mentioned above, CBE Botanicals Clean + Gentle Cleanser, to cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oil and moisture layer.

• Support regeneration: Use a nutrient-rich anti-aging serum after cleansing. I

  

  I suggest the CBE Botanicals Brighten the Day Serum. It’s packed with antioxidants to fade existing dark spots, minimize new dark spots, and reduce wrinkles. It also contains sodium hyaluronate to boost moisture retention.

• Hydrate skin: Glowing skin is hydrated skin, so layer a moisture-rich cream over the brightening serum. NeoGenesis Intensive Moisturizer is a top pick. It’s formulated to hydrate dry and damaged skin while providing a protective skin barrier to minimize oxidative stress.

When to Avoid Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is considered generally safe and effective for all skin tones and skin types, even those with sensitive skin.

Hold off on treatment when using Accutane, or it’s been less than 1 year since taking Accutane. This method of exfoliation is not advised for those currently undergoing chemotherapy, who have uncontrolled diabetes, or who have any health condition that impedes blood circulation or slows wound healing.

Wait for skin to heal from recent spa treatments or if experiencing:

• Acne/breakout

• Cold sores

• Dermatitis

• Eczema

• Irritation/redness

• Rosacea

• Sunburn

• Vascular lesions

Dermaplaning Aftercare Pro Tip 

One of the ways I accelerate healing and hydration post-dermaplaning is by pairing the Exoderm Pure HydroGel Mask with NeoGenesis Intense Moisturizer.

Pure HydroGel Mask

I suggest this mask once a week or any time the skin requires extra hydration. This mesh-free Korean mask isn’t a standard sheet mask. It’s clear like plastic wrap that forms a second layer over the skin to lock in moisture. It’s proven to increase skin’s moisture by an average of 11% after 1 treatment, and almost 60% after 4 treatments. It’s also cooling and calming to fade post-treatment redness and irritation.

Post-dermaplaning, skip the toner as directed. Let the mask sit 20 to 30 minutes before layering on NeoGenesis Intense Moisturizer.

FAQs

How many days before a special event should I dermaplane?

Dermaplaning should be completed 3 to 5 days before an event to provide ample time for the skin to recover.

Are at-home dermaplane blades the same as spa blades?

Estheticians utilize a surgical-grade scalpel. At-home dermaplaning razors aren’t as sharp.   

What does dermaplaning feel like?

Dermaplaning feels like shaving with a bit more pressure. Most describe it as relaxing and comfortable. Whether in a spa or at home, treatment should not be painful. 

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