Many women are afraid of shaving because of the myth that it makes your hair grow back thicker. And while there are other options, such as threading, waxing, or laser hair removal, these procedures can be painful. Dermaplaning is an alternative to these that is quick, has great results, and healthy benefits. But what is dermaplaning exactly? Below we will walk you through the ins and outs of this highly effective treatment.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a short, non-invasive procedure that exfoliates the skin, shaving what is known as vellus hair (think: peach fuzz) from your face in the process. The science behind it is similar to that of shaving.
Instead of a razor, it uses a tool called a dermatome to glide across the face and remove unwanted hair. As it is an exfoliation treatment, not only will it get rid of facial hair, it will also help downsize your pores and soften the texture of your face.
In addition to getting rid of unwanted hair, the treatment will remove dirt, oils, and dead skin cells from the face. While dermaplaning may not suit those with severe skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, cold sores, or eczema, nearly everyone else can benefit from it.
DOES IT HURT?
Despite common misconceptions and misinformation regarding the procedure, dermaplaning does not hurt when done by our cosmetic professionals. During the short procedure, you should not feel any pain or discomfort.
Dermaplaning Procedure Steps
The procedure itself is short, usually lasting around 20 minutes. You will arrive at our office and be seated in our chair. Our licenced dermatologist will use a sterile blade and slowly drag it across your face while maintaining a 45-degree angle. As this blade is dragged across your skin, any build-up and debris is removed.
Numbing sprays and local anaesthesias are available if you are uneasy but the procedure should not hurt. The procedure should take about 20 minutes in total. Once finished, aloe is applied to soothe your skin.
You will immediately notice your skin is both softer and smoother. There should be little to no side effects from this procedure.
What Are The Benefits Of Dermaplaning?
The benefits of dermaplaning are plentiful. Patients can celebrate healthy, youthful skin immediately after the procedure. There are many other reasons that may draw you to dermaplaning. Three benefits that you are sure to notice after visiting us are as follows:
- NO MORE FACIAL HAIR
Probably the most sought-after reason for choosing this procedure is to get rid of peach fuzz, extended sideburns, monobrows, and so on. Since we use a tool similar to that of a razor blade, expect a smooth, hairless face.
- EASIER APPLICATION OF MAKEUP
It’s true; after the procedure, you will notice that your favourite cosmetic products such as makeup and moisturisers are easier to apply. This is because after the hair, and dead skin is removed. Your products will penetrate and set easier because your face is hairless, smoother, and more even. You might even notice an airbrushed look when makeup is applied.
- REJUVENATION OF SKIN
Not only does dermaplaning get rid of dead skin cells, but it also aids in the development of new cells. So, you may notice hyperpigmentation fading, rough spots becoming smoothed over, and the overall look of your face being much more vibrant.
Will My Hair Grow Back Thicker?
Many people believe that after shaving or dermaplaning, their hairs will grow back thicker, effectively making the problem worse. This couldn’t be further from the truth. From a biological perspective, it is impossible for hair to grow back thicker. The shaving of facial hair only creates a blunt tip on the hair being shaved, which is often incorrectly self-diagnosed as thicker hair.
Not only will your hair not grow back thicker, but it also won’t grow back faster either. This is because the procedure is only on the surface of the skin. Shaving hair on the surface cannot affect the root, which is located beneath the surface. The blunt tips of shaved hairs may appear thicker and coarser, but scientifically this is simply not the case.
Difference Between Dermabrasion And Dermaplaning
You may have heard of dermabrasion and wondered, ‘what’s the difference’? Some may incorrectly use the terms interchangeably or mix up the definitions, but they are different procedures.
Dermabrasion, like dermaplaning, is a skin resurfacing treatment that removes both the dermis (middle layer of skin) and epidermis. Your dermatologist uses a powered rotating brush to achieve a similar effect to carry out a dermabrasion procedure. Unlike dermaplaning, this procedure might require general anesthesia.
Unfortunately, dermabrasion is not typically as effective for deeper scars and has more risks than dermaplaning. Dermabrasion carries the risk of infection, enlarged pores, blotchy colouring of skin, and new scars being formed from the procedure. Compared to dermaplaning, which has minimal risk and side effects, a consultation with a physician is recommended to see which treatment may be safest for your desired results.
There is also the sister treatment of dermabrasion known as microdermabrasion. This procedure only removes the epidermis and uses abrasive ingredients to get rid of dead skin cells.
What Results Can I Expect?
You can expect hairless, rejuvenated skin after the procedure. There may be some tingling for up to 24 hours after the procedure is complete, but this is normal and should subside. You should maintain a healthy skincare routine as usual as the procedure is not a cure-all. You should also use sunscreen and moisturiser as the skin will be more sensitive after treatment.
For best results, expect to have the procedure repeated every four to six weeks. When you get a dermaplaning procedure done by one of our specialists, expect to feel more confident in your own skin. When you are ready to transform your skin, book with us and get ready to love the skin, you’re in.