Here’s Why Dermaplaning Really Works For Brighter, Smoother Skin

Dermaplaning: think face-shaving but with either a specifically designed and safe device to use at home or, for a deeper treatment, a surgical-grade scalpel in the steady hand of a qualified practitioner. Either way, it is absolutely not a quick fix done with a disposable razor. As a chemical-free form of exfoliation, the specialist blade is scraped over your skin surface to gently remove the dead surface cells and that little layer of peach-fuzz facial hair, leaving the skin ultra-smooth, fresh and glowing. Plus, when you apply your makeup afterwards, you’ll find it goes on as smoothly as silk, which is why dermaplaning is in such demand as a pre-event treatment.

Not to be confused with face shaving, I only recommend doing this at home with a proper, reputable dermaplaning device. It’s important to start with clean, cream-free skin, and to use the right technique – keep the device at 45 degrees to the skin, hold the skin taut and use small, feathery strokes. Once I’ve mastered it, it is quick, easy and fuss-free to do, and I quickly see little clusters of my peach fuzz floating in the air. More surprising is seeing exactly how much dead skin and hair is removed by my chosen device, given my extensive daily skincare regimen and twice-weekly peels.

Immediately after my DIY treatment, I use my usual Dr.Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and Augustinus Bader’s The Cream, but the difference is incredible. My skin is literally glowing, with a dewy finish that lasts long after the skincare has sunk in. It’s like my skin is super-polished, naturally highlighted and, without the fuzzy-felt finish of baby hairs and layers of dead cells, it reflects every shaft of light. And this lit-from-within skin effect lasts a good few days.

Done at home, the whole procedure is not nearly as invasive, or probably as transformative, as the in-clinic treatment, since it doesn’t remove as much – I prefer to leave that level of treatment to the steady hands of a doctor. But as an at-home treatment, done once a week or every 10 days, it is a great addition to my skin regimen – and I now always follow it with a mask, ampoule or more potent product. Two months on and those baby hairs have not grown back thicker or darker (which is apparently the question most asked about dermaplaning), plus, makeup goes on like a dream and I’m sure my skin is less dry, which might be as a result of my products being better absorbed.

My skin is not sensitive, but it still took a couple of days to show the glowy benefits, rather than the post-scalpel redness of an in-clinic dermaplaning treatment. Also, I’m pleased I chose Dr.David Jack in London’s Harley Street (whose clinic offers an Egyptian Facial dermaplaning treatment). Not only has he dermaplaned for eight years, but, as he’s a plastic surgeon, I trust the scalpel in his experienced and steady hands. “It’s basically a chemical-free exfoliation,” he tells me, as the blade deftly scrapes away layers of faux tan and dead skin from my dry forehead. “Unless you have very sensitive skin, I combine dermaplaning with a peel, as it’s easier to lift off the dead cells. Also, I can create a bespoke treatment, using lactic acid for dry skin, mandelic acid for pigmentation or azelaic for rosacea.”

Again, as there is no oil or cream used during a dermaplaning treatment, the blade does feel dry and scratchy, and as a clinic treatment works deeper, my skin is left red and a little bit sore. To counter this, I used a richer, more soothing cream for a couple of days afterwards. A cooling mask such as 111Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask helps to take some of the irritation down, too. Although some women claim to get a dermaplaning treatment on the day of an event, based on my personal experience, I wouldn’t recommend it – that’s definitely where the less-invasive at-home option can work better.

1. It removes the dead surface cells and facial hair that can trap oils and dirt, leaving the skin ultra-smooth, fresh and glowing.

2. Not only does it help products penetrate and be absorbed more deeply into the skin, but makeup goes on more smoothly afterwards, too.

3. Using vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol post-treatment will be more effective and fast-track the results.

4. Combined with a peel, dermaplaning can lift dry, dead skin, reduce the appearance of pigmentation, and help diminish rosacea and acne scars.

5. Fine lines are softened and the skin texture is left more even.

6. Dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types – if you have active acne, a clinical treatment is better, as you will need professional advice.