Did you ever wonder about the secret of those celebrities with smooth, almost airbrushed skin? Well, alongside their army of makeup artists and skincare experts, nutritionists and everyone else, they have to take care of their appearance secret they have been keeping is dermablading. And today, we will talk about what dermablading is and everything else you need to know about it.
What is dermablading?
Dermablading (dermaplaning or microplaning) is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses a disposable sterile surgical blade to remove dead skin cells and hair from your face.
I know it sounds a little bit scary that someone uses a blade to scrape off your face, but the treatment is very safe, and there are only a few possible side effects.
It’s a treatment where the peach fuzz and top layer of dead skin cells are removed, leaving bright, smooth skin underneath. The practitioner uses a sterile surgical blade at a 45-degree angle to gently drag it across the face, gently exfoliating and shaving the skin. It even claims to remove acne scars and uneven texture on your skin.
The treatment is so safe that it can be done on (almost) anyone. It is suitable for people with:
- dry skin
- combination skin
- acne scars
- dull skin
- uneven skin surface
- sensitive skin
The only people that can’t get dermablading done are those with active acne, as the blade can knick the pimple and damage the skin.
The treatment must be done by a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist. It is a blade being used against your face, after all.
The treatment takes about 20-30 minutes, and there is no downtime afterwards. The practitioner would usually apply a soothing product such as aloe vera and sunscreen to protect your face. Try to avoid the sun for 2-3 days after the treatment, as the skin is more photosensitive due to the lack of a layer of dead skin cells.
Benefits
- smooth and radiant skin
- deep exfoliation
- better skincare absorption
- removal of vellus hair (peach fuzz)
- smooth makeup application
Side effects
There might be a slight redness on your skin a few hours after the treatment, and some people can develop some whiteheads a day or two after (that quickly goes away). Except for those, there aren’t any other side effects. Dermablading is generally a low-risk treatment, but in rare cases, an infection or scarring can occur.
The skin is left very smooth, and the skincare products are easier to absorb. Also, makeup sits much better on the face after dermaplanning as it is a smooth surface.
The results usually last about four weeks, and they recommend repeating the treatment every 4-6 weeks. If you were planning to do dermaplanning before a big event, it’s best to do it 2-3 days prior.
A common concern women usually have is that the hair would grow stronger and thicker after the treatment. That is a common misconception, as it is impossible to change the structure of vellus hair (peach fuzz). It will grow back, but it will grow back the same way it was before dermaplanning.
The treatment usually goes between €150 and €250 and is usually combined with another treatment such as hydrating or deep cleansing.
Dermablading at home
It is a simple treatment that can be done at home, but the results may not be as impressive as in the salon. The tools for dermablading are widely available and affordable. The surgical blade estheticians use for dermablading in salons is not the same as the one for dermablading at home. Instead, facial razors or electrical options that produce small vibrations that make the whole experience easier are available.
The main thing to be concerned about is having a sterile tool and clean hands. You can sanitize your blade with sanitizing solution, and make sure you thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
Just to be clear, dermablading at home is more treatment for removing vellus hair than a proper salon-quality dermablading. We can’t be as precise as an esthetician is, and the blade we use is not the same as a surgical-grade blade. But if your goal is smooth skin without the peach fuzz, doing it at home might be the most affordable option.
Don’t dermablade if you have any active acne, as it can damage the skin and cause scarring. And inform yourself how to do the treatment properly. There are plenty of videos available.
Dermablading products
This stainless set is an affordable option as three blades are only €6.95. You can use each razor twice but rinse and dry the razor after each use. If you use each blade twice and need to dermablade only once a month, having a six months supply for only €6.95 is a great deal if you ask me.
With a bit higher price, this device has sonic vibrations that help remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. The design allows for the 45 degree-angle due to the tilted design on the head. The blades are supposed to last longer than the regular manual ones. Replacement blades are available for the price of €22.95 for four.
Hollywood Browzer is probably the most famous one. This duo comes with a travel pouch and has a collapsible head to ensure a safe transfer. You can use these blades on the body, and they say they are great for the upper lip, chin, bikini line, legs, arms, knuckles and fuzzy facial hair. They justify the price by the fact that the blades are supposed to last for about 2-3 months.
Step-by-step guide
- Wash your hands and your face, and clean your tools.
- Hold your skin taught with one hand and work with the other.
- Place the blade of your tool at a 45-degree angle and move your blade in short, light strokes (don’t press too much as that can cause breaking of the skin or cuts).
- Move the blade in a downward motion and work in sections.
- Avoid any areas with sensitivity or acne.
- Once you finish dermaplanning, wash your face with a gentle face wash and put your regular skincare on (avoid exfoliants such as retinoids, AHAs or BHAs), and don’t forget SPF 50.
I have been doing dermablading for a couple of months now, and it’s safe to say it does not bring back more or thicker hair. It grows the same as before, and it takes about 3-4 weeks to grow back. I always do it in the evening, so I don’t have to put anything heavy on it straight away. I only use a very gentle face wash and a gentle face cream. In the morning, I continue with my regular skincare. The main reason why I do it is that my makeup sits so much better on my skin, and I love the feeling of very smooth and soft skin.
Products for post-treatment
Avène Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion is a gentle cleanser that it’s perfect for cleansing post-dermablading. It has only seven ingredients which help replenish moisture and soothe sensitive skin. Because the packing is sterile, it has no preservatives or parabens. It is also fragrance-free. This cleansing lotion is a fantastic product for sensitive skin.
Another skin-comforting product. Some ingredients are Glycerin, Ceramides and Vitamin B3, making it a fantastic product for soothing irritation and hydrating the skin. Ceramides in the product can also help repair the skin barrier, which might be slightly damaged due to the dermablading. This cream also has no parabens, alcohol or fragrances.
If you want to learn more about skin barriers, click here: Skin barrier repair – everything you need to know
Have you tried dermablading before? If not, would you try it after reading this post?
