Some of the most simple skincare treatments are often also some of the most effective. Dermaplaning is one such treatment that though it may seem quick and simple, delivers some incredible results. At Michael I. Jacobs MD Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, NY, we offer this effective form of physical exfoliation that can do everything from making your at-home skincare routine that much more effective to help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
How Is Dermaplaning Good for Your Skin?
Dermaplaning is a very effective skincare treatment that is simple but delivers some amazing results. This treatment can do more than just exfoliate your skin. It can improve the health of your skin, make your skin look and feel more youthful, and tighten the pores. If you are looking for an effective yet simple and non-invasive skincare treatment to help you achieve a better complexion, this form of physical exfoliation is the perfect option.
It Helps Treat and Prevent Acne
Dead skin cells, build-up, oil, and debris on the surface of your skin can all contribute to clogged pores and other forms of acne. However, this treatment will help clear out the pores by removing that dead skin cell barrier.
You’ll experience cleaner, clearer skin after one treatment, and your complexion will continue to improve after each treatment you schedule. While this treatment cannot be used on active acne, it will help combat the oil and build-up that causes acne in the first place.
It Helps Improve the Appearance of Acne and Other Scars
If you want to improve the appearance of your acne scars, this treatment can do exactly that. By removing skin cells from the top layer of the skin, this treatment not only boosts collagen production but promotes a more uniform skin texture. Dermaplaning can help acne scars appear less visible so that you can feel more confident in your skin.
It Can Tighten the Pores
This treatment is also an effective way to help reduce the size of your pores. By cleaning out your pores, this treatment will help make your pores look smaller and tighter, which will help improve your skin tone and texture. It will also help prevent them from getting filled with oil and other forms of build-up.
It Removes Fine Hair
Even if the hair on your face is barely visible, it can affect everything from your makeup application to the overall appearance of your skin. This treatment is an effective way to remove fine hair from the surface of the skin without causing irritation. Once you’re free of fine hair, your makeup will apply better, and your skin will look and feel smoother than ever.
It Makes Your Products Work Better
When your skin is not properly exfoliated, you will have a dead cell barrier preventing the full absorption of your products. However, this treatment helps reveal a younger and brighter layer of skin, so whatever you apply post-treatment will better absorb into the deeper layers. This is good news if you spend a lot of money on skincare products because now, thanks to this effective exfoliating treatment, you can get your money’s worth.
It Can Help Your Chemical Peels Work Better
In the same way that this treatment can make your products absorb better, it can also help enhance the results of your chemical peels. By eliminating that top dead skin cell layer, once you experience a chemical peel, it will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin to chemically exfoliate your skin and increase collagen and elastin production.
This is the perfect treatment to combine with a chemical peel because it allows you to experience both a physical and chemical form of exfoliation during one treatment session.
It Can Help Address the Signs of Aging
Fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity are some of the more common signs of aging, but regular dermaplaning sessions can help diminish the signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and delivering some skin tightening benefits. If you want tighter, better, and more toned-looking skin, this is the perfect skincare treatment to add to your monthly beauty routine.
How Does It Work?
The treatment process for a typical dermaplaning session is quick, simple, and efficient. To begin, your esthetician will cleanse your skin to remove any makeup, products, or lotion. Then, once your skin is prepared for the treatment process, she will begin the treatment. She will hold your skin tight with one hand while using a medical-grade stainless steel scalpel in the other hand to gently dermaplane your skin at a 45° angle.
This precise angle is important because it helps deliver the most effective treatment without cutting or damaging the skin in any way. She will use the scalpel across the entire treatment area, typically the entire face, to remove dead skin cells, fine hair, and debris. Once the treatment is over, you will have noticeably smoother and brighter skin.
When Will I Notice Results?
You will see results as soon as your treatment is over. Your skin will look healthier and brighter instantly. You will also have a youthful glow that will last for a week or longer post-treatment.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Once you undergo this treatment, you can expect your results to last several days to weeks but know that regular treatments are the best way to help maintain bright, exfoliated skin long-term. Your skin will re-accumulate dead skin cells every four weeks, but when you make this treatment a part of your monthly skincare routine, you can ensure that you are keeping it as healthy as possible.
Is There Any Downtime?
Once you undergo this treatment, you will not have to worry about any downtime. However, we do advise patients to apply sunscreen post-treatment to protect the new, younger layer of skin. Also, you must avoid direct sun exposure when possible to help keep your skin free of sun damage and the early signs of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Dermaplane at Home?
You can buy dermaplaning tools for at-home use, but they are not nearly as effective as a medical-grade scalpel. Additionally, it is not advisable, nor would it be safe for you to attempt to perform this treatment with an actual scalpel at home.
Without the proper training to dermaplane your face, you may cut your skin, leading to ingrown hairs, scarring, or worse. It’s best to leave this treatment to professionals who are trained in how to effectively exfoliate the skin to produce beautiful results, not skin damage.
Will My Hair Get Darker Post-Treatment?
If you grew up hearing from your mother or grandmother that if you shaved or removed hair from your body, it would only come in darker and thicker, you’re not alone. However, the idea that your hair will grow darker or thicker once you begin removing it is simply an old wive’s tale.
Your genetic makeup determines the rate and thickness at which your hair grows, not the fact that you choose to remove it. You can rest assured that once you begin dermaplaning your skin, you can effectively get rid of peach fuzz and maintain smooth, hair-free skin long-term.
Who Is a Candidate?
The best candidates for this treatment are patients who are looking for a simple yet effective way to improve their skin. If you’re not ready to commit to invasive treatments to enhance your skin, you don’t have to. You can schedule a dermaplaning session and experience all the benefits that result. One of the benefits of this treatment is that pregnant and nursing women can undergo treatment.
Most skincare treatments exclude pregnant and nursing women; however, because this treatment only involves the use of a scalpel to exfoliate the skin, pregnant and nursing women can safely enjoy the treatment. Additionally, those with sensitive skin can undergo this treatment because it won’t cause inflammation or an adverse reaction like many exfoliating skincare treatments do.
Experience a Simple and Effective Skincare Treatment
If it’s been a while since you exfoliated your skin and you want to achieve a brighter and healthier-looking complexion, this treatment is the perfect option. Contact us today at Michael I. Jacobs MD Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, NY, to schedule your initial consultation with one of our experienced skin care experts to learn more about how this exfoliating treatment can initiate a skin transformation that will help you achieve your most beautiful complexion yet.