in Biohacks & Treatments

Here’s Some Plain Talk About Dermaplaning

by 247Health Desk August 2, 2022, 2:19 pmupdated August 11, 2022, 2:55 pm 98 Comments

Let’s discuss dermaplaning. On it’s surface, it looks a lot like shaving. Only instead of taking aim at facial hair, the concept behind dermaplaning is to improve skin. Tone and texture. Shearing off the peach fuzz is just a side effect — one that might make ‘women of a certain age’ a little uncomfortable. After all, we were brought up believing that if you shave facial hair, it will grow back quicker, thicker, in the form of whiskers.

Definitely not true says aesthetician Beverly Harvey, owner of Mes Amies Medical Spa in Fort Myers. “Shaving hair creates a blunt end, which may seem more bristly, but the hair doesn’t grow in thicker” she says.

Whew, that’s a relief. So, you won’t grow a beard! But is it safe and sanitary? And does it require an expert touch?

I have tried it both ways and I say yes, this is something you can do at home. Provided you aren’t too heavy-handed, of course.

First, you need to invest in a good derma planning device. They aren’t hard to find but I would stick with ones found in a beauty store. The brand Dermaflash has been around for decades. It is less of a scalpel than the device your aesthetician uses. But is safer in non-professional hands.

The Dermaflash website walks you through the process. It’s really pretty simple. And these directions are fairly universal for DIY dermaplaning.

Start with washing your face. Then hold your skin taut and glide the device in short, feathery strokes across the face. Avoiding lips, eyes and nose. A major part of the technique is to always hold the dermaplane at a 45° angle.

I get the same gratifying skin feeling from dermaplaning at home that I would get if I paid for a spa treatment. After you are done, you will want to go over your face with your favorite serum or facial product to restore your skin’s moisture barrier.

Cutting to the chase: dermaplaning at home is less expensive than a spa because their price is typically based upon a specialized facial. At Mes Amies, it is a much-loved addition to a facial pampering. Costs vary, but expect to pay a minimum of $100 per session.

Dermaflash retails its at-home kit for $199 but that is for multiple uses. It consists of a rechargeable device and four single-use blades. You will have to keep buying their trademarked microfine edges in the future. So that’s a downer. But I find it does make a big difference in my skin. It evens out pigment and helps makeup and products go on more smoothly.

Visiting a spa is a treat in itself — and technicians use much sharper tools which can safely penetrate more deeply. But if it is a maintenance regimen you’re looking for — something you can do on your own time-table in the comfort of home — this technique is something you can handle.