Dermaplaning is one of those treatments that sounds intimidating until you experience it — and then you wonder why you waited so long. A surgical-grade scalpel gently sweeping across your face? It's actually one of the most satisfying, immediately gratifying treatments we offer at Splendid Skincare & Brow Studio. Here's everything you need to know about how it works, what it feels like, and why it delivers such dramatic results.
What Is Dermaplaning, Exactly?
Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel to gently scrape away the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (commonly known as "peach fuzz") from the surface of your face. It's performed by a trained esthetician using light, feathering strokes at a precise 45-degree angle.
The result is immediately visible: smoother texture, brighter tone, and a luminous quality that makes your skin look almost airbrushed. But the benefits go deeper than aesthetics — by removing the barrier of dead cells and fine hair, dermaplaning also dramatically improves product absorption and creates a flawless canvas for makeup application.
Despite involving a blade, dermaplaning is completely painless. Most clients describe the sensation as a gentle brushing or tickling — nothing more. There's no heat, no chemicals, and no downtime. You walk out with an instant glow and can resume normal activities (including makeup) immediately.
What Happens During Your Session
Tap each step to see what's happening.
1
Cleanse & Prep
5 min
2
Dermaplaning
20–25 min
3
Serum Infusion
5 min
4
Protect & Glow
5 min
The Treatment Process: Why Each Step Matters
A professional dermaplaning session takes approximately 30–40 minutes from start to finish. The treatment begins with a thorough double cleanse to remove all traces of makeup, SPF, and surface oil — the scalpel needs to glide across completely clean, dry skin for safe and effective exfoliation.
The dermaplaning itself is the main event. Your esthetician holds the skin taut in small sections and uses light, controlled strokes to remove dead cells and vellus hair. You'll hear a gentle scraping sound — that's perfectly normal. The process covers the entire face except the eyelids and active breakout areas.
After dermaplaning, your skin is in prime condition to absorb active ingredients, so we follow up with a customized serum application. The serums penetrate far more effectively on freshly exfoliated skin, maximizing their impact. Finally, a hydrating moisturizer and SPF complete the treatment.
5 Key Benefits of Dermaplaning
Instant, visible results. Unlike treatments that require days or weeks to see improvements, dermaplaning delivers an immediate transformation. You'll walk out with noticeably smoother, brighter, more luminous skin — no waiting required.
Superior product absorption. By removing the layer of dead cells and peach fuzz that acts as a barrier, dermaplaning allows your serums, moisturizers, and active ingredients to penetrate up to 20 times more effectively. Your entire skincare routine becomes more potent.
Flawless makeup application. Foundation, concealer, and powders glide on seamlessly over dermaplaned skin. There's no texture to cling to, no fine hairs to catch product — just a smooth, poreless-looking canvas that makes makeup look airbrushed.
Safe for most skin types. Because dermaplaning is a purely physical exfoliation with no chemicals involved, it's suitable for clients who can't tolerate acid-based treatments — including pregnant and breastfeeding women who need to avoid many common skincare actives.
Zero downtime. You can apply makeup, go to work, or head to an event immediately after dermaplaning. There's no redness, peeling, or recovery period. It's one of the most lifestyle-friendly professional treatments available.
Splendid Skincare Tip: Dermaplaning pairs beautifully with other treatments. Many of our clients add it before a chemical peel (for more even penetration) or before a HydraFacial (for enhanced serum absorption). Ask about our combination options at your next visit.
Taking care of one's skin is not a luxury, it's essential. My skin looks better than ever.
— Lisa, Splendid Skincare Client
Common Concerns — Debunked
Tap each worry to get the truth.
😬"Will my hair grow back thicker or darker?"
Not possibleThis is the #1 dermaplaning myth. Vellus hair is structurally different from terminal hair — it's fine, soft, and light. Dermaplaning doesn't change the hair follicle, so the hair grows back exactly the same way: the same color, the same texture, the same thickness. It may feel slightly blunt at the tip as it grows back (like any hair that's been cut rather than tapered), but it is not thicker or darker.
😠"Isn't it basically just shaving your face?"
Very differentWhile both involve a blade, the similarities end there. Dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade scalpel held at a precise angle by a trained professional, removing both dead skin cells AND vellus hair simultaneously. Shaving with a razor only cuts hair at the surface and doesn't exfoliate. The technique, tools, and results are fundamentally different.
🤬"Will it hurt or cause cuts?"
Painless & safeDermaplaning is virtually painless — most clients describe it as a light brushing sensation. When performed by a trained esthetician, cuts are extremely rare. The blade is designed to skim the surface at a shallow angle, and your provider maintains precise control throughout. It's one of the gentlest professional exfoliation methods available.
😕"My skin will be more sensitive to the sun afterward."
Mild — easily managedAny exfoliation does remove some of the skin's outermost protective layer, so mild increased sun sensitivity is expected for a few days. However, dermaplaning is far less sensitizing than chemical peels or laser treatments. Simply wearing your regular SPF 30+ (which you should be doing anyway!) is sufficient protection. This is not a reason to avoid the treatment.
😓"It will make my acne worse."
Depends on acne typeDermaplaning is not recommended for active inflammatory acne (cystic acne, pustules) because the blade can spread bacteria and irritate inflamed lesions. However, for clients with mild comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads), post-acne texture issues, or acne scarring, dermaplaning can actually improve skin quality. Your esthetician will assess your skin and advise accordingly.
Dermaplaning vs. Other Exfoliation Methods
Understanding how dermaplaning compares to other exfoliation options helps you choose the right treatment — or the right combination — for your goals.
Feature
Dermaplaning
Chemical Peel
Microdermabrasion
Exfoliation Type
Physical (blade)
Chemical (acid)
Physical (crystals/tip)
Removes Peach Fuzz
Yes
No
No
Downtime
None
1–7 days
1–2 days
Pain Level
None
Mild tingling
Mild scratching
Product Absorption
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
Some acids no
Yes
Treats Deeper Issues
Surface only
Yes (deeper peels)
Somewhat
Best For
Instant glow, smooth texture
Pigmentation, deeper concerns
General brightening
Dermaplaning
TypePhysical (blade)
Peach FuzzYes
DowntimeNone
PainNone
Pregnancy SafeYes
Best ForInstant glow, smooth texture
Chemical Peel
TypeChemical (acid)
Peach FuzzNo
Downtime1–7 days
PainMild tingling
Pregnancy SafeSome acids no
Best ForPigmentation, deeper concerns
Microdermabrasion
TypePhysical (crystals)
Peach FuzzNo
Downtime1–2 days
PainMild scratching
Pregnancy SafeYes
Best ForGeneral brightening
Is Dermaplaning Right for You?
Answer four quick questions to find out.
1Do you have active inflammatory acne (cystic, pustules)?
Yes, currently
No / Mild only
2What's your primary skin goal?
Smoother, glowing skin
Deep scar/wrinkle treatment
3Do you have rosacea or very reactive skin?
Yes, significant
No / Mild
4Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes
No
Aftercare & What to Expect
One of dermaplaning's biggest advantages is its minimal aftercare requirements. Your skin will be slightly more sensitive to the sun for a few days, so diligent SPF use is important. Avoid retinoids and exfoliating acids for 24–48 hours to prevent over-exfoliation on freshly treated skin.
Otherwise, you can resume your normal routine immediately. Makeup goes on beautifully right after treatment — many clients schedule their dermaplaning session before events or photo shoots for exactly this reason.
For ongoing results, we recommend dermaplaning every 3–4 weeks. This aligns with the rate at which vellus hair and dead skin cells accumulate, keeping your skin consistently smooth, bright, and optimally receptive to your skincare products.
Best Combinations: At Splendid Skincare, our most popular dermaplaning add-ons are a light chemical peel (for enhanced penetration and brightening) or a HydraFacial (for deep hydration on freshly exfoliated skin). These combinations deliver results that exceed what either treatment achieves alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The smooth, glowing results typically last 3–4 weeks before dead skin cells and vellus hair accumulate again. Scheduling regular sessions at this interval maintains consistent results. Many clients say their skin looks its best in the 1–2 weeks immediately following treatment.
While at-home dermaplaning tools exist, they're not the same as a professional treatment. Professional dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade scalpel with a much finer, sharper blade wielded by a trained hand at a precise angle. At-home tools are designed to be safer for untrained use, which means they're less effective. For the best results and safest experience, professional treatment is recommended.
Yes — dermaplaning is one of the safest professional facial treatments during pregnancy. It uses no chemicals, acids, or active ingredients that could be absorbed systemically. It's a purely physical exfoliation, making it an excellent option for expecting clients who want to maintain their glow without worrying about ingredient safety.
Pricing varies based on whether dermaplaning is performed as a standalone treatment or as an add-on to another facial. We also offer package pricing for clients who commit to a series. Contact Splendid Skincare or visit our Payment Plans page for current pricing and options.
Absolutely. Dermaplaning is not gender-specific. However, it's designed for vellus (fine, soft) hair — not coarse beard or terminal hair. Male clients interested in dermaplaning typically have it performed on areas where they don't grow dense facial hair, or they may opt for other exfoliation methods for their full face.
Let Us Work Our Magic
Ready to experience the smoothest skin of your life? Book your dermaplaning session at Splendid Skincare & Brow Studio today.
