Dermaplaning 101: What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Dermaplaning is one of the most effective ways to reveal smoother, brighter skin instantly. Here is everything you need to know before your first appointment.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique where a sterile surgical scalpel is used to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (commonly called peach fuzz) from your face. It is a precise, controlled treatment performed by a licensed esthetician — not something you should attempt at home with a drugstore tool. The scalpel is held at a 45-degree angle and carefully stroked across the skin's surface, revealing the fresh, healthy skin underneath. The result is immediately visible: smoother texture, brighter tone, and a surface that absorbs skincare products significantly better. Dermaplaning has been used by skincare professionals for decades and remains one of the most popular treatments at Face & Lash Studio by Tami.
Benefits of Professional Dermaplaning
The benefits of dermaplaning extend well beyond simply removing peach fuzz. By clearing away the buildup of dead skin cells, dermaplaning reveals a smoother surface that reflects light more evenly, giving your skin a natural glow. Makeup applies more seamlessly — no more foundation catching on dry patches or peach fuzz. Your skincare products absorb better and work harder because they no longer have to penetrate through a layer of dead cells to reach the living skin beneath. Dermaplaning also provides a gentle form of exfoliation that does not involve chemicals or abrasive particles, making it suitable for clients who cannot tolerate acid peels or microdermabrasion. Many of my Port Orange clients pair dermaplaning with a facial treatment for maximum results, since the freshly revealed skin is primed to receive active ingredients.
The Procedure: Step by Step
Your dermaplaning appointment at Face & Lash Studio starts with a thorough cleansing to remove all makeup, oil, and sunscreen from your skin. I then perform a quick skin assessment to check for any areas of active breakouts or irritation that should be avoided. Once your skin is clean and dry, I use a sterile, single-use surgical scalpel and work in small, feathered strokes across each section of your face — forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and upper lip. The sensation is similar to a credit card being gently dragged across your skin. There is no pain, no numbing required, and no downtime. The entire treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Afterward, I apply hydrating serums and moisturizer to nourish the newly revealed skin, followed by SPF protection.
Aftercare: How to Protect Your Results
Aftercare is straightforward but important. For the first 24 to 48 hours after dermaplaning, avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF 30 or higher — your freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV damage. Skip active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and vitamin C for 2 to 3 days to avoid irritation on your sensitive new skin. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and avoid exfoliating scrubs or brushes for at least a week. Your skin may feel slightly sensitive or tight immediately after treatment, but this resolves quickly. Most clients are back to their regular routine within 48 hours. Avoid heavy makeup for the first day if possible to let your skin breathe and absorb the post-treatment products fully.
Who Should (and Should Not) Get Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, including dry, normal, combination, and mature skin. It is particularly beneficial for clients dealing with dull skin, uneven texture, fine lines, or heavy product buildup. However, dermaplaning is not recommended for everyone. If you have active acne with inflamed pustules or cystic breakouts, the scalpel can spread bacteria and worsen the condition. Clients with rosacea should proceed with caution — mild cases may tolerate dermaplaning well, but active flare-ups are a contraindication. Very thin or fragile skin, such as skin that has been recently treated with strong chemical peels or Accutane, should also wait before dermaplaning. During your consultation, I assess your skin to make sure dermaplaning is the right fit.
How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?
For best results, I recommend dermaplaning every 3 to 4 weeks. This timing aligns with your skin's natural cell turnover cycle — about every 28 days, your skin produces a new layer of cells and the old ones accumulate on the surface. Regular dermaplaning keeps that turnover visible and maintains the smooth, glowing results you see after each treatment. Some clients come in monthly as a standalone treatment, while others combine it with their regular facial every 4 to 6 weeks. There is a common myth that dermaplaning causes hair to grow back thicker or darker, but that is not true. Vellus hair is structurally different from terminal hair and is not affected by being cut — it grows back exactly the same, fine and soft.
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