There are several benefits of dermaplaning for women of color.  You do not have to have skin problems to benefit from a dermaplaning facial.  In fact, women who have healthy, glowing skin, treat themselves to dermaplaning a few times a year.

This post discusses:

• What is Dermaplaning?
• Dermaplaning vs. Shaving
• Benefits of Dermaplaning
• Benefits of Dermaplaning for Women of Color
• Dermaplaning Side Effects
• How Often to Do Dermaplaning?
• Dermaplaning at Home
• After-Treatment Care

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a procedure that helps to exfoliate the skin. It uses a sharp No. 10 surgical blade held at a 45-degree angle to gently scalpel to remove old skin cells from the top layer of the skin.  Additionally, it removes the fine vellus hair on the skin. Dermaplaning is a different procedure from dermabrasion. While both procedures exfoliate the skin, dermabrasion uses a high-speed rotating brush to remove the dead skin cells. 

I have done both procedures and found them to be safe and effective.  However, dermaplaning is a gentler treatment that requires no downtime from work compared to dermabrasion. Dermaplaning is often touted as a “lunchtime” facial. I usually do it after work and wake up the next day without any redness or irritation. 

Dermaplaning vs. Shaving

So, how is dermaplaning different from shaving your face?  Well, if you are a hairy person, both procedures remove fine and coarse hair.  However, a professional dermaplaning treatment is more effective at removing hair than shaving at home. Professional dermaplaning also removes dirt and oil buildup in the hair follicles.  Furthermore, since the primary purpose of dermaplaning is exfoliating the face, the overall result is a smoother and brighter complexion.

Benefits of Dermaplaning

Most of the benefits of dermaplaning are immediate.  Dermaplaning: 

• Brightens and smooths the skin
• Removes dirt and build up in hair follicles
• Softens lines and wrinkles
• Diminishes the appearance of acne scars
• Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Removes facial hair
• Is safe and effective on all skin types
• Enables deeper penetration and flawless application of makeup
• Requires little downtime and missed work

Benefits of Dermaplaning for Black Women and other Women of Color

Dermatologists recommend dermaplaning for all skin types and tones. Furthermore, it is one of the safest and gentlest exfoliating procedures for Black women and other women of color.  Dermaplaning is also safer than laser treatment for facial hair removal, especially for darker skin that is susceptible to scarring and hyperpigmentation.  It is also very safe for treating darker skin with deep acne scars. 

Dermaplaning Side Effects

Like other exfoliating treatments, a professional dermaplaning facial can result in some temporary side effects like:

• Breakouts
• Mild irritation
• Dryness
• Minor cuts with more intensive treatment

Dermaplaning may pose a higher risk for those with diabetes, skin cancer, sunburn, acne breakout, and active skin infections.  Please consult your health care provider about dermaplaning if you have any of these conditions.

Horror stories about dermaplaning are usually about DIY at-home procedures.  If you get the treatment from a professional, any cuts should be minimal and heal fully without leaving any scars or marks behind.

How Often to Do Dermaplaning to get benefits of Dermaplaning?

How often you do dermaplaning depends on two things—money and health condition.  Health insurance does not cover dermaplaning because it is a cosmetic procedure.  I have very healthy skin and treat myself to dermaplaning or other exfoliating procedures three or four times a year.  However, many individuals do so about every four weeks.  Since the body replaces skin cells each month, dermaplaning every four weeks maximizes the removal of old skin cells.  If you have a severe skin condition, ask your dermatologist about the frequency of dermaplaning.

Dermaplaning at Home: Should You Do It?

At first glance, dermaplaning appears simple.  After all, we shave our legs and underarms at home, so why not shave our faces too?  I have never done dermaplaning at home because dermatologists and estheticians are the most qualified to perform dermaplaning. Furthermore, having two curious cats would not help an already shaky hand. That said, more people are doing dermaplaning and other spa treatments at home themselves. With the correct tools, sterile prepping of the skin and scalpel, and the proper technique, dermaplaning can be done safely at home. Professional electronic dermaplaning devices are available for purchase online. However, they are not the same as the medical scalpel used at the dermatologist’s office. Please note that you should not use an eyebrow razor for dermaplaning.

After-Treatment at Home

After a dermaplaning facial, my esthetician applies a vitamin C masks, followed by a generous application of a hyaluronic serum.  However, for my birthday, I went all out.  My dermaplaning treatment was followed by a mild lactic acid peel, a vitamin C mask, an intense cool lifting facial, and a hyaluronic serum.  She also gave me a moisturizer to apply for the next two days. 

If you do dermaplaning at home, apply a moisturizer and a mask containing hyaluronic acid to repair the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.  And regardless of whether you had a professional or at-home procedure, stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen.   

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you have a better understanding of the benefits of dermaplaning. If you have healthy skin, dermaplaning a few times a year can give you awesome, glowing skin. Please note that this article does not provide medical advice, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. I think you will also enjoy learning about the benefits of avocado oil for skin, natural remedies for vaginal dryness, self-care is more than a facial, and the benefits of drinking mushroom tea.

• Have you ever had dermaplaning? If so, were you pleased with the result?
• What is your favorite spa treatment?

Please share your responses in the comments.

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