Everything You Need To Know About Dermaplaning, The Face Shaving Treatment For Glowing Skin

Face-shaving, professionally known as dermaplaning, is an exfoliating treatment that removes dulling dead skin cells and that layer of peach-fuzz facial hair to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Even though it's been around for decades with Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor all cited as fans, dermaplaning has become an increasingly popular treatment request in salons over the past couple of years. The treatment involves a surgical-grade blade in the hands of a qualified professional (do not be tempted to try face shaving at home with a disposable razor!) to gently scrape away the dead skin cells.

Beauty blogger, make-up artist and founder of Huda Beauty, Huda Kattan is a big advocate - endorsing the treatment over on her blog. She says - 'not only does it get rid of unwanted peach fuzz, exfoliate your skin, help with dark spots and ageing, but it’ll make your make-up glide on like never before.'

To understand more about the treatment and what it entails, we've spoken to Harley Street Aesthetic Doctor and Skincare Expert, Dr David Jack.

What is dermaplaning and how does it work?

'Dermaplaning, also known as "skin scraping", is a technique of skin exfoliation using a surgical scalpel blade. It removes part of the upper layer of dead cells on the surface of the skin (the epidermis) with the additional benefit of removing fine vellus hairs (otherwise known as peach fuzz).'

There are several benefits. 'As an effective exfoliation technique, it improves the surface texture and appearance of the skin, allowing skincare products to penetrate deeper into the epidermis and increase their effectiveness. By removing the fine hairs, the skin has a more polished appearance, too.'

How does dermaplaning differ from microdermabrasian?

'Both techniques are trying to do the same thing but microdermabrasian uses fine diamond or other hard chips to cause abrasion as opposed to dermaplaning which uses an extremely sharp, laser cut blade.' The main difference? 'While microdermabrasian does remove some of the layers of dead cells, at a microscopic level, you can see that it causes scratches and more irritation than dermaplaning.'

What skin type benefits the most from dermaplanning?

'All skin types will benefit, but particularly those with dull skin that can benefit from skin cell turnover.'

Is dermaplanning painful?

'It is not painful in the slightest. In fact, I’ve had patients who’ve fallen asleep having dermaplaning.'

Are the any side effects with a dermaplanning treatment?

'Side effects are very rare and are generally limited to a little redness or very mild dryness directly after the procedure. If it is done in combination with a peel then the dryness can be more significant, depending on the acid used.'

'There is also no risk of the hairs growing back thicker or darker as the hair follicles are not affected by the procedure.'

Do you need a series of dermaplaning treatments or just one?

'Generally I recommend doing a treatment every six weeks (the length of one skin cycle), as this is how long the results would usually last.'

What skincare should you use after a dermaplaning treatment?

'Anything active and anti-ageing. After dermaplaning is the perfect time to introduce active skincare products, such as Vitamin C serums or retinol, into your skincare regime as they really be able to penetrate the skin. SPF, as always is essential - I recommend SPF 30 or above, but SPF50 is ideal.'

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Dr David Jack offers dermaplaning on its own or as part of The Egyptian Facial. The treatment combines 3 steps: a gentle facial peel, dermaplaning and then a vitamin facial. The salon is gradually re-opening, to request a consultation click here

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