{"id":290,"date":"2026-04-01T19:24:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T19:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chabrok.com\/?p=290"},"modified":"2026-04-01T19:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T19:24:00","slug":"dermaplaning-is-the-secret-to-buttery-smooth-skin-heres-exactly-how-to-do-it-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chabrok.com\/?p=290","title":{"rendered":"Dermaplaning is the secret to buttery-smooth skin – here’s exactly how to do it at home"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I tried dermaplaning – a cosmetic treatment in which a dermatologist or esthetician uses a scalpel to gently remove dead skin cells from the face. If you are doing it at home, use a small single-edged razor.\u2014<\/strong>The first time was the night before my high school prom. All the beauty gurus on YouTube were telling me that this particular facial hair removal method was the key to making sure my big day makeup went smoothly, so I listened. However, as I was still a teenager, I had no idea what she was doing, and the moment I applied my skincare routine, my face would turn red and I would get irritated. The next time I tried, I opted for a professional in-office treatment that completely redeemed my experience. Now, I’m passionate about monthly dermaplane sesh, aiming for clearer, brighter, and softer skin.<\/p>\n

But I had to learn a lot <\/em>To get here (I didn’t just scrub my face and start loving the results overnight, ok). When done correctly, dermaplaning is painless, quick, and a highly effective way to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. But that is if <\/em>Although it can be done safely, there are some important precautions to keep in mind while doing it, especially if you go the DIY route. We teamed up with dermatologists Dr. Melissa Doft and Dr. Mona Gohara, and medical esthetician Tamira Deveny to answer all your questions, including how much it usually costs, whether it’s the same as shaving (spoiler: no), and how to do it at home.<\/p>\n

Do you like Cosmo’s beauty content? Subscribe <\/em>substack<\/em> Get more recs and reviews delivered straight to your inbox.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What is dermaplaning?<\/h2>\n

Dermaplaning is a non-invasive beauty treatment that uses a scalpel to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving your face brighter and smoother. \u201cDermaplaning is like a turbocharged exfoliant,\u201d says Dr. Gohara, noting that it can exfoliate for up to two weeks and the effects can last up to three weeks.<\/p>\n

Can I shave my face instead of dermaplaning?<\/h2>\n

Therefore, dermaplaning is not the same as shaving your face. Although they are very similar, dermaplaning also removes dead skin at the same time as hair removal (also done by a qualified professional). Shaving can actually be done at home by simply removing fuzz. However, Dr. Gohara does not recommend it. “Sharp blades and DIY shouldn’t go together,” she says.<\/p>\n

Still, if you just want to get rid of peach fuzz and your skin is not sensitive at all, and <\/em>It’s okay to ignore your dermatologist’s advice. You can also try shaving your face carefully at home. Make sure you’re using a new Dermaplane razor that’s specifically designed for your face (by the way, you’ll have to throw away the blade after one or two uses, so it’s worth buying a pack).<\/p>\n

Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion: What is the difference?<\/h2>\n

Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion (or dermabrasion) are all exfoliating treatments, but dermaplaning requires the use of a scalpel to remove dead skin. and<\/em> Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, uses microcrystals and suction to physically exfoliate dead skin on the face without affecting the fuzz. Basically, dermaplaning is suitable for hair removal and light exfoliation, while microdermabrasion is suitable for more intense exfoliation.<\/p>\n

What are the benefits of dermaplaning?<\/h2>\n

Strong Points:<\/h2>\n
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  • softer and smoother skin<\/li>\n
  • Brighter appearance<\/li>\n
  • smoother makeup foundation<\/li>\n
  • light exfoliation<\/li>\n
  • peach hair removal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Dermaplaning not only gives you super-soft skin, but it also smoothes out uneven skin texture and provides a smoother base for foundation and makeup (as it doubles as a facial hair removal treatment). This means no more cakey makeup. So even if you exfoliate regularly at home, Dr. Gohara says it’s an effective treatment to remove what regular exfoliants can’t remove.<\/p>\n

    What are the risks of dermaplaning?<\/h2>\n

    Cons:<\/h2>\n
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    • potential irritation<\/li>\n
    • Sensitive skin and acne may become irritated<\/li>\n
    • Not suitable for active pimples<\/li>\n
    • There is a slight risk of scarring if done incorrectly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Dr. Doft says dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, especially those with sun damage, fine lines, dry patches, or dull skin. However, as always, there are caveats. If you have sensitive skin that is very reactive (such as rosacea or dermatitis), keratosis pilaris<\/u>), you may want to avoid dermaplaning as it can irritate your skin.<\/p>\n

      And the same side effects\/risks apply to people with inflamed acne. As you might imagine, running a sharp scalpel over a pimple irritates it, spreading bacteria and causing inflammation, making existing breakouts worse. So if you teeth <\/em>When dealing with acne, Dr. Gohara recommends talking to your dermatologist about gentle chemical exfoliants (such as lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids) that smooth your skin without using a scalpel.<\/p>\n

      Does dermaplaning cause breakouts?<\/h2>\n

      You shouldn’t do dermaplaning if you have active breakouts, but you really shouldn’t do dermaplaning cause<\/em> More breakouts. In fact, dermaplaning may help prevent future breakouts by removing built-up dead skin and excess sebum from the surface of your pores.<\/p>\n

      What happens during dermaplaning?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      The average dermaplaning appointment time can vary from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the procedure, provider, and specific technique (i.e., whether a numbing cream is applied first (rarely) or whether a facial is included first). But typically, during a routine dermaplaning appointment, your health care provider uses a scalpel-like tool and short, feather-like strokes to gently scrape away the top layer of your skin.<\/p>\n

      Although it may sound intense, dermaplaning is not painful. Exfoliation is very superficial, as the tool puts little pressure on the skin. However, if you are at all concerned, consult your dermatologist or medical practitioner beforehand to find out whether it is okay to apply a numbing cream.<\/p>\n

      What you can expect after dermaplaning<\/h2>\n

      The thought of a knife sliding across your face is terrifying, but it actually doesn’t hurt at all. Think of it like shaving any other part of your body. Can you feel it? yes. Does it hurt? Not if you’re doing it right. Again, that’s why it’s so important to leave dermaplaning to a professional.<\/p>\n

      Immediately after dermaplaning, there may be some slight redness on your face, but not always, and if it occurs, it will disappear quickly. “It’s perfectly acceptable and common to schedule an appointment during lunch and go right back to work after your 40-minute treatment,” says medical esthetician and beauty consultant Tamira Deveny. Most of the time you should avoid touching your very soft face. Depending on the rate of hair growth, the effects last between 2 and 3 weeks.<\/p>\n

      How to care for your skin after dermaplaning:<\/h2>\n

      Care after dermaplaning:<\/h2>\n
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      • Avoid exposure to sunlight<\/li>\n
      • Limit the use of cosmetics<\/li>\n
      • Skip the harsh products<\/li>\n
      • Apply a gentle moisturizer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        After dermaplaning, avoid direct sunlight and protect your face from UV rays for 3 days. sunscreen<\/u> (As you already do, right<\/em>?). The treatment is fairly gentle and painless, but because a very thin layer of skin is lost, the face becomes more sensitive to the sun and slightly more susceptible to sun damage.<\/p>\n

        Therefore, unless you are dermaplaning after dark, prepare as follows. sunscreen for sensitive skin<\/u> (I recommend mineral sunscreen<\/u>) Use one with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 2 hours (FWIW, you should do that anyway). Then move on with your life and enjoy your glowing little face.<\/p>\n

        While it may be tempting to try the smooth results of dermaplaning right away, avoid slapping your face full of makeup right after your dermaplaning treatment. “I love letting my skin breathe throughout the day,” says Dr. Doft. “If you want to wear makeup, you can, but the skin barrier is open and you may be more prone to irritation.”<\/p>\n

        Once your skin has had time to settle (about a day), continue applying all the foundation your little heart desires. Dr. Doft also recommends using a rich cosmetic product after dermaplaning, as the skin barrier is more fragile. hyaluronic acid<\/u> Is it a mask? moisturizer<\/u> It keeps your skin moisturized and happy.<\/p>\n

        Does dermaplaning cause stubble?<\/h2>\n

        Contrary to what you’ve been told, dermaplaning (and shaving) won’t make your hair thicker or darker or create “stubble.” When hair starts to grow, Devenney says, feel<\/em> Although there are some differences depending on the angle at which the hair is shaved, the thickness and texture are actually the same and will continue to grow at the same speed.
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        How much does dermaplaning cost?<\/h2>\n

        Since dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment, it is not covered by insurance. So depending on where you live, you can expect to pay between $150 and $350 per dermaplaning treatment. However, unlike other expensive treatments that can take months to take effect, dermaplaning has an immediate effect on your skin’s texture and tone, so you’ll know if it’s worth paying for future sessions.<\/p>\n

        How often should I dermaplane my face?<\/h2>\n

        Because this is a deep exfoliating treatment, Dr. Doft recommends waiting at least a month between appointments, although some patients with sensitive skin may want to limit their treatments to once a season. The exact timeline varies from person to person, so consult your dermatologist (either IRL or online). Virtual derm reservation<\/u>) about what frequency is best for you.<\/p>\n

        Final note:<\/h2>\n

        Unless your skin is extremely sensitive and you don’t have major breakouts, dermaplaning is a fairly low-risk method of exfoliating your skin and removing facial hair. Remember: Dermaplaning is not a DIY job and requires consultation with a professional. So if you just want to get rid of peach fuzz, it might be best to consider shaving instead.<\/p>\n

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        Meet the experts:<\/h2>\n
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        • Mona Gohara<\/strong>MD, board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara is a clinical associate professor at Yale University School of Medicine and vice president of the Women’s Dermatology Society. Her areas of expertise include dermatology and surgery and skin of people of color.<\/li>\n
        • Tamira Devenney<\/strong> Medical Esthetician and Cosmetic Consultant in Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, NY. She specializes in microneedling, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and acne treatments.<\/li>\n
        • melissa scent<\/strong>M.D. is a dual board certified plastic surgeon. doft orthopedics<\/u> in New York, New York. She was also posted New York Magazine”<\/em>Top Doctors List for 2018, 2019, and 2020.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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          why trust <\/strong>cosmopolitan<\/strong><\/em>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          chloe metzger<\/strong> I was the deputy beauty director of cosmopolitan<\/em> I have nearly a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing articles about skin care, from cystic acne treatments to skin care routines.<\/p>\n

          Beth Gillette<\/strong> I am the beauty editor of cosmopolitan<\/em> I have over 7 years of experience researching, writing, and editing Hair Stories.<\/p>\n

          Further reporting for this article was completed by a former beauty assistant Sami Roberts<\/strong> With former beauty editor ruby budmeyer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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