What my face and a baby’s butt have in common: My deep dive into dermaplaning.

I’m a skeptic by nature. So when I first heard of dermaplaning, I was like, “A blade? On my face? Um, no.”

I wanted to chalk up dermaplaning as a simple face shaving. And if we’re going to keep it all the way real, it is. I’ve passed the little handheld shavers in the beauty aisle a thousand times throughout the years and never gave it a second thought. But in my attempt to elevate my skincare game, I decided to purchase a pack of dermaplane blades.

Then I got home, washed my face, pat it dry, and got to work.

I do recommend first practicing your dermaplaning strokes on your arm to get a feel for how the blade moves on your skin. I started along my jawline in case I cut myself (which I did). While it was a tiny nick, I’m happy I chose this location first because my cut is not front and center on my face. It’s advised to gently glide the blade against your skin in short movements.

Why Take a Blade to the Face? Three Benefits of Dermaplaning.

Dermaplaning your face boasts many benefits, with the first and obvious one being a face as smooth as a baby’s bottom- like buttah, honey! I hadn’t realized how rough my skin was until I dermaplaned and felt it afterward. So soft!

Another benefit to dermaplaning is that it exfoliates the top layer of skin. Dermaplaning removes more than peach fuzz; it eliminates dead skin cells that can give skin a dull, dry appearance. With a new layer of skin exposed, it allows for maximum absorption of active skincare ingredients. I shudder to think of all the products I thought weren’t working, simply because it wasn’t penetrating past old skin. If the products can’t penetrate the skin, it can’t do its job effectively. Once I dermaplaned my face and applied my moisturizer, I instantly noticed my skin “welcoming” the product.

The third benefit to dermaplaning is a visibly smoother complexion and makeup application. I don’t have visible peach fuzz, however, a significant amount of peach fuzz came off my face with every stroke of the blade. I’m not a hairy person by nature, so it took me by surprise to see how much peach fuzz I actually had. Now that my fine facial hair is gone, my foundation, bronzer, and blush look super smooth on my skin.

Ok, I’m Sold. Give Me the Dermplane Deets!

Before you start wielding a blade against your precious face, follow these simple do’s and don’ts when dermaplaning your skin.

DO wash your face with a gentle cleanser before you dermaplane. It’s important to start with a clean dermal canvas. By removing all makeup and impurities, you can ensure that the blade is making contact with your skin and not old makeup.

DO take caution, especially if it’s your first time. I recommend getting a feel for the blade’s grip on your skin by first testing the blade on your arm or leg. Dermaplaning doesn’t require the same level of drag against the skin that shaving your legs or armpits requires because the hairs on your legs and armpits are much coarser than the peach fuzz on your face.

DO rinse your face with cool water once you are done. I’ve found that a cool, wet, face towel calms the skin. I don’t recommend using a cleanser at this stage—it’s not necessary since you cleansed beforehand.

DON’T add serums or creams to your face immediately after rinsing it. I do recommend a natural moisturizer such as aloe vera gel. While it is true that your skin is at its peak absorption ability after blading the skin, applying strong chemicals to the skin may irritate it. I usually resume applying products and makeup on my face an hour after I’ve dermaplaned.

DON’T over do it! I recommend dermaplaning once every 2-3 weeks. Dermaplaning is a great way to reset your skin, but it should not take the place of your facial scrubs or chemical exfoliants.

DON’T dermaplane if you have open or broken skin on the face. It’s ok to dermaplane if you have one or two pimples, but avoid this method of skin exfoliation if you’re experiencing cystic acne, skin boils, or any other major skin flare-ups.

Is Dermaplaning Right For You?

Exfoliating the skin is necessary to achieve optimum skin health. There are many ways to exfoliate the skin and dermaplaning is a method that is inexpensive, chemical-free, and generates a glowy, dewy skin appearance. I recommend dermaplaning if you wish to get the most out of your other skincare products. The next time you’re in the beauty aisle, pick up a pack of facial blades and give dermaplaning a try. Your skin will thank you!