Dermaplaning at Home: A Step by Step Guide
Although not quite as efficient as the professional treatment, dermaplaning at home still offers many benefits. Here’s all you should know about DIY dermaplaning.
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Up until relatively recently, dermaplaning used to be done as a professional treatment only. The reason for that was that it’s done with a surgical scalpel that scrapes your face, removing imperfections and leaving it smooth and radiant.
But nowadays, there are plenty of tools available that make dermaplaning accessible and safe to do at home, by yourself. It seems that dermaplaning at home has become more popular than the pro treatment!
Of course, there are proper and improper ways to do any at-home treatment, and dermaplaning is no exception. We’ve prepared this step-by-step guide for DIY dermaplane facial to ensure you do it right. Keep reading to find out how.
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What Is Dermaplaning?
Before we get to the actual process, it’s important to explain what the dermaplaning procedure actually is.
Dermaplaning is a skincare treatment in which a sharp blade scrapes off the top layer of the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells and excess sebum, and removing peach fuzz in the process.
It results in brighter, glowing, and smooth skin. And no matter how many serums and scrubs you use, a dull complexion can sometimes be accomplished only by deeper exfoliation.
This procedure is completely non-invasive when done right, so it’s a better choice for pretty much anyone. It doesn’t have as many restrictions as other skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion.
For more information about dermaplaning, check out our comprehensive guide.
Image source: Instagram @makeskinbeautyny
How Can I Do Dermaplaning at Home?
The real, professional-level dermaplaning really shouldn’t be done at home. Using a very sharp scalpel on your face yourself really isn’t a great idea. You can cut yourself, scar your face and do more damage than good.
But dermaplaning at home is still possible, although it’s not the same as the professional treatment.
Firstly, dermaplaning at home isn’t done with a professional-grade scalpel, but with special tools that are meant to be used for an at-home dermaplaning facial. These tools have security guards on them to ensure safe use.
The second difference is the result of that. The results are more similar to facial shaving than deep exfoliation. There are still many of the same benefits – they’re just not as extensive.
How to Choose the Best Tool
There are several different DIY dermaplaning tools, from the most basic to eclectic ones.
The most basic tool is just a single-use blade with a safety guard. These are great for beginners who are just testing the waters with dermaplaning.
There are also tools that have replaceable blades.
They’re a great choice for those that want to do dermaplaning consistently. Usually, these tools have replaceable blades. This can save you money in the long run, plus it’s really eco-friendly. Just make sure you sanitize it properly.
The most expensive choice is getting an electric dermaplaning tool.
Just vary of the vibrations, which might be problematic for beginners. You don’t have as much control as you do with manual tools so it can be easier to nick yourself, but electric devices are beloved among more experienced skincare enthusiasts.
Here are a couple of our picks:
Dermaplaning at Home Steps
Dermaplaning is very simple and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the DIY dermaplaning process:
Before You Start – Preparations
Don’t use exfoliating products a few days before you plan to do dermablading at home. Dermaplaning is a form of exfoliation itself so doing it beforehand increases skin sensitivity, heightening the chances of redness and irritation.
Step 1 – Clean Your Face and Tools
The first step is disinfecting all of the tools you’ll be using. Then wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
Then, move on to cleaning the skin. Use a gentle cleanser that does not contain any exfoliating ingredients like grains or exfoliating acids. It also shouldn’t be an oily cleanser because oil leaves residue.
Some people prefer to do at home facial dermaplaning on an oily or slippery surface, but that’s not as effective. This option is more suitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin, as it creates a barrier, which is why it doesn’t remove as much debris.
An optional step in skin prep is using an astringent. An astringent is used to temporarily shrink pores and tighten the skin. Closing up the pores means no debris will get into them during the treatment.
Astringents are also used to remove oil from the skin’s surface, which means they can be drying and are not suitable for every skin type.
Step 3 – Dermaplaning
The most satisfying part of the procedure is seeing all the dead skin and hairs accumulate as you scrape.
Whether you choose to use oil or do it dry, the technique stays the same.
You need to pull your skin taut and use very light pressure. Being too aggressive you can cut your skin and cause scarring.
Holding the blade at a 45-degree angle, you can start light scraping. Don’t go in long stripes. Instead, use short strokes.
The direction isn’t really important. Professional scraping is usually done in upward strokes, but they use a surgical scalpel. For dermaplaning at home, it’s usually recommended to go in downward strokes, as it poses less risk of cuts.
Be especially careful around areas where the skin is thin. The nose, jaw and neck can be tricky. If you’re anxious about them, just skip them.
It’s important to note that you should also avoid active acne or inflamed areas. There are two reasons for this: first, you can nick yourself much easier in places where the skin is raised, and second, you will spread bacteria to other surfaces as well.
Image source: YouTube
Step 4 – Moisturization
Since dermaplaning is a form of exfoliation and your skin is stripped of its natural oils, you need to bring the moisture back. You can start off with a hydrating face mask and follow it up with a serum.
Take advantage of this opportunity to let your products achieve better results. Because your freshly exfoliated skin will drink up anything you put on it, apply high-quality skincare to really get the most out of your treatment.
Depending on your skin sensitivity you can choose to go with a bit more aggressive ingredients like retinol, or vitamin C serum. If you have more sensitive skin, just stick to hyaluronic acid.
We recommend you don’t try out more aggressive things if it’s your first time trying dermaplaning. Play it safe and observe how your skin reacts, then slowly start making up your routine as you familiarize yourself with dermaplaning.
Finish off your dermablading at home with a thick moisturizer to lock all of that in.
Here’s what to put on your skin after dermaplaning.
Image source: Freepik
What to Do After Dermaplaning at Home
Afterwards, even if it was a DIY dermaplaning, it’s recommended you avoid a few things:
- Makeup – at least for the first 24 hours because it can irritate the skin
- Direct sun exposure and extreme heat
- Scrubs or other exfoliants
We recommend doing this treatment at night. This allows you to continue your regular routine the next day. During the night, most of the regeneration process will be over. Plus you can slather the products on and let them soak in properly.
In the morning, just remember to use sunscreen and moisturizer, and gentler products.
Professional vs Dermaplaning at Home – Which Is Better?
As with any other cosmetic treatment, it’s obviously better to get it professionally done. However, this treatment is very simple to do so the at-home version is totally worth trying.
The results do vary slightly, as professionals can exfoliate your skin deeper, making the results more prominent. But dermaplaning at home works too – especially if your main goal is removing the peach fuzz to allow products to penetrate your skin better.
The main advantage of DIY dermaplane facial is that it does save you a lot of money in the long run. Especially if you are doing it regularly.
Image source: Instagram @monmcgrath
Dermaplaning at Home – Main Takeaways
If you are seeking that healthy glowing skin, dermaplaning is a great treatment to try. And the best part is you can do dermaplaning at home. Follow the instructions to ensure you are doing it safely and with the right tools you can save up and still get the benefits.
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