Oilplaning: Guide to Dermaplaning with Oil
Oilplaning is a gentle mechanical exfoliating treatment that is great for achieving all the benefits of exfoliation, without damaging the skin’s integrity. Here’s all about it.
Image source: Instagram @desnuesthetics
By now you’ve probably heard of dermaplaning – a mechanical exfoliation treatment that scrapes off the outermost skin layer, to reveal a new, smoother, and brighter one underneath. So you might be wondering, what’s oilplaning then?
Well, if you love the idea of dermaplaning but can’t quite make it work for your skin, oilplaning is the best alternative. Here’s all you need to know about how it works, its benefits, and its effects.
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What Is Oilplaning?
Oilplaning, or simply dermaplaning with oil, is a procedure that combines dermaplaning with the application of oil to soften dead skin cells and facial hair before removing them with a blade.
The idea behind oilplaning is that by using a cleansing oil to dissolve the surface layer of skin cells and sebum, you can achieve a gentle exfoliation that doesn’t cause any irritation or damage to the skin.
The added benefit of using oil in this process is that it can help hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and glowing. Which is why it’s ideal for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
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So, Is Oilplaning Just Shaving Your Face?
No.
While the process involves using a bladed facial razor to remove dead skin as well as the fine, vellus hair (otherwise known as peach fuzz), oilplaning entails much more than shaving.
It provides a deep exfoliation that removes two weeks’ worth of dead skin cells and debris. It also unclogs pores, leaving the skin looking smoother and brighter.
So, What’s the Difference Between Oilplaning and Dermaplaning Then?
While there are many benefits of dermaplaning, for some it can sometimes result in flaking or irritation, especially if their skin is sensitive or dry.
So, rather than skipping the treatment all together, these clients can try getting a gentler version instead – which is what oilplaning is.
So, the process is a very similar concept to dermaplaning, but instead of scraping over dry skin, using oil acts as a buffer – a protective barrier for the skin that lessens the friction and ensures less resistance and less irritation, but still provides the same benefits.
What Issues Can Oilplaning Improve?
Oilplaning facial is usually done to improve the general appearance of the skin, but it’s especially helpful for:
- Fine lines
- Dull skin
- Superficial hyperpigmentation
- Rough skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Light, shallow acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Sun damage spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dry patches
- Getting rid of dead skin buildup
- Congested pores
What Issues Can’t Oilplaning Treat?
Since this is a superficial treatment, some skin conditions can’t be treated without requiring more aggressive procedures. These include:
- Deep wrinkles
- Deep scars
- Inflammatory skin conditions (psoriasis and eczema)
- Active acne
- Loose skin
- Flare-ups of any kind – acne or eczema
Procedures like microneedling or chemical peels might be a better option for treating these skin issues.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oilplaning?
Oilplaning is meant for skin types that might get a reaction from dermaplaning on dry skin. This includes:
- Mature skin
- Dry skin
- Skin with a rough texture
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- Eczema-prone skin (just not overactive flare-ups)
- Combination skin can choose either oilplaning or dermaplaning based on their preference
Although oil dermaplaning is a good choice for most, there are still some exceptions. Those who shouldn’t be undergoing this treatment are people with raised lesions, contact dermatitis, open sores, and active or cystic acne.
Keep in mind your skin needs to be healthy and uninjured so as not to make the situation worse and to avoid infection.
Also – if you have a history of cold sores, don’t forget to tell your technician because the technician needs to avoid the area but you also need to be on antiviral meds so as not to spread the virus further.
Image source: Instagram @the_esti_betsy
How Exactly Does Oilplaning Work?
The procedure itself is fairly simple and quick.
The process starts with cleansing the face to remove any makeup, dirt, and sebum. Once the skin is clean, the oil is applied to the face – especially focusing on areas with rough texture and dryness.
The oil is massaged into the skin gently, in circular motions to help loosen up dead skin cells and facial hair.
After that, the dermaplaning process can begin. A sterile surgical blade is used to carefully remove the dead skin cells and fine facial hair in short, swift strokes across the skin.
This process is pain-free and very satisfying. It’s also very quick and typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on if there are other procedures combined.
Since it’s a good way to increase skincare products’ effects, dermaplaning is usually used as an add-on for other cosmetic procedures, like chemical peels.
Once the dermaplaning process is complete, the skin is typically treated with a gentle toner or serum to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
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Oilplaning Healing and Aftercare
Skin will heal within a day or two, but the skin’s sensitivity might be increased for a few days after the procedure.
This is why it’s crucial to follow the aftercare instructions you’ve been given. Refrain from touching your skin with dirty hands as it can introduce bacteria into the pores, leading to congestion and breakouts – or even an infection.
Effects of the Dermaplaning Facial
Improvements can be seen immediately after the dermaplaning treatment. But for some, it can take 48 to 72 hours to fully see the effects.
As for the long-term effects such as reducing the appearance of skin conditions, the treatment has to be done regularly and through multiple sessions. So, only after a while can you start seeing an improvement in the form of fewer scars, smaller wrinkles, and a general boost in skin health.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to continue doing this treatment. You can just try it out once and then stop anytime if you decide it’s not for you.
As for the longevity of the results, your skin type and the rate at which your hair grows will determine the outcome. On average, it takes 3-4 weeks for the skin cells to turnover and the peach fuzz to grow back.
Does Dermaplaning with Oil Hurt?
No, it does not. Dermaplaning with oil is generally a painless procedure. In fact, it’s even less invasive than regular dermaplaning.
Since oil acts as a barrier, the sensation is even lesser than the light scraping sensation often felt during regular dermaplaning. But even then it’s typically not described as anything uncomfortable or painful.
These procedures should not be painful. Pain is a sign that something is not being done right. To avoid this, always book with a certified/licensed and experienced skincare professional.
Plus, you can always address your worries with a skincare expert who can advise you on the best course of action for your skin type and personal preferences.
Will Oilplaning Cause a Stubble?
As we’ve previously mentioned, oilplaining does remove the hairs on your face, but it’s not the same as shaving.
Because, unlike shaving, which cuts the hair off at a blunt angle, dermaplaning and oilplaning remove the hair at an angle, so it grows back soft and pretty much the same as before.
Will Oilplaning Break Me Out?
When it comes to regular dermaplaning and breakouts, they usually occur due to improper aftercare or because the treatment was done over an active breakout.
When the blade goes over the active acne, it’s spreading bacteria across the entire face, leading to the appearance of new ones.
This is also true for dermaplaning with oil. However, with oilplaning, there’s also a possibility for dermaplaning oil to cause breakouts if the wrong type of oil is used.
Dermaplaning on an oily surface can cause the oil to get occluded into the pores, which could lead to an acne-type breakout. This is why it’s important to use non-comedogenic oil suitable for your skin type.
But in general oil planing and dermaplaning can actually help prevent future breakouts since it helps unclog pores and get rid of excess sebum that acne-causing bacteria feeds off of.
Is Oilplaning Safe?
Seeing as it’s completely non-invasive and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, dermaplaning with oil is considered safe – as long as it’s done properly.
There are little to no side effects of this procedure and the limitations for who can do this treatment are minimal.
Just make sure it works for your skin type and that it’s done by someone who’s educated about the process.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Oilplaning?
Side effects of oil planning are rare since the oil prevents most of the redness and irritation that often occurs because of dermaplaning.
However, like any skincare treatment, there are some potential risks. When the treatment isn’t executed properly, it’s still possible to experience:
- Persistent redness and prolonged irritation
- Nicks, cuts, and bleeding which can result in scabbing or scarring
- Infection
- Breakouts
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dermatologist.
How Much Does Oil Dermaplaning Cost?
Generally, dermaplaning with oil can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per session.
The cost of dermaplaning with oil can vary depending on several factors such as the location and experience of the technician, as well as any additional treatments or products included in the service. You can read more about that here.
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Can I Do Oil Dermaplaning Myself?
Oilplaning can be done at home if performed properly, with the correct tools and knowledge.
In fact, at-home dermaplaning is often more likely performed as oilplaning as opposed to scraping the dry skin which seems scary to beginners.
Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
After removing all your makeup and cleansing the skin, apply a generous amount of oil. Pull your skin taut for tension and make short, gentle, downward strokes with the dermaplaning tool.
Ideally, at a 45-degree angle, in the direction of your hair growth, not against it. Make sure you are shaving in short intervals rather than long ones. This will not only be more effective in proper hair removal but will prevent any potential injuries.
Speaking of preventing injuries, be extra careful not the let the tool slip on the oily, slippery surface as you can cut yourself.
You can find more detailed instructions on how to dermaplane by yourself here.
Which Products Do I Need?
In terms of tools, there are electrical tools with disposable blades, manual tools with replaceable blades, or disposable manual ones.
If you go for a tool with replaceable blades, manual or electric, make sure to replace the blades after each use, as the oil can dull them out significantly.
Disposable tools are more affordable, and they’re all more or less the same.
You can find a detailed buyer’s guide through DIY dermaplaning tools here.
When choosing your dermaplaning oil, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic one. Popular choices for oil include squalene, argan, jojoba, or grapeseed oil.
Here’s a list of our picks for DIY dermaplaning:
Oilplaning – Main Takeaways
Dermaplaning with oil is a popular skincare technique that can provide several benefits for the skin, including deep exfoliation, hair removal, hydration, and anti-aging benefits.
Oilplaning can be performed at home, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that it’s safe and effective.
A professional oilplaning procedure, however, is much more effective as they use a sterile surgical blade, which can scrape off much more than dermaplaning tools made for home use.
When oilplaning by yourself it’s also very important to choose the right oil for your skin type and be gentle during the process. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the benefits of dermaplaning with oil and achieve smoother, brighter, and more radiant-looking skin!
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