Dermaplaning is a skincare treatment that removes the top layer of the skin and leaves the surface renewed and, as a bonus – hair free! It’s done by scraping the skin with a very sharp surgical blade, however, over the years, the tools changed a bit.
This treatment was adapted for home use, so obviously, the tools had to be adapted too.
Choosing the right dermaplaning tool is honestly half the results. As dermaplaning’s popularity skyrocketed, so have the dermaplaning tool options. Let’s see what the different pros/cons of each type are, and give a few recommendations.
Why Using the Right Dermaplaning Tool Matters?
This treatment is essentially scraping the thinnest layer of the skin off of your face. The dermaplaning tool needs to be sharp to get the job done efficiently, otherwise, you’d just be irritating the skin without any real results or benefits.
So to do it right, you need to have a blade that is sharp and stable. When this treatment is done in-office, the professional will use stainless steel surgical blades. Not only because these blades are very sharp, but for other hygiene reasons too.
However, surgical scalpels should not be used when performing this procedure at home.
Being untrained and using a sharp scalpel heightens the risk of cutting yourself, leaving facial scars, and generally causing more harm than good.
The skin on your face is much thinner and nicking it is easy when there’s no safety on the dermaplaning razor. So leave the scalpels to the professionals and instead, look into dermaplaning tools targeted for home use.
They’re specifically made to ensure safe at-home use and include safety guards and special features that make them easy to use by anyone.
Here’s a guide through at-home dermaplaning if you’re thinking of doing it.
Image source: Instagram @stackedskincare
Dermaplaning Tool Categories
There are heaps of dermaplaning tools made for at-home use. The devices are easy to use and lower the chance of nicks, cuts, and irritation.
When choosing your dermaplaning tool, take into account blade sharpness, the preference of a handle shape, and budget. These can vary within each category.
Here are 3 categories of dermaplaning tools that can be divided into as well as our recommendation of the best dermaplaning tool of each category.
Disposable Dermaplaning Tool
These kinds of tools are the most basic ones (sometimes called a dermaplaning razor), great for those that are just testing the waters with dermaplaning. They’re not the most durable but are a very affordable option.
Pros: The main pro of this category is that they’re the most sanitary option. You use it once and throw it away, preventing any bacteria growth that can cause infection later on. Plus, they’re a very budget-friendly option.
Cons: Because they are single-use, the blade isn’t always the sharpest. So the biggest problem with these tools is that they get dull very quickly (very, as in sometimes even before you’re done if you’re a bit hairier).
Dermaplaning Tool with Replaceable Blades
For those that dermaplane consistently and don’t want to throw out a dermaplaning razor after each session, there are tools that have replaceable blades.
Pros: This is the most eco-friendly option. And since you don’t have to replace the entire device every single time, it ends up saving you money in the long run. Plus, a lot of these tools are made to be used multiple times before switching the blades. So replaceable, but not single-use.
Cons: If you are not throwing out replaceable blades after each use, a dermaplaning razor with replaceable blades requires some special attention. This means between uses, they need to be stored in a hygienic way and sanitized before and after each use.
Electric Dermaplaning Tool
Investing in an electric dermaplaning device is the most expensive option.
Pros: Some electric devices are much easier for beginners to try as it basically does part of the job for you. It’s great for people that are scared of doing it with an actual blade itself, as electric devices tend to have thick safety guards and sometimes some other safety features.
Cons: The vibrations can be problematic to some. You don’t have as much control as you do with manual tools, so fighting the device can make nicking yourself easier. Usually though, they’ll have different settings for beginners vs more experienced users and other ways to ease you into using the device.
What Is the Best Dermaplaning Tool in Each Category?
So, you’ve decided which type of dermaplaning tool fits your preferences. But with so many choices on the market, which dermaplaning tool should you choose? Here’s our recommendation for the best dermaplaning tool in each category.
Best Disposable Dermaplaning Tool
Disposable tools come in a pack of multiples, so it’s a great option if you’re worried about proper disinfection as you can throw them away after you’re done.
The Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up set includes 3 razors, as well as a precision cover that can be placed over the blade to shorten its length – great for areas that are harder to reach otherwise.
The blade is sharp but doesn’t irritate the skin which can often be a problem with single-use tools.
Best Dermaplaning Tool with Replaceable Blades
If you’re looking for something you don’t have to discard after one use, Versed Instant Gratification Dermaplaning Tool is a great choice for saving your money in the long run.
This tool mimics a professional-grade scalpel with its high-quality blade and aluminum handle.
The tool itself comes with one replaceable head. But what’s great is you can also buy a set of 3 replacement blades separately, without having to repurchase the tool again. Each head can be used multiple times, they claim it stays sharp enough for 3-4 uses. The heads also have a plastic tip at the top of the blade, preventing any nicking and keeping the skin safe.
The only downside is you have to make sure you sanitize this tool properly, before and after each use.
Best Electric Dermaplaning Tool
Dermaflash Luxe Device has a thick, sturdy handle that allows the user to get a good grip, making it more comfortable for beginners to adjust the pressure.
Although it is suited for beginners, its price might turn some away. For someone who is unsure about dermaplaning for the first time, dropping this amount of money might not seem worth it. Especially if you consider that each replacement blade for this device is only meant to be used once.
Another unique thing with this tool is that it comes with a kit that includes everything you’ll be needing for pre and post-treatment care. The kit includes a cleanser, a moisturizer, four replacement blades, and of course, contains a charging dock too.
After You’re Finished Dermaplaning…
You’re probably wondering what you can put on your skin. Here’s a guide through the best products you can put on your skin after dermaplaning, and when to use them.
