Many people often confuse dermaplaning with dermabrasion, but what exactly distinguishes one from the other?
This article originally posted on SkinInc.com.
Dermaplaning is a simple and safe procedure for exfoliating the epidermis and ridding the skin of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz). It has been used for many years, but many estheticians don’t even know it exists, and many don’t use it. When patients hear the word dermaplaning, they quickly associate the term with the procedure known as dermabrasion, and won’t even consider it as a possible treatment. Dermaplaning, on the other hand, is a simple shaving of the epidermis.
Because dermaplaning is a quick procedure with few to no adverse effects, it has quickly gained popularity among cosmetic medical providers across the country. Using a scalpel and a delicate touch, the provider simply abrades the surface of the skin using light feathering strokes. This is a great treatment to offer to patients who are pregnant or nursing who want a deep exfoliation, but are not allowed to use peeling agents on their skin because of the risk that the chemicals will be absorbed into the blood stream, and may be transferred to the fetus or the child. It is also a first choice for patients who have excess vellus hair on the skin. This hair often causes a buildup of dirt and oils in the follicles, so removing the hair gives the patient healthier looking skin.
Although merely an old wives’ tale, many patients are often concerned that the hair will grow back heavier and darker after dermaplaning. This is not the case. As long as the hair is superficial vellus hair, it will grow back at the same rate and texture as before the treatment.
Removing epidermal skin also allows products to penetrate more readily into the deeper layers. Physicians may recommend this treatment to prepare the skin for medical procedures such as laser treatments or deep chemical peels. It also may be used by estheticians to prepare the skin for superficial chemical peels or before a cleansing facial.
Dermaplaning is most often used on patients with rough, dry skin, superficial hyperpigmentation, mild acne scarring, or fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment results in a more refined, smooth, “glowing” appearance.
There is no downtime associated with this procedure. However, while this is true regardless of dermaplaning treatment, patients sure ensure proper use of sunscreen after undergoing dermaplaning to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. Dermaplaning can be done as often as every two weeks, although it is usually done when vellus hair starts to grow back, which is generally in one month’s time.
