What is the difference between professional and at-home dermaplaning for acne scars? So for one, the techniques and procedures are quite different. The tools differ drastically.
Professional dermaplaning is performed by licensed skin professionals in medical clinics and spas. They use medical-grade scalpels and take detailed hygiene precautions. This ensures you get smoother skin with a lower chance of complications.
In contrast, at-home dermaplaning involves people using small blades or tools. These tools are usually purchased online or in stores, but they tend to be duller and are often packaged with minimal instructions.
In cities such as San Francisco, professional dermaplaning provides advanced training and increased safety. It offers treatments designed expressly for your skin type or acne past.
On the other hand, at-home options are more affordable and conveniently accommodate a hectic lifestyle. However, the results might not be as dramatic or as safe as what you would achieve in a clinic.
Here’s what you need to know about safety, cost, and results of both professional and at-home dermaplaning.
Key Takeaways
- When done in the United States, professionals use medical-grade, sterile tools and more advanced techniques. This technique promotes deeper exfoliation and more dramatic improvement in acne scars – much more than at-home treatments!
- DIY dermaplaning kits are not enough to treat acne scars. These are usually inferior blades and less effective exfoliation depth, but with regular use and caution, they can still offer some mild textural improvement.
- Due to safety protocols and a sterile environment in professional settings, risks like infection and irritation are greatly diminished. This is crucial for people with sensitive or acne-scarred skin.
- Professional treatments begin with a personalized skin assessment to tailor the procedure to your unique needs, while DIY approaches lack expert evaluation and customized care.
- Whatever route you choose to take with dermaplaning, aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. Keep it hydrated and don’t forget to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect your freshly exfoliated skin!
- If you have active acne, deep scarring, or other underlying skin conditions, always check with a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. They’re happy to offer expert advice in advance of trying an at-home dermaplaning treatment.
What Is Dermaplaning, Exactly?
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment that removes dead skin cells and vellus hair, known as peach fuzz, using a sterile surgical blade. The basic concept is to exfoliate the skin’s upper layer by scraping it off in a very safe, precise manner. Say hello to your smooth, fresh-faced glow!
It works wonders to smooth out any skin texture you might have, particularly those of you suffering from acne scars. The technique uses a small, fine blade, similar to those used in a clinical setting. It’s great for skimming off that dead skin cell layer and vellus hair, aka “peach fuzz.
This new form of exfoliation is taking urban centers like San Francisco by storm. Everything from acne scars to peach fuzz, my clients of all ages and walks of life are booking regular treatments!
What makes dermaplaning different from other exfoliating treatments, such as microdermabrasion? Where microdermabrasion employs a combination of abrasive crystals and suction, dermaplaning works its magic with just the edge of the blade. That translates into less irritation for many, and more precision with the areas you’re treating.
Beyond Just Shaving Peach Fuzz
Dermaplaning is more than simply removing hair. This leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth and soft, giving your complexion a more even tone. If dead cells and hair are removed, serums and creams are absorbed more effectively.
That means makeup applies more smoothly. This can be a huge benefit particularly for makeup lovers looking for that airbrushed look! Most people believe it’s just an expensive alternative to shaving, but the focus is on the texture of the skin and preparing the skin.
How It Differs From Other Exfoliation
While chemical peels work to dissolve the bonds between skin cells, dermaplaning is purely physical. You notice results immediately—skin feels smoother and more radiant. Chemical methods take longer and involve peeling over several days.
How Dermaplaning Fits into Your Routine Dermaplaning works easily into any routine, whether performed ahead of other treatments or as a stand-alone step.
Is Dermaplaning Right for You?
Consider the health of your skin overall. If you have sensitive skin, inflammatory active acne, or very thin skin, consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Don’t underestimate your time for aftercare!
You can expect to have to stay out of the sun and keep your skin well hydrated for a few days. Dermaplaning isn’t the right treatment for everyone, but for many people, it’s a wonderful, safe, effective option.
Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
If you have active acne, red or inflamed skin, or skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, you’ll want to avoid dermaplaning. If you have skin allergies or develop rashes easily, consult your physician before attempting this.
A dermatologist’s guidance is essential for the sensitive or reactive skin.
Pro vs. Home: Key Differences
Here’s how professional dermaplaning and at-home dermaplaning compare in some key areas. These differences vary their safety, efficacies, and suitability for use in treating acne scars. Many people in urban areas like San Francisco seek smoother, brighter skin and want to understand which method best fits their needs. Below, we unpack what you need to know.
1. Tools of the Trade: Blade Matters
Pros rely on medical-grade, single-use blades that are sharper and more precise than the ones included in home kits. She says that these blades provide more control, so the esthetician won’t risk cutting your skin and can effectively scrape away dead skin and vellus hair.
At home, blades are deliberately not as sharp, for safety, but that severely undercuts their performance. The danger of irritation increases if you use non-sterile tools. Pros implement rigorous sterilization, reducing chance of infection, whereas home users frequently do not perform this process.
2. Technique and Expertise Levels
Licensed estheticians or medical licensed providers receive in-person training in advanced dermaplaning techniques. They understand how to position the blade like a pro. They can customize their strokes to each face, resulting in a more consistent appearance with reduced potential for harm.
DIY methods don’t come close to providing this level of precision. Without adequate training, users may apply excessive pressure, miss spots, or create nicks and razor bumps.
3. Personalized Skin Assessment First
Prior to a pro appointment, the client’s skin is examined for dryness, acne activity and sensitivity. From there, treatments are customized to specific goals, whether that’s softening scars or evening out tone.
At-home methods take a one-size-fits-all approach, lacking this level of personalization.
4. Depth of Exfoliation Achieved
Professional dermaplaning removes layers of dead skin, making the appearance of acne scars and other marks less visible. At-home tools only exfoliate at the surface level, so the results are less intense and slower to appear.
5. Sterile Environment and Safety Protocols
Professional settings follow strict hygiene rules: gloves, sterile blades, and clean surfaces. At home, it is difficult to meet these same standards, increasing the risk of infection or irritation through the use of repurposed tools.
Safety: Navigating Potential Risks
Dermaplaning is effective at treating acne scars, but it can be safe or unsafe depending on how and where you do it. Both professional and at-home methods pose risks. These side effects are typically redness, whiteheads, or transient irritation and resolve within days.
More serious complications, such as laceration, disease or scarring, can occur if adequate wound care is not followed. Understanding your skin’s potential reactions will minimize these risks. Aftercare is important, too.
Avoid sun and heat for three days and do not use scrubs or exfoliators for one to three days after treatment. Having clean skin and sterile tools before you begin can go a long way in making sure the practice is safe and the tattoo heals properly.
Professional Treatment: Controlled Risks
Professionals have years of training and adhere to meticulous processes. They’re able to more easily discern skin that shouldn’t be dermaplaning. This applies to anyone who has taken accutane or topical tretinoin in the past few years.
In clinics, instruments are sterilized and medical assistance is readily available. They provide specific advice before and after care, such as scheduling sessions three to four weeks apart. This reduces the risk of serious issues occurring.
Inside an office, issues almost never happen.
At-Home Dermaplaning: DIY Dangers
At-home treatment increases the danger of serious injury. Without proper technique, the blade can easily nick the skin, or worse, introduce bacteria into the dermis, which may cause infection.
Especially with a bad technique, dermaplaning can lead to irritation. Using the wrong tools or neglecting aftercare is even more dangerous. Without the proper knowledge, many attempt this at home and end up doing more damage than repair.
Specific Risks for Acne-Prone Skin
Dermaplaning over active acne or compromised skin can lead to further irritation. In fact, it can lead to increased breakouts or even scarring if done improperly.
Those suffering from acne require a treatment plan personalized to their skin, which is usually best developed with an expert.
Tips for Safer At-Home Attempts
- Use only clean, sterile blades.
- Wash skin well before and after.
- Avoid if you have current cystic acne or if you have taken accutane in the past six months.
- Start with gentle methods if unsure.
- Avoid sun, heat, and scrubs for three days after.
Acne Scar Results: Realistic Hopes
Among these, dermaplaning really shines as an effective technique to prep the skin and minimize the appearance of acne scars. Don’t get your hopes up just yet. The reality is that most patients experience a more gradual improvement in overall skin texture and tone over the course of several sessions, rather than overnight.
Most of the benefit is in the physical exfoliation of dead skin and fine hair. This rejuvenating process can improve the tone, texture and overall appearance of your skin. However, despite receiving the most aggressive care possible, dermaplaning is not a scar eraser.
It’s most effective when used in combination with other established treatments. Microneedling and laser therapy assist the body by accelerating the natural process of collagen production and skin repair!
Professional Impact on Scar Texture
A trained dermaplaning professional can smooth out the edges of raised scars. This method too improves the appearance of any light scarring. A trained provider, such as a licensed aesthetician or dermatologic nurse, can identify the type and depth of scarring and customize every treatment accordingly.
If the client is consistent with the treatments—typically every four to six weeks—they will see an even skin texture. They better match your surrounding skin tone as time goes on. These results usually exceed what’s achievable at home, as pros have access to more powerful tools and greater safety measures.
At-Home Effects: What to Expect
At-home effects minimal roughness or dullness may be improved with at-home kits, particularly with frequent use and proper technique. Yet, these tools aren’t quite as sharp or precise as what you’d find in a clinic.
They’re unable to penetrate as deep or exfoliate as much dead skin, so results are generally less intense. The take-home is that people who use them should demonstrate patience and consistency to experience a modest increase in skin texture.
Managing Deep or Pitted Scars
Unfortunately, deep, pitted scars can be difficult to fully treat with dermaplaning alone. These typically require additional treatments—fillers, lasers, or chemical peels. If scars are severe, a pro can set up a plan that mixes dermaplaning with these other treatments for better results.
Long-Term Benefits: Pro vs. Home
In the long-term, professional sessions can produce tangible long-lasting improvements in the texture and appearance of the skin—especially with consistent maintenance.
These at-home tools can be used to maintain results in between professional visits. A basic skincare routine—washing morning and night, SPF during the day, and using gentle products—ensures results are long-lasting.
Aftercare: Healing and Maintaining
Taking good care of your skin after dermaplaning matters a lot—no matter if you go to a clinic in downtown San Francisco or use a blade at home. Proper healing puts acne scars in their place and prevents existing scars from worsening.
These aftercare steps will allow your skin to recover and reduce the chance of irritation while allowing you to enjoy longer-lasting results. Whether in a professional setting or at-home treatments, the approach should always be gentle. There are important things to understand about each method — here’s a rundown.
Post-Professional Treatment Care
- Avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliants, and instead choose a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Apply a fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer.
- Keep clear of the sun and extreme heat for three days.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even if you’re indoors.
- Avoid exfoliating products— including scrubs and retinoids—for a week.
- Avoid makeup and strong activities until redness has calmed down.
- Keep an eye out for any infection, irritation, and/or breakouts and consult with your provider immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Sun is the number one enemy after professional dermaplaning. The skin is so thin and sensitive it’s advisable to use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Being very kind to the skin— avoiding any irritating cleansers or scrubs—ensures that the redness and tenderness subsides within a matter of days.
At-Home Dermaplaning Aftercare Essentials
- Cleanse your face gently right after treatment.
- Use a basic, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Avoid makeup, heavy creams, or active ingredients for at least 24 hours.
- Be on the lookout for redness or bumps—stop using it if you have irritation that doesn’t go away.
Monitor your skin regularly and be prepared to change your routine at the first sign of an issue. Even with at-home dermaplaning, it’s best to stay away from exfoliants three to five days before and after to reduce additional irritation.
Protecting Your Newly Smooth Skin
Freshly exfoliated skin is even more vulnerable to sun and environmental damage! Sunscreen every morning is imperative, even if you’re just going inside San Francisco’s foggy climate.
Light serums that contain vitamin C can cause a tingle, but most patients are able to use them safely the following day. Hydration is key to skin healing—look for products that use hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If your skin is sensitive, tight or stinging, return to gentler products while your skin gets used to things.
How Often Can You Dermaplane?
When done by a professional, dermaplaning is the safest when performed every three to four weeks. At-home, most people prefer once every one to two weeks.
Just be sure you’re not irritated or sensitive! Allow your skin to heal after each session, and be sure to listen to your skin and increase time only when it feels comfortable to do so. Using it together? Follow this schedule to prevent excessive exfoliation.
Making Your Dermaplaning Decision
Deciding between professional and at-home dermaplaning for acne scars isn’t black-and-white. Either route provides meaningful advantages. Where important differences come in is with cost, expertise and your willingness to trust someone else to perform treatments.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to your skin’s needs, your comfort level with a skincare routine, and your long-term goals.
Weighing Cost vs. True Value
In-office dermaplaning treatments in larger cities such as San Francisco typically run upwards of 10x the cost of DIY kits. A single in-clinic session can cost $100 to $250, and a good basic tool for home use starts at $30. Along with the increased cost, you’ll receive a licensed professional.
This is one professional who truly understands the safest methods to smooth skin, identify potential hazards, and minimize the risk of injury. The outcome is usually more uniform, and the chance of skin trauma is minimized.
At-home methods are less expensive, but you need to invest in quality blades and maintain sterilization of tools. Inexperienced hands, cheap kits, or a dull blade can result in cuts, redness, or patchy results. Quality over everything—never sacrifice on products that go on your face.
When to Absolutely See a Pro
When to Definitely See a Professional If your skin is prone to deep scarring, active acne, or overly sensitive, see an expert. An experienced, licensed provider will be able to identify any issues and customize the process for you.
Anyone who has used accutane or tretinoin within the past six months should avoid dermaplaning entirely. Professionals walk you through what to avoid post-treatment—such as sun exposure or heat—and tailor aftercare.
Is At-Home Ever Enough for Scars?
While it can help with smoothing out shallow scars and improving serum absorption, these benefits are minimal compared to professional treatments. Large scars require a professional’s skill.
Home treatments can never come close to matching the depth or evenness of clinic-level care. If you experience patchy results, or irritation like redness or bumps, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Listen to Your Skin Always
Look for signs such as redness, whiteheads, or a rough scraping texture following dermaplaning. If you begin to experience irritation, consider changing up your routine.
Space out treatments—allowing three to four weeks between treatments allows your skin to recover. Finally, always wear sunscreen, particularly in the weeks following your treatment, to keep vulnerable skin safe.
Conclusion
Professional dermaplaning in a medspa or clinic involves precision tools and technique. You end up with a very deep, very even scrape. It exfoliates and removes acne scars in no time. At home, you’re using blades that are meant to be safer. At-home dermaplaning is more gentle and less aggressive. The outcome is gradual and subtle improvements. These are the lucky residents of San Francisco who can afford to do both. They enjoy immediate benefits but require a long-term solution for maintenance. Whether in-office or at-home, proper cleansing and aftercare are essential. No getting around this one—if you cut corners, you’ll pay for it with breakouts. If your acne scars are deep, then it’s worth it to have a pro do the work. For a more low-key dermaplane, at-home kits are easier on the wallet. Interested in learning more or exchanging experiences? Leave a question or comment below, or stay tuned for our next post.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is dermaplaning safe for acne scars?
In short, yes, dermaplaning is safe for acne scars. By going to professionals in sterile environments with trained dermaplaning in San Francisco, you can lower the risk significantly.
2. Can I dermaplane at home with active acne?
Can I dermaplane at home with active acne? This is because it can spread bacteria and worsen irritation, especially if you’re not trained.
3. How often should I get professional dermaplaning?
How often should I get professional dermaplaning? Most dermaplaning pros will suggest every 3–4 weeks. This allows your skin enough time to heal and renew itself in between treatments.
4. Will at-home dermaplaning give the same results as a professional session?
At-home dermaplaning tools are not nearly as sharp or effective. You can expect less dramatic results than you would receive from a trained Bay Area licensed esthetician.
5. What’s the main benefit of professional dermaplaning for acne scars?
Professionals can safely remove more dead skin and improve the look of acne scars with better tools and skills, reducing the risk of cuts or infection.
6. Do I need special aftercare after dermaplaning?
Yes. Continue caring for your skin by using gentle cleansers, avoiding direct sun exposure, and applying sunscreen every day. This allows your skin to heal while allowing your results to continue looking fresh.
7. Can dermaplaning completely remove acne scars?
Can dermaplaning completely remove acne scars? No, dermaplaning can improve the look of scars but it won’t remove them entirely. For more severe scarring, use it in conjunction with more aggressive treatments from an experienced, licensed provider in your area.
Revitalize Your Skin With The Best Dermaplaning Treatment!
No other dermaplaning treatment compares to ours at Simply Skin Esthetics in downtown Walnut Creek, California. Why? We blend cutting-edge techniques, premium tools, and years of expertise to deliver smoother, brighter skin for even the most sensitive skin types – all with the highest standards of professionalism and hygiene.
Finding an esthetician who can perform dermaplaning with precision, care, and professionalism can be challenging. That’s why our service stands out as the best in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Our commitment to exceptional care is reflected in our loyal clientele who trust us with their skincare needs.
At Simply Skin Esthetics, we offer more than just dermaplaning. Our extensive range of services includes Ultrasound Facials, Signature Facials, Men’s Facials, Express Facials, Treatments/Peels, Teen Facials, and Back Facials. Ready to transform your skin and experience unparalleled care? Contact us today to schedule your first dermaplaning session and discover the Simply Skin Esthetics difference!
