Avoid using dirty tools, dermaplaning active breakouts, and neglecting post treatment care. Failure to properly sterilize blades can result in infections or exacerbated skin conditions.
Dermaplaning over pimples or open wounds can lead to worse scarring. If you don’t follow with gentle cleansers or hydrating products, you may experience dryness, redness, or irritation.
Using the wrong blade or applying too much pressure may result in incisions or new pigmentation. A third mistake we often see is individuals neglecting to apply sunscreen after dermaplaning, which exposes skin to harmful sun rays.
Understanding these mistakes can go a long way in establishing a healthy dermaplaning routine and protecting the skin. We’ll demonstrate how to avoid each mistake in detail in the main section of this post.
Key Takeaways
- Never dermaplane over active acne or inflammatory lesions to prevent exacerbating the condition and increasing scarring.
- Only use clean, sterile, and sharp dermaplaning tools to prevent infections and ensure effective exfoliation.
- Keep the dermaplaning tool at a 45-degree angle and use light pressure. The best way to avoid injury with a dermaplaning tool is to use short, smooth strokes to create even results.
- Mistake #1 — Not cleansing your skin beforehand Cleanse skin properly! Ensure it is entirely dry prior to performing the treatment to provide the best level of safety and effectiveness.
- Session Frequency Allow enough recovery time in between dermaplaning sessions to prevent over-exfoliation, irritation, or damaged skin barrier.
- #4 Don’t forget sun protection after dermaplaning This will make your skin more prone to sunburn, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Understanding Dermaplaning for Scars
Dermaplaning is becoming more popular in San Francisco and other metropolitan cities for its focused technique in treating acne scars. This safe and effective exfoliation technique uses an ultra-thin, sterile blade. It smoothly glides across the skin’s surface, effortlessly removing dead skin cells and vellus hair, allowing for a fresher, brighter, smoother canvas.
For many early-career professionals suffering from residual acne scars, dermaplaning is a great way to help your skin heal by encouraging cell turnover. This procedure makes the surface of the skin smooth, reducing the appearance of mild acne scars and stimulating collagen production.
Collagen is essential for skin renewal, and its increase facilitates the gradual fading of hyperpigmentation and improvement of skin texture over time.
Dermaplaning’s Role in Scar Care
So, dermaplaning is more effective on superficial scars. It has a positive benefit on skin tone through evening out areas of texture and softening the appearance of superficial scars. Removing the build of dead skin helps prevent your pores from clogging.
This can reduce the likelihood of future breakouts, a frequent irritant in the go-go Bay Area milieu. Though the results aren’t long-lasting — roughly three weeks — consistent treatments can maintain a smooth complexion.
Close attention to aftercare, such as regularly applying sunscreen and non-irritating products, is essential following treatment to avoid irritation or sun damage.
Setting Realistic Scar Goals
Not every scar is going to act the same. It’s crucial to establish realistic goals, taking into consideration what’s best for your skin and how deep your scars are. Most people are surprised to learn that dermaplaning isn’t designed to remove scars entirely, but rather reduce their appearance.
There may be weeks where you don’t see any visible changes, but tracking these subtle changes will help to keep motivation high.
Different Scars, Different Needs
Atrophic scars require different treatment than hypertrophic scars. While dermaplaning is effective for surface-level scars, including acne scars, deeper scars may need more aggressive treatments such as laser therapy.
By personalizing your care plan, you’ll be sure to achieve the desired results safely.
Why I Believe in This Method
I’ve watched others in the tech community walk away feeling more confident after a few short, non-invasive dermaplaning sessions. Most people love the instant luminosity, despite some going through a short purging or breakout phase.
The most important things to keep in mind are maintenance and patience.
Biggest Dermaplaning Mistakes for Scars
When done correctly, dermaplaning can be an effective, low-risk method of skin-smoothing that reduces the appearance of acne scars. If bladed properly, it can leave the skin feeling softer and more even-toned, creating a more luminous appearance.
The sad truth is that many people—even those that are experienced—fall victim to common dermaplaning mistakes that can prevent optimal results. These mistakes can actually cause worse skin issues, particularly when attempting to do it at home.
Getting a grasp on what these mistakes are—and more importantly, why they matter—can be the difference between actually improving or getting disappointing results. Our guide below explains the most common mistakes, in layman’s terms backed by research and real-world experience.
1. Treating Over Active Acne
One of the biggest dermaplaning mistakes is working on skin with active breakouts. If the skin is red, swollen or has active open pimples, dermaplaning can exacerbate the issue.
This is because the blade can easily spread bacteria from one area to another, increasing the chance of additional breakouts and even infection. Additionally, inflamed skin is more susceptible to damage, as well as being slower to heal.
It’s best to wait until acne has settled down before beginning this treatment. When breakouts are a concern, consult with a skincare professional for alternative, gentler solutions prior.
2. Using Unclean or Dull Tools
Blades that are clean and really sharp are much more important than you would imagine. Using a dirty or dull blade can create extra friction on the skin, which can lead to microtears or patchy exfoliation.
Even more detrimental is when unclean tools are used. Bacteria can accumulate quickly, even more so in warm, moist environments such as a bathroom. When a dirty blade comes into contact with skin, it can also transfer bacteria and cause new pimples to form.
Whether you dermaplane at home or in a professional setting, be sure to disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol before and after use. Change blades frequently and don’t try to get in “one last use” to save time or money!
3. Pressing Way Too Hard
A very light touch is super important. Many mistakenly assume that if you press down harder, you’ll be able to remove scars more quickly. That’s just not the case and can even cause damage to the skin.
Applying excessive pressure may lead to nicks, cuts, and additional redness. Scars, particularly atrophic or pitted types, never heal quicker or more effectively with increased pressure.
Gentle, steady strokes let the blade do the work, lifting away dead skin while keeping the surface smooth and safe.
4. Wrong Angle, Wrong Motion
Technique determines your outcome. The blade should be held in a 45-degree angle to the skin. Pulling skin tight will help you prevent that hacky, bumpy texture.
It’s best to keep the dermablade in a perpendicular direction against the skin, which will reduce the chance of tiny nicks. Short, smooth strokes are ideal. Long or jagged motions will either skip areas or damage the skin.
This is a common issue for people who confuse dermaplaning with shaving. Both angle and motion are very important, so do your research or have a professional show you the ropes before attempting it on your own.
5. Ignoring Scar Type Differences
Scars are not created equally. Ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars all require unique treatment. Deep or indented scars won’t be helped by dermaplaning.
Conversely, raised scars may be more likely to become inflamed. If you have a combination of scar types, consult with a dermatologist or licensed medical esthetician. If you don’t know what type you have, it’s best to consult them as well.
These can guide you in determining whether dermaplaning is the best course of action or whether a more suitable alternative procedure would be more beneficial.
6. Skipping Essential Skin Prep
Clean skin is a must. Before you even think about putting the blade to your face, cleanse with a gentle Face Wash to remove makeup, oil and impurities. This reduces the chance of driving bacteria further down into pores.
It’s a wise idea to perform a patch test—test the blade on a small area to see if you have an adverse reaction. Many of my clients will use a mild exfoliating cleanser a day or two in advance, but nothing aggressive.
Neglecting these steps can lead to increased irritation and diminished value from the treatment.
7. Dermaplaning Too Frequently
Remember that more is not always better. Besides causing irritation, over-exfoliating can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in dry patches, further redness, and even rebound breakouts.
People generally do well at every three to four weeks depending on the area. This can be adjusted according to your skin’s specific response. Look for indicators such as stinging, flaking, or prolonged redness—these are indicators you need to ease up.
Make sure to allow your skin to fully heal before scheduling your next session.
8. Not Minding Your Skin Type
Skin is complicated and not one-size-fits-all. Oily skin usually does great with dermaplaning. Though those with dry or sensitive skin may need a gentler approach or more spaced out sessions.
For some, their skin becomes red, itchy, or irritated immediately after dermaplaning, and for others, it’s perfectly normal. If you have sensitive skin such as having an eczema or rosacea tendency, then one should be more careful.
Be prepared to modify your technique and schedule based on your skin’s condition. When in doubt, consult a pro — your skin will thank you!
Other Overlooked Factors
Holding the skin taut when performing dermaplaning may seem like a minor detail, but it’s not. Otherwise, the blade will skip or catch and produce small cuts and rough areas.
Most at-home users aren’t doing this correctly and it results in patchy skin. One huge mistake is not wearing sunscreen after dermaplaning. Freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to sun damage.
A broad-spectrum SPF with an SPF of at least 30 is required for at least seven days after treatment. In addition, steer clear of scrubs or strong acids for at least two to three days post-treatment while the skin heals.
Pre-Dermaplaning: Your Success Checklist
If you’re planning on using dermaplaning for acne scars, it’s a good idea to go through each essential step before you begin. If you prepare the right way, it reduces your risk for errors and protects the health of your skin. Proper dermaplaning preparation ensures optimal results with the least amount of irritation and risk of infection.
Start With Squeaky Clean Skin
A fresh, clean face is extremely important. To start, do a double cleanse to ensure all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and grime are gone. Choose a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin type—this prevents unnecessary stinging or redness after your treatment.
Gently pat your face dry with a towel. If your skin is too wet, the blade won’t move properly and you’ll end up with streaks. Take for instance all you city dwellers like our friends in San Fran who battle all that city grime. Double cleansing is particularly beneficial.
Dry Skin is Key
Dry skin allows the tool to glide cleanly for a smooth exfoliation. Avoid dermaplaning if your skin is oily or sweaty. Wet skin can catch on the blade, increasing the chance of nicks and uneven areas.
If you have dry areas, apply a thin layer of facial oil (like squalane) beforehand to protect them—just don’t overdo it. Skip facial oils if you have acne-prone skin.
Pick the Right Dermaplaning Tool
Select a sterile, single-use dermaplaning blade—never a standard razor or reused blade. Dull tools can lead to nicks in your skin and can harbor bacteria. You need to choose the right blade for your skill level.
If you are inexperienced, consider starting with a smaller guarded blade. Never forget to sterilize every tool before use.
My Pre-Game Skin Ritual
I stop using retinoids three days in advance. This helps to reduce the risk of irritation. Then, I apply a calming serum and drink water to keep myself hydrated as well.
If I do have a breakout, I avoid those spots. Wearing sun protection every day, rain or shine—even in the chilly Bay Area fog—is key to skin health.
Post-Dermaplaning: Soothe and Protect
Post-dermaplaning, the skin’s surface is ultra-smooth but more susceptible to external stress. That new skin needs some tender loving care in order to allow it to heal beautifully, feel calm and remain healthy. Proper aftercare is essential to maximizing the benefits of dermaplaning, particularly when treating acne scars.
Quench Your Skin’s Thirst
Hydration needs to begin immediately. A lightweight hydrating serum will restore moisture while a replenishing face oil works to boost the skin barrier. Many complain of a tight or dry sensation post-treatment.
Face mists and cold compresses are a perfect solution to combat the discomfort. Stay away from products with heavy perfumes or alcohol, which will only intensify dryness.
Shield Your Skin From Sun
Freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to sun damage. Sunscreen SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable, and regularly reapplying throughout the day will protect your skin.
Due to increased sensitivity, any sun exposure or heat exposure (hot showers, saunas, etc.) can make skin prone to redness and irritation.
Steer Clear of Harsh Products
Avoid exfoliating acids or potent retinoids for a minimum of two to three days. Physical scrubs, especially, can be really irritating.
Stick with calming products—like water-based cleansers and lightweight, protective creams. After your skin has healed, gradually reintroduce active ingredients back into your regimen.
Handling Post-Dermaplaning Pimples
Pimples often occur after dermaplaning. For any spots, use non-comedogenic treatments or products so you don’t create more pimples by clogging pores.
You should avoid touching or picking at pimples, since doing so can lead to additional scarring.
My Go-To Calming Routine
After treatment, a light gel mask or calming cream is beneficial. I let my makeup go for 24 hours.
I switch out my pillowcases and allow my skin a few hours to recover before proceeding to my next step.
Know When to Say No
If you’re looking to dermaplane your acne scars away, here’s how to tell when you should avoid the treatment. This understanding is equally important as learning the skill! Honoring our boundaries is more than an act of skin care — it’s an act of self-respect and a way to be intentional about our overall well-being.
Tuning in to your skin, balancing risks, and working with professionals make sure your self-care choices are safe and effective.
Avoid with Active Skin Issues
Dermaplaning should be avoided on skin that has active acne breakouts or infections. Sharply running a blade across inflamed or broken skin is a recipe for further irritation, increasing healing time, as well as bacteria dispersion.
If you have a patch of active acne lesions or a cold sore, dermaplaning can even exacerbate redness. It may even lead to scarring. Instead, use soothing treatments and allow the skin to heal before bringing the treatment back into your repertoire.
This break period gives your skin time to recover and lowers the chance of developing unwanted adverse reactions.
Sensitive Conditions: Be Cautious
Conditions such as eczema or rosacea alter how skin reacts to any form of exfoliation. This type of skin is frequently thin and easily irritated, even with flaring.
If you have any of the above, it’s definitely worth your time to consult a dermatologist beforehand. They may recommend less abrasive treatments, such as enzyme exfoliants or calming facials that don’t use aggressive scraping techniques.
This way, protecting your skin is a priority, reducing the chance of discomfort or permanent injury.
Pause Strong Skincare Actives
Retinol, exfoliating acids, and other strong actives increase sensitivity on skin. To minimize additional irritation, discontinue these products at least 3-5 days prior to and after dermaplaning.
Pay close attention to how your skin reacts before reintroducing these actives to your routine. If redness or stinging persists, allow it to settle longer.
This gradual introduction gives your skin time to adjust and allows you to prevent painful setbacks.
Pro vs. Home: Scar Safety
Dermaplaning for acne scars Professional vs home Weighing the options … When it comes to dermaplaning, you have two options. Experience has shown that each path incurs unique advantages and dangers. Understanding the difference will put you on the path to making a safer, smarter choice for your skin.
Benefits of Professional Treatment
Having a trained esthetician work on you creates a feeling of security. Pros utilize surgical blades at a 45-degree angle. This meticulous technique is what enables them to penetrate deep enough to smooth the skin while still being gentle enough to avoid damaging it.
They are trained to identify any potential risks, such as eczema, rosacea, or spider veins, and will adjust their technique accordingly to provide the safest treatment. In San Francisco, skin issues are common from the dry air and sun exposure. This expertise is absolutely essential in tackling those urgent issues.
In estheticians’ care, you’re in good hands with clean, sharp blades and a strong cleaning and preparation procedure to keep you safe. They can see if your skin is overly sensitive or has a new breakout and can advise you to wait. You receive a personalized plan and detailed after-care instructions, reducing the chances of scars, bumps, or irritation.
At-Home Risks for Scars
Though it may seem simple to attempt dermaplaning at home, when done incorrectly the risk increases quickly. Home razors rest at a 35-degree angle and possess built-in safety guards, slips occur. Many people tend to shave with too much pressure.
They may use blunt blades, which can cause nicks, bumps and even scars that last for months. After a sunburn or with chronic irritation, for example, it can be difficult to know signs your skin isn’t ready without pro training. The tools and healing know-how available at home don’t even come close to what you can find in a medical clinic.
Unfortunately, this means that your results can be pretty inconsistent.
Deciding What’s Best for You
Consider your experience with tools and your skin’s condition history. If you’ve had adverse reactions following novel therapies in the past, seek out a medical aesthetic professional first.
Looking back on your past skin reactions will inform you on your best course of action moving forward.
Conclusion
If you want to use dermaplaning to clear acne scars, avoid trial and error and follow these important tips. Dirty blades, excessive abrasion, and failure to use sunscreen are the three biggest dermaplaning mistakes. Skin out here in the States deals with a trifecta of unforgiving environments from urban smog, arid desert heat and humidified marine layer. Give it the respect it deserves! A light hand with a sharp, clean blade is more effective than any hack or shortcut. If your scars are particularly deep or appear inflamed and painful, allow a professional to intervene. There’s no shame in seeking help. Great skin is given its greatest opportunity to heal with intelligent maintenance, not desperation treatments. To get even better results, whatever tools you are using, keep them clean, consult with an in-person professional, and always pay close attention to your skin. Need help with dermaplaning acne scars? Leave them in the comments below or contact us for more dermaplaning tips and tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to dermaplane at home with acne scars?
Though less safe than professional dermaplaning, home dermaplaning increases the risk of dermaplaning acne scars. Not following proper technique can lead to irritation or infection. When it comes to acne scars, it’s best to visit a licensed expert in San Francisco.
2. What should I avoid immediately after dermaplaning?
Don’t go in the sun, sweat, or use any active/harsh skincare products for a minimum 24 hours. Your skin will be more sensitive than usual, so use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and moisturizer.
3. Can dermaplaning make scars worse?
The short answer is yes, but only if dermaplaning is performed improperly. This can lead to the scars being more prominent. To avoid making scars worse, always use the proper tools and techniques or go to a licensed provider.
4. How often should I dermaplane if I have acne scars?
How often should I dermaplane if I have acne scars. If you dermaplane too frequently, you might risk irritation. To achieve optimal results, your skin requires time to recover between sessions.
5. What should I do before dermaplaning acne scars?
What should I do before dermaplaning acne scars? Cleanse your face and retinoids or exfoliants two days prior. This prevents last-minute irritation and helps your skin be fully prepped and ready for treatment.
6. When should I avoid dermaplaning for scars?
When should I not dermaplane for scars? These conditions can be aggravated by the procedure. When in doubt, always consult a dermatologist before trying anything.
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!
