First Time Getting Dermaplaning For Sun Damage? Here Are 7 Things You Need To Know

Dermaplaning for sun damage is where a layer of dead skin and fine hair is shaved off with a sharp blade to help your skin appear brighter and smoother. The procedure can assist in reducing the appearance of sun spots and make skincare more effective. Most people are interested in dermaplaning because it is quick, requires minimal downtime, and is effective on most skin types. Others use it before big events or simply to correct dry, patchy skin. To find out what to expect, it’s helpful to understand the procedure, how safe it is, and what you should do pre- and post-treatment. Here are the seven key things you need to know first.

Key Takeaways

• Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation procedure in which a sterile surgical scalpel removes top layers of dead skin, polishing texture, and allowing for better product absorption.
• It’s safe for most skin types and can help minimize sun damage (sunspots, uneven pigmentation) by encouraging rapid cell turnover.
• Always choose a licensed, experienced professional like those at Simply Skin Esthetics, especially if you have underlying skin concerns or varying levels of sun damage.
• Prepping your skin by cleansing, skipping exfoliating products, and alerting your esthetician about any sensitivities ensures the best results.
• Post-treatment care, like staying out of the sun, moisturizing gently, and using SPF 30+, promotes healing and preserves your glow.
• Routine treatments at Simply Skin Esthetics, paired with a solid skincare routine and sun protection, offer long-term benefits.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a professional, non-invasive exfoliation method that removes dead skin cells and vellus hair (fine facial hair). It’s also known as microplaning or blading. A sterile surgical scalpel is gently glided at a 45-degree angle across the skin’s surface. This beauty treatment is fast, easy, painless, and has virtually no downtime. Clients at Simply Skin Esthetics use dermaplaning to refine skin texture, boost skincare absorption, and address issues like acne scars, dullness, and sun damage.

Key Benefits Of Dermaplaning:

• Removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz
• Smooths skin texture
• Boosts absorption of skincare products
• Brightens complexion
• Minimizes fine lines and mild scars
• Little to no downtime

The Gentle Scrape

With dermaplaning, the technician swipes in a gentle scraping motion to remove dead skin and surface debris. This process does not generally bother the skin if done carefully and with the right instrument.

The technique is generally regarded as safe for a variety of skin types. Performed by a trained professional, the risk of micro-tears is low. The procedure employs a sharp blade, which minimizes the risk of damage versus abrasive scrubs or at-home tools. Most sessions last just 30 minutes, too, so it’s a quick choice for busy individuals.

Not Just Shaving

A lot of them hear dermaplaning and they think of shaving, but it’s not. It’s about exfoliating dead cells, not peach fuzz. This means it’s more potent for anyone looking for smoother, more radiant-looking skin.

Dermaplaning can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sweeping away dull, top layers, it reveals fresher skin. This can additionally assist other skin care treatments, such as masks or chemical peels, to work more effectively.

A few individuals supplement the dermaplaning to their monthly regimen. I think it’s best done professionally for safety and to get even results.

How It Helps Sun Damage

Dermaplaning is especially beneficial for sun-damaged skin. It sloughs away dead layers that highlight sunspots or uneven coloring. By accelerating cell turnover, dermaplaning at Simply Skin Esthetics helps reduce light pigmentation and support healthy, even-toned skin. With regular sessions, many clients report a visible reduction in dark spots and a more youthful, glowing appearance.

7 Things To Know Before Your First Session

As a first-time dermaplaning treatment for sun damage, you desire the most effective skincare results. Knowing how to prepare, what to expect, and how to care for your skin post-session is key to achieving a smooth complexion and maximizing your skincare journey.

1. Your Sun Damage Level

Evaluate your skin for sun spots, fine lines, or dry patches. This helps you and your esthetician at Simply Skin Esthetics determine the right plan, whether a single session or a custom routine with complementary treatments.

If your skin is mildly sun-damaged, a single treatment may suffice. If you have deeper pigmentation or rough patches, you may require more than one treatment, or even additional therapies. See what your provider has to say about your worries and aim. They can tweak the method, whether you require a softer scrape or more regular sessions. For intense sun damage, dermaplaning by itself may not be sufficient, and your provider might recommend complementing it with treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy.

2. The Right Professional

Book with licensed professionals who specialize in sun-damaged skin, like the team at Simply Skin Esthetics. Our estheticians are trained in sterilization, skin safety, and personalized care.

3. Pre-Treatment Skin Prep

To prepare your skin for the upcoming skincare treatment, start by cleansing it thoroughly to eliminate dirt and oil. Avoid using harsh products, such as retinoids or exfoliants, for at least 3 to 5 days before your session. Additionally, refrain from waxing for two weeks prior. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential, and be sure to inform your provider about any allergies or sensitivities. Furthermore, limit sun exposure, especially if you are prone to acne flare or sunburn, for at least a week beforehand.

4. The Actual Sensation

You’ll probably experience a grating sensation during your skincare treatment. Most describe it as more ticklish than painful. Discomfort is scarce and disappears quickly, especially with the use of calming creams and soft strokes by skincare professionals. They all feel the treatment differently, but pain is generally not an issue.

5. Immediate Aftermath

Anticipate some redness and slight tenderness after your skincare treatment. No makeup for 24 hours to ensure a smooth complexion. Keep your skin hydrated for optimal results.

6. Post-Care Is Crucial

• Use sunscreen SPF 30+ daily
• Stay out of the sun for several days
• Wear protective clothing
• Use gentle, hydrating products
• Avoid exfoliants for 48 hours
• Drink water and stick to your routine

7. Long-Term Results

Expect to come every 4 – 6 weeks for optimal results in your skincare routine. Trace your skin to track what’s working, as not every skin doesn’t reacts the same. Combining dermaplaning with other skincare treatments can amplify results. For best outcomes, schedule a dermaplaning session at Simply Skin Esthetics every 4-6 weeks. Track your skin’s progress and ask about pairing it with other treatments for enhanced benefits.

How Dermaplaning Compares To Other Skincare Treatments

Dermaplaning is an effective treatment that serves as a manual exfoliation technique where a skincare professional uses a blade to shave away dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the face. Compared to other skincare treatments, it’s quick, has little to no downtime, and is safe for most skin types, except those with active skin inflammation. While it’s often associated with chemical peels and microdermabrasion, each of these procedures operates differently, yielding distinct results and downtime.

Skin Resurfacing Peels

Chemical peels utilize acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid) to exfoliate and tackle skin issues including pigmentation, texture, and fine lines.

Peels tend to have more downtime than dermaplaning, a few days of recovery, peeling, and sensitivity, in some cases. Dermaplaning rarely induces outward side effects and often permits you to resume your normal activities within hours. Sometimes, dermaplaning is done before a peel to shed surface debris, allowing the peel to work on a more level playing field for enhanced effects. Here’s how dermaplaning stacks up against chemical peels, which tend to be harsher than dermaplaning but are favored by individuals seeking smoother skin without the chemical risks of acids. Chemical peels cost significantly more, generally between $150 and $300 per treatment, while dermaplaning is a more affordable option that’s easier for first-timers to access.

The Use Of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion utilizes a diamond-tipped wand or fine crystals to rough up the top layer of skin, intending to smooth skin and fade discoloration.

Both microdermabrasion and dermaplaning improve skin texture, but in very different ways. One uses a blade to physically scrape the skin, while the other uses abrasion with a wand. Microdermabrasion penetrates further, so it’s better for more pronounced roughness or more visible sun damage. For sensitive skin or minor issues, dermaplaning can be less abrasive. Occasionally, pairing the two can provide a more complete refresh, but be sure to consult a pro to prevent over-exfoliation.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy utilizes specific light to target pigmentation, scars, or deeper sun damage. It’s more aggressive and can have longer-lasting results, but it’s more expensive and has longer downtime.

Laser sessions can require days or weeks of healing. Dermaplaning, with its quicker recovery, can be used before clear obstructions such as dead skin and peach fuzz, enabling lasers to reach the skin more uniformly. Though laser therapy is pricier and produces dramatic results for more serious issues, dermaplaning is prized for its safety, rapidity, and reduced chance of inflammation.

Comparison Table

Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is an effective exfoliation technique for dead skin and fine vellus hair removal that, unfortunately, is not suitable for everyone. Assessing whether dermaplaning aligns with your skincare goals can help you avoid severe skin issues and ensure a smooth complexion.

Active Acne

If you have active acne, this treatment can exacerbate redness and inflammation. The tool used in dermaplaning can spread bacteria or nick into inflamed blemishes, worsening breakouts or even causing infection.

If you have acne, it’s best to calm your skin with acne-friendly products before attempting exfoliation. Treatments such as mild cleansers or non-abrasive serums are less risky for acne-prone skin. This is because waiting until your skin is clear helps prevent irritation and potential scarring.

Skin Conditions

Individuals with chronic dermatological conditions such as eczema or rosacea might find that a skincare routine involving dermaplaning does more damage than benefit. Skin that’s dry or reactive can react with stinging or increased redness after this effective exfoliation technique. Sensitive skin responds in various unexpected ways, and the scraping action can exacerbate prominent skin concerns.

Always consult your skincare professional if you have a history of skin problems, like psoriasis or issues with scarring. Your provider may recommend other gentle skincare treatments that are better suited for you, especially if you’ve taken Accutane in the last 6 months.

Recent Sunburn

Of course, sunburned skin is delicate, warm, and peeling. Dermaplaning sunburned skin can cause intense stinging and significantly delay the healing process. You want to make sure all redness and peeling is gone before booking it.

Instead, concentrate on hydrating creams and products containing soothing ingredients such as aloe to assist your skin’s recovery post-sun damage. Consult a skin care specialist about when it’s safe to have dermaplaning done post sunburn. Timing will depend on the severity of the burn and your skin’s healing process.

Consult A Professional

Always consult with your esthetician at Simply Skin Esthetics if you have a history of skin sensitivities, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medications.

The Myth Of Thicker Hair Growth

The myth that dermaplaning causes facial hair to grow back thicker or darker is popular, but it doesn’t hold up to science. Many clients fret about this, especially about their skincare routine for sun damage. The reality is that dermaplaning effectively removes the super fine vellus (peach fuzz) hair and dead skin, contributing to a smoother complexion. This treatment does not alter the shape, speed, or pigment of hair growth; rather, genetics, hormones, and nutrition determine how hair grows, not dermaplaning.

Vellus hair is naturally fine and soft. When dermaplaning, shears hair at the surface; the blunt edge may create an illusion of coarseness as it grows back. While hair tapers to a soft point before treatment, the new growth comes back with a blunt tip. This can make it appear thicker, but the diameter or pigmentation of the hair itself does not change. It’s an illusion rather than an actual alteration in hair growth that affects your skincare aesthetics.

There’s nothing about dermaplaning, or any other form of hair removal treatment like shaving or waxing, that can make hair grow faster, thicker, or darker. Any illusion of coarseness is fleeting and tends to fade by the time your hair grows out. Some individuals may sense a difference, but such accounts are anecdotal and don’t align with what studies demonstrate. Hair grows according to what your DNA dictates and what your health and environment are, not whether or not you shave hair from the surface of your skin.

To clear up common misunderstandings, here is a simple comparison of various cosmetic procedures that can enhance your skincare journey.

Maximizing Your Glowing Results

Keeping your results glowing after dermaplaning requires consistent care and intelligent decisions. Here are some solid habits to maintain a smooth complexion and achieve your skincare goals, ensuring your skin remains bright and healthy for longer.

Enhanced Product Penetration

Dermaplaning smooths your skin, allowing serums and creams to absorb that much better. Hyaluronic acid moisturizers do well post-treatment and keep skin plump and soft. That equals less dryness and a glow that lasts! Active ingredients like vitamin C or peptides travel deeper, assisting in sun damage repair and skin health.

Experimenting with mild, unscented formulas is smart. They bypass skin stress and maintain your results. Skip strong exfoliants or acids for a week. This gives your skin a break from redness and allows your glow to endure.

Makeup Application

Post-dermaplaning, skin is a blank canvas. Makeup applies with more ease. Foundation sits more evenly, fine lines and dry spots appear less, and any highlighter or blush is brighter. That aids in a polished work/photos/daily grind.

Wait a minimum of 4-6 hours before applying makeup. This break allows your skin to breathe and reduces the risk of breakouts or irritation. Take a stab at cream products; they mix best on skin that’s just been zapped.

Go for light makeup looks to flaunt your new glow. Dewy, natural finishes play nice, especially if you’d like to keep the spotlight on your skin’s velvety surface.

Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Sun protection is essential post-dermaplaning. New skin tends to be more susceptible to sun damage, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily. This goes for both indoor and outdoor situations, as UV rays can penetrate through windows.

Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside. Wear hats or seek shade. Even brief sun exposure can alter your results or cause fresh damage.

Avoid aggressive products with scent or alcohol. Just stick with gentle, hydrating formulas to keep your skin safe and calm.

Final Remarks

Dermaplaning for sun damage is one of the safest, fastest, and most effective ways to refresh your skin, especially when performed by trusted professionals at Simply Skin Esthetics. Whether you want to reduce sunspots or simply reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion, our dermaplaning services are tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Book your session today and discover the glow everyone’s talking about.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Dermaplaning Effective For Sun-Damaged Skin?

Dermaplaning for sun damage is an effective treatment that revitalizes your complexion by removing dead cells and fine vellus hair, revealing a radiant glow.

2. Does Dermaplaning Hurt?

No, dermaplaning is typically painless and considered an effective exfoliation technique. You’ll experience a slight scraping sensation, but most individuals find the skincare treatment comfortable and calming.

3. How Long Does A Dermaplaning Session Take?

A session is usually 20-30 minutes long, making it an effective treatment that can easily fit into most hectic skincare routines.

4. Is There Any Downtime After Dermaplaning?

Most skincare treatments have no downtime. Others may cause light redness for a few hours, but you can typically resume your skincare routine immediately.

5. Can Dermaplaning Cause Hair To Grow Back Thicker?

No, dermaplaning does not alter hair thickness or texture; it effectively exfoliates the skin for a smooth complexion, allowing for flawless makeup application.

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!