In skincare, there is a lot of talk about exfoliation and the radiant skin it reveals. Dermaplaning, a method of manual exfoliation, is a wonderful option to slough off dead skin cells, eliminate peach fuzz, and provide a flawless, smooth finish.
But after you’ve had your dermaplaning session, it is crucial to follow the right aftercare steps to maintain those results and protect your skin’s health. Read on and dive into the best practices for dermaplaning aftercare so that you can enjoy a glowing, renewed complexion to its fullest.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive skincare treatment that involves gently scraping the surface of your skin with a sterile surgical scalpel. This technique removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the face, offering a deeper level of exfoliation than regular scrubs.
Dermaplaning provides an instant glow and a smooth base, enhancing makeup application and promoting smoother skin texture. This form of skin resurfacing doesn’t just make your skin look good temporarily.
It also promotes cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and other imperfections over time. After a dermaplaning treatment, your skin feels fresh, smooth, and more receptive to skincare products, as the barriers of dead cells are removed.
While the benefits are enticing, dermaplaning leaves your skin more sensitive than usual, so aftercare is crucial.
Best Practices for Caring for Your Skin After a Dermaplaning Treatment
Following your dermaplaning treatment, it is essential to have a gentle, thoughtful aftercare routine to protect your fresh, radiant skin. Dermaplaning removes the top layer of dead skin and peach fuzz, leaving your skin smooth, but also more sensitive.
Here’s how to keep that post-dermaplaning glow lasting as long as possible.
1. Stay Sun-Safe
Your skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage after dermaplaning. Direct sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and other sensitivities. To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
Look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are often gentler on sensitive skin and provide robust sun protection.
Tip: Make sunscreen a daily habit, even if you are indoors or it is cloudy. Sun protection is a must after dermaplaning, as UV rays can penetrate windows and cause harm.
2. Avoid Makeup for a Day or Two
While it is tempting to try out makeup on your super-smooth skin, it is best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours. Freshly dermaplaned skin is more susceptible to product absorption, which means that makeup ingredients can penetrate more deeply than usual, potentially causing irritation or breakouts.
Additionally, avoiding makeup allows your skin to breathe and recover without being exposed to any harsh ingredients.
Tip: If you must wear makeup, opt for mineral-based options as they are typically lighter and contain fewer irritating additives.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Your skin can feel dry or tight after dermaplaning, making hydration a top priority. Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer that is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides help lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier, ensuring your skin stays soft, plump, and resilient.
Tip: Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture. The extra hydration will enhance the results of your dermaplaning session, keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing.
4. Avoid Excessive Heat and Sweat
Post-dermaplaning, your skin’s barrier is more sensitive, so it is wise to avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or exposure to high heat, like saunas, hot showers, and intense workouts.
Heat and sweat can increase irritation or even lead to infection in open pores. Instead, take a couple of days to relax and avoid anything that might cause your skin to flush or become inflamed.
Tip: Opt for low-intensity activities like walking or stretching to stay active without exposing your skin to excessive heat.
5. Skip Harsh Exfoliants and Active Ingredients
Dermaplaning provides deep surface exfoliation on its own, so adding other exfoliants like scrubs, acids (AHAs/BHAs), or retinoids can irritate or over-dry your skin. Give your skin at least a week to recover before reintroducing any exfoliating or active ingredients. During this time, focus on gentle, calming products that nourish and soothe.
Tip: Replace your exfoliants with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, which calm and hydrate without causing sensitivity.
6. Choose a Gentle Cleanser
After a dermaplaning facial, it is best to use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to keep your skin clean without stripping away its natural moisture barrier. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals or strong acids, as they can cause dryness or irritation on freshly exfoliated skin.
Stick to cleansing twice daily with lukewarm water to keep your skin refreshed without compromising its balance.
Tip: Gel or cream-based cleansers are great options, as they are typically gentler on the skin than foaming cleansers.
7. Incorporate Hydrating Serums
Post-dermaplaning, your skin is highly receptive to skincare products. This is an excellent time to introduce a hydrating serum, such as one with hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5, which binds moisture to the skin and helps enhance the smoothness and radiance of your complexion.
Avoid strong acids, but gentle serums can enhance the effects of dermaplaning, making your skin look and feel even better.
Tip: Layer your serum under your moisturizer for maximum hydration, especially if you are in a dry climate or using indoor heating.
8. Hands Off!
Your freshly treated skin might feel soft and tempting to touch, but keeping your hands away is essential to prevent transferring bacteria, which can cause breakouts or irritation. Additionally, refrain from scratching, picking, or rubbing your face, as your skin’s protective barrier is more vulnerable after dermaplaning.
Tip: Keep tissues or a clean cloth handy if you need to dab your skin to remove oil or sweat without touching your face directly.
9. Stick to a Simple Routine
Consistency in aftercare is crucial to maximizing your results. For the first week after dermaplaning, simplify your skincare routine to just the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Avoid layering too many products, as this can overwhelm your skin and potentially lead to irritation.
Tip: Use calming products with minimal ingredients to avoid any unnecessary irritation or stress on your freshly treated skin.
10. Avoid Hair Removal Techniques on the Treated Area
Since dermaplaning is a form of hair removal itself, it is best to avoid any additional hair removal treatments, like waxing or threading, on the treated area for at least a week. Additional hair removal can irritate the skin, potentially leading to redness or even damage to the skin’s surface.
Tip: Schedule your next dermaplaning session according to our skincare provider’s recommendations to maintain smooth, hair-free skin without overdoing it.
Achieve Fresh Glow Today!
With the right aftercare, your dermaplaning treatment results can be long-lasting and deeply rewarding. By following these best practices, you are setting the foundation for healthy, glowing skin that looks flawless and feels its best.
If you are considering dermaplaning or looking for expert skincare advice, CLAREBELLA aesthetics in Oklahoma City is here to guide you on your journey to beautiful, radiant skin. Explore our dermaplaning treatments and discover a world of difference in your skincare routine.
Call us now to schedule your appointment!