Likelihood is, you’ve seen considered one of your fave magnificence influencers taking a facial razor and scraping it down the perimeters of their face, accumulating peach fuzz alongside the best way. And whereas they’re doing it, they clarify that what they’re doing is called dermaplaning. They extol the advantages of it, claiming their make-up appears extra seamless, and their pores and skin absorbs merchandise higher.
In the event that they’re saying it, it should be true proper? So that you’ve most likely additionally considered attempting it your self, however there’s no denying — it’s scary to place a knife to your face and scrape away. Plus, you’re uncertain in case you ought to truly even be doing this. So we chatted with Dr Rachel Ho, an aesthetic physician at La Clinic, who’s giving us the down low.
Firstly, what’s dermaplaning?
“It’s a non-invasive medical process that removes the superficial layer of pores and skin and vellus hair (peach fuzz) by gently shaving off the highest layer of pores and skin and vellus hair. It’s generally executed with a small scalpel, though a tool generally known as an automatic dermatome will get the job executed too”, Dr Ho shares. “It’s completely different from shaving, which includes utilizing a razor blade to chop hair on the stage of the pores and skin, and doesn’t take away any layer of pores and skin.”
What are the advantages of dermaplaning? Any potential downsides?
“You’ll get softer, rejuvenated pores and skin due to the exfoliation impact,” Dr Ho says. “Some darkish spots could also be lightened and peach fuzz is eliminated, making the pores and skin smoother.” Sounds wonderful, however earlier than you take a look at your dermaplanning device, perceive that there is perhaps some drawbacks as effectively.
“Chances are you’ll expertise redness, irritation and hypersensitivity because of the exfoliation impact. Additionally, there’s a threat of slicing the pores and skin, which might result in infections, scarring and hyperpigmentation,” she factors out.
So, can I strive it and will I strive it?
Just about anyone can get dermaplaning executed, though these with infections or energetic irritation within the pores and skin, equivalent to pimples, eczema and psoriasis, ought to keep away from it in order to not exacerbate the situation, Dr Ho advises.
And sure! You may undoubtedly DIY at residence with a dermaplaning equipment or a facial razor.
However you’re not an aesthetician in spite of everything, so have in mind a number of issues when going the DIY route — the chance of slicing your pores and skin and getting an an infection is larger than when executed in a clinic, as a result of your instruments will not be sterile, and your pores and skin will not be applicable or adequately disinfected. To do it safely, Dr Ho has some ideas:
“Guarantee your face and instruments are clear by disinfecting — the closest you will get to sterilising — them earlier than utilizing. When dermaplaning, be mild with the strokes so that you keep away from slicing your pores and skin. Additionally, solely carry out dermaplaning on your self if you don’t have any energetic infections or inflammatory circumstances in your pores and skin,” she shares.
Lastly, don’t be overzealous and do it too usually. Though it is determined by your pores and skin sort and price of hair progress, dermaplaning as soon as each 4 or six weeks is a secure guess for many.
How ought to I prep my pores and skin earlier than, and look after it after?
There’s not a lot to do earlier than beginning, simply keep in mind to cleanse and disinfect your pores and skin first, she recommends. Afterwards, use a mild cleanser and moisturise effectively with barrier restore elements equivalent to ceramides and sunscreen as a result of the pores and skin’s sensitivity to UV publicity will increase with exfoliation.
Wait! Does this trigger stubble?
Fret not — dermaplaning doesn’t trigger stubble or elevated hair progress. “Nonetheless, the angle at which the facial hairs are lower might trigger the hair shaft to look completely different,” Dr Ho warns.
Supply: Her World