Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but this process doesn’t always happen as efficiently as it should. When buildup lingers, it can make your complexion look dull and uneven. Dermaplaning can help remove that layer of dead skin to reveal a smoother, more refreshed surface. Results can include brighter-looking skin, smoother texture, and better absorption of skincare products. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we offer dermaplaning as a no-downtime option for those looking to maintain a clearer, more polished appearance.
What Is Dermaplaning?Â
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation method that uses a sterile surgical blade to gently scrape away dead skin cells and fine facial hair. The process is quick, non-invasive, and doesn’t involve any chemicals or downtime. It’s a simple way to refresh the surface of your skin and create a clean base for skincare or makeup.
What Does Dermaplaning Do for the Skin?Â
Removed Surface Debris and Dead Skin
Dead skin cells can linger on the surface and contribute to a rough texture or dull appearance. When the skin doesn’t shed efficiently, that buildup can also interfere with how your skincare performs. By gently scraping away that outer layer, dermaplaning helps keep your skin looking fresh and smooth.
Brightens Dull Skin
Skin can start to look tired when it's covered in debris and buildup. A fresh layer of skin can bring back a more vibrant appearance. Dermaplaning for glowing skin can be part of a simple routine to keep your complexion looking bright and awake.
Creates a Smooth Surface for Makeup
Uneven texture and fine facial hair can cause foundation to cling or settle in patches. Dermaplaning for peach fuzz removal gives makeup a cleaner surface to glide over. This can make your skin look more polished without needing heavy coverage.
Enhances Product Absorption
After dead skin is removed, products like serums and moisturizers can penetrate more easily. There is less of a barrier between your skin and the active ingredients. That boost in absorption can make your skincare routine work more effectively.
Helps Heal Acne Scars
Dermaplaning for acne scars can be one approach to smoothing out uneven areas. Post-breakout marks can linger long after acne clears. Exfoliating the top layer may gradually soften the look of shallow scars.
Minimizes Fine Lines
As skin texture becomes smoother, fine lines can appear less noticeable. The light exfoliation can subtly soften creases, especially around areas like the mouth and eyes. Regular treatments may support a more refined overall appearance.
Helps Unclog Pores
Pores can become blocked with oil, dead cells, and debris from the environment. Clearing away that top layer reduces buildup and clogs and can make pores look smaller. This may help prevent future breakouts and keep the skin feeling cleaner.
The Benefits of Dermaplaning
Instantly Smoother, Softer Skin
One of the immediate benefits of dermaplaning is how smooth your skin feels right after treatment. We’re not using any chemicals or abrasive tools, just a sterile surgical blade and a steady hand to sweep away buildup and peach fuzz. Patients often tell us their skin feels cleaner, softer, and more even before they even leave the treatment room.
No Downtime or Recovery Period
You don’t need to plan your schedule around this treatment. There’s no redness, peeling, irritation, or recovery time involved. Once we’re done, you’re free to go about your day, and many people even come in during a lunch break before heading back to work.
Suitable for Most Skin Types and Tones
Dermaplaning for sensitive skin can be a great alternative to more abrasive exfoliating methods. It’s gentle, doesn’t rely on active ingredients, and doesn’t trigger heat-based inflammation. It is a good option for many patients, including those who have had irritation from chemical exfoliants or scrubs in the past.
Comfortable Treatments
Numbing creams are usually not necessary for this treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a light scraping or brushing on the skin. It’s not painful, and the entire session typically takes under 30 minutes.
Suitable for Regular Treatments
Because dermaplaning doesn’t involve downtime or harsh ingredients, you can come in regularly without stressing your skin. Many patients choose to schedule sessions every three to four weeks to keep up their results. If you already have a skincare routine in place, dermaplaning fits right in.
Commonly Treated Areas With Dermaplaning
The face is the most common area treated with dermaplaning. We target the areas where dead skin and peach fuzz tend to collect, like the cheeks, chin, forehead, and upper lip. We avoid any areas with active breakouts or open wounds, but otherwise, the treatment covers the full face.
Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion: What Is the Difference?
Both treatments exfoliate the skin, but they work in very different ways. Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade to manually remove dead skin and fine hair with gentle scraping. Microdermabrasion uses a machine to buff the skin with fine crystals or a diamond tip, and it doesn’t remove peach fuzz. Dermaplaning tends to be gentler and better suited for patients with sensitive skin or redness.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
When you come in for a dermaplaning facial, we’ll start by gently cleansing your skin to remove any oil, dirt, or makeup. Once your skin is clean and dry, we use a sterile surgical blade to carefully exfoliate the surface in short, feather-light strokes. This is repeated on the entire face.Â
The treatment usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on whether you add any extras like a light peel, a DiamondGlow® facial, or RF microneedling. After exfoliating, we apply finishing products suited to your skin, such as a calming serum or lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen. You’ll leave with your skin feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed, without any redness or irritation.
How to Treat Your Skin After Dermaplaning
After your treatment, stick to gentle skincare for the next 24 to 48 hours. Use a mild cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer, and skip anything with acids or exfoliating agents. Sunscreen is a must, even if you’re staying indoors, because freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to sunlight.
We recommend avoiding heavy makeup, saunas, steam rooms, and direct sun exposure for a couple of days. Your skin will be more absorbent, so this is a great time to keep it nourished with hydrating products. Staying moisturized helps lock in that smooth, clean feeling and supports your skin’s natural barrier. You should also focus on drinking more water over the next few days to help your skin stay hydrated from within.Â
When to Schedule Your Dermaplaning Session Before a Special Event
If you’re planning to have dermaplaning before a special event, we recommend scheduling your session about three to five days in advance. This gives your skin time to settle and fully show the smooth, refreshed look that follows the treatment. It also leaves room to apply makeup more easily without any lingering sensitivity or product buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning
Will My Facial Hair Grow Back Darker or Thicker?
Hair growing back darker is a common concern, but dermaplaning doesn’t change the structure or growth pattern of your hair. Vellus hair, or peach fuzz, grows back the same color and texture as before. It might feel slightly different as it grows in, but this is simply because of the way the hair has been cut and is a temporary sensation.
How Long Will My Dermaplaning Results Last?
You’ll notice smoother, brighter skin immediately after your session, and those results usually last about three to four weeks. One month is the general cycle for skin cell turnover, so we typically recommend scheduling dermaplaning around that timeline. If you want to maintain consistently smooth skin, regular treatments can keep buildup and dullness from coming back.
Can Dermaplaning Cause Breakouts?
A dermaplaning treatment helps reduce breakouts in many patients by removing dead skin cells and buildup that can clog pores. However, if your skin is very reactive or you’re prone to cystic acne, we’ll assess whether this is the proper treatment for you. Aftercare is also important to prevent breakouts. Keeping skin clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun helps support a clearer result.
Can Dermaplaning Be Used on Current Acne Breakouts?
We avoid treating areas with active or inflamed acne since the blade can irritate those spots or cause bacteria to spread. However, if you have breakouts in isolated areas, we can work around them while still treating the rest of your face. Once breakouts calm down, dermaplaning may help improve skin texture and reduce post-acne marks. If you are struggling with acne breakouts across your whole face, we may recommend getting these under control before scheduling dermaplaning treatments.Â
Can I Do Dermaplaning at Home?
There are at-home tools on the market, but professional dermaplaning offers much more precision and safety. We use a sterile surgical blade, proper lighting, and controlled technique to exfoliate effectively without nicking the skin or causing irritation. We recommend always seeking out professional treatments for your skin.
Can Dermaplaning Be Combined With Other Services?
In many cases, dermaplaning can enhance other treatments. For example, dermaplaning before a DiamondGlow facial, radiofrequency microneedling, or a light peel can enhance the results of other treatments. Every situation is different, so you will need a consultation to determine which of our treatments is right for you and whether they can be combined.
How to Find the Right Provider
When choosing a practitioner for dermaplaning, it’s important to find a provider with experience. Treatments should be overseen by trained medical professionals. Look for a practice that offers consultations so you can ask questions and make sure the treatment fits your skin needs. Reviewing dermaplaning before and after photos can also help you understand what kind of results you can expect.
More About Us
At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa, we focus on treatments that are approachable, natural, and grounded in real skincare knowledge. We’re a small, woman-owned practice that takes time with each patient. With us, there are no rushed appointments and no one-size-fits-all approaches. We never pressure you into treatments but instead work with you to find treatments that fit your goals. Every treatment we offer is designed to support your skin’s health while keeping your natural features front and center.
We believe in creating a calm, welcoming space where you can feel relaxed and informed. Whether you’re coming in for dermaplaning or exploring other options, we take a minimalistic, less-is-more approach. Our goal is to help your skin feel healthier and more balanced so you can feel comfortable in it every day.
Reveal Fresh Skin With Dermaplaning in La Mesa, CA
Dermaplaning can give your skin a smoother texture, a brighter appearance, and a cleaner surface for skincare and makeup. Treatments are quick, low-maintenance, and suitable for many skin types, including those with sensitivities. If you have hyperpigmentation, dull skin, dry skin, or scars from past breakouts, this treatment may be right for you. It is also the perfect treatment to schedule right before a special event. To schedule your appointment at San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, call (619) 303-0988 or contact us using the online form.
