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Dermaplaning Explained: What It Is and How to Do It Safely

Dermaplaning uses a small blade to gently scrape away dead skin and peach fuzz at the same time. Here's what to know before you try it.

What dermaplaning is

A physical exfoliation method that uses a small, blade-edged tool to gently scrape the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells and fine, light-colored facial peach fuzz (vellus hair) at the same time. It can be done by a professional at a dermatology clinic or spa, or at home with a smaller, guarded tool.

What it removes: dead skin and peach fuzz

It clears away the buildup of dead cells on the skin's surface along with the fine, light-colored fuzz on the face, together, which is why skin often looks and feels smoother right afterward.

Professional treatment vs. at-home tools

Professional dermaplaning uses a sharper, scalpel-like blade for a deeper, more precise result, while at-home tools have a safety guard that makes them shallower and generally safer to use yourself.

Who it's suitable for, and when to avoid it

It's not recommended for skin with active acne, significant inflammation, open wounds, or eczema, and is better suited to relatively calm, stable skin.

Aftercare

Since the top layer of skin is thinner afterward, it's important to avoid strong active ingredients for a few days and pay extra attention to moisturizing and sun protection.

How often to do it

Roughly once every three to four weeks is a commonly recommended interval, based on skin's natural renewal cycle; repeating it too often can weaken the skin barrier.

Does removing peach fuzz make it grow back thicker and darker?

It's widely accepted that shaving or dermaplaning body or facial hair doesn't make it grow back thicker or darker. A cut hair shaft can look blunter at first because of the flat cut, which can make it seem coarser, but the actual thickness and color the hair follicle itself produces doesn't change.

How it differs from chemical exfoliation, and why makeup goes on smoother afterward

Chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA work by gradually loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, while dermaplaning physically scrapes the surface away β€” a different mechanism entirely. If you use both, it's worth spacing them out so your skin doesn't get over-exfoliated. Once dead skin and fuzz are cleared, the skin's surface becomes smoother, which lets products like foundation sit more evenly instead of catching on texture β€” one reason it's often done before an important event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are at-home dermaplaning tools safe to use?

A guarded, at-home-specific tool used at the correct angle is relatively safe, but the wrong angle or too much pressure can cause cuts. If you're trying it for the first time, read the instructions carefully and go slowly and gently. This is general information, not medical advice β€” if you have any skin concerns, check with a dermatologist first.

Should I be more careful about sunscreen afterward?

Yes. With the top skin layer thinner, your skin can be more sensitive to UV than usual, so it's worth being extra diligent with sunscreen and avoiding strong sun exposure for a few days after treatment.