Frequently asked questions
How does dermaplaning work?
Simply put: Dermaplaning is an at-home exfoliating treatment that removes both hair and dead skin from the surface of the face. Its effectiveness relies on the technique used and whether or not it’s suitable for your skin, as it can cause irritation if performed incorrectly.
“It delivers exceptional radiance and beautifully refined texture, but on the wrong skin (like a compromised barrier or active acne), it can exacerbate concerns,” says Kristen May Lee, lead aesthetician at Onda Beauty in New York City. Equally important is preparation for dermaplaning to ensure your skin takes it well. “A meticulous double cleanse is essential to remove the day’s buildup of pollutants, sunscreen, makeup, and bacteria. Skipping this step risks redistributing impurities across the skin—or even pushing them into the pores,” says Lee. Afterward, make sure to gently tone your skin with hydrating topicals (like creams) to replenish moisture lost during treatment.
What should you look for when shopping for a dermaplaner?
Dr. Yang says that the number one feature to look for is the blade quality of the dermaplaning tool. “I recommend looking for single-use replaceable blades to ensure a clean and effective treatment,” she says. You can toss them out after use, eliminating the issues caused by using a dull blade. “Dull blades can cause tugging, irritation, and even breakouts,” she says. “Avoid basic disposable razors, as these are not designed for facial exfoliation. Look for a comfortable handle that is easy to maneuver.”
Does peach fuzz grow back stubbly after dermaplaning?
This is a very common myth, Dr. Yang says. “Because the hair follicles themselves are unchanged, the hair remains the same in color, thickness, and growth rate. These vellus hairs are incredibly soft and fine. Usually only terminal hair (coarse hairs on the arms, legs, underarms) grow back stubbly when shaved,” she says. Lee mentions that while a small subset of people who have dermaplaned their peach fuzz may notice a subtly blunt feel as their hair first grows in, “this is simply a result of the straight cut from the blade, not a change to the hair’s diameter or growth.”
Does dermaplaning age your face?
According to Dr. Rambhia, there’s no evidence that dermaplaning accelerates aging. “If anything, it can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines by exfoliating,” she says. The real risk isn’t aging; it’s actually overdoing it, she explains. “Over-exfoliating with a dermaplaner can disrupt the skin barrier and precipitate breakouts,” she says. So it’s best to stick to the process once or twice a week at most.
Can you dermaplane over acne scarring?
Skip dermaplaning over raised, pitted, or textured scarring, active breakouts, or inflamed skin, Dr. Rambhia says. Why? The blade can catch uneven texture and cause nicks, irritation, or spread bacteria.
What are the negatives to dermaplaning?
It’s possible to experience temporary skin irritation such as redness or sensitivity shortly after dermaplaning. Also, if you have improper technique (such as using an incorrect angle, not holding the skin taut, or being too aggressive), there’s a risk of cuts or scrapes. “It can also trigger breakouts in those who are acne-prone, or when the skin is not properly prepped prior to treatment,” says Dr. Yang.
Lee recommends a high-quality electric device for home use. “They offer a significantly gentler, more controlled experience while preserving the integrity of the skin,” she explains. Perhaps this is not an overwhelming negative, but it’s important to keep in mind that the results of dermaplaning are temporary, “lasting one to three weeks. So, there is consistent upkeep if you want to maintain that smooth, buttery-soft skin,” says Dr. Yang.
How we evaluated dermaplaners
We evaluated dermaplaners based on ease of use, exfoliating capabilities, and how effective they were at ridding peach fuzz on our faces. The best skin-care tools had gentle yet effective blades that didn’t leave our skin feeling irritated or stripped after using them, and were easy to grip and maneuver around the smallest, most delicate parts of our face. The ones we found were both manual and electric, and had sturdy grips that didn’t allow our hands to slip and slide during this very delicate process. After using these razors for peach fuzz removal, we found that the ones we loved left our skin supple and soft, ready for makeup, and free of hair and dead skin.
