DERMAPLANE

In professional skin care, we are lucky to have so many forms of exfoliation to keep pores clean and promote quicker skin cell turnover for younger looking skin. There are three types of exfoliation: chemical, manual and mechanical. Chemical exfoliation, of course, is referring to peels, whereas manual exfoliation includes the use of an abrasive, such as a scrub. There are a couple of mechanical exfoliation methods that are used today, one of the most popular being dermaplaning. 

The goal of exfoliation has always been to remove dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover. Skin cells turn over every three to four weeks in young skin. With age, this process moves at a slower rate, making monthly exfoliation more important. Exfoliation “tricks” the skin into turning over at a faster rate than it normally would.

To trick the skin, a controlled injury (exfoliation) is created. When the skin is injured, new skin cells are sent to replace the old ones, and collagen and elastin are produced. Lack of collagen and elastin are the biggest contributors to wrinkles.  While collagen can be put back into the skin, elastin is too big of a molecule.  

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is very similar to  microdermabrasion, another popular mechanical exfoliation technique. Both mechanically exfoliate the skin, but dermaplaning also removes the vellum hair from the skin.  In this method of exfoliation, a sterile, surgical scalpel is used to complete the process.  The technician will use small upward strokes around the entire face to remove any impurities, clogged pores and facial hair.

Benefits of Dermaplaning 

1.     Cell regeneration - Dermaplaning will trigger the cell regeneration process to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2.    Hyperpigmentation - Dermaplaning will exfoliate the top layer of your skin, taking off dead skin cells.  Therefore, it can help lighten pigmented spots.

3.    Immediate results - Other exfoliation processes sometimes take more time to show the results, but dermaplaning will demonstrate immediate results.

4.    Safety - Dermaplaning is safe for everyone and there is no downtime involved.

5.    Smooths rough skin - Dermaplaning is especially beneficial for people with rough, dry skin.  The scalpel is effective in smoothing out skin and evening skin tone.

6.    Hair removal - If using this for hair removal, it is fine if you only have peach fuzz or vellum hair.  It easily removes the hair without any problems.

7.    Product penetration - Dermaplaning is good for letting products such as peels, strong serums or skin remedies penetrate deeply in the skin, as results are improved after exfoliation.

8.    Mildness - Dermaplaning is a gentle form of exfoliation, and it can be more gentle than a peel or microdermabrasion for those with sensitive skin.  It is also great for people who want to start with gentle anti-aging treatments before jumping into more.

9.    Frequency - Dermaplaning is safe to do every three to four weeks, which is the target range you would want to get those cells turning over faster.

10.  Catalyst - This is a great catalyst to deeper exfoliation procedure, as it preps one’s skin gently rather than harshly.

11.  Makeup - You will notice that your makeup will go on better after a dermaplaning service.