What is Dermaplaning? And Why You Should be Shaving Your Face

·2 min read

Right about now you’re probably wondering, “When did all my female friends start shaving their faces?” And the answer is: around the time people realized it might be the secret to better-looking skin. But before you pick up your razor, here’s everything you need to know about the latest hot-button technique to hit the beauty scene.

So what is dermaplaning?

It’s a skin-care treatment that removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz from your face using a super-thin, ten-inch blade. Think of it as an exfoliant that gets rid of anything that traps debris and oils (which is what gives skin a dull appearance). Once that barrier is gone, skin-care products will absorb into your skin more easily, makeup will go on smoother (meaning you’ll end up using less of it) and you might even feel permanently contoured.

OK, I’m intrigued. What’s the process?

A skilled aesthetician will gently swipe a small, sterile surgical blade over dry skin on the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead and neck in upward motions. The whole procedure only takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how much peach fuzz you have to begin with. It can cost anywhere from $75 to $150 and up, but most places will offer it with a chemical peel or facial, because it allows the other products to sink in deeper.

But will it make me grow a beard?

Despite what we’ve always been told—that shaving anything would cause the hair to grow back thicker and darker—that’s not the case with dermaplaning. Because the blade just shaves the ends off the fine hairs, nothing happens to the follicles themselves and hair growth won’t be affected.

Phew. Any downside?

Practically zero. Because the procedure is essentially a micropeel, you might notice a little bit of redness and irritation immediately following. Your skin might also feel a little tight and razor burned (you did just dry shave it after all), but it normally subsides within a few hours.

RELATED: The Most Effective (Nonsurgical) Beauty Procedures, According to Dermatologists

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