How To Dermaplane at Home Without Nicking Your Skin

The act of shaving the peach fuzz off your face is controversial. On one hand, it seems like everyone on TikTok is singing glowing praises of dermaplaning at home. On the other hand, some dermatologists and estheticians are begging skincare newbies to leave dermaplaning to the experts. But let’s be honest: you’re going to do what you want to do. So, if you’re thinking about DIY dermaplaning, there are a few things you should know.

For instance, you’ll need to know what dermaplaning is and how it works. You’d also be wise to learn the benefits associated with it and how to care for your skin post-dermaplaning. Plus, since you’re doing this at home, you’ll likely need to familiarize yourself with the best products for dermaplaning. This’ll help ensure smooth sailing and smooth skin.

We asked three skincare experts about all of this and more. Read on for their recommended protocol for how to dermaplane at home safely.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning involves taking a small, razor-like tool and very carefully removing the top layers of your skin and superficial hair. “Dermaplaning helps to exfoliate the skin, as well as remove fine vellus hairs—a.k.a. peach fuzz,” says Catherine Chang, M.D., a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

The Benefits of Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a popular treatment used in both spa settings and a doctor’s office that has many benefits. By removing all the peach fuzz and the dead skin cells, your skin will look and feel especially smooth and soft in the weeks following the treatment. But there are even better long-term results.

“Dermaplaning can also help with fading the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by removing those dead skin cells on top of the skin,” says esthetician Renée Rouleau. And without all the peach fuzz in the way, your skin can receive and absorb your skincare products even better. With consistent treatments, Dr. Chang says that your skin texture and brilliance will also improve. 

Risks of Dermaplaning at Home

Dermaplaning still comes with its own risks. As dermaplaning is still an exfoliating treatment, it can be too aggressive for sensitive skin or those with conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. And since dermaplaning is performed with a blade, you’re at risk of possible irritation, discoloration, and acne.

When dermaplaning at home, you can accidentally nick yourself with the tool. As a result, you might see an in-grown hair or a new pimple because of trapped bacteria. Moreover, if you cut yourself while dermaplaning, this could lead to infection and scarring.

Dermaplaning at Home vs. In-Office

The biggest difference between dermaplaning at home and in-office is the level of safety in an office. “In the office, a professional is doing the treatment and has a better global view of your face,” says Dr. Chang. “The professional has more effective instruments, than at-home instruments that have been thoroughly cleaned minimizing change of infection.”

However, that’s not to say dermaplaning at home isn’t another great option. In fact, Rouleau says that she’s been dermaplaning at home for years and it has been just as effective as doing it in-office. You just have to learn how to do it correctly.

How to Dermaplane at Home

Prep Your Skin

Dr. Chang, Rouleau, and Dara Levy, founder of Dermaflash, all emphasize the importance of having clean and completely dry skin before you pick up your dermaplaning tool. Consider using a gentle cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or the Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk.

Pick a Safe Dermaplaning Tool

“Open razor blades leave your skin vulnerable to nicks and cuts,” Levy points out. She recommends using her brand’s Dermaflash Luxe+ for optimal safety.

Get Close to a Mirror

To make sure you can see all the peach fuzz you want to target, Levy suggests situating yourself in front of a magnifying mirror in a well-lit area. Or you can use a magnifying mirror with a built-in light.

Dermaplane in the Direction of Hair Growth

“Use a finger from the opposite hand to gently hold your skin taut and hold the device at a 45-degree angle,” Levy instructs. “Use short feathery strokes over the surface of your skin, avoiding your lips, nose, and eyelids.” Furthermore, Rouleau advises only going over the same area a few times to prevent irritating your skin.

Apply Gentle Skincare

Keep your freshly exfoliated skin protected by applying a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen. We recommend Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion and ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion, respectively.

Aftercare

Since you’re slightly damaging your face when you remove the hair and dead skin cells, it’s important to give your skin a little extra TLC after dermaplaning. As the experts suggested, you should keep skincare gentle. Try not to use retinol, glycolic acid, or sugar scrubs as these can irritate your sensitive skin. You’ll also want to avoid sun exposure (yes, even if you wear sunscreen) as your skin is simply too delicate post-dermaplaning.