Step-By-Step Guide to Dermaplaning at Home

Dermaplaning is a blossoming skincare trend, and many are trying it out for its benefits. If you’ve had this procedure done before in a spa or skin clinic, you’ll know that the results are simply amazing. You might be wondering how you can replicate that without having to go back to the spa or skin clinic. 

Well, you can do that by following this simple step-by-step guide to dermaplaning at home. By following these basic steps, you’d have the glowing, smooth, and fuzz-free face you’ve been dreaming of.

But before you start with the steps, let us go over some Dermaplaning Basics. 

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What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is the process of removing the vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) from your skin using a dermaplaning tool. A dermaplaning tool is a sharp blade — a glorified razor. But it is specifically designed to cut the peach fuzz, and to work around the angles of the face.

Dermaplaning removes your vellus hair, but it also exfoliates your skin by removing a layer of dead skin. The exfoliation will help your skin absorb whatever makeup products you plan to put on after, and make your skin more radiant and glowing.

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What is The Best Time For Dermaplaning?

You should go through the dermaplaning process when you’re about to use your skincare products. You can do this in the morning or at night time. Either way, dermaplaning will help your skin better absorb whatever skincare products you use on your face. 

Some would prefer to do this at night time before their night routine. This is especially true if you wear makeup.

Although you can do it in the morning, it is best not to wear makeup immediately after dermaplaning. So it is better to do it when you have the time to let all those skincare products soak your skin. 

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What is a Dermaplaning Tool, Exactly?

Before you start with the procedure, you need to have the right tools.

Don’t just grab the eyebrow razor that’s been lying around that you’ve been using to shape your eyebrows. That will just cause you a whole lot of skin trouble. 

There are razors that are specifically designed for dermaplaning . These are sharp surgical scalpel style tools, and will easily remove facial hair. Some are even fitted with a light to make it much easier for you to see the peach fuzz on your face. 

However, if you must insist on using an eyebrow razor, at least get the high-quality ones  and make sure that they are brand new.

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Dermaplaning At Home Step-By-Step Guide

The dermaplaning process isn’t as difficult as you might think!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to dermaplaning at home.

Step 1: Do a Quick Skin Assessment

Check your skin to make sure you don’t have any concerning skin issues that may be worsened by dermaplaning. If you’ve got acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. you should wait to do any dermaplaning.

If these issues persist for a while, contact your dermatologist for a consult.

Step 2: Cleanse Your Face

The next thing you should do after assessing your skin is to cleanse your face. Make sure to remove any makeup. For this step, you could use a makeup remover first, then wash your face with a gentle cleanser thoroughly. This will remove the dirt plus any makeup on the face. 

Some people take it a notch further by double-cleansing. This ensures that your skin is clean and oil-free. A toner can also be used to remove any impurities that you missed while washing your face.

Make sure your face is thoroughly dry before you start with the actual dermaplaning procedure. 

Optional: Use A Facial Gel, Lotion, Or Oil

This is an optional step. Some don’t like to put anything on their face while others prefer to add a thin layer of cream, serum, lotion, or face oil. There are people who believe that these will help the blade glide easier on the face. That also means less irritation.

Others don’t like to add anything because they think that doing so will decrease the efficiency of using the blade.

This is optional and is a matter of personal choice. 

Step 3: Start With Downward Strokes At The Cheek to Jaw

Get yourself used to using the blade by starting at your cheeks. At a 45-degree angle and with your skin pulled tightly with your other hand, begin with downward strokes. Don’t rush. Take your time.

It’s important to do this at the right angle. The cheek is usually the first spot to be shaved because it’s a flat area, a great spot to practice your technique. Once you’ve got that down, you can move on to the other more angular areas. 

Lightly scrape the skin. This will remove the peach fuzz without cutting your skin. Once you start going, there is really no right order. Just take your time and be comfortable moving the blade over your skin. 

Areas that are to be shaved should be pulled taut to avoid the skin getting caught in the blade and injuring yourself. This is key! Make sure you keep your skin taut before running the blade over your skin.

Dermaplaning can be done on the cheeks, forehead, around the mouth, eyebrow area, temples, sideburns, and chin.

However, you should avoid the areas around the eyes and on the bridge of the nose because you can easily nick your skin in these areas. 

Most suggest scraping using a downward stroke with short movements. But if you’re not comfortable with that, you can choose a different direction. Regardless, keep the 45-degree angle, and make sure the skin is taut. 

As mentioned above, avoid areas on your face where you have an acne breakout. That will just worsen your breakout and it could also spread the blemishes all over your face.

It is best not to repeat the areas you’ve already exfoliated because you could cut yourself. 

Step 4: Use Your Skincare Products

After the dermaplaning procedure, you can a toner again to help thoroughly remove any debris that has been left behind. The toner can also prevent bacteria from spreading.

Some people just like to use a splash of water to clean their faces after the procedure. 

You should not forget to use your skincare products and take advantage of the condition your skin is currently in. In the process of removing the peach fuzz, you also remove some of the dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface of the skin.

This fresh, exfoliated skin is more capable of absorbing whatever products you want to use.

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Is At-Home Dermaplaning Safe?

Yes, dermaplaing at home is safe — or at least it’s no less safe than shaving with a razor is! The techniques and tools are a bit different, but the idea is the same. And we’re not talking about needing to know how to use a big long straight razor or anything — a dermaplaning tool is small and easy to control.

Although it can sound scary to use a blade to shave off your vellus hair, the process is actually painless and safe when done correctly. Of course, there are instances where dermaplaning can go wrong, just as shaving can go wrong as well.

How Do I Protect My Skin After Dermaplaning?

You should do your best to avoid UV exposure both before and after dermaplaning. Beyond that, there’s not a whole lot of maintenance you need to do after dermaplaning.

Professional vs Dermaplaning at Home

The process is pretty similar whether you go to a professional to have them dermaplane you, or you learn to do it yourself. Professionals will likely be faster, but when you add in the commuting time and cost, it’s often not worth it. However, some spas will add dermaplaning as an extra when combined with other cosmetic procedures. In these cases, it may be worth it to have the professional take care of your peach fuzz.

How Often Do You Dermaplane at Home?

Most people typically do dermaplaning or get dermaplaning done about once per month. After 3-4 weeks, the peach fuzz starts to grow back and be visible, and it’s time to pull out the dermaplaning tool once again.

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Final Thoughts

Dermaplaning is a simple procedure to make your skin look smoother. You can do it at home, just follow the four simple dermaplaning steps. Don’t forget to change your blade regularly. The hair will gradually grow back over the next couple of weeks after dermaplaning.

Don’t reuse your blade too many times. Eventually you could cause an infection in your skin.

If you’re in need of new blades, these are excellent.