Dermaplaning – A skin resurfacing treatment that removes unwanted hair and thoroughly exfoliates the skin

Dermaplaning is a treatment that involves using an extra sharp and precise razor to remove all unwanted facial hair, as well as the dead skin cells that cause a dull complexion. 

Dermaplaning is a safe and quick procedure that does not require any significant preparation or recovery time. 

The experienced practitioners at Water and Leaf Skincare have been effectively performing dermaplaning treatments for over 5 years with beautiful results.  

Dermaplaning at Water and Leaf Skincare

Dermaplaning, sometimes also referred to as blading or microplanning, is a skin resurfacing treatment that removes unwanted hair and thoroughly exfoliates the skin. 

Dermaplaning uses a surgical blade or scalpel to essentially shave the surface of your skin. This will not only get rid of any unsightly hair on your face, but will also remove old, dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, younger looking skin underneath.    

Our dermaplaning tools

At Water and Leaf Skincare, we use a surgical 10 blade attached to a metal handle for our dermaplaning treatments. This blade is one of the most used tools for dermaplaning.  The 10 blade has an ideal sharpness and slightly curved shape to allow for precise removal of fine vellus hairs and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.  

Benefits of Dermaplaning 

While like shaving, dermaplaning offers a variety of additional benefits that at home razors cannot achieve. Dermaplaning can:

  • Remove all unwanted hair, including fine vellus hairs (also known as ‘peach fuzz’)

  • Help reduce dirt and oil build up that can occur in the hair follicles

  • Even out skin tone and texture

  • Fade acne scars and other superficial scarring

  • Rejuvenate and brighten skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells

  • Allow for better absorption of skin care products  

  • Aids in achieving a more even exfoliation in the treatment room

What to Expect During Your Dermaplaning Treatment

One dermaplaning treatment will take approximately 30 minutes. 

First, the esthetician will cleanse your skin to remove any skincare or makeup from your skin.  Next, a solution will be applied to remove any excess oils to ensure the skin is clear of any debris.  Following the solution, a light oil may be applied to allow for the blade to glide across the skin.  After prepping the skin, a sterilized surgical 10 blade (disposable and used only one time) and gently scrape the topmost layer of skin, keeping the blade at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The esthetician will shave against the grain of the hair, using short, gentle strokes until they have removed all dead skin and excess hair. 

Immediately following the removal process, an enzyme or peel will be applied, depending on the needs of your skin and the goals set forth.  A soothing mask is applied at the end of your service to hydrate your skin followed by finishing products.

Dermaplaning FAQs

What is the difference between dermaplaning and shaving? 

Although the basic principle of dermaplaning is very similar to shaving, dermaplaning uses a sharper and more precise tool. It not only removes unwanted facial hair with better accuracy than shaving, but it also provides significantly better exfoliating and rejuvenating effects.   

Are there any side effects?

The risk of seeing any side effects after dermaplaning is low, but there is a chance you may experience:

  • Facial redness immediately following the treatment (this should fade within a few days)

  • Whiteheads appearing within a few days of the treatment (which should also disappear quickly) 

  • Some changes in skin pigmentation 

  • Minor skin infections

While these side effects are possible, most are due to the ignorance of unlicensed or inexperienced estheticians. At Water and Leaf Skincare, we always provide clean equipment, gentle and precise technique, as well as patient screening to make sure this treatment is right for you. 

Who should avoid dermaplaning?

If you currently suffer from acne or have other active lesions on the face (like cold sores), dermaplaning is not for you. Dermaplaning can irritate and worsen active acne conditions and may even lead to infection. You should also avoid dermaplaning if you have:

  • Eczema 

  • Rosacea

  • A current or recent sunburn 

These conditions increase the sensitivity of your skin, leaving it more susceptible to tearing or injury, and they can make the treatment somewhat painful. 

Does dermaplaning hurt? 

No, a dermaplaning treatment should not hurt. 

While some clients have reported experiencing a slight tingling sensation, this is one of the least painful hair-removal treatments; it is significantly less painful than waxing or threading.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular way to rejuvenate textured, pigmented, dull or aging skin. They contain gentle acids that exfoliate dead skin cells on the face, neck and body, resulting in smoother, younger looking skin.

What are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the face or other areas of the body to remove the damaged outer layer of skin. A peel can address cosmetic issues such as, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles

During your procedure, your esthetician will cleanse the area being treated and apply a layer or multiple layers of the chemical solution to your skin. Most patients experience a slight warming or stinging sensation during the treatment.

Benefits

A chemical peel can treat multiple skin conditions simultaneously, making it an excellent option for clients looking to revitalize their skin in more ways than one. 

Benefits include:

  • Brightened skin

  • Diminished acne scars

  • Improved skin texture and skin tone

  • Lightened pigmentation

  • Reduced fine lines and wrinkles

Light Chemical Peels

Different types of chemical peels are available to address cosmetic concerns. Peels vary in terms of ingredients, strength, depth of penetration and downtime. At Water and Leaf Skincare, we are only authorized under Maryland State Law to use light peels to rejuvenate the skin.  A dermatology office can administer stronger peels that will penetrate deeper into the skin and will most likely cause redness and peeling for several days following the treatment.

Light peels remove only the outermost layer of the epidermis with some combination of salicylic, lactic, mandelic or glycolic acid. A light peel offers microscopic peeling, and with most people you don’t even notice that your skin cells are being erased.  Light peels do not have any downtime, and you can resume your normal activities, with the exception of exercising, sweating, sauna’s, steam rooms, swimming, lying in the sun, attending a   Light peels are gentle enough to be repeated on a monthly basis and most clients incorporate them within the facial.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Chemical peels are a great option for men and women of all ages and skin types looking to improve their skin texture, skin tone and overall appearance. 

  • Ideal candidates want to improve:

  • Acne scars

  • Age spots

  • Blemishes

  • Clogged pores

  • Discoloration 

  • Fine lines

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Melasma

  • Sun damage

  • Wrinkles

Chemical peel treatments are considered safe for most people. However, they’re not recommended for clients who:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Have excess or loose skin 

You must wait 6 months after taking Accutane and at least a week after using retinoids to be eligible for a chemical peel.

FAQs

Are chemical peels safe?

Yes, chemical peels are a very safe procedure. Because your safety is of the utmost importance to us, we offer medical grade and FDA-approved chemical peels we trust to provide excellent results. 

How do I prepare for a chemical peel?

Different types of chemical peel treatments require different preparations. Your esthetician will provide you with specific instructions to follow. In general, avoid exfoliating and sun exposure for at least a week prior to your appointment. 

Often, you may be asked to use a product to suppress melanin two weeks prior.  If you have a darker skin tone, it is strongly suggested to start using a melanin inhibitor to prevent any chances of hyperpigmentation. 

How do I take care of my skin after a chemical peel?

Generally, you should keep the skin moisturized with fragrance-free products. Do not pick at flaking skin or scarring may occur. Avoid sun exposure, exfoliants and retinoids a couple of weeks, and wear sunscreen diligently. Continuing to include sunscreen in your daily skincare routine will prolong your results.

How many chemical peels will I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer–it depends on your skin’s needs and the peel you choose. Light chemical peel treatments can be repeated every two weeks.  As you work with your esthetician, you may decide to incorporate a peel at each visit.