How To Prepare for Dermaplaning
If you’re thinking about having your first dermaplaning treatment, there are a number of things you need to know prior to the appointment, such as how to prepare your skin, how to look after your skin after the appointment and how to make the effects of dermaplaning last longer.
But before we reel off our top tips for preparing your skin for dermaplaning, let’s take a deeper look at what it is exactly and why it’s beneficial for your skin.
What Is a Dermaplane Treatment?
A dermaplaning treatment is a cosmetic procedure that involves exfoliating the outermost layer of skin using a specialised scalpel. The treatment is carried out to achieve smoother, brighter skin and typically performed by trained practitioners, such as licensed aestheticians, dermatologists or medical professionals.
Why Dermaplaning Is Good for Your Skin
There are a number of benefits of dermaplaning, but the main reason why it’s good for your skin is that it reveals fresh, youthful skin underneath the layer of dead skin cells. The treatment can therefore give the skin a smoother texture, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and create an overall more even complexion.
Dermaplaning also removes any fine facial hair (also known as "peach fuzz") that may be present on your face.
Here's a 5 step guide for how to prepare for dermaplaning:
- Choose a qualified dermaplaning practitioner
- Go for a consultation
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid harsh skin care products & hair removal
- Cleanse & arrive makeup-free
1. Choose a Qualified Dermaplaning Practitioner
The first step in preparing your skin for dermaplaning is to do your research and choose a qualified dermaplaning practitioner to carry out the procedure for you.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best dermaplaning practitioner for you:
- Qualifications and training - Research the practitioner's qualifications and training by looking at their certifications and licences, for example, check to see if they have completed an accredited dermaplaning course.
- Testimonials - One of the best ways to determine how good a practitioner is, is to read past customer testimonials and see how they found their experience.
- Before and after pictures - Like any aesthetic procedure, it’s a good idea to see some before-and-after photos of previous clients who have undergone dermaplaning with the practitioner. This will give you an idea of the results you can expect.
- Avoid groupon-type discounts - Be weary of heavily discounted deals or promotions that seem too good to be true. Price generally represents quality, so if a treatment seems super cheap, chances are there’s a reason for it.
Can You Do Dermaplaning Yourself?
While it is possible to do dermaplaning yourself at home, it is generally recommended to have the procedure performed by a qualified professional.
This is because dermaplaning involves using a sharp scalpel or specialised tool, and performing it incorrectly or with the incorrect tools can lead to cuts, irritation and even infection, especially if you're not familiar with the proper technique.
The wrong dermaplaning technique might also result in scarring and hyperpigmentation, so it’s highly recommended that you only get it done by a dermaplaning professional who has been trained to minimise these risks.2. Go for a Consultation
Once you’ve chosen a qualified practitioner, it’s important that you book in a consultation prior to the treatment so that you can discuss any skin concerns, medical conditions, or medications you're currently taking. This discussion will help the practitioner identify if the treatment is suitable for your skin type and its current condition.
During this consultation, the practitioner will also talk through the dermaplaning process with you to ensure you fully understand what is involved, what to expect and advice on dermaplaning aftercare.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure
It's recommended to avoid excessive sun exposurefor a few days before the treatment, as sunburnt or newly tanned skin is going to be sensitive and might increase the risk of irritation during dermaplaning. Remember that dermaplaning involves manually exfoliating the skin's surface, so sensitive skin is going to be much more prone to irritation and redness during the procedure.
Also, after a dermaplaning treatment, your skin needs time to recover and heal. Sunburnt skin can however be more vulnerable to damage and may not respond well to the recommended aftercare.
4. Avoid Harsh Skin Care Products & Hair Removal
Another thing to avoid prior to your dermaplaning treatment is harsh exfoliating skincare products, like chemical peels or strong scrubs. Refrain from using these for at least a week before your dermaplaning session as they can make your skin more sensitive and therefore irritated.
In addition to harsh products, you should also avoid getting any hair removal treatments on your skin. For example, refrain from waxing, threading, or using depilatory creams on the areas you plan to have dermaplaning. This is because these hair removal methods can irritate the skin, and you want to give your skin the best possible chance to recover.
5. Cleanse & Arrive Makeup-Free
On the day of your treatment, make sure your skin is prepped and clean by doing a thorough cleanse your skin using a gentle cleanser. Make sure your skin is free of makeup, oils, and dirt to ensure the best possible results.
Don’t arrive at your treatment with a face full of makeup. If you wear makeup, your practitioner will need to remove it before beginning the procedure, as it can create a barrier between the skin and the dermaplaning tool. Having a clean makeup-free face also reduces the risk of introducing contaminants into the skin and causing potential infections.
It’s also important to note that, if you have areas of active acne, it's best to wait until they have healed before getting dermaplaning, as the treatment can irritate the skin and aggravate spots.
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of how to prepare for your dermaplaning appointment.
You Can Clinic is one of the UK's leading providers of aesthetic training courses and pharmaceutical supplies. Over 1000 individuals have progressed through our affordable programmes, which provide comprehensive coverage of all relevant aesthetic procedures. Available from beginner to advanced courses.
Do you see yourself in the cosmetic industry? Check out our articles on Botulinum Toxin, Weight Management and Dermaplaning Training Courses.
Written by Kate, for You Can Clinic.
Published on 08/21/2023
Updated on 01/30/2024
