Is Dermaplaning more effective than shaving? What’s better
Dermaplaning is the up and coming hair removal method- discover why it’s the perfect alternative to shaving.
When we think of face shaving, we usually think of the alcoholic smell of men’s aftershave and the feeling of scratchy cheeks. But getting rid of hair on your face to create a cleaner feel and brighter look is not something reserved only for men. Some women occasionally shave their faces to get rid of unwanted hair around the chin and upper lip areas. Shaving cuts the hair close to the skin but leaves behind the root that will cause the strand to grow back out over time. Though shaving is useful for short periods, there are easier ways to achieve a smooth, hairless face that’ll last way longer than shaving. Dermaplaning is a monthly hair-removal option many women utilise to create cleaner, smoother-looking skin on their face.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a type of physical exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells and hair for a closer, smoother shave than a razor could offer. The sharp blade used for dermaplaning also removes soft, short hairs — often referred to as “peach fuzz” — from your face.
Benefits of dermaplaning include:
- Softer, hairless skin
- Brighter and more even-toned texture
- Less visible acne scars and wrinkles
Dermaplaning will work for all skin types and is done in a doctor’s office by a licensed esthetician. You might be tempted, but you wouldn’t want to try this method at home because it involves using a surgical, razor-sharp scalpel.
The esthetician uses the scalpel to scrape your face’s surface to remove small hairs and dead skin. The sharp, sterile blade is held at a 45-degree angle and dragged across your face, which is held taut throughout the process. The blade collects hair, dead skin, scar tissue, and dirt and oil buildup on your face to create a smoother surface.
The closeness of the shave exfoliates the top layer of your face in a way that face wash and other exfoliants never could.
Removing the harsh toxins and dead cells your skin sees every day is like removing your skin’s top layer. What you’ll find underneath is a brighter, fresher, and smoother version of your face.
Dermaplaning vs. Shaving
If you think that this renewed version of your skin could be possible with a sharp razor and good shaving cream, I’m here to tell you that it’s not.
Simply put, shaving does not get as close to the skin as dermaplaning can. Your skin will still feel fresh and clean after a good shave, but the razor cannot pick up the dead skin and dirt buildup that a scalpel will trap when used correctly.
Shaving alone does not exfoliate your face in the way dermaplaning can. The shaving process often involves a pre-exfoliation method to open your pores before dragging the razor across your face. Shaving when your pores are closed usually leads to irritated skin and ingrown hairs.
When you are done shaving, you rinse with cold water and apply a moisturising aftershave balm. Your skin will feel softer to the touch and may look cleaner, but the results will only last a few days at best.
Dermaplaning your skin involves such a deep exfoliation that the results generally last for three to four weeks. The single blade scalpel comes so close to your skin that it can remove the dirt in your pores and the peach fuzz on your upper lip with ease.
Because skin often fluctuates with the weather and the environment, shaving can mean you don’t always get the same results. However, dermaplaning always results in a smoother-looking texture on your face.
The removal of clogged dirt and scar tissue is what evens out your skin’s texture, making your face look more evenly toned. The lack of dirt and oil on your face after a dermaplaning procedure gives your skin the bright quality that is hard to achieve with other methods.
While shaving is a good choice for someone looking to get rid of a few noticeable facial hairs, dermaplaning is a better choice for women looking to deeply clean their face and uncover a brighter, hairless texture.
What to know before Dermaplaning
It sounds scary, but the action of dermaplaning your face is totally pain-free! At worst, you may feel a slight tingle during the procedure.
Since dermaplaning exfoliates the skin so deeply, you should discontinue all exfoliants and other hair-removing techniques for about a week leading up to your appointment. Dermaplaning can range from around £30 to £60 per appointment (£45 to £85 in London), but those sessions should be spaced out by about a month each time.
Licensed estheticians prepare the skin with rubbing alcohol before beginning the hair removal process. The alcohol cleans the skin, so no dirt or oil is trapped in your pores or on the sterile blade.
The provider will hold your skin tight while dragging the blade across your skin at a 45-degree angle. The blade is scraping the top layer of your face to remove the toxins, bacteria, and other debris you are exposed to daily. The entire process takes about 20-30 minutes and does not require recovery time.
When the dermaplaning is complete, your skin will be so thirsty — it has probably never been so exfoliated in your life!
The provider will apply a moisturiser or hydrating serum, which you should continue to use over the coming days.
Avoid significant sun exposure for the following days by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen. Your skin will be sensitive following the procedure, but you can still wear makeup and use your regular products.
In fact, your foundation will likely go on smoother and easier after dermaplaning because your skin’s texture is free of bumps and ridges. Continue to steer free from exfoliating products, and remember to moisturise your face after washing off your makeup each night!
Final verdict
Though dermaplaning is not a permanent fix for facial skin issues, it will help deep clean your skin to make it healthier overall. Though the hairs will grow back eventually, they won’t grow back any thicker or darker than before.
Dermaplaning once a month can make considerable differences in your skincare regimen. After just one pain-free session, you can see that your skin is noticeably more even, softer and hairless.
Trying it once is the only way to know if this method will work for you to achieve brighter, better-looking skin!
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