A Perfect Canvas: How Dermaplaning Prepares Your Skin for Makeup and More
It seems as if we are always on the lookout for the next best thing when it comes to skincare. And why shouldn’t we? Sun exposure, injury, acne, and makeup application all contribute to aged, worn-out skin. Yet, as we journey through our quest for perfect skin, we come across hundreds, if not thousands, of skincare techniques, products, and home remedies. While each of them has its own level of efficiency, there’s one very easy and very quick solution to giving you the best skin possible. We’re talking about dermaplaning!
Dermaplaning is the easiest way to effectively clear your skin while rejuvenating and replenishing it, all while being completely and totally natural. No chemicals, no creams, no serums. Working with our natural biological reaction, dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and more to force your skin to become smooth and look years younger. This is why dermaplaning is the perfect way to prepare your skin for just about anything you want to throw at it; makeup, sweat, oil production. Dermaplaning will prime your skin for the whole nine. But what is it and how does it work?
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is the name of a cosmetic procedure in which a razor is used to scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and impurities on the face. This “micro injury” reveals a new layer of clean and fresh skin with fewer wrinkles, acne scars, and dark spots. That may sound a bit scary, but it’s actually a harmless procedure. Let’s break down further.
How does dermaplaning work?
During the dermaplaning procedure, the dermatologist will utilize an exfoliating blade to clear away the top layer of your skin. This blade is held at a 45-degree angle and dragged over the surface of the skin. You can think of this as “shaving” the skin. As a matter of fact, that’s almost exactly what it feels like; being shaved. As the blade moves across the face, dead cells, scar tissue, oil buildup, and more are scraped off.
Once all of the messiness is removed, the layer of skin underneath appears. This layer has not been exposed to the same madness as the top layer and is, therefore, cleaner, less wrinkled, free of acne scars, and everything else that made the top layer appear uneven and damaged.
The act of scraping the skin also causes micro injury that prompts collagen and hyaluronic acid to flood the face. These two substances are key components in creating new and healthy skin. Collagen helps to give our skin its full and elastic feature while hyaluronic acid aids in keeping our skin moisturized and supple-looking. So not only does a new un-touched layer of skin appear after dermaplaning, but you get an extra boost of natural moisturizer and elasticity.
Is dermaplaning safe?
Dermaplaning is considered to be 100% safe. No preparation or downtime is necessary. Remember, only the top surface of the skin is being affected, so no harm or deep injury is being done. Patients typically do not feel any pain. Some may experience slight tingling during and after the procedure, but it’s as harmless as shaving. If you are sensitive to touch, your dermatologist may apply a numbing agent to the surface before beginning the procedure. Nonetheless, this is not required for most patients.
What should I expect?
Dermaplaning takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Since there is no prep necessary, after a short consultation, you’ll be lying back relaxed in a chair ready for the procedure. Your dermatologist may use a manual or electric blade to perform the procedure. They’ll use their tool to clear your skin and once it’s finished they will apply a cream-like substance (similar to aloe) onto the treated area to smooth and moisturize the skin.
Afterward, they will apply sunscreen as sun exposure (and sun damage) can undo the effect of the procedure. After it’s all said and done, you will probably notice that your skin already looks ten times brighter. You’ll practically be glowing. Some have experienced redness but it usually disappears within hours. Others may notice small whiteheads a couple of days after the procedure, but it’s not very common.
The full effects of dermaplaning will appear several days after the treatment when the new skin has fully appeared and the collagen/hyaluronic acid boosts have fully taken effect. Since this is about rejuvenating damaged skin, in about three weeks, the results will fade as that once new layer takes the brunt of regular skin damage. Not to worry, however. Simply return to your dermatologist and get another refreshing treatment.
Can I use makeup afterward?
You can absolutely use makeup after dermaplaning treatment. Dermaplaning is actually a good way to clear your skin enough to help makeup blend much better than before. With rough, uneven skin, getting foundation and highlighters to blend with your skin can be difficult. These products will simply sit on top of your dead cells, scars, and more. Treatment can also aid in creating cleaner sweat and little to no oil buildup in the first week or two of treatment. After dermaplaning, you’ll have a perfect canvas to do your thing. No impurities getting in the way of the perfect look.
If you want more information or wish to explore dermaplaning treatments, and are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, our experts at The Dermatology Group are ready to give you all of the advice, resources, and treatment options you need. Give us a call today!