Dermaplaning Side Effects: What to Know

Dermaplaning is a popular cosmetic treatment, but what about dermaplaning side effects? The good news is that this exfoliating procedure is low-risk, but a curiosity about potential side effects is only natural. 

What is dermaplaning?

If you’re here, you more than likely at least know what dermaplaning is, but let’s quickly explain. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating procedure with a straight-edge blade. The microblade skims and scrapes old particles and pollutants off your face, ditching those dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of fine lines and sun spots. It may sound a bit painful, but it’s really not: dermaplaning is beloved because it’s both painless and non-invasive. 

But that’s not all dermaplaning does! By removing old skin cells and exposing the freshest layer of your skin, dermaplaning allows products and laser therapies like our Laser Genesis Facial to penetrate the skin more easily. As a result, skin will be brighter and smoother virtually immediately after. 

During a dermaplaning treatment at Skin Spa, qualified aestheticians begin by soothing your skin with a cleansing and moisturizing serum, then scraping a microblade tool at a 45-degree angle across your skin. This is followed by another soothing balm to hydrate your skin. 

Dermaplaning can be performed alone as well as in combination with other targeted treatments and best serves dull skin, uneven skin tone, and the removal of peach fuzz. 

What are dermaplaning side effects?

According to Healthline, dermaplaning side effects are truly minimal. The most minor dermaplaning side effects include slight facial redness about two hours after the procedure and whiteheads developed one or two days after dermaplaning. Side effects in general do tend to be mild as well. 

Another potential side effect is the appearance of a patchy skin pigment in the area where the treatment was done. This may decrease and entirely disappear over time.

The more serious dermaplaning side effects include infection and scarring, but these are quite rare. If a scar develops, it can typically be treated with a steroid injection by your doctor. 

Generally speaking though, dermaplaning side effects are both mild and uncommon beyond redness. 

Anything else to keep in mind about dermaplaning? 

A few things are important to remember when it comes to dermaplaning, side effects or not! First, although dermaplaning is both safe and effective for a wide variety of skin conditions, you should avoid it if you’re currently on retinoid medications. They may cause irritation and discomfort during dermaplaning – no one wants that during what should be a relaxing experience! 

If you’ve recently gone tanning or used exfoliating scrubs, you should also wait at least three to four days before your next dermaplaning treatment. 

On a similar note, you should be extra careful to apply sunscreen to your face after your dermaplaning treatment since it will be extra sensitive. Plus, you’ll want to avoid exposing those new skin layers to UV damage immediately post-treatment. Consider adding a new step to your skincare routine with a product like the Thom Elzner Total Defense, which contains a revolutionary combination of HydroTech Complex botanicals that protect your skin against sun damage and pollution. Keep those new layers of skin as fresh as you can for as long as you can! 

Whether you’re new to the world of medi-spas or a seasoned veteran of skincare procedures, dermaplaning side effects are a natural curiosity. Luckily, they’re both mild and rare, the ideal type of side effects! If you’re in New York or Boston, check out your local Skin Spa to schedule your next dermaplaning treatment!