A detailed guide to: Dermaplaning for acne
What is dermaplaning?
A beauty treatment inadvertently popularized as a ‘trend’ by celebrities and influencers globally, is dermaplaning. It’s an effective treatment that leaves skin softer and smoother while also providing a deep exfoliation. Acne, one of the most common skin conditions in the United States—affecting up to 50 million Americans annually according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association—can be treated with consistent sessions of dermaplaning.
How does it work to treat acne?
Dermaplaning is done by a dermatologist or licensed medical aesthetician who gently scrapes the surface of the skin with a surgical scalpel. This removes the build-up of dead skin cells and fine hair, or ‘peach fuzz’, helping to treat acne and reducing acne scars over time. Dermaplaning takes off most of the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, regulating certain growth factors. This stimulates collagen production that, in turn, plumps skin and smoothens wrinkles. Dermaplaning has proven to be one of the best beauty treatments to help with persistent acne issues and textured skin.
What are the benefits of dermaplaning for acne?
Smoother skin
The results can vary from person to person, but realistically, you can expect to see smoother skin that also feels baby soft, has zero peach fuzz and a slightly brighter complexion. This is important for acne because it helps to even out the texture of the skin—which can be bumpy from acne—while also lightening past scarring. When treating acne, dermaplaning removes the layer of dead skin cells that sit on top of the skin.
Better product absorption
When you suffer from acne, potent ingredients and formulations are key to managing it. When you have dead skin cells on your face, products cannot be absorbed as easily, if at all. When they are removed, skincare products will penetrate into the skin more effectively. Dermaplaning is much gentler on the skin, compared to topical exfoliators or scrubs, which can cause additional irritation and redness on top of acne.
Unclogs pores and hair follicles
When your skin has a buildup of dead skin cells, it can clog your pores and hair follicles, leading to increased breakouts. Moreover, acne-causing bacteria thrives on dead-skin cells. With increased sustenance, it is easier for acne lesions to form. Deep exfoliation has the dual benefit of limiting the number of dead-skin cells on the skin and decreasing the amount of time they remain, which helps to control sebum production. By stimulating skin-cell regeneration, exfoliation gets completely rid of the acne-causing bacteria.
Reduces inflammation
Our facial skin is exposed to irritants and harsh substances on a daily basis. This inevitably leads to inflammation and flare-ups. Not only does this contribute to acne, but over time, the dead skin buildup can overwhelm the dermis, causing the skin to appear worn out and aged. Once again, deep exfoliation by a licensed professional enables removal of dead skin cells, scar tissue and debris that clogs pores. It also helps with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which, if not treated, results in an uneven, textured complexion.
Myths about dermaplaning for acne
Hair will grow back thicker
Contrary to popular belief, dermaplaning for acne will not make your hair grow back thicker or darker. Once your hair begins to grow back, it may feel different because the hair was cut straight across revealing a blunt edge, but it is actually the same texture as it was before.
Dermaplaning is painful
Dermaplaning is one of the least painful hair removal methods. Dermaplaning could be a treatment option for sensitive skin types as well since there are no harsh chemicals involved and it is a completely non-abrasive process as opposed to exfoliating with harsh scrubs or alpha hydroxy acids, which can irritate the skin.
The aftercare
After a dermaplaning treatment, it is recommended that you use a rich hyaluronic acid mask, vitamin C serum, retinol or moisturizing cream to help repair skin and keep it hydrated. It is best to avoid direct exposure to sun and extreme heat for at least 3-4 days post treatment. as your skin is still healing and sensitive. Thereafter, a high factor sunscreen (SPF 30+) is recommended for protection against skin cancer. It is important to follow a simple skin care routine. Use a mild and gentle cleanser and avoid using any harsh exfoliators post treatment. Using any kind of make-up immediately after the treatment is not recommended. The skin barrier is more vulnerable so it is best to allow the skin to breathe and settle down before applying any kind of makeup. Lastly, it is highly recommended to avoid any other facial treatments, derma fillers or Botox for at least two weeks after dermaplaning.
The conclusion
Given the multiple benefits that dermaplaning has on acne; it’s an ideal solution for keeping breakouts at bay. Do keep in mind that while it is possible to do the treatment at home, it is not recommended, as only a professional will be able to conduct it in a safe and thorough manner.
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