What Is Dermaplaning? Benefits, Results & What to Expect
The gentle exfoliating facial that leaves skin smooth, bright and makeup-ready — how it works, who it suits, and the myths to ignore.
By Oksana, Lead Lash Artist · Updated June 2026 · 6 min read
Written by the Luxury Lashes team and reviewed by Oksana, our studio owner and lead lash artist, drawing on years of hands-on experience serving clients in Federal Way, WA.
If you have ever wished for smoother, brighter skin and flawless makeup application, dermaplaning might be the treatment you have been looking for.
It is one of the most popular exfoliating facials — gentle, painless, and with zero downtime. But what actually happens during dermaplaning, and is it right for your skin? Let’s clear it up.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile, surgical-grade blade held at an angle to gently sweep away dead skin cells and fine “peach fuzz” (vellus hair) from the surface of your skin.
The result is an immediately smoother, brighter complexion. By removing that top layer of dull, dead skin, dermaplaning also helps your skincare absorb better and your makeup glide on flawlessly.
It is non-invasive, painless, and suitable for most skin types — which is exactly why it has become a salon favourite.
The benefits of dermaplaning
For such a gentle treatment, dermaplaning delivers a lot. Clients love it because it:
- Instantly smooths texture and reveals brighter skin
- Removes soft peach fuzz that can trap oil and makeup
- Helps serums and moisturisers penetrate more effectively
- Creates a flawless, poreless-looking base for makeup
- Softens the look of fine lines and dull patches
- Has no downtime — you leave glowing and ready to go
It pairs beautifully with a regular facial routine for cumulative, glow-boosting results.
Does the hair grow back thicker? (The big myth)
This is the number-one worry we hear — and the answer is a clear no. Dermaplaning removes fine vellus hair at the surface, and it grows back exactly as it was before.
Shaving or dermaplaning does not change the thickness, colour, or rate of your hair growth. That myth comes from the blunt feel of a regrowing hair tip, not any real change.
So you can enjoy the smooth, fuzz-free finish with complete peace of mind.
What to expect during treatment
A dermaplaning session is quick and relaxing, usually around 30 to 45 minutes:
- Your skin is cleansed and thoroughly dried.
- Your therapist gently glides the blade across the skin in light strokes.
- A soothing serum, mask, or moisturiser is applied afterwards.
- SPF is recommended, as fresh skin is more sensitive to the sun.
There is no redness or recovery time for most people, so it is a perfect “lunchtime” treat before an event.
You will notice the difference immediately — skin feels velvety-smooth and looks instantly brighter the moment the treatment is done. Makeup applied afterwards sits flawlessly, and skincare absorbs more deeply, so the glow tends to build over the next day or two rather than fading. Many clients time a session a day or two before a wedding, photoshoot, or special occasion for exactly this reason.
Who is dermaplaning for — and who should wait?
Dermaplaning suits most skin types, and it is especially popular with anyone wanting smoother makeup application or a quick glow boost. It is also great for dry or dull skin.
It is not recommended if you have active, inflamed acne, very sensitive or reactive skin, or certain skin conditions, as it can aggravate them. A good therapist will always assess your skin first and recommend the best treatment for you.
If you are unsure, a quick consultation as part of our skin treatment menu will point you in the right direction.
Aftercare for lasting glow
Aftercare is simple but worth following. Because dermaplaning reveals fresh skin, protect it by wearing daily SPF, skipping harsh exfoliants for a few days, and keeping skin well hydrated.
Good everyday skin habits make the results last longer, too. The American Academy of Dermatology offers reliable, dermatologist-backed advice on gentle daily skin care that complements professional treatments.
The bottom line
Dermaplaning is a gentle, painless exfoliating facial that removes dead skin and peach fuzz for instantly smoother, brighter, makeup-ready skin — with no downtime and no effect on how your hair grows back.
Curious whether it is right for your skin? Pair it with our tips on how to get glowing skin, then book a consultation at our Federal Way studio.
Dermaplaning vs other exfoliating treatments
Dermaplaning is just one way to exfoliate, and it is worth knowing how it compares so you can choose the right treatment for your skin and goals.
Unlike chemical exfoliants or peels, which use acids to dissolve dead skin, dermaplaning is purely physical — it manually lifts away dead cells and peach fuzz, with the bonus of removing fine hair that other methods leave behind.
It is gentler and more immediate than many peels, with no flaking or downtime, which makes it ideal before an event or alongside a regular facial.
For the most radiant results, many clients alternate dermaplaning with other skin treatments over time, letting each address a different need. Your therapist can map out a simple plan that suits your skin.
Building dermaplaning into your skin routine
Dermaplaning is most rewarding when it is part of a consistent skin-care rhythm rather than a one-off. Spacing sessions roughly every three to four weeks lines up with your skin’s natural renewal cycle.
In between, keep your routine simple and supportive: gentle cleansing, daily moisturiser, and — crucially — daily SPF, since freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to the sun.
You can layer dermaplaning with other treatments over time for a bigger glow. Many clients combine it with facials or follow our tips on getting glowing skin for cumulative results.
The pay-off is skin that not only looks brighter but also makes better use of every serum and moisturiser you apply, because the products are no longer sitting on a layer of dead cells.
Pre-treatment tips for the best results
A little preparation helps you get the smoothest, glowiest result from your dermaplaning session. None of it is complicated.
In the days before, avoid harsh active ingredients like strong retinoids or acids, which can leave skin too sensitive, and skip other exfoliating treatments so your skin is calm and not over-worked.
Arrive with clean, product-free skin if you can, and let your therapist know about any sensitivities, breakouts, or recent treatments — much as you would when you prep your skin for laser hair removal.
Afterwards, the golden rule is sun protection. Fresh, newly revealed skin loves daily SPF, which also protects all that lovely brightness you have just uncovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dermaplaning?
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
Is dermaplaning safe?
How often should you get dermaplaning?
Does dermaplaning hurt?
About the Author — Oksana
Oksana is the owner and lead lash artist at Luxury Lashes, a premium beauty studio in Federal Way, WA. She and her team specialize in eyelash extensions, lash lifts, brows, skin, body and nail services, and are committed to safe technique, premium products, and results clients love. Learn more about our studio and team.
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