Dermaplaning: benefits, aftercare and who it suits

If you’ve ever wished your skin felt smoother or your foundation sat more evenly, dermaplaning could be the treatment for you. It’s simple, relaxing and leaves skin looking instantly brighter, which is why so many of our clients book it before a big event.

Here’s what dermaplaning involves, the benefits, who it suits and how to look after your skin afterwards.

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a form of manual exfoliation. Your therapist uses a sterile blade, held at a careful angle, to gently glide across the skin. This lifts away the build-up of dead skin cells on the surface, along with the fine, fluffy facial hair often called peach fuzz.

It sounds more dramatic than it feels. Most people find dermaplaning comfortable and calming, with no stinging or heat. At Believe in Beautiful, Dermaplaning is a 60-minute treatment and costs $275.

The benefits of dermaplaning

• Smoother skin. Removing dead cells leaves the surface feeling noticeably softer.
• A brighter look. A layer of dead skin can make your complexion look dull. Once it’s gone, skin reflects light more evenly.
• Better makeup application. Without peach fuzz and dry patches, foundation and powder glide on and sit more smoothly.
• Skincare that feels more effective. With less build-up in the way, your serums and moisturiser can sit closer to the skin.
• Acid-free exfoliation. As a manual exfoliation, it can be a good option if you prefer to avoid acids or want a change from peels.

What happens at your appointment

Your treatment starts with a chat about your skin, your current routine and any medications you take. Your therapist then cleanses your skin thoroughly and makes sure it’s dry before starting.

Holding the skin taut with one hand, your therapist uses short, light strokes with the sterile blade, working methodically across the face. You might hear a soft scraping sound, but there’s no pain. Once the dead skin and peach fuzz have been removed, your therapist finishes with soothing, hydrating products and sun protection. You’ll leave with skin that looks fresh and feels beautifully soft, and you can head straight back to your day.

Will my hair grow back thicker?

This is the question we’re asked most, and the answer is no. Hair removed during dermaplaning grows back the same as before, not thicker, darker or coarser. The fine facial hair simply regrows over time in the same way it always has.

Who dermaplaning suits, and who should wait

Dermaplaning suits many skin types, especially if your skin looks dull, feels rough, has dry, flaky patches or you’d like makeup to sit more smoothly. It’s also a lovely pre-event treatment.

It isn’t done over active breakouts. If your skin is currently breaking out, your therapist will suggest calming it first with treatments better suited to congested skin, such as LED or the Oily Skin Peel. You can read more about these on our acne concern page.

Before your appointment, let us know if you use retinol, retinoids or exfoliating acids, take medication such as isotretinoin, or are pregnant. Your therapist will check that dermaplaning is right for you and adjust your plan if needed. If you’re unsure, book a free 20-minute Advanced Skin Consultation first.

Dermaplaning aftercare

Your freshly exfoliated skin will look smooth and glowing, and a little care helps keep it that way:

• Skip makeup for 12 hours.
• Avoid heat, the gym and the sauna for 24 to 48 hours.
• Pause retinol and exfoliating acids for 3 to 5 days.
• Wear SPF 50+ every day. Newly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to the sun.
• Keep your routine gentle and hydrating while your skin settles.

For hydration, the Barrier Hydration Complex ($99) or Pure Hydration Concentrate Serum ($99) from Australian Skin Institute are lovely follow-ups. Once your skin has settled, the AHA Power Exfoliant ($59) helps maintain the smoothness between appointments.

Dermaplaning before an event

Because dermaplaning leaves skin smooth and helps makeup go on beautifully, it’s a favourite before weddings, birthdays, photo shoots and formals. Talk to your therapist about the best timing, especially if you’re planning other treatments in the lead-up. For an extra boost of glow, you could also pair it with a Hydro Jelly mask on another visit, which is designed for hydration, dullness and pre-event radiance.

Make dermaplaning part of a program. Dermaplaning is included in our Clarity & Refinement Program, $860 (valued at $1,080, so you save $220). Over 6 months, you’ll have 2 x LED, 1 x Dermaplaning and 2 x Peels, plus an AHA Power Exfoliant to use at home. It’s designed for more visible correction. If you prefer regular monthly care, our Skin Clubs start from $135 a month, with 20% to 25% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail for members. See all the options on our memberships page.

Love dermaplaning on its own? Buy 4 of the same service and save 15%, or buy 6 and save 20%, prepaid and valid for 6 months. Details are on our offers page.

Ready to book? Book your dermaplaning online or choose from our six Brisbane clinics.