Raise Your Razor

It’s no secret, spa-goers will go to great lengths to preserve their youthful appearance or regain it. The latest craze seems to be a DIY version of dermaplaning, which is essentially shaving. Men do it daily, and that regular exfoliation may contribute to fewer wrinkles and entice women to add it to their routines. The thought of ladies (though Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe are rumored to have been aficionados) shaving their faces regularly still sounds a bit extreme to me, so I turned to Courtney La Marine, licensed esthetician and owner of Clove Studios (Denver), to get her thoughts on dermaplaning and the trendy at-home variation. I received a lovely professional dermaplaning service from La Marine to prep my skin for my wedding day and saw the value in the in-spa treatment firsthand (and in my glowing photos).

What does dermaplaning do for the skin?

Dermaplaning is unique blend of a manual exfoliation of the skin and hair removal. It stimulates cellular turnover, very similar to Microdermabrasion. While simultaneously removing the vellus hair (peach fuzz) we all have on our face. It leaves the skin smooth, radiant and refreshed. It can also increase the efficacy and penetration of topical ingredients. Some say dermaplaning is the best-kept secret of super models.

 

What are the risks of in-spa dermaplaning?

The risks are minimal as long as the spa you are receiving your treatment at has taken the proper course to perform dermaplaning. Proper certification requirements vary from state to state. Education involves theory, as well as hands on instruction.

 

Do you think a woman shaving offers a similar skin improving treatment?

It can mimic the effect of an in spa dermaplane and can be effective in between professional treatments. As professionals, we are trained to use a type of blade that removes a deeper layer than the over the counter blade, resulting in a deeper exfoliation of the skin.

 

What are the risks of women doing their own DIY dermaplaning?

The risks of dermaplaning at home can include, cutting the skin and causing an unnecessary scar and uneven removal of facial hair. As a professional we are trained to pull the skin tight while performing dermaplaning, to ensure the blade glides smoothly over the skin. This allows for an even, close removal of hair and the top layer of skin. Using the proper products to prepare the skin for the dermaplane is essential as well. Some of the recommended products may not be available for at-home use.

 

What are safer DIY alternatives that have a similar effect?

There are many products on the market today that offer similar effects to an in spa dermaplane. Researching what works for your lifestyle and budget will give a better idea of what may work. Facial and eyebrow razors are often used to dermaplane at home, but the effects will be different than receiving a professional treatment. DIY Dermaplaing can be good if you’re in need of a quick treatment and can't get to the spa. Just be sure to take your time and use the appropriate pressure.

 

For more on the benefits of dermaplaning and other skin-resurfacing treatments, check out Fresh Face.