In the past, face shaving was only limited to men. The myth that your hair grows back faster, thicker and darker sent women running in the opposite direction, opting for other (more painful) methods of facial hair removal. Thankfully, experts busted these myths and deemed face shaving, formally known as dermaplaning, as a safe and effective method, too. Here’s everything you need to know about the technique.
What is dermaplaning?
There are two versions of dermaplaning—in-clinic and at-home. The in-clinic cosmetic procedure is performed by a dermatologist or an aesthetician and uses a scalpel to gently exfoliate the top layer of your skin known as the epidermis—as well as any facial hair present. On the other hand, at-home dermaplaning involves using a clean facial razor (that looks like the scalpel a doctor would use) to gently remove the peach fuzz or facial hair that sits on the surface of your skin.
Are there any benefits of dermaplaning?
There are many reasons why women have started opting to shave their face, instead of going for alternatives. Besides being a less painful and time-consuming option to remove facial hair, dermaplaning also paves the way for healthy skin.
It removes peach fuzz: Dermaplaning helps remove any facial hair and peach fuzz that lies on the skin, if that’s what you’re looking for. This leaves the skin looking smoother, especially when you apply your base makeup.
It exfoliates the skin: The dermaplaning process not only removes peach fuzz, but it also gently sloughs off the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin.
It evens out skin tone: Since dermaplaning exfoliates the skin and removes facial hair, a brighter and more evened out texture is revealed.
It increases the absorption of skincare products: Without hair and dead skin cells, your skincare products can penetrate deeper into the skin, proving to be more efficient than before.
How to carry out at-home dermaplaning?
The prep
Step 1: Start by cleansing your skin thoroughly—you can even double cleanse to ensure that any makeup, dirt or grime residue is completely washed off.
Step 2: Once you’ve patted your skin dry, apply a thick layer of any moisturiser, gel or oil. Ensure that it doesn’t contain any active skincare ingredients. The idea behind applying this is to avoid friction between the razor blade and your skin. It prevents any sort of irritation, too. We recommend using aloe vera gel when doing so.
During
Step 3: Pull out a clean unused facial razor and gently place it at a 45-degree angle against your skin. Using short and very light-handed strokes, shave the hair in the direction of its growth and not against it. This will also prevent any in-grown hair from popping up. When you are dermaplaning, make sure to hold your skin taut so that the blade doesn’t tug or scratch the skin.
Keep a tissue handy to wipe the blade between each continuous stroke.
Post
Step 4: Once you are done shaving your entire face, rinse off the excess moisturiser or gel. Use a mild moisturiser after shaving to soothe the skin and prevent it from drying out.
Are there any dos and don’ts of dermaplaning?
Dos
- Always use a clean, sterilised razor when shaving your face.
- Moisturise your skin with a gentle and nourishing moisturiser after you’re done shaving.
- Skip active ingredients like retinols, vitamin C, salicylic or glycolic acid. Stick to your gentle moisturiser and nothing more.
Don’ts
- Don’t use the same razor as your body. Not all women’s razors are made equal—facial razors are specifically designed to be used on sensitive and delicate skin.
- Don't run the razor over broken or irritated skin, such as active acne breakouts. Avoid these areas to prevent further inflammation.
- Avoid shaving if you’ve got extremely sensitive skin, as this can aggravate inflammation.
- Don’t run the razor in the same area more than twice.
- Avoid exposing your face to harsh sunlight—always try to shave in the night, so that your skin can recover while you sleep. If you need to step out in the sun, apply a strong grade sunscreen to prevent the UV rays from causing skin damage.
Tira recommends:
Finishing Touch Flawless Dermaplane Glow Facial Hair Remover
Protouch Dermaplaning Facial Hair Removal Attachments
GUBB Face & Eyebrow Razor - 3 Foldable Facial Razors
VI-JOHN Feather Touch Multipurpose Women Razors
Bombae GlamUP Reusable & Painless Beauty Face Razor
