Dermaplaning

Every thirty days the skin undergoes a natural regeneration phase. When this happens, the upper layers of skin cells shed off. Routine, at-home exfoliation often removes much of this dead skin to prevent dry patches and clogged pores. Dead skin can build up, however, which can lead to many problems including acne and dry skin. This can also cause the skin to look dull. Professional exfoliation treatments can remove dead skin and resurface the skin for healthier, glowing skin. Dermaplaning is among one of the many esthetic services that can remove dead skin. The master estheticians at Northwest Face & Body offer the best dermaplaning Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Overview: What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation treatment that uses a surgical blade to remove dead skin and vellus hair. The treatment usually takes less than an hour and is an option for every skin type and tone.

Unlike chemical peels and other forms of exfoliation, dermaplaning does go beyond the surface of the skin. It simply removes the dead skin on the top layer of skin to free up pores. This can result in subsequent chemical peels or facials penetrating deeper.

Dermaplaning also removes vellus hair. Vellus hair, more commonly known as peach fuzz, can harbor acne causing bacteria and hinder makeup application. While dermaplaning does not permanently remove hair, it is often a pleasant outcome of the procedure.

How It Works

A good at-home skincare routine will remove some of the dead skin naturally shed off every month. Inevitably, dead skin will work its way into the pores and some may stay on the skin. Long term this can result in patches of dry skin, acne, and an uneven skin tone. Our master estheticians recommend a deeper exfoliation treatment at least once a month to clear away this stubborn dead skin.

Dermaplaning uses a surgical scalpel to physically exfoliate the skin. Physical exfoliation uses an instrument or product to remove dead skin and impurities on the skin. In the case of dermaplaning, a master esthetician will gently run the blade across the top layer of skin. This gently removes dead skin and vellus hair. The treatment can then unclog pores and patients may see a healthy glow appear immediately.

Benefits

Dermaplaning comes with many benefits. It is a simple, straightforward treatment with little risk. A few of the benefits and advantages of dermaplaning include:

• Removes dead skin from the surface of the skin
• Provides a “dermaplane glow”
• Improves skin tone
• Can contribute to acne reduction
• Removes peach fuzz
• May reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles
• Non-invasive
• Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin
• Quick, usually completed in under an hour
• Painless
• No downtime or recovery required
• Makeup goes on smoother
• Allows skincare products penetrate deeper and be more effective
• Promotes lymphatic drainage
• Can increase blood circulation
• Less expensive than other professional exfoliation treatments

Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation

Exfoliation treatments exist in two categories: physical and chemical. Some exfoliants may consist of both types. Dermaplaning belongs to the physical exfoliation categories, but examples of other physical exfoliants include brushes, sponges, sand, coffee grounds, and salt.

It is important when using scrubs with physical exfoliants not to scrub the skin too hard. This can damage the skin. Additionally, some substances used for physical exfoliation may have no skin benefits. Therefore, physical exfoliation is best performed by a master esthetician.

Chemical exfoliation uses acids or other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin. This causes the outer layers of skin to shed and reveal brand new layers of skin beneath. Many cleansers contain light exfoliants to maintain skin quality. In professional skincare, a chemical peel encompasses the most popular chemical exfoliation treatment. A few examples of the chemicals used for exfoliating are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, and phenol.

Which Is Best?

A master esthetician can determine the best type of exfoliation for your skin and goals. A combination of both often yields ideal results. People with darker skin tones will have less risk of hyperpigmentation with physical exfoliation methods. Others may gravitate toward chemical peels because they penetrate deeper into the skin.

Dermaplaning can prepare the skin for chemical peels or facials which can exfoliate deeper for longer lasting results. No type of exfoliation is definitively better, though some skin may react better to one than the other.

Dermaplaning Before And After

Consultation And Preparation

Before Bellevue dermaplaning, you will attend a consultation with a master esthetician at Northwest Face & Body. At this appointment, your master esthetician will review your skin goals and medical history. They may also physically examine your skin. Considering these factors, your master esthetician will determine if you are a good candidate for dermaplaning. They will also craft a personalized plan based on your skincare goals.

Most people are good candidates for dermaplaning and your master esthetician may commence with the procedure the same day. If you have active acne or a rosacea breakout, you will need to wait until it resolves to undergo dermaplaning. However, if you have only one or two pimples, your master esthetician may be able to work around them.

To prepare for dermaplaning, your master esthetician will cleanse your face with alcohol. This removes oil and debris. For patients with oily skin, it is important to thoroughly cleanse the skin because oil can hinder the treatment’s effectiveness.

Procedure

During dermaplaning in Bellevue, your master esthetician will gently glide the blade across the surface of your skin. There is little to no pain involved with this procedure because the blade does not remove existing, healthy skin. Patients lay back and remain comfortable during the procedure.

Nothing is applied to the skin during treatment making dermaplaning a chemical-free treatment. It also reduces risks for people at risk of hyperpigmentation from chemical peels or laser treatments. The procedure takes between a half hour and one hour to complete.

Aftercare

After Bellevue dermaplaning, patients can apply makeup and follow their usual skincare regimen. Since it does not remove the top layer of skin, you will not need to avoid normal activities. It is important to continue wearing sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun damage and UV rays.

Occasionally, some patients with especially pale or sensitive skin may experience some minor redness. This is easily covered with makeup and will resolve within a couple of days. Dermaplaning rarely causes skin irritation or side effects.

One of the most well liked effects of dermaplaning is what is known as the “dermaplane glow”. Soon after (often immediately) following treatment, patients will see a natural, healthy glow. This glow typically lasts between one and three weeks. Frequent and consistent treatments can extend this glow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Can I Dermaplane?

Master estheticians typically recommend one dermaplaning treatment every four to six weeks. However, depending on your skin and goals, your master esthetician may recommend more or less frequent sessions. They may also advise alternating dermaplaning and other treatments for the best results. Generally, it is safe to undergo dermaplaning every four weeks.

Can You Put On Makeup After Dermaplaning?

Yes, unless a chemical peel or other treatment was performed in conjunction with Kirkland dermaplaning. It is safe to apply makeup and other skincare products after the procedure.

Who Performs The Procedure?

At Northwest Face & Body, only licensed master estheticians perform dermaplaning procedures. While it is possible to dermaplane at home, this is not recommended. This runs the risk of over exfoliation which can dry out and damage the skin. At-home dermaplaning also carries more risk of cutting or causing injury.

Our master estheticians have undergone extensive training in dermaplaning procedures. With a deep understanding of skin and facial anatomy, our master estheticians bridge together beautification and medical treatments.

Is Dermaplaning Good For Hair Removal?

Dermaplaning will remove peach fuzz and unwanted hairs on your face. This is not permanent hair removal. The hair will eventually grow back. With monthly dermaplaning treatments, the hair will likely remain more discreet.

If you want a more permanent hair removal solution, our master estheticians also offer laser hair removal. They can determine if dermaplaning or laser hair removal will best meet your goals.

Does It Make Your Hair Grow Back Thicker?

A common myth that surrounds dermaplaning is that it will cause facial hair to grow back thicker. This is untrue. Hair will grow back at the same thickness as it was before. It also will not make hair darker.

The Best Dermaplaning In Bellevue And Kirkland At Northwest Face & Body

Northwest Face & Body is a leading plastic surgery practice and medical spa in Kirkland. Located minutes away from Bellevue and surrounding areas, Northwest Face & Body has served the Eastside’s communities for over three decades. Offering the gold standard in esthetic services and skincare, our master estheticians can help you accomplish your skincare goals.

Our master estheticians provide the best dermaplaning Bellevue and Kirkland offers. With gentle, refined techniques, we aim to make dermaplaning a rewarding experience. To learn more about dermaplaning and to schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also connect with us online via our contact forms, Price Simulator™ app, or chat.