Sometimes you look in the mirror and see a beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, or extra-shiny hair. Other times it may be bumps, dark spots or dull skin that you notice the most. 

Let’s be real – these completely normal skin imperfections don’t detract from your beauty. But, you don’t necessarily have to live with them either.

Enter: derma planing facials!

Derma planing is often confused with microdermabrasion (a treatment where a quick rotating brush creates intense exfoliation), but derma planing requires less downtime, is less severe and appropriate for more skin types. However, the result is still beautiful and rejuvenated skin. 

Are you considering booking a derma planing facial? Here is everything you need to know before you make your appointment. 

What is a derma planing facial?

A derma planing facial is a facial in which one treatment step includes derma planing. This facial has become increasingly popular for people who want to level up from a standard facial and reduce the buildup on their skin.

Derma planing is the process of removing the top layer of skin and peach fuzz to uncover newer, less damaged skin. Experts use a scalpel or a dermatome (picture a fancy electric razor) to gently scrape off this buildup of dead skin and other impurities. The result is smoother, newer-looking skin. 

The benefits of derma planing facials

There are four main benefits of derma planing facials:

• Uncovering new, smooth skin
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkle
• Eases hyperpigmentation and other imperfections
• Rejuvenates the skin

Uncovers new, bright and smooth skin

The top layers of the skin are the main culprit of dull skin. So when you shed those top layers, you uncover new, glowy skin. 

Can reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Especially for individuals who don’t yet have fully-formed wrinkles, a derma planing facial can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and lighter wrinkles. 

Can ease hyperpigmentation and other imperfections

Dermaplane facials can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne scars and other tricky-to-combat skin imperfections. 

It can be a gentle way to rejuvenate skin

Many other facial treatments that combat fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots include lasers, needles, chemicals… the list goes on. These methods are effective but can be considered harsher on the skin. With derma planing, you can get subtle results from a gentle treatment. 

What to know before booking a derma planing facial

The main things you need to know before booking a derma planing facial are:

• This treatment removes all facial hair
• Not every skin type benefits from this procedure
• Only book through an expert

This treatment will remove all facial hair

Derma planing uses a razor against the skin, so derma planing will remove vellus (peach fuzz) as a part of the process. Most consider this a positive, the lack of peach fuzz can make the skin appear smoother and brighter. 

Disregard the old wife’s tail about this, your peach fuzz will not grow back thicker and darker once you shave it. Some people may develop a couple of darker hairs near their sideburns in very rare cases, but no one will start growing a beard after the treatment. 

Not every skin type benefits from this procedure

Make sure to confirm that your skin will accept the treatment before booking your derma planing facial.

Some skin types that shouldn’t try derma planing are:

• Moderate to severe acne-prone skin
• Skin with Rosacea
• Skin experiencing Psoriasis
• Eczema-prone skin
• Severely sunburned skin

If you have any questions about whether derma planing would be productive for your skin, a quick conversation with a skin specialist will clear that up. 

Only book through an expert

Derma planing is a non-invasive treatment, but it still needs an expert touch to maximize results and minimize side effects. So make sure you book your derma plane facial appointment with a seasoned pro, like a licensed esthetician or a doctor.

How much does a derma planing facial cost?

Depending on the expert you work with, a derma planing facial can cost anywhere between $75 to $250. Prices also will range based on any treatments you use in tandem with a derma planing facial – some specialists recommend pairing the treatment with a chemical peel or full facial to achieve maximum results.

What is included in a derma planing facial?

In most cases, there are quite a few optional add-ons to a derma planing facial that can lengthen the process.

Here are the steps of a simple derma planing facial:

• You will lie down on the treatment chair in your provider’s office, where your provider will ask questions about your skin and lifestyle. 
• You will receive a numbing cream or local anesthesia to combat any unpleasant sensations that can happen during the treatment – the mild numbing options should be enough for you to avoid any pain or discomfort.
• Once the numbing agent sets in, the practitioner will begin the derma planing treatment. This treatment will last 25-30 minutes.
• The provider will end the treatment by applying aloe and sunscreen to soothe and protect the new skin. 

How to prepare for your derma planing facial

To receive the best results from your derma plane facial, make sure to follow the universal best practices of preparation:

• Avoid exfoliants starting 3-5 days before your appointment.
• Avoid extended sun exposure for about a week before your appointment. (You don’t want to dermaplane a sunburn!)
• Make sure you don’t book a botox or filler appointment before derma planing – the treatment can mess up the filler placement. 
• Pluck any thicker hairs in the area you are planning to dermaplane. The derma planing tool is made for peach fuzz, not thicker hair.
• Check for any severe breakouts or open lesions before your appointment. If you have sensitive bumps, you may want to reschedule. 

Derma plane facials can be an effective and non-invasive quick fix for skin imperfections. If you want to explore the different natural healing treatments in your area, we can connect you with the best practitioners in the city. See the options in your area on the ClassPass app!