IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

How these facial razors help my skin care products work better

My skin feels softer and smoother than ever.
Woman touching her face after using a face razor
Getty Images
/ Source: TODAY

When I was a naive twenty-something, having a consistent skin care regimen wasn't exactly top of mind. (What was there to worry about? My face was naturally bright and plump — and signs of aging? There were none to be found!) Now that I'm older — and my skin's natural ability to bounce back isn't what it used to be — I’m always on the lookout for products or techniques that hold promise of elevating my complexion.

When I heard about the practice of dermaplaning, and the potential exfoliation benefits it could lead to, I asked board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols to explain how the facial shaving technique works.

“Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure where the peach fuzz and dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin are gently exfoliated and removed using a single-bladed tool,” she told Shop TODAY. “While I don't recommend taking your typical razor to your face, the treatment has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years.”

“The hair and dead skin on our face can trap dirt and oils, oftentimes leading to congestion and breakouts,” Nichols said. “By removing this top layer of hair and dead skin cells, dermaplaning decreases the potential to clog the pores, leading to clearer skin.”

After seeing a recommendation for Tinkle razors on social media a few years ago, I found them on Amazon for less than $1 per razor. Once I discovered they were the online retailer's No. 1 bestseller in Women's Disposable Shaving Razors, I decided to go all in.

Tinkle Dorco Facial Razor

Made of stainless steel, a no-slip grip handle and fitted with a protective cover, each razor promises to remove fine hairs easily and comfortably.

Former Shop TODAY contributor Kait Hanson using the Tinkle Dorco Facial Razor
These razors promise to remove fine hairs on the face. Courtesy Kait Hanson

Prior to shaving, I looked at myself in the mirror and asked, "How much hair could really be on my face?"

One downward swipe along my jawline answered that question — and the results were shocking. I still remember staring at the tool in disbelief. Once my whole face was shaved, I couldn’t believe what was left in my sink.

Former Shop TODAY contributor Kait Hanson using the Tinkle Dorco Facial Razor
I can't believe how much peach fuzz was removed! Courtesy Kait Hanson

After I began regularly shaving my face, I noticed a change in both the effectiveness of my skin care products, as well as a newfound smoothness to my makeup application.

“Dermaplaning has an additional benefit because, by removing facial hair and dead skin, it allows for deeper penetration of skin care products into the skin, and this, in turn, helps increase the overall efficacy of skin care products,” Nichols explained. “And dermaplaning gives skin a baby-smooth feel, so makeup also looks better and glides on smoothly.”

I’ve been shaving my face for about two years now. When I started, my top-level concern was the hair growing back darker than the original peach fuzz (it hasn’t) and becoming coarser as I continually shaved (again, an unfounded rumor). I try to shave once per week and, admittedly, it’s just as satisfying to see what the razor removes every time. After each shave, I make sure to apply any serums first and then follow them up with moisturizer.

You can't go wrong with Tinkle's bestselling facial razors (nearly 70,000 five-star reviewers would agree), but if you're looking for something specific, there are other affordable, customer-loved and highly rated options on Amazon that you can shop right now.

About Face Fuzz-Free Facial Razors

Illuva Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool

Revlon Face Defuzzers Hair Removal Tool

What I love most is that the Tinkle razors are affordable and easy to use. Plus, they are accessible to anyone, which is something worth considering, especially when an average dermaplaning session can cost upwards of $150 (or more!). It’s safe to say I’m a believer in how these razors can change your at-home facial game.

For more beauty products and tools we're loving, check out:

Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more!

This article was originally published on March 4, 2021.