It might be time to trade in the high-tech cleansing device for the latest trend in physical exfoliation: a razor (aka a dermaplaning tool).
Facialists have been crushing the taboo topic of female face shaving and raving about the benefits of dermaplaning for years. But recently, the treatment has reached a new level of popularity as dermaplaning has taken off on social media platforms and new at-home devices have made it even more accessible.
Most budget-friendly$undefined$3.70
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is the act of shaving your face with a single blade that resembles a scalpel. This is intended to help remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. The best part? Results are instant and rather quick to achieve.
What are the benefits of dermaplaning?
“Taking off the top layer of dead skin cells helps skin care products absorb better and procedures work better,” says Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “It also tricks the skin into thinking it’s wounded and boosts collagen production, helping decrease fine lines and wrinkles.”
It prevents acne from forming, too. “By removing the top layer of dead skin cells, dermaplaning prevents oils, dead skin and debris from being trapped inside the follicle,” says Kerry Benjamin, esthetician and founder of StackedSkincare.
Dermaplaning can also serve as a primer for makeup as it allows foundation to look more like your skin, rather than it sitting on top of your dead skin and peach fuzz.
“Makeup goes on smoother [when dermaplaning], and you end up using less complexion products like foundation, concealer and powder because they work more effectively on smooth, exfoliated skin,” says Sarah Lucero, makeup artist and Stila Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry. “Dry patches and layers of dull skin can build up and interfere with makeup application.”
Plus, “[peach-fuzz] can be slightly tinted, which can cause a dingy cast onto skin, especially around the hairline, ears and chin,” says celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams. “Once that’s removed, the skin looks more luminous and glowy because it’s more even-toned.”
What are the risks of dermaplaning?
Nicking your face with a dermaplaning tool is possible, but unlikely (especially if it has blade guards). If you have cystic acne with active pustules, avoid dermaplaning. “Those with active acne or open sores should not use the device until the pimples or elevated marks have calmed down,” says Dara Levy, founder of Dermaflash.
People with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, should also skip the process says Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology.
Since dermaplaning creates micro-cuts on the surface of the skin, opt for more gentle skincare products post-treatment. “Avoid products containing acids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide until the skin has healed (3 to 4 days), as they will irritate the skin,” says Patel.
Finally, sunblock is important after a dermaplaning treatment. “Sunblock application is a must since you are exposing newly-exfoliated skin, as this skin is easily damaged by UV light,” says board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert, Dr. Anna Guanche.
Does dermaplaning cause your hair to grow back darker or thicker?
If you've been avoiding dermaplaning because you're afraid your hair will grow back thicker and darker, you can rest easy. According to Dr. Brooke Jeffy, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, this is a myth. "When shaved hair grows back, it can initially feel thicker and look darker because you have given the hair a blunt course tip that is temporarily more obvious."
The best dermaplaning tools and razors, according to experts and editors
Most budget-friendly: Tinkle Dorco Eyebrow or Face Hair Removal Safety Razors
- Easy to use
- Gentle on skin
- May be really sharp
Form: Razors | Quantity: 3-pack
Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin recommends these razors, which can be used for dermaplaning or brow shaping. One TODAY writer who has been using the tool for years says she loves that they're both affordable and easy to use.
Great for travel: Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool
- Makes face feel soft
- May irritate skin
Form: Razors | Quantity: 3-pack
Both Shop TODAY Contributor Bobbie Thomas and Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin recommend these razors to clean and reshape overgrown eyebrows or to gently exfoliate the skin. Their portable size makes them perfect for on-the-go touch ups at any moment.
"I use these razors on my cheeks, chin, upper lip and forehead," explains Shop TODAY contributor Katie Jackson. "They’re even sharp enough to tackle the coarser hair along my bikini line and on my hands," she says.
Editor-loved: Tweezerman Facial Razor
- Weighty
- Easy to clean
- Easy to change blades
- Bit of an investment for razor
Form: Razor | Quantity: 1
"This face razor is a cut above the rest," says associate editor Kamari Stewart. "You can immediately tell from the weight it has to it, but I also love that it provides a smooth shave without nicking the skin and that it’s so easy to clean."
"It’s also very easy to change out the razors and I haven’t felt like I was in danger of cutting myself once when changing the blade!" raves Stewart.
Comes with refillable heads: StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Tool
- Easy to use
- Softens skin
- Mixed reviews on durability
Form: Tool | Quantity: 1
Dr. Guanche recommends the StackedSkincare Dermablading Tool because it “can easily be used at a 45-degree angle to remove unwanted hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin fresh.” It also has refillable heads to cut down on waste.
No more fuzz: Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning Tool
- Helps remove peach fuzz
- Easy to use
- May scratch the skin
Form: Tool | Includes: Dermaplaning tool, blade refills, USB charging cable, charging stand
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based dermatologist, likes this device which has a safety blade to prevent cuts. "It uses low-level vibrational technology along with the exfoliation, which is thought to stimulate collagen to strengthen the foundation of the skin itself," he says.
Splurge option: Dermaflash Sonic Dermaplaning Tool
- Makes skin smooth
- Brightens skin
- May not hold charge wrong
Form: Tool | Includes: Dermaplane device, blade refills, face cleanser, charging cable and charging base
Lucero uses this portable, vibrating Dermaflash, saying it "comes in handy when [she's] on the go or getting clients ready for the red carpet and on photo shoots."
Frequently Asked Questions
“Will dermaplaning make me grow a beard?” This is a common question when speaking about female face-shaving, and the answer is no. “The hair on a woman’s face is called vellus hair aka peach fuzz) and is soft and fine,” explains Levy.
“The hair on a man’s face is called terminal hair and each piece is like a strand of copper wire. [Dermaplaning] removes the fuzz just above the surface of the skin and does not (and cannot) impact the growth, color or texture of a woman’s facial hair,” says Levy.
Hormones and hormonal conditions (like PCOS) are the only things that can affect hair growth.
If done by a dermatologist or esthetician, this type of treatment can sometimes cost up to $250.
An at-home dermaplaning tool can cost only a couple of dollars and includes a less-sharp blade, but needs to be done more regularly to maintain results. And don't make the mistake of thinking a regular shaving razor can do the same job. A typical razor includes three-to-four slanted blades to remove body hair, while a dermaplaning tool uses a single-edge blade to get closer to the skin for optimal exfoliation.
"Dermaplaning over inflammatory acne lesions can cause worsening irritation, bleeding and spread of bacteria, so I would avoid," says Jeffy. "It is OK to gently go over blackheads and small whiteheads."
Jeffy suggests dermaplaning every three to four weeks. "Dermaplaning really aggressively exfoliates the skin so you want to give it time to recover," she explains.
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How we chose the best products for dermaplaning
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best tools and razors for dermaplaning by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists as well as makeup and beauty experts. We also asked our editors to share their tried-and-true favorites as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist in Tennessee and founder of Visha Skincare.
- Kerry Benjamin is an esthetician and founder of StackedSkincare in Santa Monica, California.
- Sarah Lucero is a makeup artist and Stila Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry.
- Mickey Williams is a celebrity makeup artist in New York, New York.
- Dara Levy is the founder of Dermaflash in the Greater Chicago area.
- Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in New York, New York.
- Dr. Anna Guanche is a board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert in Calabasas, California.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a New York City-based dermatologist.
