PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
woman looking at her skin before dermaplaning

How to dermaplane at home

23 Nov 2022 • 3 min read

If you’re after a cutting-edge beauty treatment that will make your face look smoother and brighter, why not consider dermaplaning? If you’ve never heard of this term before, or you have and you’re curious about the benefits, read on.

What is dermaplaning?

Wondering what on earth dermaplaning is? Put simply, it’s just a fancy name for shaving the dead skin layer of your face. It’s a popular treatment at a lot of salons and spas, and it supposedly helps to exfoliate the skin and remove any dead skin cells, as well as any unwanted oil or excess hair from your face.

If you’d rather save some money or you’re a big fan of DIY beauty, it’s possible to dermaplane at home, too, you know. Before you get your razor out though, there are a few things you ought to know about this technique first.

Is dermaplaning the same as dermablading?

Yes, it is, dermablading just happens to be a different name for dermaplaning. However, dermaplaning isn’t to be confused with microdermabrasion, which is completely different.1

Whereas dermaplaning involves using a sterile blade to gently scrape dead facial skin cells and peach fuzz hair away, microdermabrasion and other exfoliation techniques involve chemical products, suction or crystals to carry out the treatments.

Summary

  • Dermaplaning involves shaving dead skin and peach fuzz hair from your face
  • It’s carried out by professionals with professional standard blades or you can do it at home
  • Dermaplaning and dermablading are the same thing

Is dermaplaning good for us?

It’s good in the sense that most people’s skin is instantly glowing and smooth after a dermaplaning session. It can also help even out skin without having to rely on chemical exfoliants that can be aggravating.2

Dermaplaning is something most of us can have done, even if you have sensitive or chronically dry skin and want to get rid of dead skin cells without irritating your skin any further. What’s more, fresh, dermaplaned skin is more effective at absorbing products, is great for flawless makeup application and helps skin cells regenerate faster, which helps stimulate collagen production.

Handpicked content: Collagen: benefits, dosage, side-effects

What are the disadvantages of dermaplaning?

If it’s not carried properly, it is possible for dermaplaning to potentially cause scarring. And if you remove hair that isn’t vellus (i.e. the peach fuzz hair) it can possibly lead to thicker hair regrowth.3

Is shaving your face the same as dermaplaning?

Not exactly. Yes, it does involve shaving hair from your face, but unlike traditional shaving, dermaplaning uses a smaller blade to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair.4

Is dermaplaning good or bad for skin?

The benefits of dermaplaning are widely reported and range from smoother skin and a brighter complexion, to even skin tone and increased skin cell regeneration (we’ve listed some more benefits immediately below). It’s one of those treatments that’s suitable for most skin types, with the exception of people with extremely sensitive skin or thick facial hair or skin issues, such as acne or rosacea, which can be aggravated and spread as a result of dermaplaning.5

As for the downsides of dermaplaning, there don’t appear to be that many, apart from the fact your skin may look a little red immediately afterwards. It’s also best to avoid wearing any makeup for the rest of the day, as your skin barrier will be open and may be more prone to becoming irritated.

Summary

  • Dermaplaning can instantly lead to glowing and smooth skin. It can also help even out skin without having to rely on chemical exfoliants that can be aggravating
  • If it’s not carried properly, it may potentially cause scarring
  • It’s a beauty treatment that’s suitable for most skin types

5 benefits of dermaplaning

There’s a reason why so many women choose dermaplaning. Beyond making your skin look more luminous, possible benefits include the fact:6

  1. It removes dead skin cells and oil

A build-up of dead skin cells and sebum (oil) on our face is one of the primary causes of acne. By shaving off the top layer of skin, you’ll be cleaning out your pores and potentially making your face much less prone to spots and blackheads.

Handpicked content: 9 ways to manage clogged pores and congested skin

  1. It could reduce the appearance of fine lines

For the same reason that dermaplaning is good for cleaning out your pores, it’s also thought to minimise the appearance of things like wrinkles, pockmarks and any acne scars you might have.

Why? Shaving off the dead skin layer smooths out the surface of your face and should make it look more radiant. Consequently, dermaplaning is a particularly popular option for those with mature skin.

  1. It’s an effective hair removal treatment

It’s not just men who see hair growing on their faces! Many women also see the occasional bit of fuzz, and dermaplaning is considered to be a great way of eliminating it. You’ll have to dermaplane regularly to see lasting results, as it typically takes around three weeks for hair to grow back.

  1. You won’t need time to recover

Unlike a lot of beauty procedures that aim to improve the appearance of your skin, dermaplaning has zero recovery time. Once you’ve finished, you can simply apply a soothing and gentle serum or moisturiser and then get on with the rest of your day as normal!

Note – avoid touching your face and applying make-up right away, as your pores will be wide open and more susceptible to clogging and irritation.

  1. Your hair won’t grow back a different shade or thickness

Contrary to popular belief, dermaplaning the hair on your face won’t make it grow back any thicker or darker. The hair follicles in your face remain completely unchanged, so you should see new hair that looks the same as it did originally.7

Summary

  • The benefits of dermaplaning are widespread
  • They include removing dead skin cells and oil build-up
  • Your hair isn’t going to grow back thicker afterwards either

What tools are needed for dermaplaning?

If you’re planning on dermaplaning at home, all you need is a specialised dermaplane tool, which looks like a scalpel and features just one derma blade.

Is dermaplaning at home safe?

Yes, providing you use a proper dermaplaning tool and are clear on the process to follow. To help, we’ve listed how to dermaplane step by step below.

How to dermaplane at home

It’s easy to dermaplane at home. The main difference between professional and at-home dermaplaning is that professional dermaplaning involves using a surgical blade, that can’t be purchased on the High Street, and provides a deeper level of exfoliation.

Step by step guide to dermaplaning at home:

  1. Prepare by cleansing your face and patting it dry with a towel. You should also thoroughly clean your dermaplane blade and double cleanse if you need to.
     
  2. Start on one side of your face and hold your skin taut with one hand.
     
  3. Using the other hand, hold the dermaplaning tool at a 45-degree angle and gently move the tool in a downwards motion. Small, short strokes are best.
     
  4. Once you’ve dermaplaned your whole face (or the specific areas you’re keen to target), moisturise with a cream, serum or a few drops of oil such as rosehip or Vitamin E.8

How to look after your skin when dermaplaning

The general consensus is that pre-dermaplaning, skin products should be limited. Ideally, you only need a cleanser to make sure your skin is free of dirt, sweat and bacteria.

Tip – double cleanse so you have an ultra-clean canvas to work with.

When it comes to dermaplaning, you just need your blade and dry, clean skin. Using dermaplaning oils may potentially clog your pores and interfere with your ability to achieve sweep away all of your peach fuzz.

Post-dermaplaning, your skin barrier is open; meaning it’s susceptible to dirt and bacteria getting in, as well as losing moisture. To avoid your skin from becoming dry, make sure you moisturise using dedicated dermaplane oil products, your usual moisturiser, or natural, skin-soothing ingredients, such as rosehip or Vitamin E.

Is there anyone who should avoid dermaplaning?

While dermaplaning undoubtedly has its benefits, it’s not for everyone. If you have extremely sensitive skin, suffer from acne or have severe rosacea, you may want to give it a miss as it could irritate your skin further or even tear if it’s not carried out properly. Make sure you do your research before trying it at home.9

Before giving any beauty treatment a go at home, make sure you’ve researched it thoroughly and are aware of any risks. If in doubt, consider going to see a dermatologist who’s experienced in dermaplaning.

Summary

  • All you need to try dermablading at home is a dedicated dermaplaning blade
  • Make sure you have a process to follow before starting
  • Cleanse your skin thoroughly beforehand and moisturise it well afterwards
  • Avoid dermaplaning if you have acne or severe rosacea or extremely sensitive skin as it could make it worse

Takeaway 

Dermaplaning is suitable for most skin types and, thanks to the DIY dermaplaning, is something we can all do, if at-home beauty is your thing. There are several benefits, most of them immediate, which includes glowing skin, a smoother complexion and an even skin tone, to name but a few. It’s up to you, try it yourself or have it done by a professional.

Dermaplaning can give your skin a boost, and so too can certain skin products, such as skin serums.

We’ve listed some of our favourite serum ingredients in this article, ‘Skin serums for an even, bright complexion.’

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 31 May 2021

Your ultimate guide to hair removal

What’s the best way to get rid of unwanted body hair? Find out the pros and cons of waxing, shaving, hair removal creams and other hair removal methods here.

manisha-taggar

Manisha Taggar

Author

Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate

Joined Holland & Barrett: May 2019

BSc Hons in Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science

Manisha started her career at a Cosmetics distributor as a Regulatory Technologist followed by a Regulatory Affairs Officer, ensuring the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products from colour cosmetics to skincare.

After 3 and half years in this role, Manisha joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.

Manisha specialises in Cosmetic products, both own-label and branded lines, ensuring that these products and all relating marketing material comply to the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.