Advanced exfoliation is on the rise in many medical spas today. From mechanical to chemical, the range of techniques used varies depending on the reason for the exfoliation, whether it’s for large pores, acne, acne scarring, fine lines, hyperpigmentation or dry, dead skin.
While microdermabrasion is a great treatment option for patients with dry skin, many are still looking for something more to give them an all over smooth feel to the touch. Vellus hair, or otherwise known as that stubborn “peach fuzz” that many patients have, can easily make the skin still feel or look dry, even after having a microdermabrasion treatment. For many women, it can also make applying makeup more difficult to blend evenly.
Dermaplaning, a form of exfoliation that many have not heard of, involves gentle shaving of the epidermis, using a light scalpel to remove the vellus hair and dead surface skin. There is no downtime and patients most often return to their daily routine immediately following the treatment. Although merely an old wives tale, many patients are often concerned the hair will grow back thicker, more course and darker after a dermaplaning treatment. As long as the hair is superficial vellus hair, it will grow back at the same speed and texture as before the treatment. Dermaplaning also allows products to penetrate more readily into the skin and can be used to prepare the skin before a superficial chemical peel.
Dermaplaning can be repeated every two to four weeks, although it is usually done when the vellus hair begins to grow back, usually within one month’s time. If you are someone who loves exfoliation treatments, tired of dealing with dry skin and you’re ready to say goodbye to that “peach fuzz”, dermaplaning will be a very gentle, yet beneficial treatment for you.
-Jessica Litwiller, Licensed Aesthetician