Dermaplaning: Benefits, Myths & What to Expect

If you've ever wanted your skin to feel incredibly smooth and your makeup to sit just a little better, you've probably heard about dermaplaning.

But then comes the question almost everyone asks:

“If you shave the hair off my face, won't it grow back thicker?”

Good news: it won't.

Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliating treatment that removes accumulated dead skin cells along with fine vellus hair—often called peach fuzz—from the surface of the skin.

At Adorn Society Aesthetics in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, we use dermaplaning as both a standalone treatment and as part of customized facial treatments when it makes sense for the client's skin.

Let's talk about what dermaplaning actually does—and clear up a few myths along the way.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Professional dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade held at a precise angle to gently remove superficial dead skin cells and fine vellus hair from the face.

Think of it as a controlled form of physical exfoliation.

Unlike a chemical peel, which uses acids or other chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin, dermaplaning mechanically removes buildup from the surface.

The result?

Skin often feels immediately:

• Smoother
• Softer
• Brighter
• More refined

And as a bonus, that fine peach fuzz is temporarily removed too.

What Are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning can be a great option when we're looking to improve the appearance and feel of the skin without significant downtime.

It may help with:

• Dull-looking skin
• Rough surface texture
• Accumulated dead skin cells
• Dry, flaky surface buildup
• Fine facial peach fuzz
• Overall smoothness and brightness

One of the things clients tend to notice most is simply how smooth their skin feels afterward.

Foundation and other makeup products may also sit more smoothly when excess surface buildup and peach fuzz have been removed.

Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

No.

This is the dermaplaning myth we hear more than any other.

Removing hair at the surface of the skin does not change the hair follicle underneath it.

Dermaplaning does not cause your facial hair to suddenly become:

• Thicker
• Darker
• More plentiful
• Faster-growing

When hair is cut, the end is temporarily blunt rather than naturally tapered. Because of that, it can sometimes feel slightly different as it initially grows back.

But dermaplaning does not change the actual thickness or growth pattern of the hair.

Your peach fuzz will return as peach fuzz.

Is Dermaplaning the Same as Shaving Your Face?

Not exactly.

Both involve removing hair at the skin's surface, but professional dermaplaning is primarily an exfoliating treatment performed using a professional blade and technique.

The goal isn't simply to remove facial hair.

We are intentionally removing superficial cellular buildup while creating a smoother skin surface.

Professional dermaplaning also allows us to evaluate the skin first and determine whether exfoliation is actually appropriate.

That last part matters.

Just because someone has peach fuzz doesn't mean their skin needs to be dermaplaned that day.

Who Is Dermaplaning Good For?

Dermaplaning may be a great option for someone who is bothered by:

• Dullness
• Rough texture
• Dry surface buildup
• Peach fuzz
• Makeup not sitting smoothly on the skin

It can also be a nice choice before an event when you're looking for smoother, refreshed-looking skin without significant downtime.

However, skin should always be evaluated first.

Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning isn't appropriate for every person at every appointment.

We may postpone or avoid treatment if the skin has:

• Significant active or inflamed acne
• Open lesions
• Active skin infections
• Significant irritation
• A compromised skin barrier
• Certain active skin conditions

Dragging a blade over inflamed acne, for example, can further irritate already vulnerable skin.

Sometimes your appointment plan needs to change based on what your skin is doing that day.

That's something we believe strongly at Adorn:

The treatment should adapt to the skin—not the other way around.

Can Dermaplaning Help Acne Scars?

Dermaplaning can make the surface of the skin feel smoother, but it isn't the treatment we would typically rely on to remodel deeper, indented acne scars.

True atrophic acne scars involve structural changes deeper within the skin.

Treatments such as microneedling may make more sense when collagen remodeling and textural acne scarring are the primary concerns.

If what you're calling an "acne scar" is actually rough surface texture or post-acne discoloration, your treatment plan may look different again.

That's why identifying the concern first is so important.

Dermaplaning vs. Chemical Peel: Which Is Better?

Neither.

They simply exfoliate the skin differently.

Dermaplaning

Uses physical exfoliation to remove superficial dead skin cells and peach fuzz.

Chemical Peel

Uses a professional chemical solution to create controlled exfoliation at a selected depth.

Sometimes dermaplaning is the better choice.

Sometimes a chemical peel makes more sense.

And in appropriately selected clients, they may even be incorporated into the same overall treatment plan.

The question isn't:

“Which treatment is better?”

It's:

“Which treatment is better for your skin today?”

Can Dermaplaning Be Added to a Facial?

Absolutely—and this is one of our favorite ways to use it.

At Adorn, dermaplaning can be incorporated into certain customized facial treatments when appropriate.

Removing surface buildup first can give the skin an incredibly smooth finish while allowing the rest of the treatment to be designed around what your skin needs.

However, we don't automatically add dermaplaning to every facial.

Sometimes the skin needs exfoliation.

Sometimes it needs hydration and barrier support.

Sometimes it needs correction.

Customization means knowing the difference.

Is There Downtime After Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is generally considered a low-downtime treatment.

Some clients may experience temporary:

• Mild redness
• Sensitivity
• Tightness
• Dryness

Because dermaplaning exfoliates the surface of the skin, your skin may also temporarily feel more sensitive.

Appropriate aftercare and sun protection are important.

What Should I Do After Dermaplaning?

After treatment, we want to keep things relatively gentle.

Depending on your skin and the rest of your treatment, you may be advised to:

• Use gentle skincare
• Keep the skin hydrated
• Avoid unnecessary exfoliation
• Temporarily pause certain active ingredients
• Avoid picking or scrubbing the skin
• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen

This is not the time to go home and use your strongest exfoliating toner because your skin feels extra smooth.

You already exfoliated.

Let the treatment do its job.

How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?

There isn't one perfect schedule for everyone.

How often dermaplaning is appropriate depends on factors such as:

• Your skin type
• Skin barrier health
• Other exfoliating products you use
• Other professional treatments you're receiving
• Your individual skin goals

We'd rather look at your overall skincare and treatment plan than automatically schedule dermaplaning simply because a certain number of weeks have passed.

Dermaplaning Near Richmond, VA

If you're searching for dermaplaning near Richmond, VA, Adorn Society Aesthetics offers professional dermaplaning from our studio in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, serving clients throughout Goochland, Short Pump, Richmond and surrounding communities.

Dermaplaning can be performed as a standalone service or incorporated into a customized facial when appropriate for your skin.

Whether your goal is smoother texture, brighter-looking skin or finally saying goodbye to that peach fuzz for a while, we'll help determine whether dermaplaning makes sense for you.

Ready for Smoother Skin?

You don't need an aggressive treatment to make your skin feel refreshed.

Sometimes thoughtfully removing what the skin no longer needs is enough to make a noticeable difference.

Schedule your dermaplaning treatment at Adorn Society Aesthetics and let us create a treatment based on what your skin actually needs.

And don't worry—

Your peach fuzz is not coming back as a beard.

Beautiful results, inspired from within.