Opening treatment guide...

Dermaplaning | My Beauty Protocol

Preservation

Dermaplaning

Epidermal Planing

Plain-English name: Face Shaving

Also known asDermaflash Luxe+Michael Todd Beauty SonicsmoothFacial Blading

Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms

A sterile, surgical-grade blade gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair.

Downtime: Same day
Sessions: Monthly
Pain: None
Cost per visit: Price level 2 of 5
Results last: 3–4 weeks

A small blade gently scrapes off dead skin and fine facial hair.

Check first: Active acne or inflamed breakouts.

Will it work for me?

Skin tone

Often used on tones I–VI.

IVery Light

IILight

IIIMedium

IVTan

VBrown

VIDeep

Often usedAsk first

General info, not a check of your own skin.

What people use it for

Tap one to see how it helps.

Skin types

Often a fit for all of these. Tap one for details.

Skin types to ask about first

Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first

Needs a gentle, barrier-safe plan and careful screening.

Breakout-proneAsk first

Active breakouts in the area may need to calm down first. Ask your provider.

How do the devices differ?

In no special order. Ask which one they use, and why.

3 devices

Before you use it

Is it safe for me, with any health conditions I have?
How often should I use it, and for how long?
When should I stop and see a professional?

Before and after your visit

Plan it around your lifeMakeup, sun, workouts — see what fits around your treatment.

The visit

Duration: 30–60 minutes
Total course: Continuous for maintenance.
Session interval: 3–4 weeks

What to expect, and what to avoid

Recovery

None

No retinoids, acids or scrubs

3 days

Avoid sun

3 days

No makeup

24 hours

No sweat or heat

48 hours

Your provider may give you different timing.

Day by day

Before your visit: ask when to start
- Tell your provider if you get cold sores
- Come with clean skin: no makeup or lotion
1 week before
No tanning or strong sun for 1 week before
3–5 days before
Stop retinoids, acids and scrubs for 3–5 days before
Right after your visit
- Avoid hard exercise, heat and heavy sweating for 24–48 hours
- No swimming or baths for 24–48 hours
After your visit
- No direct sun for 3 days
- Wear sunscreen every day
- No retinoids, acids or scrubs for 1 week
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer
- Recovery is minimal. You might experience some redness for a few hours post-treatment. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so diligent use of sunscreen is crucial. You can typically resume your normal activities immediately.

Side effects, and who should wait

Who may want to think twice

Active acne or inflamed breakouts.
Active cold sores.
Eczema or psoriasis on the face.
Rosacea.
Recent sunburn.
Use of isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6 months.

Possible side effects

Common

Slight redness or pinkness immediately after treatment.
Minor skin sensitivity.
A feeling of dryness or tightness.
Small whiteheads may appear a day or two after.

Less common

Infection (if performed with non-sterile tools or with poor aftercare).
Minor nicks or cuts.
Scarring (very rare and typically associated with improper technique).
Patchy skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation), especially with sun exposure post-treatment.

Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.

How it works, and common myths

This physical exfoliation method removes superficial epidermal cells and vellus hair, promoting cellular renewal and a refined skin texture.

A little more technical

It's a physical exfoliation method where a sterile blade manually removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair from the skin's surface.

Dermaplaning is a form of manual exfoliation where a sterile, 10-gauge surgical scalpel is used to abrade the surface of the skin, removing the stratum corneum and vellus hairs. This process stimulates cellular turnover and allows for enhanced penetration of topical agents.

Mechanism category: Manual Dermabrasion; A clinician holds the skin taut and gently scrapes a surgical blade at a 45-degree angle to lift off the entire stratum corneum (dead outer layer).
Result: Vellus Hair Removal; Immediately removes the fine facial hair (peach fuzz) that traps dirt and oils, allowing skincare products to penetrate significantly deeper.
Common device / product names: Dermaflash Luxe+ · Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth · Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool
Clinical descriptor: Epidermal Planing