Right now, in this very moment, you (yes, you) have layers upon layers of dead skin cells just chillin’ on your face, contributing to some of your most annoying skin issues: dullness, wrinkles, breakouts, you name it. Don’t freak—it’s totally natural, and by the grace of the skincare gods, you also have a ton of options to get rid of them, the most trendy of them being dermaplaning.

You’ve probably heard of dermaplaning before, or at least seen some crazy-looking videos on it, but if you’re still in the “wait, what is that?” camp, here’s the breakdown: Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves a scalpel and a licensed professional So, basically, it’s like shaving your face.

Sounds kinda cray, but people are flocking to it thanks to fact that it gets rid of facial hair, can make your face feel baby soft, and helps give you a smooth foundation application, all without having to use harsh exfoliators. 

No more face hair and glowy skin?! Sign me up, right? But wait—like any skincare treatment (especially ones involving scalpels, hello), you need to hear the pros and cons to see if dermaplaning really is right for your skin. 

Welp, not only does it grant you three wishes, but—JK, sorry. The results can vary for everyone, but realistically, you can expect to see smoother skin, zero peach fuzz (until it grows back, of course), and slightly brighter-looking skin. And because you’re removing all your dead skin cells, your skincare products will better penetrate your skin when you apply them, making them all the more effective. 

What are the side effects of dermaplaning?

In the hands of a professional, dermaplaning is safe for all skin types, says Dr. Doft, especially those with sun damage, fine lines, dry patches, and dull skin. But, of course, there are caveats: If you have highly reactive, sensitive skin (like those with rosacea or keratosis pilaris), you may want to pass on this one, since it might irritate your skin. Same goes for anyone with inflamed acne—unsurprisingly, sliding a sharp scalpel over your zits can irritate them and worsen existing breakouts.

Will dermaplaning cause breakouts?

Quite the opposite, actually. A buildup of dead skin can clog your pores and hair follicles, which can not only cause pimples but also block your skincare products from penetrating the skin, which is why exfoliation is essential for maintaining an even, healthy glow. But, like I said, if you already have an existing breakout, you’ll unfortunately need to sit this treatment out.

How much will a dermaplaning treatment cost?

Dermaplaining is $85 per treatment, but you’ll notice a difference in your skin’s texture and tone immediately, so at least you know it’s worth the price.

Does dermaplaning hurt?

The thought of a blade sliding across your face is a scary one, I agree, but it’s not actually painful at all. Think of it like shaving any other part of your body. Can you feel it? Yes. Does it hurt? Not if you’re doing it right.

Is there any downtime after a dermaplaning treatment?

Some light redness can be expected but not always. It’s perfectly fine and common to make an appointment during lunch and go right back to work after the 40-minute treatment.

Can you wear makeup after dermaplaning?

Ever notice how peach fuzz tends to stand out even more underneath foundation and face powders? Well, since dermaplaning removes all the little hairs on your face, your makeup will actually glide on super smoothly. But hold up—although it’s tempting to see the results right away, try to avoid slapping on a face full of makeup immediately after your dermaplaning treatment.

We love to let the skin breathe for the rest of the day. If you need to wear makeup, you can, but your skin barrier is more open and may become more irritated. Once your skin has had time to settle (about a day), proceed with all the foundation your little heart desires.

Should I put anything on my skin after dermaplaning?

Since your skin barrier will be more vulnerable after dermaplaning, we apply an SPF moisturizing cream to help repair your skin and keep it super hydrated and happy. 

Will shaving my face make my hair grow back thicker?

Contrary to what you’ve been told, dermaplaning will not make your hair grow back thicker or darker. Once your hair begins to grow back, it might feel different because the hair was cut straight across, but it’s actually the same texture as it was before and it will grow at the same speed.

How often do I need dermaplaning treatments?

Since this is a deeply exfoliating treatment, we recommend waiting at least a month between appointments, although some patients with sensitive skin can limit their treatments to even once a season.