Why Dermaplaning Isn’t My Go-To Treatment.
Dermaplaning is one of those treatments that looks amazing on social media — ultra-smooth skin, instant glow, that “glass skin” finish. And while I absolutely understand why people are drawn to it, I want to be very honest about why I’m not a big fan of dermaplaning for everyone, especially for clients like Taylor and those with sensitive or barrier-compromised skin.
My philosophy has always been simple: just because a treatment is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin.
First — Dermaplaning Is More Aggressive Than People Realize
Dermaplaning isn’t just “removing peach fuzz.” It’s a controlled exfoliation using a surgical blade. That means we are physically scraping off dead skin cells and shaving the hair at the surface of the skin.
For some skin types, this can be tolerated. For many others, it’s simply too much.
In fact, in the state of Oregon, dermaplaning requires additional advanced education hours beyond basic esthetics training. Not every esthetician is automatically certified to perform it.
👉 Always double-check that your esthetician has completed advanced training and is certified by the state of Oregon to perform dermaplaning.
That requirement alone should tell you this isn’t a “light” treatment.
What Is the Skin Barrier — and Why It Matters So Much
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. Think of it like a protective shield. Its job is to:
Lock moisture in
Keep irritants, bacteria, and pollutants out
Maintain comfort, balance, and resilience
When the skin barrier is healthy, your skin feels calm, hydrated, and strong.
When it’s disrupted, you may experience:
Redness
Burning or stinging
Breakouts caused by irritation
Increased sensitivity
Dehydration and inflammation
For many people — especially those with sensitive skin — dermaplaning can strip and disrupt this barrier, leaving the skin vulnerable instead of supported.
The “Instant Glow” Truth About Dermaplaning
Yes — immediately after dermaplaning, your skin often feels incredibly smooth. That’s real. But it’s important to understand why.
That glassy feeling comes from:
Hair (peach fuzz) being shaved off
Multiple layers of dead skin being physically removed
What often gets overlooked is what happens after.
Within a few days:
Your facial hair starts growing back
The smooth effect fades
The hair grows in blunt instead of tapered
That blunt regrowth can feel prickly or rough, especially along the jawline and cheeks — and honestly… no one wants that.
The glow is temporary, but the barrier disruption can last much longer.
Why I’m Extra Cautious With Dermaplaning .
For clients who often want visible results but also value skin comfort, balance, and long-term health — dermaplaning can be counterproductive.
If your skin is:
Sensitive
Easily reactive
Dehydrated
Prone to redness or inflammation
Then aggressive physical exfoliation can do more harm than good. I’d rather build your glow slowly and safely than chase a short-term result that compromises your skin long-term.
So… What Do I Recommend Instead?
For clients who want:
Smoother texture
Brighter skin
Better product absorption
That healthy, hydrated glow
I lean toward gentler, barrier-respecting exfoliation methods, such as:
Enzyme exfoliation
Light chemical exfoliation when appropriate
Hydration-focused facials
Treatments that strengthen the skin barrier instead of stripping it
These approaches support the skin’s natural renewal cycle without shock or trauma.
My Philosophy at Fox Beauty Studios
I don’t choose treatments based on trends — I choose them based on what your skin actually needs.
Dermaplaning isn’t “bad,” but it’s not universal — and it’s not something I reach for casually. Especially when there are more intelligent, skin-supportive ways to achieve glow, smoothness, and clarity.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just how your skin looks right after a facial — it’s how it feels and functions weeks later.
Want Smooth, Glowing Skin Without Compromising Your Barrier?
If you’re curious about alternative exfoliation options or want a facial plan that prioritizes long-term skin health, I’d love to guide you.
✨ Book a customized facial at Fox Beauty Studios and let’s choose treatments that truly support your skin.
xoxo
Jen Fox
