As Badreshia-Bansal notes, in-office treatments are more aggressive because of the use of a more rounded scalpel blade that you might have a harder time finding on your own.
There aredermaplaning devices like Dermaflashthat you can use to DIY, but no matter what you choose, it’s best to use a gentler razor than what you’d see from a professional. Badreshia-Bansal recommends a small, single-bladed razor that’s less harsh on the skin and makes it easier for you to avoid “traumatizing and nicking the skin. ” She also recommends shaving with the grain if you’re less experienced, since shaving with it can increase the risk of skin injury.
When it comes to popular beauty treatments, dermaplaning is somewhat of an anomaly: it’s a form of exfoliation that involves shaving your face. Still, you can find it listed as a service by most facialists and aestheticians, but for the times when getting to a spa isn’t an option, you might be wondering if you can still get the same smooth results of the treatment from the comfort of your home. The answer, to put it simply, is yes.
“Dermaplaning uses a scalpel blade used by an aesthetician to physically exfoliate dead skin cells and fine hairs or peach fuzz to improve skin texture,” said dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD. The main thing that separates an at-home dermaplaning treatment from one that would normally be performed in office are the tools.
Dermaplaning uses a scalpel blade used by an aesthetician to physically exfoliate dead skin cells and fine hairs/peach fuzz to improve skin texture.
Speaking of skin injury, if you’re thinking of trying this at home, just make sure to be mindful of the condition that your skin is already in. “Do not treat open sores, active breakouts, or inflammation as these areas are sensitive and can cause more irritation or even infection,” she said. “Be gentle; avoid nicking the skin or causing micro injuries. ”
In the event that your skin is already irritated or sensitive, consider continuing to exfoliate with physical or chemical exfoliants and at-home chemical peels, as Badreshia-Bansal says they’ll likely do a better job in improving skin texture. If your sole reason for dermaplaning is getting rid of peach fuzz, she recommends using electrical instruments that can gently remove fine hairs.
Yes, You Should Still Be Wearing SPF Under Your Protective Face Mask
In the few months since COVID-19 hit the US, we’ve found ourselves adjusting to a handful of new routines, one of which is the recommendation that everyone wear protective face masks while out in public to stop the spread of the virus. The logistics of what to do and what not to do while wearing one, though, might be confusing. For example, if you’re wondering whether applying sunscreen is a necessary skin-care step to take when you’re covering half of your face up, you’re not alone. The answer to that question, put simply: yes, you should.
“I always recommend wearing full coverage SPF and to reapply often, even when wearing a protective face mask,” board certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, told POPSUGAR. “Although these masks cover a portion of the face, you should still wear SPF to ensure protection from harmful UV rays. ”
In some way, this is similar to the question of whether or not you should still be wearing SPF indoors with less exposure to the sun, but you should be wearing sunscreen then too. Just like wearing makeup or staying inside won’t protect you from UV rays, wearing a protective face mask doesn’t provide you with any extra protection either since they can only cover about half of your face.
