What Is Dermaplaning? Benefits, Skin Types, and What to Expect

Dermaplaning is a form of physical exfoliation that uses a single-blade razor to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair — commonly called peach fuzz or vellus hair — from the surface of the skin. The result is immediately smoother, more radiant-looking skin with better product absorption and a more even base for makeup. Think of it as skincare step zero: it prepares your skin for everything that follows.

Unlike chemical exfoliants, which dissolve dead skin using acids, dermaplaning works mechanically — no chemicals, no heat, no significant downtime. Most people experience zero irritation. And to address one of the most common concerns upfront: no, it will not make your peach fuzz grow back thicker or darker. Below, we break down what dermaplaning actually is, who it's right for, how it compares to other exfoliation methods, and what to look for in a tool if you want to try it at home.

Already know the basics and ready to see the full technique? Read our step-by-step dermaplaning tutorial with visuals to guide you through the process.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is the use of a single-blade facial razor to gently exfoliate the skin and remove vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. It's a form of physical exfoliation — sometimes referred to clinically as epidermal leveling — and one of the few exfoliation methods that removes both hair and dead skin cells in a single step.

The skin's outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum, is made up of dead skin cells that naturally accumulate over time. Dermaplaning lifts this layer away precisely, revealing the fresher, smoother skin underneath. The skin replaces its outermost cells approximately every 28 days, which is why dermaplaning every two to four weeks tends to produce consistent results without over-exfoliating.

There are two ways to dermaplane: professionally or at home. Professional dermaplaning is performed by a licensed esthetician using a surgical-grade scalpel and achieves a deeper level of exfoliation than is safely achievable at home — typically costing between $75 and $250 per session. At-home dermaplaning uses a consumer-grade disposable or refillable dermaplane razor, delivers more superficial but still noticeable results, and costs a fraction of the price.

The Benefits of Dermaplaning

Smoother, more radiant-looking skin

Traditional exfoliation methods — scrubs, brushes, chemical acids — can sometimes be too harsh, especially for sensitive skin types. Dermaplaning uses a blade to precisely lift the stratum corneum without the friction of a granular scrub or the chemical activity of an acid. The result is immediately smoother-feeling, more luminous skin.

Better skincare absorption

Dead skin cells and fine facial hair create a physical barrier on the skin's surface that limits how deeply topical products can penetrate. Once that layer is removed, serums, moisturizers, and treatment products can absorb more effectively. A quick note: in the hours immediately after dermaplaning, skip actives and let your skin recover first. Apply only a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer until at least eight hours have passed.

A smoother base for makeup

If you've ever noticed foundation catching on dry patches or sitting unevenly no matter what you do, peach fuzz and uneven skin texture are often the culprits. Dermaplaning removes both, creating a smoother canvas for makeup to sit on. It's a popular choice before a big event for exactly this reason.

Peach fuzz removal without permanent change

Dermaplaning removes vellus hair — the fine, soft hair that covers the face — at the skin's surface. Because it doesn't affect the hair follicle, hair grows back exactly as it was before. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Wolinsky: "Dermaplaning will not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker in any location. The hair can be expected to grow back in the same pattern as before."

Who Is Dermaplaning Right For?

Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, but it's worth knowing where your skin falls before you start.

Who should avoid dermaplaning

If your skin is sunburned, inflamed, or you have active acne or rosacea, skip dermaplaning until your skin has healed. According to Dr. Claire Wolinsky: "Dermaplaning is safe for most skin types, however acne-prone skin will be likely to experience more inflammation around the hair follicle. Any manipulation of the hair follicle can lead to inflammation and thus cause folliculitis or an acne breakout."

If you're unsure whether dermaplaning is right for your skin, check with a dermatologist before trying it.

Dermaplaning vs. Other Exfoliation Methods

Dermaplaning is one of several ways to exfoliate the face. Here's how it compares to the most common alternatives.

A few things worth knowing: dermaplaning is the only method that simultaneously exfoliates and removes peach fuzz, which makes it more efficient than using separate products for each goal. It can also be a good fit for people who find exfoliating acids irritating, since it achieves similar smoothing without any chemical activity. Dermaplaning and chemical exfoliation can complement each other when used on different days — just never in the same session, and always skip actives for at least eight hours after dermaplaning.

Facial waxing is worth mentioning separately: waxed hair is removed at the root and takes longer to regrow, while dermaplaned peach fuzz returns to the surface in two to four weeks. Dermaplaning also provides an exfoliation benefit that waxing doesn't. Flamingo offers both face wax kits and dermaplane razors for at-home use — the right choice depends on whether exfoliation is a goal alongside hair removal. 

Professional Dermaplaning vs. At-Home Dermaplaning

Both methods deliver smoother, more radiant skin — the main differences are depth of exfoliation, cost, and convenience.

Professional dermaplaning is performed by a licensed esthetician using a surgical-grade scalpel. Working at a slightly deeper level, professional sessions typically deliver more dramatic results and longer-lasting smoothness. Sessions usually cost between $75 and $250.

At-home dermaplaning uses a consumer-grade disposable or refillable dermaplane razor. The exfoliation is more superficial, but the results — smoother skin, better product absorption, peach fuzz removal — are still real and visible. At-home tools cost a few dollars per use, making it easy to maintain results consistently without the salon price tag.

If the idea of putting a razor to your face still feels daunting, a professional session is a good way to see the results firsthand before committing to an at-home routine. When you're ready to try it yourself, our step-by-step dermaplaning tutorial walks through everything — tool setup, technique, and aftercare — in detail.

What to Look for in a Dermaplaning Tool

Not every facial razor is designed for dermaplaning. Here's what actually matters when choosing a tool.

Single blade: Dermaplaning requires a single-blade razor — not a multi-blade cartridge. A single blade lets you control the angle and pressure precisely, which is what makes it possible to exfoliate as well as remove hair.

Handle geometry: The handle of a dermaplaning tool is designed to help you hold the blade at the correct angle against the skin. A poorly shaped handle makes that harder to maintain.

Blade sharpness: A sharp blade should do all the work with minimal pressure. If you find yourself pressing harder to see results, the blade has dulled and needs replacing. A dull blade increases the risk of irritation and cuts.

Disposable vs. refillable: Both are valid. Disposable dermaplaning razors are single-use — each session starts with a fresh blade. Refillable razors use the same handle with replaceable blade inserts that can be used two to three times before replacing. Both options are significantly more affordable than professional sessions.

The Flamingo Disposable Dermaplane Razor is designed specifically for safe, precise at-home use — single blade, optimal handle angle, one use per razor. For a more sustainable option, the Flamingo Refillable Dermaplane Razor comes with replacement blade inserts that can be used up to three times before swapping. 

Dermaplaning Aftercare

Dermaplaning temporarily removes the skin's outermost layer, leaving it more sensitive than usual. Giving it a little extra care in the hours after makes a real difference.

Moisturize immediately: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer right after dermaplaning to support skin barrier recovery. Skip anything with active ingredients — retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide — for at least eight hours. These can irritate freshly exfoliated skin.

Don't skip SPF: Freshly dermaplaned skin is more susceptible to UV damage, so broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable if you're going outside. For those with deeper skin tones or a tendency toward post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this step is especially important — UV exposure on freshly exfoliated skin can trigger or worsen pigmentation changes.

Give your skin time before makeup: Wait at least eight hours before applying foundation or other face makeup. Most people find it easiest to dermaplane in the evening, waking up to smooth, recovered skin that's ready for everything else.

Keep up a consistent schedule: According to Dr. Claire Wolinsky: "Dermaplaning when done every 1–4 weeks should be safe for most people's skin." That cadence aligns with the skin's natural 28-day cell turnover cycle and prevents over-exfoliation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a form of physical exfoliation that uses a single-blade razor to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. Also referred to as epidermal leveling, it leaves skin immediately smoother, more radiant-looking, and better able to absorb skincare products. It can be performed professionally by a licensed esthetician or at home with a dedicated dermaplane razor.

Does dermaplaning make facial hair grow back thicker or darker?

No. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair at the skin's surface and does not affect the hair follicle, so hair grows back at the same texture, thickness, and color. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Wolinsky: "Dermaplaning will not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker in any location. The hair can be expected to grow back in the same pattern as before."

Who should not dermaplane?

People with active acne, rosacea, eczema, sunburn, or any inflamed or broken skin should wait until the skin has fully healed. Per Dr. Claire Wolinsky, acne-prone skin is more likely to experience folliculitis or breakouts after dermaplaning due to manipulation of the hair follicle. If you're unsure whether dermaplaning is right for your skin, consult a dermatologist before trying it.

How often should you dermaplane?

Every two to four weeks is safe for most people. This aligns with the skin's natural cell turnover cycle, which replaces the outermost layer approximately every 28 days. Dermaplaning more frequently risks over-exfoliation, which can cause redness and irritation.

Is dermaplaning the same as shaving?

They use a similar tool but produce different results. Dermaplaning uses a single-blade razor held at a specific angle to remove both peach fuzz and the outermost layer of dead skin cells — it's an exfoliation method as much as a hair-removal method. Shaving with a standard multi-blade razor removes hair only and does not exfoliate.

Is dermaplaning safe for sensitive skin?

For many people with sensitive skin, dermaplaning can actually be gentler than scrubs or chemical exfoliants. That said, anyone with active redness, broken skin, or a compromised skin barrier should wait until the skin has recovered before dermaplaning. Always follow with a gentle moisturizer and skip active ingredients for at least eight hours after.

Is dermaplaning safe for darker skin tones?

Yes. Dermaplaning doesn't carry the hyperpigmentation risk associated with some laser treatments or chemical peels. That said, freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV-triggered pigmentation changes, so applying SPF 30 or higher after dermaplaning is especially important for anyone prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma.

What's the difference between at-home and professional dermaplaning?

Professional dermaplaning is performed by a licensed esthetician using a surgical-grade scalpel, achieving a deeper level of exfoliation. Sessions typically cost $75 to $250. At-home dermaplaning uses a consumer-grade razor and produces more superficial results — but still delivers smoother skin, improved product absorption, and peach fuzz removal at a fraction of the cost.

Can I wear makeup right after dermaplaning?

It's best to wait at least eight hours. Dermaplaning temporarily increases skin sensitivity, and products applied too soon can cause irritation. Dermaplaning in the evening gives skin time to recover so it's ready for makeup the next morning.

What skincare should I use after dermaplaning?

Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after. If you're going outside, add a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. For at least eight hours, avoid products containing active ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or benzoyl peroxide.

Can dermaplaning help with acne scars or hyperpigmentation?

Dermaplaning can improve overall skin smoothness and radiance, but it's not a targeted treatment for acne scars or hyperpigmentation. For those concerns, speak with a dermatologist about options such as chemical peels, laser treatments, or prescription topicals.

Is dermaplaning safe during pregnancy?

Dermaplaning uses no chemicals and is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy. As with any new skincare procedure, it's worth checking with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before trying it — especially in the first trimester.

Do I need a special razor, or can I use a regular one?

A dedicated dermaplaning razor is necessary. A dermaplaning razor uses a single blade and a handle designed to help you maintain the correct angle and pressure for safe exfoliation. Standard multi-blade razors are built for a different motion and won't produce the same result.

How long do dermaplaning results last?

Most people notice smoother, more radiant skin for two to four weeks, at which point peach fuzz begins to regrow and dead skin cells start to accumulate again. Consistent sessions every two to four weeks maintain the results over time.

Recommended Products

• Flamingo Disposable Dermaplane Razor

• Flamingo Refillable Dermaplane Razor 

• Flamingo Refillable Dermaplane Refills