This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on April 28, 2026.
When it comes to skincare, there’s a lot of jargon being thrown around these days. So when I heard all the buzz about dermaplaning, I knew I had to see it for myself.
What's Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a skincare treatment that scrapes the top-most layer of skin and fine hairs from the face using a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel. It exfoliates the outer layers of dead skin cells and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz, by scraping the skin with a 10-gauge blade at a 45-degree angle.
What are the Skincare Benefits of Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning eliminates dead skin cells and pollution buildup, allowing topical skincare products to penetrate deeper for up to 4 weeks after the treatment. In other words, the deeper your skincare can go, the more effective it can be.
Can I Do Dermaplaning Myself at Home?
It may be tempting to DIY your dermaplaning—tools are readily available in stores like Sephora—but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, I had this treatment performed by a licensed esthetician. It was a painless procedure that took about 10-15 minutes to complete. Afterwards, I followed the treatment with a mild glycolic peel and made sure to use SPF before leaving the office (your skin is more vulnerable to UV rays after exfoliation!).
Should I Add a Dermaplaning Service to My Facial?
After my dermaplaning service, I did notice that my skin was smoother. Make-up application was also more seamless for a few weeks after the treatment. Another pro? I noticed my products seemed to be working slightly better after the treatment, as promised. A few of those stubborn sun spots started fading more rapidly, and a few areas where I tend to have hormonal breakouts cleared more easily. However, the improved product absorption seemed to only last for about a week after the treatment, not the four weeks suggested.
The Pros and Cons of Dermaplaning
The Pros
- Excellent exfoliation
- Removal of fine hair may decrease exposure to pollution and bacteria buildup on your face, which can lead to breakouts and dull-looking skin
- Temporarily improved product absorption
- Temporarily smoothed skin and created seamless makeup application
The Cons
- Increased sun sensitivity
- Cost of treatments are typically $150 and above, and it’s more effective to combine it with a peel—which only increases the price
- Maintenance and upkeep will have you returning every 4-6 weeks for subsequent treatments
- Regrowth of hair made my face feel a bit rough around week three
My Personal Experience with Dermaplaning
Despite the results, I’m not going back for another treatment.
I felt the only true benefit was improved product absorption. And while this is certainly a plus, I’ve noticed a similar response by exfoliating with a chemical or physical scrub at home.
Dermaplaning was costly, and I definitely don’t have the time to return every 4-6 weeks to keep up with the treatments. I also didn’t like the noticeable regrowth of my peach fuzz around week three—which would still be too soon to receive a subsequent treatment.
Speaking of peach fuzz, I like to think it actually does serve a purpose for your skin. Vellus hair not only helps regulate your temperature, it also acts as a mild barrier between your skin, possibly preventing some pollution and bacteria from getting in. My recommendation? It’s probably more important to wash your face before bed (you’ll save more money this way, too).
To be fair I only had one treatment, but the results were not-so-noteworthy to keep up with the costly maintenance of such treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a professional skincare treatment that uses a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel to scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. The blade is held at a 45-degree angle during the procedure.
Is dermaplaning painful?
No. It's a painless procedure typically performed by a licensed esthetician, and it usually takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.
Can I dermaplane at home?
While at-home tools are available at retailers like Sephora, it's not recommended. For best results and safety, the treatment should be performed by a licensed professional.
How long do the results last?
Results vary. Smoother skin and improved makeup application can last a few weeks, but improved product absorption may only last around one week — less than the four weeks often advertised.
Does peach fuzz grow back differently after dermaplaning?
No — the hair grows back with the same texture and thickness as before. However, regrowth around week three can make the skin feel slightly rough.
What are the main downsides of dermaplaning?
The biggest drawbacks are cost (typically $150 or more per session), increased sun sensitivity after treatment, and the need for repeat sessions every 4–6 weeks to maintain results.
Is dermaplaning worth it?
It depends on your skincare goals and budget. The primary benefit is improved product absorption, but similar results can be achieved through regular chemical or physical exfoliation at home — at a fraction of the cost.
