What is dermaplaning? Essentially, it's the removal of the top layer of skin. And while some will say that it's simply shaving your face, what the treatment also does is peel off dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and smoother appearance. I received my first professional dermaplaning treatment some months back and was almost done forever after a misstep in the aesthetician's methods left me looking like a thumb (yes, I said a thumb).
But after months of hesitation and some much-needed pushes from other skin-care addicts, I finally decided to take another, and needless to say, I've become an at-home dermaplaning addict.
So my first dermaplaning experience was a bumpy ride.
Eager to try the skin-care trend, I saw a professional. She seemed extremely educated on the topic, gave me an in-depth skin analysis, and got to work, in awe that I really was as hairy as I told her I was — I'm shameless, hey. All seemed well, that is, until I rose, walked to the bathroom, and saw that her chattiness had led to a giant knick in my eyebrow. Yes, she neglected to tell me that during our conversations she had taken out a giant chunk of my eyebrow. Needless to say, I was angry.
It was then that I said I would never try it again and moved to at-home treatments.
Usually, I'm the type to flock to a professional, afraid of my own doing causing serious problems. But there, sitting with an undone left eyebrow, I said why not? Though I may not be trained in the form, I knew that my brows would remain intact.
Luckily, the experience has been amazing so far.
There are dozens of at-home dermaplaners out there, but I decided that Dermaflash was for me. It has rave reviews (four and a half stars on Sephora, to be exact), and its sleek appearance drew me. But before I gave it a try, I spoke to the brand's founder and medspa owner Dara Levy to get the scoop on how to use it.
First, you have to properly prep the skin.
"Dermaplaning is best performed on squeaky clean, perfectly dry skin," Levy says. To ensure that, she suggests using a clarifying cleanser like the Preflash. "This specially formulated cleanser is the essential first step and removes all traces of oil and residual products from the surface of the skin."
Then comes the fun part.
You've probably seen your favorite influencer posting about how cool this is, and trust me, it's even cooler in person. "Dermaflash should always be held at a 45-degree angle to the skin. Holding skin taut with a finger from the opposite hand, use short, feathery strokes as you glide the device over your entire face to get your best results," Levy states. With each stroke, hair and dead skin that you didn't even know was there glides off the surface of the skin.
Then it's all about hydration.
After using the Dermaflash, the skin is extremely receptive to the moisture that will follow, so there's no better time to apply your favorite serum or moisturizer for an added dose of hydration.
It's really that simple.
Yep, it's seriously that easy. The treatment, which is suggested for once a week use, will leave you with skin smoother than you ever could have imagined. And even better, no eyebrows will be harmed in the process. Trust me, if you haven't tried it for yourself, you're missing out on something so satisfying and so easy to use.
Dermaflash LUXE Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device ($199, Sephora)
This three-in-one award-winning facial exfoliation, hair removal, and antiaging device is designed specifically for the delicate skin on a woman's face. By erasing the barrier to penetration, Dermaflash Luxe maximizes absorption and creates a flawless canvas for makeup. It is dermatologist recommended.
