In the quest for youthful, radiant skin, many are drawn to dermaplaning. The appeal is clear: instantaneously baby-like skin with a fresh, smooth, and radiant look.

Dermaplaning promises to remove unwanted facial hair and the top layer of dead skin, making it an ideal treatment for those seeking a quick, effective treatment.

But what if it's not as flawless as it seems? Let's unmask the realities and potential hazards of this treatment and ask: "Does dermaplaning cause acne?"

Also read: How to choose the best acne treatment

Biggest Take-Aways:

• Dermaplaning can potentially lead to acne breakouts due to factors like over-exfoliation and bacteria spread, and it may not suit all skin types.

• Those with sensitive skin, and active or cystic acne should be especially cautious, as dermaplaning can exacerbate their skin issues.

• Misconceptions around dermaplaning, such as it causes thicker hair growth or treats acne scarring, can lead to distress and disappointment post-treatment.

• Exposed Skin Care can effectively manage acne, offering balanced exfoliation and harnessing the power of natural ingredients to promote healthier skin.

The Undeniable Benefits of Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning treatment is lauded as an exfoliation treatment that carefully removes the top layer of dead skin cells and peach fuzz, resulting in super smooth skin.

It gives the skin an immediate fresh, smooth, and radiant look. The treatment also allows for better absorption of skincare products, making it a great option for people with dull skin or sun damage.

Peach Fuzz and Dead Skin Removal

Dermaplaning effectively removes the fine, downy hair—also known as vellus hair or 'peach fuzz'—along with dead skin. Female facial hair, especially vellus hair, is often not spoken about, but it is a common concern among many women. Removing these cells, peach fuzz, and the top layer of dead skin results in the coveted super smooth, radiant skin.

Improved Makeup Application

When dead skin and peach fuzz are removed, makeup application becomes a breeze. The face's surface becomes smoother, allowing makeup to glide on seamlessly.

The Dark Side of Dermaplaning: Does Dermaplaning Cause Acne?

While dermaplaning can offer smooth, radiant, and hairless skin, it's crucial also to shed light on its potential downsides. The question looming in many people's minds is: "Does dermaplaning cause acne?" The answer is not straightforward.

Depending on your skin type, how the treatment is done, and how you take care of your skin after the treatment, dermaplaning could potentially lead to acne breakouts.

1. Over-Exfoliation and Irritation

In the world of skincare, there is a thing as "too much of a good thing." Exfoliation treatments, including dermaplaning, indeed remove dead skin and can leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. However, overdoing these treatments can lead to an over-exfoliation of the skin, which can lead to irritation, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.

Dermaplaning removes the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, to reveal the fresh skin beneath. But the stratum corneum is there for a reason. It acts as a barrier, protecting the skin from environmental aggressors and sun damage.

Over-exfoliation can strip this protective layer away, leaving the skin vulnerable, which can lead to skin inflammation, irritation, and in some cases, acne.

2. Risk of Acne Breakouts

Acne breakouts can be triggered by a variety of factors, including hormones, diet, stress, and, importantly, bacteria. A dermaplaning treatment, particularly if done at home without professional supervision, can risk spreading bacteria, leading to acne breakouts.

Moreover, for individuals with active acne, dermaplaning can further exacerbate the condition. The treatment can cause open acne lesions to rupture, leading to the spread of bacteria and worsening of the breakout.

Therefore, it's not recommended to undergo a dermaplaning treatment if you have active acne or are highly prone to acne breakouts.

3. Hair Growth Misconceptions

One of the common horror stories around hair removal, including facial hair removal through dermaplaning, is the misconception that the hair grows back thicker and darker. While this is not entirely true—the treatment only affects the texture of the hair as it grows back—it can create an uncomfortable prickly sensation, and for some people, it can cause low self-esteem and distress, leading to stress-induced acne breakouts.

4. Unfavorable for Certain Skin Types

Dermaplaning isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment. It's important to remember that each person's skin is unique, and what works wonders for one person might have the opposite effect on another. This is particularly true for individuals with sensitive skin, active breakouts, cold sores, or cystic acne.

If you fall into these categories, dermaplaning can cause more harm than good. The treatment can irritate sensitive skin, spread acne in those with active breakouts, and worsen cold sores and cystic acne. Therefore, knowing your skin type and its conditions is essential before considering dermaplaning.

5. Inability to Treat Acne Scarring

While dermaplaning is an excellent exfoliation treatment, it's important to note that it's not effective for acne scarring. This misconception often leads to disappointment post-dermaplaning sessions for those who had high hopes of reducing the visibility of their acne scars.

While it can reduce the appearance of superficial scarring by removing the top layer of dead skin, it can't reach deeper layers where most acne scarring occurs. Therefore, if you are seeking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, dermaplaning might not be the most effective treatment option.

6. The Risk of Physical Damage

Dermaplaning involves using a scalpel-like tool to gently scrape off the top layer of skin, along with vellus hair or peach fuzz. While this can provide baby-like smooth skin, it can also cause minor cuts and nicks if done incorrectly or without the guidance of a licensed professional. Not only can this lead to physical damage, but it can also risk bacterial infection and the subsequent possibility of acne.

Harness the Power of Exposed Skin Care for Managing Acne

For individuals prone to acne, finding the perfect skin care solution can often feel like navigating a minefield. Common mistakes include over-exfoliating and improperly removing hair, which can exacerbate acne. This is where Exposed Skin Care comes to the rescue.

• Targeted Solutions: Exposed Skin Care products are specifically formulated to combat acne, addressing the problem at its root rather than just treating the symptoms. This ensures you avoid the wrong situation of dealing with recurring breakouts.

• Balanced Exfoliation: Over-exfoliating is a common mistake that can aggravate acne. Exposed Skin Care offers a balanced exfoliating treatment designed to gently slough off dead skin cells without causing irritation or inflammation.

• No Hair-Removal Woes: Some people believe that removing hair can cause acne. Exposed Skin Care sidesteps this concern by focusing solely on skin health, allowing you to maintain your preferred hair-removal routine without worry.

• Powerful Natural Ingredients: Harnessing the power of natural ingredients like green tea and passion flower, Exposed Skin Care products can soothe inflammation, promote healing, and prevent future breakouts.

Overall, Exposed Skin Care offers a comprehensive solution to managing acne, allowing you to avoid common pitfalls while nurturing healthier skin.

Conclusion

Dermaplaning can indeed offer benefits such as removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leading to smoother, more radiant skin. However, it's crucial to recognize that this treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Over-exfoliation, bacteria spread, potential physical damage, and specific skin types prone to acne can lead to adverse outcomes from dermaplaning. Furthermore, the treatment is ineffective for deeper acne scarring, and misconceptions about its effects can result in distress and disappointment. When considering at-home dermaplaning, the risks of improper technique and non-sterile tools should be considered to prevent breakouts.

For those looking for an acne solution, products like Exposed Skin Care may provide a more balanced approach. It offers targeted solutions, ensuring proper exfoliation without irritation, and harnesses the power of natural ingredients to soothe and prevent breakouts. Therefore, it's essential to understand your skin type and needs when selecting a skincare treatment, considering both potential benefits and drawbacks to ensure optimal skin health.

FAQs

Is dermaplaning OK for acne-prone skin?

No, dermaplaning is not recommended for acne-prone skin. It can potentially aggravate active acne, spread bacteria, and trigger acne breakouts.

Does dermaplaning make your skin purge?

No, dermaplaning does not cause skin purging. It might cause breakouts due to irritation or bacteria, but it does not increase cell turnover, which leads to skin purging.

How long does dermaplaning acne last?

The duration of dermaplaning-induced acne varies based on the individual's skin type, how well they care for their skin post-treatment, and whether they are prone to breakouts. In some cases, it can last up to a couple of weeks.

How do you prevent acne after dermaplaning?

Preventing acne after dermaplaning involves getting professional treatments, maintaining cleanliness before, during, and after the session, limiting sun exposure, and avoiding heavy makeup.