Dermaplaning leaves your skin smooth and radiant but also more sensitive. Proper aftercare is critical to protect your skin, support healing, and maintain results. Here's what you need to know:
- Sun Protection: Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours and wear a hat outdoors.
- Gentle Skincare: Use fragrance-free, hydrating products like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Avoid harsh treatments (exfoliants, retinoids, scrubs) for at least 72 hours.
- Hydration: Keep your skin moisturized to repair the barrier and reduce sensitivity.
- Avoid Heat and Sweat: Skip saunas, hot tubs, and intense exercise for 24–72 hours to prevent irritation.
- No Makeup: Wait 24–48 hours before applying makeup. Use non-comedogenic, mineral-based products afterward.
Your skin takes about 28 days to fully regenerate, so be gentle during this time. Regular dermaplaning every 4–6 weeks helps maintain results. Consult your skincare professional for tailored advice.
First 24 Hours After Treatment
The first 24 hours after dermaplaning are crucial for your skin's recovery. Since the outer layer of your skin has been removed, it’s more sensitive and exposed to environmental factors. Taking the right steps during this time can help protect and soothe your skin.
Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
Your skin is too delicate for strong products right after treatment. Steer clear of exfoliants, retinoids, and active treatments like AHA/BHA serums, vitamin C, acne solutions, or physical scrubs for at least 72 hours. Using these can irritate your skin, causing redness or discomfort, and may slow down the healing process. Give your skin time to rebuild its natural barrier before reintroducing these products.
Instead, focus on using gentle products that nourish and calm your skin.
Stick to Gentle Skincare
During the recovery period, opt for mild, hydrating products that won’t irritate your skin. Look for fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers containing soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or ceramides. Wait at least four hours before cleansing your face. When you do, use lukewarm water and a non-foaming, pH-balanced cleanser, gently patting your skin dry.
Professional aftercare products can also be helpful. For instance, Dermaplaning Supplies Canada offers post-treatment essentials such as hydrating serums, gentle cleansers, and calming moisturizers specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Prioritize Sun Protection
Sun protection is non-negotiable after dermaplaning. Your freshly treated skin is more prone to UV damage, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher immediately after your session and continue to use it daily. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 48 hours, and if you need to be outside, stick to shaded areas and reapply sunscreen frequently. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a snowy winter afternoon with reflective UV rays, sunscreen is a must every single day. This helps reduce the chances of sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
Protecting Your Skin After Treatment
After your dermaplaning session, taking care of your skin doesn’t stop after the first 24 hours. While the initial healing is crucial, your skin’s outer layer - the stratum corneum - needs about 28 days to fully renew. During this time, your skin remains more sensitive, so ongoing care is essential to maintain the treatment's benefits and protect your skin's delicate barrier.
Here are some key steps to ensure your skin stays protected as it continues to heal.
Limit Direct Sun Exposure
For the first 48 hours, it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure altogether. Beyond that, make sun protection a daily habit for at least a month. If you’re heading outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra coverage and stick to shaded areas whenever possible, especially during peak UV hours (10:00–16:00). Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, and don’t forget to reapply it every two hours if you’re in a reflective environment like near water or snow.
Avoid Excessive Heat and Sweating
Heat and sweat can interfere with your skin’s recovery by introducing bacteria and stripping away its natural oils. To prevent this, steer clear of intense exercise that causes heavy sweating for the first 72 hours. Likewise, avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for 24–48 hours, as the heat and humidity can irritate your freshly treated skin. If you plan to swim, keep in mind that chlorinated pools can remove your skin’s protective oils. It’s best to avoid swimming for a few days, but if you do take a dip, rinse your skin immediately with fresh water to remove any chlorine residue.
Keeping Skin Hydrated and Product Tips
Keeping your skin hydrated after dermaplaning is key to supporting its recovery and extending the benefits of the treatment. Choosing the right products can make all the difference in maintaining hydration and reducing sensitivity.
Use Hydrating Serums and Moisturizers
Post-dermaplaning, your skin craves hydration. Start with a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to instantly soothe and plump the skin. Follow this with a gentle moisturizer daily for at least a week to help repair your skin’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid is particularly effective because it draws water into the skin, keeping it soft and supple. For added support, look for products enriched with peptide complexes and antioxidants to aid in strengthening your skin’s natural defences.
Choose Alcohol-Free Products to Soothe Skin
Calming your skin is just as important as hydrating it. Avoid using alcohol-based toners or mists, as these can irritate your sensitive, post-treatment skin. Instead, opt for alcohol-free products that provide soothing hydration and help reduce redness. Many aftercare products are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, often featuring ingredients like niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and green tea extract, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support the healing process.
Try Professional Aftercare Products
For even better results, consider using professional-grade products tailored for post-dermaplaning care. Brands like Dermaplaning Supplies Canada offer high-quality formulations designed to boost hydration and repair the skin’s barrier. You might also explore professional jelly masks for a deeper hydration boost. For instance, the Roselisa Citrus Vitality Vitamin C Jelly Mask Powder combines hydration with brightening effects, making it a great option. To find the best routine for your skin type, consult your skincare professional for personalized advice.
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What to Avoid After Treatment
Once you've started caring for your skin post-treatment, it's just as important to know what to avoid during the healing process. Here's a closer look at some key practices to steer clear of while your skin recovers.
Skip Strong Treatments and Scrubs
Hold off on any form of exfoliation - chemical or physical - for at least 48 hours to two weeks after dermaplaning. This includes products like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and physical scrubs or brushes. Waxing, threading, or shaving should also be avoided during this time. Using these too soon can irritate your skin, causing redness, stinging, burning, or even scarring. Overdoing exfoliation can weaken your skin barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to infection and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that your skin’s outer layer takes about 28 days to fully regenerate, so sensitivity might linger for weeks after the treatment.
Additionally, some cosmetic procedures should be postponed to give your skin uninterrupted time to heal.
Wait Before Using Makeup
Applying makeup too soon after dermaplaning can interfere with your skin's recovery. Give your skin a break and let it breathe during the initial healing phase. If you decide to wear makeup once your skin has calmed, choose gentle, mineral-based, oil-free products that are less likely to clog pores or irritate your skin. During this time, focus on using gentle cleansers and hydrating skincare products recommended by your professional to help your skin absorb nutrients while avoiding bacterial contamination.
Watch for Skin Reactions
Keep an eye out for any unusual skin reactions. While mild redness and dryness are normal, persistent redness, swelling, burning, itching, rash, or signs of infection like pus or spreading redness warrant a call to your skincare professional. Those with sensitive or darker skin should be extra cautious, as they may be more prone to irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Resist the urge to pick at or scratch flaking skin, as this can lead to scarring or dark spots. To reduce the risk of infection, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, change your pillowcase the same day as your treatment, and sanitize items like cell phones and glasses that come into frequent contact with your face.
Booking Your Next Treatment
After following proper aftercare, keeping a consistent schedule can help extend the benefits of your treatment. Regular dermaplaning supports smooth, glowing skin as your skin naturally renews itself.
How Often to Get Treatments
Aim to book your dermaplaning session every 4–6 weeks to match your skin’s renewal cycle. The stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of your skin, typically takes about 28 days to regenerate. Following this timeline helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and fine hair, ensuring your skincare products continue to absorb effectively and your complexion remains fresh.
Avoid scheduling treatments more often than every 4 weeks. Since dermaplaning is a deep exfoliation process, your skin needs adequate time to recover between sessions. Overdoing it can weaken your skin’s barrier, potentially causing sensitivity, redness, or breakouts.
Consider booking your next session before you leave the clinic. Many skincare professionals offer appointment reminders or package deals to help manage costs, which typically range between $75 and $150 CAD.
Work With Your Skincare Professional
Your treatment schedule should reflect your unique skin needs. While the general recommendation of 4 to 6 weeks works for most people, your skincare professional can adjust the timing based on how your skin responds.
Several factors can influence the ideal interval between sessions. For instance, those with sensitive or reactive skin might benefit from longer breaks, while individuals with oilier or more resilient skin often thrive with monthly treatments. Other elements, such as age, lifestyle, and any additional skincare procedures, can also play a role.
At each appointment, discuss your skin goals and any changes you’ve noticed. If your makeup starts to feel less smooth or you experience minor breakouts, it could be a sign that your skin is ready for another session. Your professional will assess your skin’s recovery and suggest the best time to book your next treatment.
Lastly, be open about any concerns or reactions following your last session. If you’ve experienced persistent redness, irritation, or unexpected breakouts, your skincare professional may recommend extending the time between treatments or adjusting their approach for future sessions.
Main Points for Dermaplaning Aftercare
Taking care of your skin after dermaplaning is crucial for achieving the best results and preventing any issues. Here’s a quick summary of the most important aftercare steps to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
After dermaplaning, your skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays, and this heightened vulnerability can last for several weeks. Whether it’s summer or Canada’s reflective winter conditions, daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ is non-negotiable. This is your first line of defence against UV damage.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Hydration is key to helping your skin recover. Use gentle, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free moisturizers or serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These not only soothe redness and sensitivity but also aid in rebuilding your skin’s protective barrier, making your skincare routine more effective.
Avoid Harsh Treatments and Environments
For the first week post-treatment, steer clear of exfoliants, retinol, hot saunas, intense workouts, and chlorinated pools. These can irritate your freshly exfoliated skin, leading to dryness or even infection. Give your skin the time it needs to heal without added stress.
Timing Matters for Makeup and Other Treatments
Wait 24–48 hours before applying makeup, and when you do, opt for mineral-based, non-comedogenic formulas. If you’re planning additional facial treatments, give your skin at least two weeks to fully recover before scheduling anything else.
Gentle Care for Long-Term Results
Your skin’s outer layer, the stratum corneum, takes about 28 days to fully regenerate after dermaplaning. During this period, ongoing gentle care is essential. Stick to a routine that avoids harsh products or treatments to keep your skin healthy and irritation-free. Regular treatments every 4–6 weeks can help maintain results and improve your skin’s overall health over time.
For expert advice and professional-grade products tailored to dermaplaning aftercare, check out Dermaplaning Supplies Canada. Their resources can help you maintain your results and support your skin’s recovery.
FAQs
When can I restart my regular skincare routine, including exfoliants and retinoids, after dermaplaning?
After dermaplaning, it's wise to hold off on using exfoliants, retinoids, or other active skincare ingredients for about 3 to 5 days. This pause allows your skin to heal properly and helps minimise the chance of irritation.
During this recovery period, stick to gentle, hydrating products that nourish your skin. And don’t skip on broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher - your freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Steer clear of any harsh treatments or products until your skin feels calm and balanced again.
What ingredients should I look for in skincare products to soothe and hydrate my skin after dermaplaning?
After dermaplaning, your skincare routine should focus on calming and hydrating your skin. Opt for moisturizers and serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, aloe vera to ease any irritation, and niacinamide to reduce redness while strengthening your skin barrier. Adding ceramides can also help replenish hydration and guard against dryness.
Steer clear of harsh exfoliants or active ingredients such as retinol and AHAs/BHAs for at least 48 hours, as your skin will be more sensitive after the treatment. And don’t skip the sunscreen - apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to shield your freshly exfoliated skin from harmful UV rays.
What are the signs of a negative skin reaction after dermaplaning, and how should I handle it?
After dermaplaning, it's completely normal for your skin to feel a bit sensitive. However, if you notice redness lasting more than 48 hours, swelling, itchiness, or the appearance of small bumps or rashes, these could be signs of a negative reaction. In such cases, steer clear of harsh skincare products like exfoliants or acids. Instead, stick to a gentle cleanser and a fragrance-free moisturiser to keep your skin calm. A cool compress can also work wonders to ease any discomfort.
If these symptoms worsen or don't start improving after a few days, it's a good idea to reach out to a dermatologist or skincare expert for guidance. And don’t forget - your skin will be more sensitive to the sun after dermaplaning, so applying sunscreen daily is a must to protect it from UV rays.