Dermaplaning leaves your skin smooth and radiant but also more sensitive. Proper aftercare is essential to protect your skin and maximize the treatment's benefits. Here's what you need to know:
- Cleanse gently: Use a fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser twice daily.
- Apply sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ daily to prevent sun damage.
- Moisturize: Stick to alcohol-free products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
- Avoid irritants: Skip makeup, active ingredients (e.g., retinoids, AHAs), heat, and heavy sweating for at least 24–72 hours.
- Stay hygienic: Change pillowcases often and avoid touching your face.
For the first week, keep your routine simple: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. Gradually reintroduce active ingredients after Day 4, and schedule monthly dermaplaning sessions to maintain results.
Post-Dermaplaning Do's
Use a Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleanser
After dermaplaning, your skin is especially sensitive, so treating it with care is essential. Stick to a mild, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced cleanser twice a day for at least a week.
"Cleanse your skin twice a day with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Look for a cleanser without added fragrances and alcohol, which could irritate your new layer of skin." - Tom Bastion, Administrator, Springhillmedgroup
When washing your face, use lukewarm water and gentle, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a soft towel - no rubbing! Hydrating gel cleansers or unscented humectant washes are great options during this time.
Apply Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Every Day
Since dermaplaning removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage, including sunburn and hyperpigmentation. Protecting it with sunscreen is non-negotiable.
"After dermaplaning, your skin is more susceptible to ultraviolet damage, as the top layer of dead skin cells is removed. This is why you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30." - Aloe Beauty Spa
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for formulas free of alcohol and harsh chemicals, especially in the first few days post-treatment. If you're applying makeup over sunscreen, ensure your brushes and applicators are clean to avoid introducing bacteria to your sensitive skin.
Moisturize with Alcohol-Free Products
Moisturizing is key to helping your skin heal and stay hydrated after dermaplaning. However, it's important to use products without alcohol to avoid irritation.
"Dermaplaning offers the perfect canvas for your skincare products to penetrate more effectively. Use this opportunity to incorporate nourishing, hydrating, and soothing products to enhance your skin's appearance." - Sahra Sabri, Author, Brau
Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture and support your skin's barrier. Steer clear of active ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide for at least a week. To maintain your skin's health, keep surfaces clean and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
Keep Surfaces Clean and Hands Off Your Face
Hygiene plays a big role in your recovery. Swap out your pillowcase before your first post-dermaplaning sleep, and consider changing it every two to three days during the healing period. Also, avoid resting your face on your hands or touching it throughout the day to reduce the risk of breakouts.
Drink Water and Eat Skin-Supporting Foods
Help your skin recover from the inside out by staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich foods. Aim for 2 litres of water daily and incorporate foods packed with vitamins and antioxidants - like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish - to support collagen production and reduce inflammation.
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Post-Dermaplaning Don'ts
Protect your results by steering clear of these common mistakes after your treatment.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure for At Least 1 Week
Dermaplaning removes the outermost layer of skin, leaving it more sensitive to UV rays. Post-treatment sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
"The sun's UV rays can cause the skin to produce melanin... which can make the skin appear darker and more uneven, which can counteract the benefits of dermaplaning." - Dermaplaning Supplies
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., for at least a week. If you need to be outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear protective items like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Avoid Exfoliants and Active Ingredients
Dermaplaning already exfoliates your skin, so adding products like AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, or chemical peels too soon can irritate your skin and weaken its barrier.
"Avoid harsh exfoliants, scrubs, or chemical peels for at least a week after dermaplaning because your skin is more sensitive and vulnerable during this time." - Aloe Beauty Spa
Give your skin 3–7 days to recover before reintroducing these products into your routine.
Skip Makeup for the First 24 Hours
After dermaplaning, your pores are more open and prone to clogging. Applying makeup too soon can lead to irritation and undo the treatment’s benefits.
"After your dermaplaning session, your skin will be super smooth, and applying makeup right away can clog pores or irritate freshly exfoliated skin." - Sahra Sabri, Author, Brau
Wait at least 24 hours before using makeup. When you do, choose mineral-based products and ensure your brushes and applicators are clean.
Avoid Heat, Sweating, and Harsh Products
For the first 24–72 hours, avoid activities that expose your skin to heat, such as hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense workouts. Use lukewarm water when cleansing your face. Additionally, steer clear of skincare products containing alcohol, fragrance, or strong active ingredients until your skin has settled.
Do Not Pick at or Touch the Skin
It’s tempting to touch your freshly smooth skin, but doing so transfers bacteria and oils that can irritate or break out your skin. Minor purging - temporary, small breakouts - may occur as the treatment dislodges trapped debris.
Let your skin heal naturally and resist the urge to pick at any blemishes.
Post-Care Products from Dermaplaning Supplies Canada
When it comes to post-dermaplaning care, having the right products is just as important as following the proper steps. Dermaplaning Supplies Canada provides clinic-grade options tailored for recovery, like barrier-repair moisturizers and calming serums, to ensure your skin gets the care it needs after treatment.
For a streamlined approach, the SkinHealthMD 5-Step Premium Pro Series Backbar Facial Bundle is available for $429.00 CAD. This all-in-one kit simplifies post-treatment protocols. Need targeted hydration? The BPS Pro Series Hyaluronic Acid Serum (237 ml / 8 oz) is a great pick at $89.95 CAD, offering enhanced moisture retention. Meanwhile, the BPS Pro Series Aloe Vera Gel (473 ml / 16 oz) is a budget-friendly option at just $14.95 CAD, perfect for soothing sensitive skin.
To help clients stay informed, the Dermaplaning Post Treatment Aftercare Instructions Card (25-pack for $8.95 CAD) provides clear, easy-to-follow guidance. These double-sided matte cards are a time-saving and reliable way to ensure your clients understand how to care for their skin after treatment.
"This affordable and convenient method of aftercare instruction will save you time and ensure that your clients are well taken care of and advised on the appropriate aftercare procedures following their treatment." - Dermaplaning Supplies Canada
For bulk orders of 10 or more, enjoy a 10% discount. Plus, orders over $199 ship free within Canada.
Post-Care Product Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Price (CAD) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPS Pro Series Gentle Facial Cleanser | 473 ml / 16 oz | $29.95 | Gentle cleansing without stripping the barrier |
| BPS Pro Series Aloe Vera Gel | 473 ml / 16 oz | $14.95 | Soothes redness and post-treatment sensitivity |
| BPS Pro Series Hyaluronic Acid Serum | 237 ml / 8 oz | $89.95 | Deep hydration and superior moisture retention |
| SkinHealthMD Advanced Peptide Moisturizer | 100 ml | $63.92 | Ultra-light hydration for post-treatment skin |
| SkinHealthMD 5-Step Backbar Bundle | Full kit | $429.00 | Complete post-dermaplaning protocol in one kit |
| Roselisa Jelly Mask Backbar Collection | 10 × 725 g | $549.00 | Professional cooling and hydration mask treatment |
| Aftercare Instruction Cards | 25-pack | $8.95 | Standardized client home-care guidance |
Week 1 Routine and Ongoing Maintenance
Post-Dermaplaning Aftercare: Day-by-Day Recovery Guide
Day-by-Day Checklist for Week 1
The first week after dermaplaning is all about gentle care and letting your skin recover. Keep things simple and stick to the basics.
"For the first week after dermaplaning, simplify your skincare routine to just the basics - cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection." - Clarebella
Here’s a breakdown of what to focus on each day during Week 1:
| Timeframe | Focus | Key Actions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0–1 | Protection | Gentle cleansing, rich moisturiser, no makeup | Harsh active ingredients |
| Day 2–3 | Hydration | Hyaluronic acid serum, ceramide moisturiser, SPF 30+ | Heat exposure and sweating |
| Day 4–7 | Reintroduction | Gradually reintroduce actives every other night, patch test Vitamin C | Harsh mechanical exfoliation |
This plan helps your skin transition smoothly from recovery to your regular routine.
A small but important tip: during the first few days, be careful in the shower. Letting shampoo run down your face can irritate newly exfoliated skin because many shampoos contain strong surfactants.
By Day 4, you can start slowly bringing back your regular active ingredients, like Vitamin C or other treatments, but always monitor how your skin reacts.
Monthly Follow-Up and Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve completed the first week, keeping up with regular maintenance is key to prolonging the results of dermaplaning. A consistent monthly routine helps maintain that smooth, glowing skin.
Dermaplaning fits best into a schedule that aligns with your skin’s natural cell turnover, which happens roughly every 4 weeks. Scheduling professional treatments at this interval ensures lasting results and prevents your skin from losing its refreshed texture.
An added bonus? Monthly sessions also make your skin more receptive to skincare products. As Clarebella explains, dermaplaning "promotes cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and other imperfections over time". Missing sessions or spacing them too far apart can disrupt this cycle, making it harder to maintain the benefits.
Between appointments, stick to these daily essentials: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ every morning. These steps keep your skin protected and glowing until your next session.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick checklist to ensure proper post-treatment care after dermaplaning. Effective aftercare is all about balancing the benefits of enhanced product absorption with the skin's increased sensitivity. These guidelines are designed for professionals to share with their clients, emphasizing the importance of consistent care.
- Daily sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to shield your skin from UV damage.
- Moisturize: Stick to a fragrance-free moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.
- Gentle cleansing: Opt for a mild cleanser and lukewarm water to avoid irritation.
- Avoid certain products: Skip retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide for at least seven days.
- Limit heat and sweat: Avoid excessive heat and heavy sweating for 48–72 hours.
- Skip makeup: Hold off on makeup for the first 24 hours.
As a reminder:
"You are making an investment in your skin: therefore, it is to your benefit to continue to protect it long after your series of treatments is completed." - New Image Works Med Spa
For skincare professionals, providing a clear, written checklist can make a huge difference in ensuring clients see the best results while minimising risks. Dermaplaning Supplies Canada offers everything professionals need to succeed, from sterile, surgical-grade blades to post-care products and comprehensive online training.
FAQs
How do I know my skin is ready for actives again?
Your skin usually becomes ready for active ingredients 24–48 hours after dermaplaning, once any sensitivity or redness has calmed down. During this time, avoid touching or rubbing your face to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Wait until your skin is completely healed - free from redness or tenderness - before using actives like retinoids or acids. Be sure to apply SPF 30+ daily to shield your skin while it’s in this delicate state.
What should I do if I get redness or breakouts after dermaplaning?
If you notice redness or breakouts after dermaplaning, it's important to take a break from any active treatments and resist the urge to touch or rub your skin. Stick to a gentle cleanser, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer, and make sure to apply SPF 30+ every day to shield your skin. Should the irritation last longer than 72 hours or get worse, reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and appropriate care.
Can I dermaplane if I have acne or very sensitive skin?
Dermaplaning isn't suitable for everyone. If you have active acne or extremely sensitive skin, it's best to steer clear of this treatment. These conditions can leave your skin more prone to irritation or discomfort. Should you decide to try dermaplaning, proper aftercare is a must. Stick to gentle skincare products and avoid anything harsh to give your skin the protection it needs during the healing process.