Just Had Dermaplaning? What to Do (and Skip) in the Days After
Dermaplaning is a gentle treatment that removes dead skin cells and fine peach fuzz from the face. Most people love how smooth their skin feels afterward, and what you do in the days after your appointment matters too. Here’s how to care for your skin so it stays comfortable and looks its best.
The First 24 to 48 Hours
Right after dermaplaning, your skin may look a little pink and feel more sensitive than usual. This is normal and usually settles quickly. Think of your skin as freshly polished: smooth, but in need of some extra gentleness.
Do
Cleanse gently, morning and night. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Right after treatment, your skin has less of its usual protective layer, so buildup from sweat, oil, and makeup is more likely to clog pores. Washing gently keeps skin clear without stripping it.
Moisturize and stay hydrated. Because dermaplaning removes the top layer of dead skin cells, your skin has a little less protection for a short time. A simple, hydrating moisturizer helps support your skin’s natural barrier and keeps it from feeling dry or tight while it settles. Drinking plenty of water is a good habit for overall skin health, too.
Wear sunscreen every day. The fresh skin underneath is more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. Without protection, it can get irritated or red more easily, and sun exposure can lead to uneven skin tone and dark spots over time. Use SPF 30 or higher, reapply when you’re outside, and add a hat or shade when you can.
Keep your hands off your face. Touching or picking can irritate skin and bring bacteria to the surface.
Change your pillowcase. Sleep on a fresh, clean pillowcase the night of your treatment and for the next few nights. Pillowcases pick up oil, sweat, and bacteria that can end up back on your skin.
Skip
Strong active ingredients. Retinol, exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), and vitamin C serums are designed to work strongly on the skin. Right after dermaplaning, they can sting, cause redness, or lead to peeling. Hold off until your skin feels calm.
Scrubs and exfoliating tools. Dermaplaning already removed dead skin cells from the surface. Scrubbing again can cause redness, irritation, and dryness.
Heat and sweat. Heat can make freshly exfoliated skin look redder and feel more irritated, and sweat can sting and clog pores. Skip saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hard workouts for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Heavy makeup. Makeup can settle into pores and trap bacteria while your skin is extra sensitive. If you can, go makeup-free for the first day. If you need makeup, use clean brushes and a light touch.
Other hair removal or facial treatments. Waxing, threading, peels, and similar services also pull at or exfoliate the skin. Layering them on top of dermaplaning can overload skin that’s already sensitive, so wait until your skin has settled.
Long stretches in the sun. Even with sunscreen, extra sun exposure right now can lead to redness and uneven tone.
Will My Hair Grow Back Thicker?
This is the question we hear most, and the answer is no. Dermaplaning doesn’t change how your hair grows. Because the hair is cut at the surface, it may feel a little different as it grows back, but it isn’t thicker or darker.
How Often Can I Get It Done?
Many people repeat dermaplaning about every three to four weeks, which gives your skin time to go through its natural renewal cycle between treatments. What’s right for you depends on your skin, and we’re happy to help you find a schedule that fits.
When to Reach Out
A little pinkness is normal. If your skin feels very irritated, or the redness or discomfort doesn’t improve, please call us at 210-510-0777 or email care@glowskinlabsa.com. We’ll make sure the right person on our team follows up with you.
The Bottom Line
Dermaplaning aftercare is simple: be gentle, moisturize, and protect your skin from the sun. A few easy habits help you get the most out of your treatment.
Ready for smoother skin? [Book a dermaplaning appointment] with Paulina at Glow Skin Lab in San Antonio.
