Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment where a trained provider uses a sterile, surgical-grade blade to gently scrape away the very top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (the “peach fuzz” you can barely see in normal light but that shows up under makeup or in photos). There’s no cutting into living tissue, no downtime to speak of, and most people walk out with visibly smoother, brighter skin the same day. It’s one of the gentlest professional exfoliation options out there, which is probably why it keeps showing up on “what should I get before my event” lists.
At Rejuvenation Med Clinic, dermaplaning is one of the exfoliation techniques we build into our facial treatments in Toronto, and it’s a common add-on before other in-clinic services. This guide covers what it actually is, who tends to benefit, what a session looks like from start to finish, and where it falls short so you can decide if it’s worth booking.
Related Service: Facial Treatments at Rejuvenation Med Clinic
What is dermaplaning, exactly?
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive skin resurfacing technique that uses a scalpel-style blade, held at roughly a 45-degree angle, to shave off dead surface skin and fine facial hair. It’s sometimes grouped with microdermabrasion and chemical peels under the umbrella of “superficial exfoliation,” though the tool and sensation are different from either. There’s no suction, no acid, and generally no redness that lasts more than an hour or two.
The idea itself isn’t new. Versions of manual facial exfoliation go back decades in medical settings, and the treatment we now call dermaplaning became a mainstream spa offering sometime in the 2010s once estheticians started using disposable surgical blades instead of the coarser tools dermatologists had used for dermabrasion (a related but more aggressive procedure that actually removes deeper layers of skin and typically does require downtime. The two get confused constantly, and they shouldn’t be).
| Term | What it involves | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Dermaplaning | Manual blade exfoliation of the skin’s surface and vellus hair, performed by an esthetician | None to minimal |
| Dermabrasion | A more aggressive, often medical, mechanical resurfacing that removes deeper skin layers | Days to weeks |
| Microdermabrasion | Crystal or diamond-tip device that buffs the surface using suction | None to minimal |
The confusion is understandable given how similar the names sound. If you want a fuller comparison of the middle-ground resurfacing options, our piece on chemical peels versus microneedling walks through two of the more common next-step treatments people consider once dermaplaning alone isn’t quite enough.
How dermaplaning actually works, step by step
A dermaplaning session is short and, honestly, kind of relaxing once you get past the initial sound of the blade (a lot of clients say the scraping noise is the strangest part, not the sensation). Here’s roughly what happens.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Skin is double-cleansed to remove makeup, oil, and surface debris so the blade has a clean surface to work with |
| 2. Skin assessment | The esthetician checks for active breakouts, irritation, or anything that would make dermaplaning a poor fit that day |
| 3. Stretch and scrape | Skin is held taut and the blade is moved in short, feather-light strokes against the direction of hair growth, section by section |
| 4. Second pass (if needed) | Some providers go over drier or rougher patches (chin, jawline) a second time |
| 5. Soothe and protect | A calming serum, hydrator, and broad-spectrum SPF are applied to finish |
Most sessions run somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes when done on its own, a little longer if it’s being layered with another facial. There’s no numbing cream required for the vast majority of people, since the sensation is more like a gentle scratching than anything sharp.
What dermaplaning can, and honestly can’t, do for your skin
It’s easy to oversell an exfoliation treatment, so let’s be specific. Dermaplaning is good at removing the very outermost, already-dead layer of skin and any fine vellus hair sitting on top of it. That’s it, more or less. But that “more or less” does a lot of work cosmetically.
- Immediately smoother skin texture, since the rough, flaky top layer is gone
- A visibly brighter, more even-looking complexion (temporary, not a permanent change in pigment)
- Better makeup application, because foundation and powder sit flat instead of catching on fuzz or dry patches
- Improved absorption of serums and moisturizers applied right afterward, since there’s less dead skin blocking penetration
- A softer look to some very shallow acne scarring or fine lines, though this is a mild, temporary cosmetic effect rather than a structural change to the skin
What it won’t do: rebuild collagen, treat active acne, fade deep pigmentation, or meaningfully soften moderate-to-deep wrinkles. If pigmentation is your main concern, our guide on melasma treatment in Toronto and our pigmentation treatment page both cover options that go after pigment specifically, which dermaplaning simply isn’t designed to do.
Are you a good candidate for dermaplaning?
Most people can have dermaplaning done safely. It’s often described as one of the more universally tolerated exfoliation options because it doesn’t rely on chemicals or heat. That said, “most people” isn’t “everyone,” and a proper skin check before your first session matters more than it might seem.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Active acne breakouts | The blade can spread bacteria across inflamed skin and irritate active lesions |
| Skin type | Generally suitable for normal, dry, combination, and mildly oily skin; providers are more cautious with very oily or acne-prone skin |
| Cold sore history | The treatment can potentially trigger an outbreak in people prone to them; antiviral precautions may be recommended |
| Isotretinoin use | Skin is thinner and more fragile on this medication and for months after stopping it; most providers require a waiting period |
| Sunburned or recently irritated skin | Compromised skin barrier increases the chance of irritation from the treatment |
| Pregnancy | Not contraindicated for most people, but worth mentioning at your consultation given hormonal skin sensitivity |
A quick consultation is really the only reliable way to know for sure. If you have active acne or ongoing rosacea flare-ups, it’s worth addressing those first and coming back to dermaplaning once your skin has calmed down.
Dermaplaning vs. other exfoliating treatments
People searching for dermaplaning are often also weighing microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or microneedling, and it’s a fair question, since all four sit somewhere on the “resurface the skin’s surface” spectrum. They’re not interchangeable, though.
| Treatment | How it exfoliates | Removes facial hair? | Typical downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermaplaning | Manual blade | Yes | None |
| Microdermabrasion | Crystal or diamond-tip suction device | No | None to minimal |
| Chemical peel | Acid solution dissolving dead cells | No | Depends on depth: none to several days |
| Microneedling | Fine needles creating micro-injuries to stimulate collagen | No | 1-3 days of redness typically |
Dermaplaning is the gentlest of the group and the only one that also addresses vellus hair, but it’s also the most superficial. It doesn’t stimulate collagen production the way microneedling does, and it won’t address deeper texture issues the way a stronger medical-grade peel can. Some clients actually use dermaplaning as a “prep step” before one of those deeper treatments, since it clears the way for better product or peel penetration.
What to expect during your appointment
If you’ve never had it done, the appointment itself is pretty low-key. You’ll lie back in a treatment chair, your skin gets cleansed, and the esthetician will hold sections of your skin taut while running the blade in short strokes. Some providers play music or dim the lights; it’s meant to feel more like a relaxing facial than a clinical procedure, because in most respects, that’s exactly what it is.
Afterward, your skin will look pink for a short while, similar to how it looks after a good scrub, and that fades within the hour for most people. There’s no peeling, no scabbing, and no reason you can’t put makeup on and go straight back to your day (though most providers suggest skipping makeup for the rest of that day if you can, just to let your skin breathe a bit).
How to prepare for your dermaplaning appointment
| Timing | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks before | Pause retinoids, retinol, and strong exfoliating acids if your provider recommends it, since these can thin the skin barrier |
| 1 week before | Avoid waxing, threading, or other hair removal on the area to be treated |
| 3-5 days before | Limit sun exposure and skip tanning beds; sunburned skin isn’t a good candidate for the treatment |
| Day of | Arrive with a clean face, no makeup, and mention any new breakouts, cold sores, or medications to your esthetician |
None of this is complicated, which is part of why dermaplaning appeals to people who don’t want to plan their entire month around a single appointment.
Aftercare: what your skin does in the days after
There’s very little formal aftercare required after dermaplaning, though your skin will be a bit more sun-sensitive for several days simply because a protective layer of dead cells has been removed. The main job for the following week is to be gentle and consistent with sun protection.
| Timeframe | What to expect / do |
|---|---|
| 0-2 hours | Mild pinkness, similar to a light physical exfoliation |
| Day 1 | Skin looks noticeably smoother and brighter; apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before any sun exposure |
| Days 1-3 | Avoid harsh actives (retinol, strong acids), saunas, and excessive heat or sweating |
| Days 4-7 | Skin returns to its normal sensitivity; regular skincare routine can typically resume |
| Weeks 2-4 | Fine vellus hair gradually becomes visible again as it regrows, at the same rate and texture as before |
Common reactions vs. warning signs
Mild pinkness right after treatment is normal and expected. A few things aren’t, and it’s worth knowing the difference before you leave your appointment feeling unsure.
| Common, usually normal | Warning sign (contact your provider) |
|---|---|
| Mild, short-lived redness | Redness that worsens or spreads after 24-48 hours |
| Slight dryness or tightness for a day | Blistering, open sores, or visible cuts |
| Temporary increase in visible peach fuzz shadow as it regrows | Signs of infection: pus, warmth, increasing pain, fever |
| A few small whiteheads appearing days later (as trapped debris surfaces) | A new rash or hives suggesting an allergic reaction to a product used |
Genuine complications from dermaplaning are uncommon when it’s performed by a properly trained provider using sterile, single-use blades. Most of the risk in this treatment comes down to technique and hygiene rather than anything inherent to the procedure itself.
Does facial hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?
No. The vellus hair removed during dermaplaning grows back at the same rate, thickness, and color as before. Cutting hair at the surface doesn’t change the follicle underneath it. This is one of the most persistent myths about dermaplaning (and about shaving in general), and it gets repeated often enough online that it’s worth stating plainly. Cleveland Clinic’s overview of dermaplaning confirms the same thing: any regrowth is temporary and identical to your natural hair pattern, not thicker or darker.
What people are usually noticing is that freshly cut hair has a blunt tip instead of a naturally tapered one, which can feel or look slightly different for the first couple of weeks. It’s the same optical effect you’d notice on your legs after shaving; the hair itself hasn’t changed.
How often should you get dermaplaning?
Most providers recommend spacing sessions three to four weeks apart, roughly matching the skin’s natural cell turnover cycle. Going more often than that doesn’t really add benefit, since you’d be trying to exfoliate skin that hasn’t had time to regenerate yet.
| Factor | Effect on frequency |
|---|---|
| Skin cell turnover rate | Slows with age, which is part of why the 3-4 week interval is a reasonable general default |
| Reason for treatment | Pre-event or one-off use needs a single session about a week before; ongoing texture maintenance benefits from a regular monthly-ish rhythm |
| Combined treatments | If pairing with peels or microneedling, spacing is usually built around those treatments’ own recovery windows |
| Facial hair growth rate | Individual variation means some people prefer slightly more frequent sessions purely for the hair-removal effect |
If you’re mainly doing it for hair removal rather than skin texture, you might find yourself wanting sessions a bit more often; there’s no medical reason not to, provided your skin tolerates it well and you’re not seeing irritation. Our post on how often to do microneedling covers a similar question for a different treatment, if you’re trying to plan out a broader skincare calendar.
Best time of year to start dermaplaning
Dermaplaning doesn’t have a strict seasonal requirement the way some laser treatments do, but there are a couple of practical reasons people tend to book it more in fall and winter: lower ambient UV exposure means less to think about with the temporary sun sensitivity, and it pairs well with the general “skin reset” a lot of people do once summer tanning season winds down. If you’re weighing which treatments make sense right now, our seasonal skin treatment guide and our piece on facials in the winter both go into more detail on timing decisions like this.
Pairing dermaplaning with other treatments
Because it’s purely surface-level, dermaplaning tends to play nicely with almost anything else you might already have booked. A few common pairings:
- Before a medical-grade peel, to help the peel solution penetrate more evenly
- Alongside a hydrating or brightening facial from our Glow Facial menu, for an added exfoliation step
- Ahead of a special event, when you specifically want makeup to sit smoothly for photos
- As part of a broader routine covered in our roundup of facials that combat visible aging
It’s generally not recommended on the same day as microneedling or a deeper chemical peel, since layering two exfoliating or skin-disrupting treatments back to back can be more than the skin barrier needs to handle at once. Spacing them a week or two apart is the more common approach.
Risks, contraindications, and who should think twice
Dermaplaning has a good safety record, but “good safety record” isn’t the same as “no risk for anyone.” A short, honest list of who should hold off:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Active acne breakouts | Wait until inflammation calms; treatment can spread bacteria or irritate lesions |
| Active cold sore | Postpone until fully healed; friction can potentially trigger or worsen an outbreak |
| Isotretinoin (current or recent use) | Most providers require a waiting period of several months after stopping; skin barrier is compromised |
| Keloid-prone skin with open lesions | Discuss with your provider; not an automatic exclusion but worth flagging |
| Very oily, actively inflamed skin | May not be the best fit; a consultation can determine if a modified approach works |
A very small number of people experience nicks, minor irritation, or (rarely) a breakout in the days after, usually tied to technique or a pre-existing skin condition that wasn’t disclosed at the consultation. This is exactly why a proper intake conversation matters more than people expect for a treatment that sounds this simple.
What does dermaplaning cost in Toronto?
Pricing for dermaplaning varies quite a bit across the city depending on whether it’s offered as a standalone service or bundled into a longer facial. Toronto-area spas and clinics have publicly listed dermaplaning services ranging from roughly $120 to $200 per session as of this year, based on publicly available pricing from a sample of local providers. We’re citing those figures purely as general market context, not as Rejuvenation Med Clinic’s own pricing.
| Factor | Why it affects price |
|---|---|
| Standalone vs. bundled | Add-on pricing within a longer facial is often lower per-minute than a dedicated appointment |
| Provider experience and setting | Medical spas and clinics with trained medical estheticians may price differently than walk-in beauty bars |
| Package pricing | Buying a series of sessions upfront sometimes reduces the per-session cost |
| Add-ons | LED therapy, specialized serums, or a hydrating mask layered on top will raise the total |
For an exact quote, a consultation is really the only accurate path, since it accounts for your specific skin and whichever facial you’re pairing it with. If cost is a factor in your planning, our financing options page and our general breakdown of chemical peel cost factors outline how treatment pricing tends to be structured across our menu.
Alternatives to dermaplaning
| If your priority is… | Consider instead |
|---|---|
| Deeper acne scarring | PRP microneedling, which works at a deeper level than surface exfoliation |
| Stubborn pigmentation or sun damage | Sun damage treatment or IPL-based options |
| Permanent facial hair reduction | Laser hair removal, which targets the follicle rather than just the visible hair |
| Collagen stimulation for fine lines | Microneedling or a medical-grade peel with a deeper active concentration |
| An at-home budget option | Over-the-counter dermaplaning tools exist, though they carry more technique risk with no professional oversight |
None of these are strictly “better” than dermaplaning; they solve different problems. It’s worth being honest with yourself (or with your provider) about what’s actually bothering you before booking, since a lot of disappointment with any cosmetic treatment traces back to mismatched expectations rather than the treatment itself failing.
At-home dermaplaning tools: are they worth it?
You’ve probably seen the little handheld dermaplaning razors sold online. They’re not the same tool a trained esthetician uses, and the technique matters more than people assume. A professional holds skin taut in a specific way, uses the correct blade angle, and can spot problem areas (an unnoticed mole, a healing blemish, thinner skin near the jaw) that an at-home user might not catch in a bathroom mirror. At-home tools can be a reasonable light-maintenance option between professional visits for some people, but they’re not a full substitute, particularly for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Choosing a qualified provider
Dermaplaning is performed by trained medical estheticians at Rejuvenation Med Clinic, working under the oversight of our medical director as part of our broader medical esthetics team. When you’re evaluating any provider, a few reasonable questions to ask: Do they use single-use, sterile blades for every client? Are they trained specifically in dermaplaning technique, not just facials generally? Will they do a skin check before your first session rather than just starting?
Peer-reviewed research on dermaplaning specifically is, honestly, thinner than you’d expect for how popular the treatment has become. A 2011 systematic review published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery looking at dermaplaning combined with other resurfacing techniques noted that much of the existing evidence was anecdotal rather than rigorously studied. That doesn’t mean the treatment doesn’t work the way described here; the cosmetic effect of removing dead skin and surface hair is fairly straightforward and easy to observe. It’s more a reminder to be skeptical of any provider promising dramatic, medically transformative results from what is, at its core, a gentle exfoliation treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment where a trained provider uses a sterile surgical blade to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair (vellus hair, or “peach fuzz”), leaving skin smoother and brighter with no downtime.
How does dermaplaning work?
An esthetician holds the skin taut and moves a scalpel-style blade in short, feather-light strokes across the face, physically shaving off dead surface cells and fine hair. The session typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Is dermaplaning basically the same as shaving your face?
The mechanics are similar (a blade removing hair at the surface), but a professional dermaplaning session also targets dead skin cells across the whole face using a specific technique and angle, which a razor at home generally isn’t designed or used for.
Does facial hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?
No. Vellus hair grows back at the same thickness, color, and rate as before. Cutting hair at the surface doesn’t change the follicle that produces it, so any perceived difference is temporary and related to the blunt regrowth tip, not an actual change in the hair.
Is dermaplaning safe for all skin types?
It’s suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, but providers are typically more cautious with very oily or actively acne-prone skin. A skin assessment before your first session is the best way to confirm it’s a good fit for you specifically.
Who should avoid dermaplaning?
People with active acne breakouts, an active cold sore, recent isotretinoin use, or sunburned or otherwise compromised skin are generally advised to wait or skip the treatment until those issues resolve.
Does dermaplaning hurt?
Most people describe it as a mild scratching sensation rather than pain. No numbing cream is typically needed, and many clients find the sound of the blade more noticeable than any discomfort.
How long does a dermaplaning appointment take?
A standalone session usually runs 30 to 45 minutes. It takes a bit longer when combined with another facial treatment in the same visit.
Is there any downtime after dermaplaning?
Essentially none. Mild pinkness can appear right after treatment and typically fades within an hour or two. Most people return to normal activities, including makeup application, the same day.
What are the downsides of dermaplaning?
It’s a surface-level treatment, so results are temporary (skin looks smoother for a few weeks, not permanently), it doesn’t address deeper pigmentation or wrinkles, and poor technique or unsterile tools can occasionally cause irritation, nicks, or breakouts.
How long do dermaplaning results last?
The smoother texture and brightness typically last two to four weeks before natural skin cell turnover and hair regrowth bring things back closer to baseline, which is part of why regular sessions are common for people who want to maintain the effect.
How often should you get dermaplaning?
Most providers recommend spacing sessions three to four weeks apart to match the skin’s natural renewal cycle. More frequent sessions generally don’t add meaningful benefit.
Can you stop dermaplaning once you start?
Yes, at any point. There’s no dependency effect and no rebound reaction; your skin and facial hair simply return to their natural pre-treatment pattern.
Does dermaplaning help with acne scars?
It can very slightly soften the look of shallow, superficial scarring by smoothing the surrounding skin surface, but it doesn’t reach deep enough to meaningfully improve moderate or deep acne scarring. Treatments like PRP microneedling are generally better suited to that goal.
Can dermaplaning be combined with other treatments?
Yes, it’s commonly paired with facials, medical-grade peels, or used as a prep step before other resurfacing treatments. It’s usually not recommended on the same day as microneedling or a deeper peel, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin barrier at once.
What’s the difference between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion?
Dermaplaning uses a manual blade and also removes facial hair; microdermabrasion uses a suction-based device with crystals or a diamond tip and doesn’t remove hair. Both are superficial, low-downtime exfoliation options.
Is dermaplaning safe to do at home?
Small at-home dermaplaning tools exist and can work as light maintenance for some people, but they lack the training, angle control, and skin assessment a professional brings, which matters more for people with sensitive, acne-prone, or otherwise reactive skin.
How much does dermaplaning cost in Toronto?
Pricing varies by provider and whether it’s a standalone treatment or bundled into a facial. A consultation is the most reliable way to get an accurate quote based on your skin and the specific service you’re booking.
Will dermaplaning make my pores look bigger?
No, dermaplaning doesn’t change pore size in either direction. Any perceived difference is usually the smoother surrounding skin texture making pores momentarily more or less visible depending on lighting.
How do I know if dermaplaning is right for me?
If you’re mainly looking for smoother texture, less visible peach fuzz, and better makeup application with essentially no downtime, it’s a reasonable place to start. A short consultation can confirm whether your specific skin and goals line up with what the treatment actually delivers.
Is dermaplaning worth booking?
For the right person, dermaplaning is a low-effort, low-risk way to get an immediate improvement in how skin looks and feels, especially before an event or as a periodic reset between more intensive treatments. It won’t replace a treatment plan built around deeper concerns like pigmentation, active acne, or moderate-to-deep wrinkles, and it’s not meant to. What it does well, it does simply and reliably.
If you’re curious whether dermaplaning fits into your own skincare routine, or how it might pair with something like a HydraFacial-style deep cleanse, a vampire facial, or a peel you’re already considering, our team can walk through the options at a consultation. There’s no obligation to book anything afterward; it’s simply a chance to talk through your goals, your skin history, and what a realistic treatment plan could look like for you. You can reach out through our contact page to get started.
