dermaplaning
what is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive, physical exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical scalpel to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells along with fine, vellus hair (often called peach fuzz). The result is instantly smoother, brighter, more radiant skin, with no downtime.
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It's a quick, in-clinic treatment that takes around 30 minutes and is suitable for most adults wanting a fresh, glowing complexion. Many clients book dermaplaning ahead of an event, before their wedding, or as part of regular skin maintenance.
Ideal for:
Smoother, brighter skin with a natural glow
Helping make-up sit more evenly
Improving the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation
Removing fine vellus hair on the face
Boosting skincare absorption
Dermaplaning will not make your hair grow back thicker.
it is impossible to change the structure of a hair follicle by shaving it. After Dermaplanng the hair will growth back the exact same thickness and colour as it was before.
Key Benefits
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Removes dead skin cells in a single session, with visible results immediately
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Leaves the skin feeling softer and looking refined
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Improves dullness, texture, and the appearance of fine lines
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Your serums and treatments work harder afterwards
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No peach fuzz means foundation glides on smoothly
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Return to your day immediately
How dermaplaning works
Dermaplaning works on two levels at once:
Physical exfoliation: the sterile blade carefully removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum), which often dulls the complexion and traps oil.
Vellus hair removal: the fine, soft hair on the face is removed at the same time, instantly smoothing skin texture and helping make-up sit more evenly.
Removing this top layer also encourages the skin's natural cell renewal process, which helps to soften the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring, and pigmentation over time. Skincare products applied afterwards penetrate more effectively, meaning your routine works harder.
The treatment is carried out by a fully trained therapist using a clean, single-use surgical-grade blade. There's no heat, no chemicals, and no recovery time.
What to expect from Dermaplaning
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Your therapist will deeply cleanse the skin to remove make-up, oil, and any surface impurities.
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Working in small sections, your therapist will use the surgical-grade blade at a precise angle to gently shave the surface of the skin. The sensation is similar to a soft scratching feeling, most clients find it completely painless and very relaxing.
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Once the dermaplaning is complete, the skin is treated with hydrating serums and finished with SPF, leaving you ready to head straight back to your day.
Dermaplaning combined with a chemical peel
Dermaplaning works beautifully on its own, but it can also be combined with one of our medical-grade chemical peels for a more powerful, results-driven treatment. Because dermaplaning removes the outer layer of dead skin cells first, the peel that follows is able to penetrate more effectively, delivering enhanced results.
If you're interested in combining the two, we'll discuss your skin and goals at consultation and tailor the right protocol for you.
Is dermaplaning right for me?
Dermaplaning is suitable for most skin types and is particularly popular with clients wanting a smooth, glowing finish without downtime. However, it isn't suitable for everyone.
Dermaplaning is not suitable if you have:
Sensitive or reactive skin types
Active acne (though the rest of the face can sometimes still be treated)
Inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
Active cold sores or open skin lesions in the treatment area
Your therapist will assess your skin and advise on suitability at consultation. If dermaplaning isn't right for your skin, we'll recommend an alternative treatment that is.
The hair myth: will dermaplaning
make my hair grow back thicker?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about dermaplaning, and it's worth being clear: shaving cannot change the structure of a hair follicle.
After dermaplaning, the vellus hair on your face will grow back at exactly the same thickness, colour, and texture as before. It can sometimes feel slightly different as it grows back, because the cut end is blunt rather than tapered, but this is purely a temporary tactile change, not a structural one.
Frequently asked questions about Dermaplaning
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Because dermaplaning gently removes the outer protective layer of the skin, your skin is more exposed to the environment for a short period afterwards. To get the best results and protect your skin:
Wear SPF 30+ daily, non-negotiable for at least the first week
Avoid direct sun exposure for 48 hours
Skip retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and other active ingredients for 3–5 days
Avoid heat (sauna, steam, hot showers) for 24–48 hours
Skip make-up on the day of treatment if possible
Keep your skin well hydrated with gentle, calming products
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Dermaplaning sits comfortably within our wider skin-first approach. It's a gentle, exfoliation-led treatment that supports overall skin clarity, while preparing the skin to respond more effectively to professional treatments and your at-home skincare. For many clients, it works particularly well as part of a regular skin maintenance routine, alongside facials, peels, and a strong medical-grade skincare base.
If you're not sure where dermaplaning fits in your skin plan, we'll guide you at consultation, so you only commit to treatments that genuinely support your goals.
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Dermaplaning results typically last around 3 to 4 weeks. Skin will feel softer and look brighter immediately, with the smoothness gradually fading as your skin completes its natural renewal cycle. For lasting results, regular treatments every 4 weeks are recommended.
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No. It's not possible to change a hair follicle's structure by shaving the surface. After dermaplaning, your vellus hair will grow back at exactly the same thickness, colour, and texture as before. The cut end can briefly feel blunt, but this is temporary and purely tactile.
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Dermaplaning can be repeated every 4 weeks, in line with your skin's natural cell turnover cycle. Treating more frequently is unnecessary, as the skin needs time to renew between sessions. For most clients, monthly dermaplaning is the ideal frequency.
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Yes. Dermaplaning is often combined with a medical-grade chemical peel for enhanced results. Removing the top layer of dead skin first allows the peel to penetrate more effectively. We'll discuss the right combination for you at consultation.
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Dermaplaning is performed by a trained therapist using a sterile, single-use, surgical-grade blade held at a precise angle (around 45 degrees), removing both vellus hair and the top layer of dead skin cells. Standard shaving uses a different style of blade, isn't designed to exfoliate, and doesn't deliver the same skincare results.
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It's best to skip make-up on the day of treatment to allow your skin to settle. From the next day, make-up can be applied as normal, and many clients find it sits more smoothly than before, thanks to the freshly exfoliated skin and removal of vellus hair.
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Yes. When performed by a trained, qualified therapist using a sterile blade, dermaplaning is a safe and well-established treatment. At SKINLAB, every treatment begins with a skin assessment to ensure dermaplaning is right for you, and a single-use blade is used in every session.
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Both treatments exfoliate the skin, but they work differently. Dermaplaning uses a surgical blade to physically remove dead cells and vellus hair. Microdermabrasion uses a stream of fine crystals or a diamond tip to buff the skin. Dermaplaning is generally gentler and removes vellus hair, which microdermabrasion does not.
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Professional dermaplaning uses a sterile, surgical-grade blade and is performed by a trained therapist who can adjust the angle and pressure based on your skin. At-home dermaplaning tools are far less effective, can carry hygiene risks, and don't deliver the same results. We always recommend professional dermaplaning for both safety and skin quality.
What our clients are saying
Cancellations must be received no later than 48 hours prior to the arrival date of your appointment.
Treatment deposits are non-refundable if the booking is cancelled within 48 hours of your appointment, as per our cancellation policy. However, if you wish to reschedule or cancel outside of the 48-hour period we will happily transfer your appointment or refund you the deposit amount.
Book dermaplaning
With years of experience and training, our team will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific skin goals and help you achieve the results you deserve.