How to dermaplane at home for smoother skin, according to derms and beauty experts

CNN

03-04-2025

Dermaplaning tools quick picks
Quality facial razor: Tweezerman Stainless Steel Facial Razor
Editor-favorite soothing spray: Tower 28 Beauty SOS Rescue Spray
Beginner-friendly kit: Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit Over the years, many beauty treatments — from waxes to chemical peels — have transitioned from in-office only procedures to accessible parts of an at-home skin care routine, including dermaplaning. A way to exfoliate the skin on your face and neck by removing small hairs and dead skin cells, dermaplaning can help your complexion look smoother and brighter with just a few minutes of work.
Dermaplaning is by no means a must for your at-home grooming routine though — peach fuzz and facial hair is natural, normal and not something you should feel any obligation to remove if you don't want to. But if your interest is piqued and you want some expert-approved tips and techniques for how to best dermaplane at home, we've got you covered.
Using a small razor or scalpel, dermaplaning helps to exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and small hairs from the face and neck. Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, said other benefits of dermaplaning include more even makeup application and better absorption of skin care products.
While this story focuses on how you can dermaplane at home, you can also have dermaplaning procedures done by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician. 'In a professional setting, a trained provider uses a surgical blade that removes not only peach fuzz but also three to five days worth of dead skin cells, leading to a deeper exfoliation,' Catie Boucher, dermatology-certified nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm, said. Boucher added that while dermaplaning done in an office or clinic usually leads to better and longer-lasting results, you'll have to carve out time to make the appointment.
While at-home dermaplaning is not as precise, it's more convenient and cost-effective. Spearman said that at-home dermaplaning tools are simple and relatively safe to use, though you'll want to make sure you're using the tools correctly to best avoid any nicks, cuts or skin damage.
Step 1: Prepare the skin
Before you pick up a facial razor, start by cleansing or double cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil and makeup. Kristin Gunn, licensed medical aesthetician and founder of Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas, recommended letting your skin air dry following cleansing. For dermaplaning, Spearman said you want your skin to be hydrated and damp (not wet) to allow the razor to glide easily.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
If you plan to dermaplane at the end of a long day (or any other time really), make sure your skin is clear of all makeup, sunscreen and other product buildup by using a cleansing balm as the first step of your double-cleanse routine. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus likes this K-beauty cleansing balm that melts into a silky texture.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
After using a cleansing balm, you'll need to wash your face with a cleanser. We love this La Roche-Posay cleanser, which is great for those with combination skin and approved by derms. Formulated with niacinamide, ceramides and skin-hydrating glycerin, it will help tackle excess sebum production without leaving skin feeling stripped.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
An affordable cleanser that's also safe for those with sensitive skin, this CeraVe face wash is another great option that will leave your skin feeling hydrated, making it a great prep step for those with dry skin to use before dermaplaning. Step 2: Grab your tools
Once your skin is clean, you're ready to start shaving — but don't just grab any typical face or body razor for the job. You'll want to use a tool designed specifically for dermaplaning, which will help prevent needless nicks or cuts. 'Razors designed specifically for dermaplaning are ergonomically created to work with the contours of the face, allowing for a safer and more effective treatment,' Boucher said.
Double board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Purvisha Patel, also recommended grabbing a dermaplaning tool made of surgical grade stainless steel to ensure both better cleanliness and sharpness.
Tinkle Dermaplaning Tool, 6-Pack
If you're new to dermaplaning at home, Boucher recommended these inexpensive, single-use razors. Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine is also a fan of these and said that the razors are big enough to handle larger surface areas but can also sharply tackle detail work, like the eyebrows.
Tweezerman Stainless Steel Facial Razor
Spearman liked that this Tweezerman razor offers more precise results than other at-home dermaplaning tools. Though it's a bit more expensive than other facial razors, Spearman backed the quality of Tweezerman's grooming tools and it's also a refillable option.
Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit
I already trust the Billie brand of razors to effectively shave my legs (they are our pick for best women's razor, after all), so I figured the dermaplaning kit could help give me the same smooth results. I found this razor to be very beginner-friendly. It's sharp enough to remove peach fuzz and dry or dead skin, but I've never once gotten any cuts or scrapes while using it. Step 3: Use proper technique
When dermaplaning, Gunn said to pull skin upward until it's taut, then holding the dermaplane razor at a 45-degree angle, make short downward strokes against the skin. The angle of the razor does matter here. 'If held at a higher angle, you may have a higher risk of nicks or cuts,' Spearman said. 'If it's too parallel to the skin, you won't get proper exfoliation.' Because proper technique calls for you to touch your face, Gunn also recommended thoroughly washing your hands before beginning to dermaplane.
Using this technique, Gunn said to work in small sections, about an inch or so wide, and added that you only need to apply a light amount of pressure to properly exfoliate the skin. 'I like to start around the ear area and work my way down to the jawline, moving inward towards the cheek, chin and upper lip,' Gunn said. 'I tend to save the eyebrow area for last due to the coarse hair potentially dulling the razor.' You can also dermaplane down your neck, though Gunn said that this area tends to be much more sensitive and recommended doing a patch test on a small area first.
While dermaplaning is generally safe for most ages and skin types, there are some exceptions. 'I do not recommend dermaplaning for individuals with active acne, open wounds or eczema,' Boucher said. 'If the skin's barrier is compromised in any way, dermaplaning should be avoided.' Spearman added that those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea should be careful with at-home dermaplaning, as well as those with mature skin who may have areas of thin or delicate skin.
Step 4: Follow up with a soothing serum or cream
After dermaplaning, Spearman recommended following up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to soothe and protect the skin. Boucher said she likes to use a hypochlorous acid spray post-dermaplaning to both calm the skin and kill any bacteria that might cause breakouts.
All our experts cautioned against using harsh topicals like retinol and benzoyl peroxide or additional chemical exfoliants immediately after dermaplaning, as these can cause redness, irritation and discomfort. If you do use any of these ingredients regularly in your skin care routine, Gunn recommended waiting 24 to 48 hours, depending on your skin's sensitivity, before you begin applying them again. If you have particular questions about dermaplaning for your skin, Boucher said to consult your skin care professional about which products are best suited for your skin post-treatment.
Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray
Great for use post-workout or post-dermaplaning, this Tower 28 Beauty spray is made with hypochlorous acid to cleanse and calm the skin. It's also antibacterial and a daily favorite of Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw.
Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Purifying Mist
Boucher said this Hydrinity mist helps kill 99.9% of pathogens in mere seconds, making it an excellent choice to use both before and after dermaplaning to help reduce the risk of breakouts and infections.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm
Needing soothing hydration for her dry skin, McAlpine said she reaches for this La Roche-Posay balm after intense exfoliation treatments like dermaplaning. This moisturizer's lightweight, sensitive skin-friendly and ultra-hydrating formula also helped it earn the top spot during our testing for the best moisturizers for dry skin. Read our review
Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning and Peach Fuzz Removal System
Shaw said if you're willing to spend a bit more, this Dermaflash device makes dermaplaning at home super easy. 'I never worry about any nicks or cuts and the refillable razors are convenient and reduce waste,' Shaw said.
Leaf Shave The Leaf Dermaplaner
An eco-friendly, reusable option, this Leaf Shave dermaplaner comes recommended by Gunn who said it's easy to use and a great deal for the price.
Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool, 3-Count
Spearman said these Schick razors are less precise than other options, but can still give you a nice result when used properly. 'It has a built-in moisturizing strip making it gentle on the skin while exfoliating,' Spearman said. 'I keep one of these in my toiletry kit given the compact size.'
Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool
Underscored director of social Stephanie Griffin said her skin always looks brighter, smoother and glowier after a round with this dermaplaning tool, though she admitted it's pricier than other options out there. 'I've found that investing in a nice tool with replaceable surgical stainless steel blades is not only safer for my acne-prone skin, but it's more cost- and eco-friendly than the single-use tools you just toss after every use,' Griffin said.
Jasclair Dermaplaning Tool, 9-Count
Gunn liked this affordable tool pack that comes with nine razors for just under $10. Though it doesn't come with a protective cover, the blade on this tool does fold down for safer and more sanitary storage in your bathroom or cosmetics case.
Nimbi Dermaplaner Razor, 3-Count
An affordable and minimalist option, these Nimbi razors are also effective at exfoliating the face. They're also made from a 100% compostable material, which Shaw said makes her feel better about using the disposable product.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream
If you do want a slight barrier between your skin and the razor to reduce friction, Spearman recommended applying this water-based gel cream before dermaplaning to help the razor glide smoothly and keep things feeling comfortable.
Clearstem Golden Hour Watermelon Barrier Oil
'It's taken me years to find an oil that doesn't break me out — dermaplaning is already harsh enough on my acne-prone skin,' Griffin said. 'But, once my holy grail skin care brand, Clearstem, sent me their watermelon-infused GoldenHour oil to test out, I never turned back. I genuinely look forward to using this when I dermaplane once a month.'
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL
'As someone who is acne-prone, I prioritize hygiene,' Boucher said. 'These disposable towels prevent bacteria transfer, making them ideal for post-dermaplaning and everyday skin care routines.'Read our review
Visha Skincare RejuVenating Moisturizer
Following at-home dermaplaning, Patel recommended using this moisturizer from her own brand to protect the skin's barrier and help seal any cracks on the surface of the skin that might have formed while exfoliating.
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
As someone with dry, often irritated and red skin, Laneige is one of my go-to brands for hydrating formulas that won't break me out. This Cream Skin moisturizer has an amazing milky texture that my skin drinks up, perfect for rebalancing my face after dermaplaning.
SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray
McAlpine also recommended this more affordable alternative to Tower 28 Beauty's SOS Rescue Spray, noting that the formulas are very similar and with this SkimSmart spray you get 8 ounces of product for less than $20. Like many of the other sprays made with hypochlorous acid on this list, McAlpine uses this immediately after dermaplaning to make sure her skin stays totally clean. The following FAQs have been answered by dermatology-certified nurse practitioner Catie Boucher, licensed medical aesthetician Kristin Gunn and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman.
How often should you dermaplane at home?
How often should you dermaplane at home?
Boucher said dermaplaning every three to four weeks, whether at home or in a clinic, is sufficient for most people.
Gunn further broke down the frequency based on skin type. 'In general, oily skin can handle [dermaplaning] every three to four weeks,' Gunn said. 'Dry skin would be every four to six weeks, while sensitive skin would be every six to eight weeks.'
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
Our experts said this is one of the most common questions they receive about at-home dermaplaning.
'I always answer the same way; if shaving made hair grow back thicker, bald men everywhere would be shaving their heads in hopes of it working,' Boucher said.
There is no evidence to support that dermaplaning causes hair to regrow thicker or coarser than before. Gunn said that your hair follicles, the part of your skin that is responsible for growing hair, sit deep under the surface of the skin. 'When you shave, you're actually cutting the hair off at the base, which might be thicker than the ends,' Gunn said, 'You aren't altering the follicle at all. This means your hair will grow at the same rate, width and texture as before.'
Is it better to dermaplane wet or dry?
Is it better to dermaplane wet or dry?
Though you should always cleanse your skin before dermaplaning to prevent the spread of bacteria, Spearman said that you don't want your skin to be wet. Instead, skin should be hydrated and lightly damp to allow the razor to easily glide. Gunn recommended letting your skin air dry before starting to dermaplane.
Those who have sensitive or reactive skin can benefit from dermaplaning on damp skin or with a special face oil, which can help to reduce razor friction and make the process more forgiving. However, Boucher said that this wet dermaplaning technique can increase the risk of slipping and cutting the skin.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
Catie Boucher, dermatology-certified nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm
Kristin Gunn, licensed medical aesthetician and founder of Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas
Dr. Purvisha Patel, double board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions.
For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy, consulted dermatologists and skin care experts on the benefits of dermaplaning, how to properly dermaplane at home and what tools to use to get the best results.