Treatments

Dec 3, 2024

Dermaplaning is the secret behind that smooth, glowing skin you see on beauty influencers and skincare enthusiasts. But how often should you dermaplane to get the best results without overdoing it? Let’s break down everything you need to know about dermaplaning frequency, whether you’re doing it professionally or at home.

The Short Answer

For most people, professional dermaplaning every 4–6 weeks is the sweet spot. This gives your skin enough time to recover while maintaining that smooth, fuzz-free glow. If you’re dermaplaning at home, you might get away with a 2–3 week schedule—provided your skin tolerates it well. That said, your ideal timeline depends on your skin type, goals, and how your skin responds to the treatment.

Why Timing Matters With Dermaplaning

Here’s something you might not hear from the average beauty blog: timing is everything with dermaplaning. Your skin needs time to recover between sessions to avoid irritation, sensitivity, or long-term damage to the skin barrier.

If you dermaplane too often, you’re putting your skin at risk for:

  • Increased sensitivity
  • Redness and irritation
  • Over-exfoliation, which can lead to breakouts

On the flip side, waiting too long between sessions means missing out on the benefits, like improved texture, better product absorption, and that coveted smooth makeup application.

Professional vs. DIY: Different Rules Apply

Professional Dermaplaning

If you’re visiting a professional for dermaplaning, stick to the 4–6 week guideline. Licensed aestheticians use sharper tools and deeper exfoliation techniques, which require more recovery time. Trust your professional to adjust the frequency based on your skin’s needs.

At-Home Dermaplaning

At-home dermaplaning is a bit different. Since the tools are gentler, you can perform it more frequently—every 2–3 weeks, as long as your skin tolerates it. However, always wait until your peach fuzz has grown back visibly before picking up the blade again. Overdoing it can lead to irritation, even with gentler tools.

And remember: you’re working with sharp tools at home, so be extra cautious about technique and hygiene.

Listen to Your Skin (It Knows Best)

Your skin is constantly sending you signals. Paying attention to these cues will help you find your ideal dermaplaning schedule:

Signs It’s Time for Another Session

  • Peach fuzz is back and noticeable.
  • Your skin feels rough or dull.
  • Makeup isn’t applying as smoothly as usual.
  • The glowing effects of your previous session have faded.

Signs You Need to Wait

  • You have active breakouts or acne.
  • Your skin is sunburned.
  • There’s redness or irritation from a previous session.
  • You’ve recently undergone other treatments, like chemical peels.

The Real Talk About Frequency

Let’s be honest: figuring out your perfect dermaplaning schedule isn’t a one-and-done situation. It’s more like finding the right skincare routine—it requires some trial and error.

Start conservatively, especially if you’re new to dermaplaning. You can always increase the frequency later, but if you overdo it and end up with irritated skin, you’ll have to take a step back (and that’s no fun).

Factors That Can Affect Your Dermaplaning Timeline

Your skin’s needs aren’t static—they change with the seasons, your hormones, and even your stress levels. Here are some factors that might require you to tweak your dermaplaning schedule:

  • Hormonal Changes: Skin can become more sensitive during hormonal shifts, like your menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
  • Seasonal Changes: Colder months might make your skin drier, requiring longer recovery times.
  • New Skincare Products: If you’ve recently added exfoliants or retinoids to your routine, you may need to space out treatments to avoid over-exfoliation.
  • Diet and Lifestyle: Poor hydration or high stress levels can make your skin less resilient, so listen to its needs.

How to Make Dermaplaning Results Last Longer

Want to maximize the benefits of dermaplaning and stretch the time between sessions? Try these tips:

  • Incorporate Gentle Exfoliants: Use mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid to maintain smooth skin.
  • Hydrate Like Crazy: Keep your skin barrier healthy with hydrating serums and moisturizers.
  • Wear Sunscreen Daily: UV rays can undo your hard work, so don’t skip SPF.
  • Avoid Touching Your Face: Minimize bacteria transfer to maintain that post-dermaplaning glow.

Common Questions About Dermaplaning Frequency

Can I dermaplane every week?

Nope, not recommended. Even if your skin feels fine, overdoing it can lead to long-term damage. Give your skin at least a couple of weeks to recover.

How soon after dermaplaning can I wear makeup?

Wait at least 24 hours. Your skin needs time to calm down, and makeup can clog freshly exfoliated pores.

What happens if I dermaplane too often?

Overdoing it can cause irritation, redness, and even breakouts. Plus, your skin barrier might become compromised, leaving you prone to dryness and sensitivity.

The Bottom Line

Dermaplaning frequency isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. For professional treatments, stick to the standard 4–6 weeks. At-home dermaplaning can be done every 2–3 weeks, but only if your skin is handling it well.

Remember, your skin’s needs change over time. What works today might need tweaking down the road. Stay flexible, listen to your skin, and err on the side of caution. Your skin will thank you for it.