What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a professional facial treatment that uses a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel held at a 45-degree angle to gently scrape the surface of your skin. This removes two things: the outermost layer of dead skin cells (which cause dullness, uneven texture, and clogged pores) and vellus hair — the fine, soft peach fuzz that covers most of the face.
The result is immediately visible. Your skin looks brighter, feels smoother, and has a healthy glow that's hard to achieve with at-home exfoliation alone. Makeup applies more smoothly, skincare products absorb better, and your complexion looks more even and refined.
Despite involving a blade, dermaplaning is completely painless. It feels like a gentle scratching sensation — similar to shaving but with far more precision. There's no downtime, no redness for most skin types, and you can apply makeup immediately afterward if needed.
Benefits of Dermaplaning
- Instantly smoother skin — removes the rough, uneven texture caused by dead cell buildup
- Brighter complexion — reveals the fresh, healthy skin underneath
- Better product absorption — serums, moisturisers, and treatments penetrate up to 80% more effectively without a barrier of dead cells
- Smoother makeup application — foundation, concealer, and powder sit more evenly without peach fuzz trapping product
- Peach fuzz removal — removes the fine facial hair that can cause a dull, shadowy appearance in certain lighting
- No downtime — you can return to normal activities immediately
- Painless — no needles, no chemicals, no heat
- Suitable for pregnancy — unlike chemical peels and retinol, dermaplaning is safe during pregnancy
The Dermaplaning Process at COSMO
A dermaplaning appointment at COSMO takes approximately 30-40 minutes:
- Cleansing — face is thoroughly cleansed and dried (the skin must be completely dry and oil-free for the blade to work effectively)
- Treatment — the therapist uses a sterile single-use blade held at 45 degrees, working in short, gentle strokes across the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and jawline
- Serum application — a hydrating or brightening serum is applied immediately after while the skin is at maximum absorption capacity
- SPF — sun protection is applied as the fresh skin is more sensitive to UV exposure
Common Myths About Dermaplaning
"Hair grows back thicker"
This is the number one myth and it's completely false. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair (peach fuzz), which is fine, soft, and light-coloured. It grows back at exactly the same thickness and texture. Shaving or cutting hair does not change the hair follicle — it cannot make hair thicker. The reason this myth persists is that the regrowth has a blunt tip (because it was cut) rather than a naturally tapered tip, which can briefly feel slightly different. But it is not actually thicker.
"It's painful"
Dermaplaning is not painful. The blade is held at a shallow angle and barely touches the skin with pressure. Most clients describe it as a gentle scratching or tickling sensation. If you can tolerate having your face touched, you can tolerate dermaplaning.
"It causes breakouts"
When performed correctly with a sterile blade on clean, dry skin, dermaplaning should not cause breakouts. In fact, by removing dead cells that clog pores, it often helps prevent them. However, dermaplaning is not recommended on active acne (the blade could spread bacteria) — we'll advise you at your appointment.
"It's just shaving your face"
While the concept is similar, professional dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade scalpel (not a razor) at a precise angle with professional technique. It removes both dead skin cells AND peach fuzz simultaneously — a razor doesn't exfoliate. The results are significantly more dramatic than using a facial razor at home.
How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?
We recommend dermaplaning every 4-6 weeks. This aligns with the skin's natural cell turnover cycle — it takes approximately 28-40 days for new skin cells to travel from the base layer to the surface and become the dead cells that dermaplaning removes. More frequently than every 4 weeks isn't necessary and won't improve results.
Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
- Active acne or inflamed breakouts (risk of spreading bacteria)
- Active rosacea flare-ups (skin is too sensitised)
- Sunburned or irritated skin
- Open wounds, cuts, or active cold sores in the treatment area
- Immediately after chemical peels or aggressive treatments (wait 2 weeks)
For all other skin types — including sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin, and mature skin — dermaplaning is safe and effective.