What is Dermablading? Benefits, Side Effects You Need to Know

Dermablading is a treatment performed on the skin under the guidance of a professional Dermatologist/Cosmetologist.  

Although you might be a firm believer in being confident in the skin you are gifted with, once you start focusing on following a good skincare routine, you really would not need makeup to hide your Mondays! (acne/pimples). 

Keep scrolling to learn about the benefits of dermablading, dermablading side effects, and more.

What is Dermablading?

In most cases, women complain about sudden facial hair growth, which is often the result of a hormonal imbalance. Apart from hormonal concerts, facial hair growth is relatively common among the female population, and since it appears in a “manly” pattern—upper lips, chin, and neck; women prefer taking it off. Traditionally waxing and threading were preferred, but now with dermablading, preferences might change [1].

Dermablading, also known as Dermaplaning, is used to remove peach-fuzz and dead cells beneath the skin. Sometimes, this procedure can be used as a facial; dermablading facial—it might help smoothen your skin and bring a natural yet subtle glow to your face.

 Cerain foods can help bring back the lost glow from your face? Yes, antioxidant-rich foods can lighten your skin complexion and can make your skin glow.

This skincare technology is one of a kind since it is safe for both lactating women and pregnant women! There is also no age restriction to this treatment [2].

Now that we have a brief understanding of what dermablading is, let’s move on to the functional aspect of the treatment.

What are the benefits of Dermablading?

Dermablading is really ideal for patients with dry and dehydrated skin. Take a look at the beautiful benefits of the treatment:

• It leaves a smooth texture after the procedure
• It exfoliates the skin completely
• Peels off the unwanted thick layer of dead cells
• Helps get rid of unwanted facial hair growth [1]
• Enhances the skin tone after peeling off the dead skin
• Brings back the lost natural skin glow
• Prevents the makeup from becoming cakey
• Completely an ‘anti-chemical’ procedure

The new skin cells after also a dermablading help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles thereby preventing the first signs of aging. There are also ways to stop your face from ageing prematurely, like sun protection, eating healthy and getting adequate sleep. 

Scalpel facials are well-known not only for their skin-rejuvenating properties but also for eliminating the peach fuzz.

Even though those fine hairs are not very evident on your face, you’ll feel great once they’re gone.

 Your skin will be fantastic to  touch and feel. Many patients express their satisfaction with the way their face feels [3].

What are the side effects of Dermablading?

The little hairs on our faces are known as lanugos. They have a purpose behind them. They help us protect our face from direct damage from environmental factors.

Many estheticians ignore the fact that the lanugos are not to be shaved in the opposite direction of growth. It tends to irritate the skin and results in a quicker re-growth.

Rare side effects of the treatment include infection and scarring for which your dermatologist may inject you with steroids to soften the scar  [3]. Always ensure you go to a trusted professional to avoid any side effects. Also, keep in mind to make sure your esthetician is using a new blade when they start your procedure. This can help reduce the risk of any side effects that might present themselves.

How to Dermablade?

It is suggested to have this procedure done by a professional; however, there are very similar alternatives that you could consider. Nowadays, you will find facial razors on the market; you could easily purchase one of them and try to shave your face at home. Ensure your face is clean and slightly moisturized, with aloe vera gel preferably, before you start. Be sure to hold it at an angle and move downwards, or towards the direction of hair growth; this will ensure a smoother finish and less irritation. 

So what is different about getting it done professionally and doing it yourself at home? Well, a professional will use a medical-grade blade, one that is relatively sharper, to shave your face. They might also use different products to help you get the desired results. An at-home dermablading procedure is more or less a substitute for a professional one. It can be considered a quick fix of some sort.

How does Dermablading work?

Glowing skin is always in! When your skin is exposed to a rough polluted environment, it develops a thick layer of dead skin cells that hinder the natural glow of your skin.

Dead skin cells naturally shed after every thirty days cycles. But it is inscrutable if all the dead skin cells fall off during the cycle. Sometimes they do not fully shed leading to dry and patchy skin. To exfoliate and bring back the natural skin glow, dermablading is a proven helpful treatment approved by dermatologists all over the globe.

The treatment is very gentle and does not use any chemical products. It is non-invasive and requires no downtime, leaving little or no evidence that it has taken place [3].

Other skin scrubs and resurfacing treatments can address deeper layers of the skin, but they might end up leaving a mark. Not always of course, but they do not necessarily allow you to immediately return to work without anyone noticing the changes (except for the change in skin tone that everyone will feel). 

When you arrive at the clinic, you will undergo a basic skin examination to understand whether your skin plays safe to get treated.

Keep relaxing on your reclining chair as the estheticians gently scrape the blade across the surface of your skin. And you are good to go.

Your esthetician will use a sharp blade and hold it at an angle while gliding it ever so gently over your face. They might have to go in a back and forth motion to make sure they get everything.

Dermablading resembles shaving in various ways; both of these procedures use blades to scrape hair and dead skin cells from your skin; however, the main difference is the use of a medical-grade blade for dermablading. Different kinds and sizes of blades are used based on the need. 

How long does the process take?

This procedure will hardly take you a few hours let alone an entire week! You will find yourself going about your day normally right after your facial. 

Although taking a blade to your face might sound scary, it is anything but. It is safe and is performed under extreme precautionary measures. You will be done with your procedure in 30 minutes and will be ready to get along with your day. Though it takes such a little time, it lasts for a good three weeks! 

Who is Dermablading suitable for?

Dermablading is usually considered safe for most people, with little potential for side effects.

Dermatologists say this treatment is effective for people who are looking to make their skin look younger, smooth, and radiant, but results generally last for about a month or less.

But a note to make here is that dermablading might not suit acne skin because massaging may result in irritation and aggravation of pimples. The scraping of a blade over skin that is prone to acne might not be the best option. Acneic skin is sensitive and requires special attention; if you still insist on getting dermablading, then make sure to consult your dermatologist to ensure it is the best option for you.

Talking about the suitability, the charges may differ based on the selection of the treatment center.

What about sensitive skin?

I bet this question might have struck your mind by now! It is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin and also expectant mothers who want a deep exfoliationfor their skin. It can be done prior to treatments such as facials.

If you have extremely sensitive skin or if you have rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, dermablading may cause excess skin peeling.

Hence, it is better to grab advice from your Cosmetitian first.

How much does dermablading cost?

Dermablading usually lasts around 3 weeks, so if you were to make appointments, they would ideally be once a month. They do lie on the more expensive side when it comes to cost. One dermablading session can range from 100-150$ or INR 1000/- to 2500/- rupees.

If you do plan on making an appointment make sure to do thorough research and make sure it is for you, your skin type, and your lifestyle.

Dermblading v/s Microdermabrasion [4, 5, 6]

Exfoliating skin treatments such as dermablading and microdermabrasion claim to soothe your skin.

While dermablading utilizes a knife’s edge to remove dead skin cells, microdermabrasion employs an abrasive surface to “polish” your skin.

A blast of air may be aimed at your face, or a specific tool may make direct contact with your skin to exfoliate dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion usually entails multiple treatments, with results that might endure for months.

If you’re selecting between these two operations, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist who can provide you with advice depending on your desired outcomes.

Dermablading v/s Microblading

Dermablading and microblading are two different procedures for two different reasons altogether. Dermablading is a procedure used to remove hair and dry cells from the surface of the skin by scraping the skin gently with a sharp blade.

Microblading on the other hand is a procedure similar to tattooing wherein a small handheld tool is used to make small patterns that resemble hair on the skin. This is ideally used for the eyebrows.

Difference between Dermablading and Dermabrasion  [3, 7]

Both of these treatments should be performed by an esthetician and should be done in conjunction with a facial appointment; they are a non-painful add-on. Both work to rejuvenate wrinkles and drab skin, revealing a fresh layer of skin.

Both techniques produce rapid results and leave you with a striking glow, but there are a few distinctions to be aware of. They have their own set of gadgets.

Dermablading is done with a surgical scalpel, whereas microdermabrasion is done using a tiny electric device. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that includes spraying an exfoliator on your skin while sucking away particles. This reveals a new layer of skin and thoroughly cleans the pores until they are completely bare.

It all depends on your objectives! If you’re stressed about dark spots, blocked pores, and hyperpigmentation, Microdermabrasion is the way to go.  If you want to improve your skin’s appearance or if dryness is a problem, dermablading would be your best bet.

What is the difference between Dermablading and Silk peel?

If deep exfoliation is your primary concern, any product will suffice. Dermablading, on the other hand, will give you that wonderful smooth look you’re after if you’re looking to really resurface your skin. 

It will remove peach fuzz from your skin and leave you with a clean, silky finish. (Fret not, it won’t re-grow darker or thicker!). Silk peel may be more your style if you want to give your skin a deep clean and treating pre-existing concerns. 

The serums truly allow you to personalize your results and treat any skin issues you may have [8] .

What does dermablading feel like?

The outcomes of dermablading are astounding and immediate. You will observe the radiance of your skin now that the lifeless barrier of dead skin cells has disappeared. Once the treatment is complete, you’ll be free to resume your normal routine. 

You can put on your make-up right away, but most people choose not to because their skin appears so well without it. Moreover, it is best to let your skin breathe for a little while before packing on makeup on it. When you do plan on putting makeup on you will notice that it sits on your face well and looks more natural and smooth. This is because the skin is now free of baby hair and dead skin cells. Without these extra particles on your skin, the makeup will not clog or settle unevenly on your face.

After the treatment, you will have to ensure that you always use sunscreen because you no longer have the peachy fuzzy layer to protect it from sun damage [3]. Your skin is now bare and relatively more susceptible to being affected by harmful UV rays.

When you walk out of the salon after your procedure, you will notice how incredibly gentle your skin is. You will have no rough skin layer, dead cells, or peach fuzz, rubberized with oil and debris! 

Feed your skin with the right nutrients for that youthful glow. Luckily enough there are many foods that can delay the aging process.

What to expect during the dermablading procedure?

In the course of a dermablading procedure, you should not experience pain. You may feel tingling while on treatment. It will more or less feel like a subtle scraping against your skin, but apart from these sensations, you should not be able to feel any kind of pain. In the odd chance, you sense a subtle burn, make sure you let your esthetician know.

Although not necessary, sedation options are available, and these may include an anesthetic vaporizer or local anesthesia in combination with an oral sedative. This procedure is not an invasive one. You will not require any sort of sedation. However, if you do happen to be fidgety, nervous, or are afraid of sharp objects, you can discuss your options of sedation with your esthetician

You do not need to schedule any downtime in order to recover from a dermablading treatment. You may experience reddening or the impression that your skin is scratched, but that is only a result of the friction of scraping a blade on your skin. If in case you feel like the redness is not dying down, try and rub some ice over your skin.

Most importantly, follow the directions of your esthetician and make sure you stick to whatever plan they put together for you. 

Sun damage may reverse the effects of dermablading or create pigment spots on freshly discovered skin cells so make sure to always apply sunscreen before heading out. Some individuals like to believe that you can skip sunscreen on a rainy day; however, it is actually extremely important to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day regardless of the weather.

FAQs

What does dermablading treatment feel like?

Dermablading feels like a subtle scraping against your skin. The professional holds the lade at an angle and glides it against your skin in the direction of your hair growth. Since it is not invasive, you will not experience any pain or discomfort; at most you might feel slight pressure and a gentle tingling sensation.

Is dermablading safe?

Yes, dermablading is safe. If performed under proper and hygienic conditions you will be at no risk of any side effects or harmful effects. Since the procedure is non-invasive and is performed only on the surface of your skin, you are not at risk of injuring yourself or experiencing any side effects.

What to expect during the dermablading procedure?

Before talking about what to expect during the dermablading procedure, we should consider the fact that we will hardly spend 30 minutes in the esthetician’s room. The procedure is quick, painless, and instantaneous. You might feel a slight scraping against your skin but for the most part you will not experience any sort of sensation; at the most a slight tingling sensation will make its presence known.

Dermablading how often?

Dermablading lasts for a good 3 weeks. Choosing when to go back for an appointment is a personal choice you will have to make; however, ensure to contact your dermatologist for the best schedule. Based on your skin type and skin sensitivity they will guide you on how often to get a dermablading.

Wrapping up

At the end of it, all you must bear in mind that skincare is like dieting. You have to invest your time and willpower to achieve the desired results. 

If you are planning to undergo dermablading treatment, look for a certified esthetician. Let your doctor know about your medications and skin sensitivities prior to the treatment. It will help achieve better results.

Performing dermablading by yourself requires thorough skills as your face is no joke! You may end up damaging the epidermal layer of the skin and develop bacterial infections.

Appreciate the beauty within you because filters are great but the skin is better!

References

1. Monheit, G D. “Facial blemishes and their treatment.” Otolaryngologic clinics of North America vol. 13,2 (1980): 337-51
2. Pryor, Landon et al. “Dermaplaning, topical oxygen, and photodynamic therapy: a systematic review of the literature.” Aesthetic plastic surgery vol. 35,6 (2011): 1151-9.
3. Neill, Ushma S. “Skin care in the aging female: myths and truths.” The Journal of clinical investigation vol. 122,2 (2012): 473-7.
4. Grimes, Pearl E. “Microdermabrasion.” Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] vol. 31,9 Pt 2 (2005): 1160-5; discussion 1165.
5. Shpall, Rebecca et al. “Microdermabrasion: a review.” Facial plastic surgery : FPS vol. 20,1 (2004): 47-50
6. Ganceviciene, Ruta et al. “Skin anti-aging strategies.” Dermato-endocrinology vol. 4,3 (2012): 308-19.
7. Hruza, G J. “Dermabrasion.” Facial plastic surgery clinics of North America vol. 9,2 (2001): 267-81, ix.
8. Aramwit, Pornanong, and Nipaporn Bang. “The characteristics of bacterial nanocellulose gel releasing silk sericin for facial treatment.” BMC biotechnology vol. 14 104. ( 2014)