Dermaplaning has become a major trend in recent years, especially on social media—often linked to promises of “glass skin,” better makeup application, and an extra glow. Is any of this true, and should women also remove their facial hair? We’ll explain what happens during dermaplaning and what results you can really expect. 

Dermaplaning is, so to speak, the female equivalent of a men’s facial shave. During the procedure, a small razor is used to gently remove fine hairs across the entire face. The exciting thing about it: The procedure is essentially not just hair removal, but also a physical exfoliation, because the blade removes dead skin cells from the outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum. These “old” skin cells and the fine facial fuzz can make the complexion look dull, which is why the treatment often comes with the promise of a subtle glow. 

1. CLEANING

Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser, such as DR EMI ARPA SKIN’s The Ten out of Ten Gentle Gel Cleanser, to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. A clean canvas is essential to prevent bacteria from settling into your freshly exfoliated skin.

2. PREPARATION

Apply facial oil to your entire face. This will allow the blade to glide more smoothly and reduce the risk of injury.

3. SHAVING

Place the razor on your skin in the direction of hair growth and glide it across your face in gentle, short strokes. Use your free hand to gently stretch the skin to create a smooth surface.

4. WASHING UP

First, rinse your face with cold water, then use our mild Ten out of Ten Gentle Gel Cleanser for a final cleanse. This ensures that all loosened hairs and oil residues are thoroughly removed without upsetting your skin’s pH balance.

5. CARE

Apply the Hydra Hero Milky Drops as a soothing treatment, followed by our Barrier Boost or Barrier Boost+. Since the skin barrier is temporarily "open" after mechanical exfoliation, the vegan kefir ferment, ceramides, and panthenol in the Hydra Hero help to soothe the skin. The ceramides and ectoine in the Barrier Boosts help immediately minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and seal the lipid layer. During the day, finish your routine with an SPF. 

There are many half-truths circulating about dermaplaning, which often cause uncertainty. Perhaps that’s why you’re still hesitant about it. We’ve taken a closer look at the most common claims and examined them based on dermatological findings, so you can perform your at-home treatment with confidence and achieve satisfying results.

Myth 1: Hair grows back thicker and darker.

That’s probably the biggest concern—but don’t worry, it’s not based on any scientific fact. Dermaplaning doesn’t change the structure or color of your hair follicles. It simply trims the hair at the surface. When it grows back, it might feel a little “stubbier” at first because the natural, fine tip is missing. However, it will grow back with exactly the same texture and color as before.

Myth 2: Dermaplaning causes pimples and breakouts.

Not necessarily, because by removing dead skin cells, we essentially prevent them from clogging pores and causing inflammation. However, hygiene is key: a sterile blade and proper follow-up cleansing with a cleanser are essential to avoid breakouts or irritation.

Myth 3: It's painful or damages the skin.

When done correctly, dermaplaning is usually painless. It involves a superficial exfoliation of the stratum corneum. As long as you use an oil to prepare the skin and let the blade glide gently, the skin barrier remains intact; the treatment simply removes fine hairs and dead skin cells.

In summary, dermaplaning isn’t just a social media trend—it’s a treatment that can leave your skin looking radiant. By combining precise hair removal with physical exfoliation, you’ll rid your face not only of fine hair but also of dead skin cells.

The result is, so to speak, a strategically optimized skin surface: active ingredients can take full effect more easily, while the smoothed texture ensures even light reflection and a flawless makeup finish that looks perfectly even even in daylight. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to worry about thicker hair regrowth, as the hair root remains untouched. As long as you consistently prioritize hygiene and use barrier-strengthening and soothing aftercare products, dermaplaning is safe and promising.