Delving into the realm of skin care practices, the question of whether dermaplaning contributes to acne is a common concern for those seeking peach fuzz free smooth and improved skin. Dermaplaning has gained popularity because it checks two boxes as it exfoliates as well as removes facial hair. I find it fascinating that out of all of the exfoliation vices, this one is correlated to possibly causing acne. Let’s discuss why.
What Is Dermaplaning?
The term “dermaplaning” reflects a clever stroke of business acumen, drawing a parallel to a practice that men have employed for centuries – shaving their beards. In essence, dermaplaning serves as the feminine counterpart to this age-old tradition. The design of the tool is both elegant and delicate, allowing for the gentle removal of fine facial hair, commonly known as peach fuzz. Particularly for women experiencing the added challenge of increased facial hair during menopause, certain genetics, dermaplaning emerges as a fitting solution.
Despite its clear association with women, this tool essentially serves as our exclusive razor. Let’s delve into the discussion of whether dermaplaning is a suitable practice for your facial skin care routine.
What Does Dermaplaning Do?
This device effectively eliminates both genetically determined peach fuzz and fine to medium-sized facial hairs. Remarkably, its exfoliating properties can be intensified based on the pressure applied during use. Given the prevailing enthusiasm for exfoliation in American clinical skin care, this versatile tool effortlessly caters to the dual objectives of eliminating unwanted hair and satiating the exfoliation obsession. Beauty is synonymous with choice, individuality, and liberation, making the presence of this sleek tool a welcome addition.
Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of excessive exfoliation. The pitfalls include heightened sun sensitivity leading to premature collagen loss and an elevated risk of hyperpigmentation. Moreover, chronic dehydration induced by over-exfoliation may contribute to the emergence of more blackheads and breakouts over time. Over zealous exfoliation leads to the disruption of the natural acid mantle and barrier function and when combined to the irritation and stimulation of hair removal it adds another dimension to how this can encourage acne. Acne begins in our gut microbiome and yet over-exfoliation, new hair growth stimulation, inflammation, and dehydration actively sabotage how our skin performs which is the perfect storm for some.
Benefits Of Dermaplaning
- Temporary Hair Removal: Dermaplaning serves as a non-invasive method (compared to lasers) for the temporary removal of facial hair. While it doesn’t provide a permanent solution, the elimination of peach fuzz and all facial hair. This is a personal preference as some people have more extensive facial hair than others. Peach fuzz bothers some women while some women don’t fuss with it at all
- Exfoliation: Dermaplaning effectively exfoliates our skin. For people who are still leaning into exfoliation for increased cell turnover, rather than topical Dermal Nutrients, this is a pivotal discovery as it greatly reduces the need of exfoliation.
Risks Of Dermaplaning
- Risk of Irritation and Redness that may lead to short term imbalance or long term: Dermaplaning involves the use of a sharp blade on the skin’s surface, and if not performed correctly or by a trained professional, there is a risk of irritation and redness. These drawbacks can be short term and minimal if skin is healthy enough to overcome them however often skin will spiral downwards without the proper support. Improper technique or excessive pressure can lead to abrasions, upset, thus causing discomfort and potentially triggering the cascade of problems before mentioned.
- Possibility of Infection: Inadequate sterilization of dermaplaning tools or unhygienic practices during the procedure may pose a risk of infection. Using unclean instruments can introduce bacteria to the skin, leading to infections, particularly in the presence of any cuts or micro-abrasions caused by the procedure.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Individuals with darker skin tones may be more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as a result of dermaplaning. The procedure, if not performed carefully, can lead to increased pigmentation in some areas, especially if there is a history of hyperpigmentation or melasma. Sun protection is crucial post-dermaplaning to mitigate this risk.
Does Dermaplaning Cause Acne?
Certainly, the likelihood of adverse effects can be mitigated by avoiding excessive force or frequent use. Where does one draw the line between full blown acne and very irritated and congested skin with many breakouts? When skin is triggered into a downward spiral of acne-like symptoms by dermaplaning there is a clear recovery road. Usually this skin had been in deficit for years but dermaplaning was” the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
The good news is that when skin is supported in the right ways it can become more resilient to occasional and light dermaplaning procedures if it’s something one can’t live without.
Right balance must be restored to get the hair removal benefits without risk.
The Bottom Line On Dermaplaning & Acne
Exfoliation has been hailed as the cure for everything but tread gently in this direction and be lighthanded and conservative with dermaplaning. Discover how to topically supplement your skin with Dermal Nutrients that bring deep and sustained new skin cell regeneration and resilience. Consider other choices for hair removal in one of my previous blogs.
Over-exfoliated and hairless skin may take on an unnatural shine, appearing raw and over procedured.. Fortunately, implementing a skincare routine focused on hydration, Dermal Nutrients, and restoring the skin barrier can minimize these effects, providing much-needed equilibrium to skin constantly undergoing disruption.

About the author
I took many wrong turns when I started learning about skin at 19. The more I spent on skincare, equipment, and training, the further I felt from actually helping skin. I was frustrated with only being able to offer temporary and superficial solutions at best. What emerged from the disappointment and turmoil, I now call, The Regenerative Skin Process. Skin Harmonics is a dedicated medical fusion holistic skincare clinic that provides a root cause approach delivering lifetime skin health through medical grade skin care products, new learning, and Deep Pore Cleansing Facials.