Shaving your face can help with acne, rosacea and more... so no wonder dermaplaning appointments are so popular
Dermaplaning. It's the hottest topic among the beauty crowd with everyone from makeup artists to dermatologists getting involved in the chat. Ultimate beauty influencer and GLAMOUR cover star Huda Kattan posted a vlogged about it that quickly went viral (the video now has over 4 million views) and beauty booking app, Treatwell saw an uptick of 621% in appointment bookings in the year before the pandemic hit, with popularity set to continue now that beauty salons have been allowed to reopen.
But what actually is it? And what are the benefits? Here's everything you need to know...
What is dermaplaning?
The high-profile beauty prep treatment is actually incredibly low-key, and involves using a single blade to remove the hair and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. In other words, it's shaving - but to prepare you skin for makeup application and a whole host of other benefits - and you definitely don't need a big bushy beard to benefit from the treatment, either.
What type of hair does dermaplaning target?
Dermaplaning targets the 'peach fuzz' (the invisible, baby hairs that commonly crop up on cheeks and around the hair line). This hair is technically known as vellus hair and is distinctly different to the dark, thick terminal hair, which grows on our heads, underarms and pubic area. Another important point to make is that vellus hair doesn't grow back stubbly.
Where did dermaplaning come from?
Contrary to its recent popularity, dermaplaning has being around for a lot longer than you might think. In fact, Cleopatra was the original advocate and it's also a longstanding tradition in Indian culture. So, there must be something in it, right?
Dermaplaning: before and after
After perusing these before and after photos, it seems that it really does work. People have been taking to Instagram to showcase the results of their face shaving in candid before and after snaps. Using the hashtag #dermaplaning, people are displaying the incredible results, showing how the treatment has helped treat acne, rosacea and dry skin. Here are some of the epic transformations..
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Dermaplaning review
To find out whether the treatment really lived up to the Instagram hype, I thought I would give it a go and see if it really did help to ensure smooth foundation application.
Using a single razor blade at a 45 degree angle, I gently scratched the surface of my skin. I had initially thought that I wouldn't be a good advocate for the treatment as I didn't have any facial hair but was in for a rude awakening when a palm-full of blonde fluff fell into my bathroom sink upon first swipe.
A few swipes (and fluff balls) later, I set the blade down to assess the results. Visually, there was no difference. But my skin did feel super smooth to the touch and when I applied foundation, it seemed to adhere to my skin with greater ease, rather than gathering on the hairs and looking powdery. Other than that, I didn't notice enough of an improvement to my overall complexion to make the treatment a regular addition to my already lengthy beauty regime.
If it's smooth skin you're after, try the GLAMOUR pick of the best facial exfoliators.
Best exfoliating facial scrub
Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, £26, Kiehl's
This is a great all-rounder as it is finely-ground and suits all skin types. It's also the perfect fruity exfoliant.
Best chemical exfoliator
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula, £19, Cult Beauty
For the ultimate resurfacer look no further than Dr. Dennis Gross' famous two-step chemical exfoliant. Having used this product personally I can attest to its strength and results, with significantly reduced pores and fine lines. If you are an acid beginner, Dr Gross' universal strength version is where you need to start.
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Best weekly exfoliator
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask, £39, Cult Beauty
If you're after instantaneous results, this mask is as close to 'miracle worker' as you'll get. It may cost you a handsome fee, but you'll probably find you only need to use it once a week to reap the rewards. A slight tingling sensation (caused by apricot seed powder) starts the glow process, and then ten minutes later, you're left with skin smoother than glass. Sensitive skin types may want to do a patch test, but it's suitable for everyone.
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Best liquid exfoliant
Alpha-H Liquid Gold, £33.50, Cult Beauty
With a name like this, you can expect big things. This is a liquid exfoliant that totally delivers, and is a favourite of beauty bloggers and stars alike. Liquid Gold is perfect for skin on the oilier side.
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Best two-minute exfoliating treatment
Kate Somerville Exfolikate, £21, Cult Beauty
She's one of the most coveted facialists on the celebrity circuit and her range of results-driven products have recently launched in the UK, meaning we can benefit from her skincare skills at home. This marvel has been dubbed 'the 2-minute facial' and takes on a dual action, featuring both physical and chemical exfoliants for next level radiance.
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Best affordable exfoliator
Pixi Glow Tonic, £18, Cult Beauty
This cult product is one of the most dreamy liquid exfoliants, with glycolic acid, aloe vera and ginseng.
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Best exfoliator for mature skin
REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £36, Space NK
This should be your go-to for seamless skin. The glycol combined with natural fruit acids renews skin cells for spotless youthful complexion. Ideal for mature skin.
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Best daily exfoliator
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £55, LookFantastic
Fancy a scrub with a difference? Then give this a go. Simply pour some of the powder into your hands, add some water and exfoliate away!
Best exfoliator for oily skin
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28, Cult Beauty
If you're all about transparency and nothing but good quality, hard-working ingredients, Paula's Choice is the brand for you. This no BS exfoliator removes dead skin cells and prevents blackheads in one swipe. Sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin will love this.
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Best exfoliator for baby-smooth skin
Révive Le Polish, £100, Space NK
Rub this fine polish over your chops and watch in horror/delightful satisfaction as the dirt lifts off and forms little clumps in your hands. So pleasing, as is the baby smooth skin you're left with after.
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Best exfoliator for sensitive skin
Dr. Roebuck's Byron 2-in-1 Mask and Exfoliator, £26, Revolve
If you have naturally sensitive skin, it's understandable you may be reluctant to try new exfoliators. This little tube of joy, however, is perfect for skin that's slightly too dry and sensitive for strong acids and harsh scrubs. Formulated with kaolin to help absorb oil and biodegradable jojoba beads to gently exfoliate, this calming, non-irritating scrub/mask hybrid will leave skin clear, bright and plump when used weekly.
Best gentle exfoliator
Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish, £68, LookFantastic
Want skin like Kim's? Well, start with this granule exfoliator, the first step in Lancer's three-step everyday skincare regime. It's pumped with algae and fruit extracts to deeply clean, nourish and refresh the skin.
Best glycolic acid exfoliator
Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment, £85, Space NK
Fake you have good genes with this daily treatment, which rejuvenates and brightens complexion. Ideal for blemish-prone skin.
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Best exfoliating face mask
Sisley Paris Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream, £71, Sisley Paris
The fact that this buffing cream contains matricaria, a botanical extract that has soothing and softening properties, means it can be used on the most sensitive of skins. Plus, it dries like a face mask and then you roll it off to remove, which is supremely satisfying.
