Happy Monday friends, and welcome back to a new week! We had beautiful weather all weekend, and spent most of our time outside swimming, playing volleyball, and cooking out, and it’s amazing what it did for our moods and attitudes! I’m crossing my fingers the harmony carries through this week.
Mr. College Guy is in his final week of online classes, with finals next week… and Little Miss starts her final month! I’m not sure if things will be better or worse for them once there’s no school to occupy most of their days, but I know it will be easier for me, ha!
Today I’m excited to share another post y’all have been requesting for awhile… how I do at-home dermaplaning! I’ve been razoring my face (basically the more polite way of saying ‘shaving’) for almost three years, and I can confidently say it’s hands-down one of the most effective ways to improve the quality and texture of your skin, and boost the effects of your skincare products.
I was first introduced to dermaplaning by a professional esthetician while on vacation. I was getting a facial in the hotel spa, and they were running a special to add-on dermaplaning for 50% off with any service… so I went for it. And was obsessed with how my skin felt after!! But once the results started to fade, I couldn’t bring myself to pay for a professional dermaplaning service at a spa… so I did a ton of research and started doing it at home. And I’ve never looked back!
So what is dermaplaning? It’s the physical exfoliation of the top layer of dead skin and peach fuzz, using a sharp blade. Peach fuzz can actually trap dirt, oil, and makeup, and make you look older. Shaving is not only the most effective exfoliator, but also enables collagen stimulation, deeper product penetration, and smoother makeup application.
I know what you’re thinking… will my hair grow back thicker, darker, and coarser than before?! No ma’am, it will not! Your actual hair follicle sits deep under the skin, so when you shave, you’re cutting the hair off at the base, not messing with the follicle itself. Which means your hair will continue to grow at the same rate, width, and texture as before.
Tips for At-Home Dermaplane
Step One // Prep the skin
It’s imperative you start with a super clean face and hands, and a clean, sharp razor! Otherwise, you’re exposing your pores and the fresh new layer of skin to dirt and germs. I double wash my face, using my favorite Radiant Cleansing Balm and Gentle Gel Cleanser. I then follow it up with Thayers Witch Hazel Toner until the pads are clear, just to ensure my face is completely clean. Allow skin to dry.
I’ve tried a slew of razors, and my favorites are Tinkle and Shiseido. Straight razors are also much more effective at scraping away dead skin than a typical razor you’d use for your legs. You could use each straight razor 2-3 times (cleaning in-between uses with alcohol), but they’re so inexpensive I typically just use mine once before disposing. This ensures it’s clean and super sharp for maximum exfoliation.
Tinkle Razors | Shiseido Razors
Step Two // How to dermaplane
Pull the skin taut and shave downwards in short strokes with the razor at a 45-degree angle. I start at my jawline by the ears, and work my way across the cheek, chin, upper lip, nose, and jawline. Repeat on other side.
Then use short downward strokes going across the forehead, being careful around the hairline and eyebrows. I have a lot of peach fuzz and it literally mixes with the dead skin and falls off my face like tumbleweeds!
Sugarplum Tip: Place your pointer finger along your hairline or covering your eyebrow to prevent clipping the hairs you want to keep!
Step Three // After dermaplaning
Rinse off any loose skin and hair with tepid water and blot dry with a clean towel, or use a toner and clean cotton pads. Immediately follow with your regular serums, which will now absorb more deeply, so expect them to feel more intense! Follow with lots of moisturizer to lock in the serums.
Since my skin is more ‘mature,’ I like to be more aggressive and use Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads after shaving, followed by retinol and moisturizer. But it’s pretty intense, so you might want to try dermaplaning on its own before this added step. After shaving is also a great time for a hydration mask!
Thayers Witch Hazel Toner | Tinkle Facial Razors | Alpha-Beta Peel Pads
Radiant Cleansing Balm | Retinol Supreme Night Oil | Extreme Recovery Cream
(use code SUGARPLUM20 to save 20% on the Colleen Rothschild products)
Here’s the video I shared on Instagram showing the process! You can also watch it HERE.
Mama Sugarplum was horrified the first time I shared this on my Instagram Story (“You shaved your face on the internet!!??”), but finally caved and tried it for herself… and loves it! She has a touch of rosacea, so sticks with milder skincare after (see her full routine HERE).
I prefer to dermaplane at night so I can follow-up with my full evening skincare routine, and leave my skin free of makeup for awhile. I allow the products to absorb before going to bed, and always make sure to have a clean pillowcase! Protect that precious new skin and clean pores!
And since this is a beauty post, I wanted to remind you today is the final day of the Sephora Spring Savings Event with up to 20% off (Rouge and VIB Members have a few more days). Just in case you missed my last Sephora Haul (see it HERE), here are my beauty must-haves and what I’ll be stocking up on. See what’s new and in my cart HERE.
one // NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer // A creamy, hydrating formula with incredible coverage, and perfect for more ‘mature’ skin. I wear ‘creme brûlée.’
two // IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination with SPF 50+ // Full coverage with a touch of illumination, it’s the secret to Mama Sugarplum’s glow! We both wear ‘light medium.‘
three // Tan Luxe THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops // Added to my moisturizer a few times a week, it gives the best natural color.
four // Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil // Good brows can make you look 10 years younger, and this pencil is fool-proof. I wear ‘taupe.’
five // Tarte Fake Awake Eyeliner // My favorite makeup trick… line your lower waterline with this nude to neutralize redness and instantly brighten eyes.
six // IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara // The thin, wet formula coats lashes from base to tip and layers easily for thicker, fuller lashes. I’m obsessed!
seven // Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask // No more chapped lips! I slather this on every night, and even use it as a light gloss during the day. I’ve yet to find anything as effective.
eight // Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer // Pricey? Yes. Worth every penny? Absolutely. Dries hair faster, leaving it smooth and shiny.
nine // Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel // Yep, after only one month, these have already made it to my Must Have list!
ten // Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 // Honestly, could I sing the praises of the entire Olaplex line any more? Just get it… your hair will thank me!
eleven // Dry Bar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers // My secret weapon for volume at the crown and reviving day-old hair. I set my part and crown with these large rollers immediately after blow-drying for more volume and smoothness, without additional heat.
twelve // Dry Bar The Morning After Shower Cap // Surely you have this by now? The only way to preserve a blowout, it’s lined to absorb moisture and humidity while you shower, leaving your hair exactly the same!
At that’s it for at-home dermaplaning! I usually do it every 10-14 days, but it’s different for everyone depending on how quickly your hair grows. I’m completely hooked on the fresh, smooth feeling of my skin afterwards, and how easily my makeup applies.
I hope this post was helpful, but remember, I’m not a professional esthetician, I just play one on the internet… so if you have super-sensitive skin, acne, or eczema, check with a professional first.
So tell me…have you tried at-home dermaplaning!?
In other non-facial hair news…Kendra Scott just gave me an exclusive 20% off code just for Hi Sugarplum readers!!! From now until April 30, code SUGARPLUM20 saves you 20% off! Just in time for Mother’s Day! My faves right now are the adjustable Presleigh Love Knot Necklace and Avi Hoops, and I’ve got my eye on this darling heart necklace! So precious for moms, and under $50 with my code! I put this one on my wish list. Happy day, lovebugs!
I have a question regarding the dermaplaning. Are you wetting your razor or face at all, or just dry shaving? Have you ever nicked yourself? I wonder if a person just did their chin and jawline, would people be able to tell, or see a “shave line”…? It sounds intriguing as I am constantly plucking little chin hairs….I just might have to give this a try…Thankyou!
Hi Colleen! I do it on completely dry skin…I find that easier to get the top layer of dead cells off. And I think you could totally focus on the problem spots, depending on where your hair grows. But I think you’ll love how it looks and feels so much, you’ll end up doing your entire face!
Great post, C. Where did/does all this peach fuzz (me!) come from?? I find shining certain lights at different angles, on one’s face, a flashlight, or a sunny window, helps to see the fuzz, and really helps w/results. And pulling skin taught, yes! Younger, fresher results!
Do parents ever stop freaking out about what their adult “children” do? Mama SP: “You did what??”, ha,ha!
Thank you, I love this story, SP!
Everyone just needs to have faith that once again you know what you know! Have been doing this since you first shocked us with your demonstration…following it with my CR serums and creams. My almost 70 yrs old skin glows, the CR routine I use has erased the wrinkles around my eyes, jawline and mouth. My skin is my best victory against looking and feeling ‘extremely mature’ and I give all the praise to you..thank you Cassie❤️
Wow…that’s an incredible testimony!! Thanks so much for sharing, Patti! xo. C
I just wanted you to know you inspire a vast range of ages with what you work so hard to present to us😊
Do you use a clarisonic, nuskin, or other cleansing/exfoliating tool? Wondering if I need one of those, too? I love my tinkle razors!
I was using a Clarisonic for awhile, but I think it got a little aggressive for my skin. I’ve been testing out a few stronger face washes with exfoliation and will report back! Oh, I do have a derma roller and like that!
Hi Cassie! I started following your blog based on the recommendation of a mutual friend in Colorado. I have loved your stories and style. You and your family are adorable. I have purchased many of your recommendations at Nordstrom and Amazon. I went out on a (major) limb and tried out Colleen Rothschild without a sample or personal experience. The product was package so poorly that it was damaged on delivery. I have contacted them through multiple methods without response. I understand that we are living during a challenging time but their silence is only highlighted by multiple solicitous emails daily. I thought you should be award of the experience of a new customer. Thank you! Bre
Hi Breanna! I am so sorry you’re having this experience! Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve ever heard anything negative about their customer service!! Please email me your order number and I’ll reach out to them directly on your behalf…I know they’ll make it right. They’re an outstanding company!
I am a brunette and I tried this for a month and my facial hair came back like a man. so stopped doing it and went back to waxing my face instead. You blond ladies are lucky that your hair does not come back courser.
Hi Mandy! It’s likely the hair felt different than you’re used to because the base of the hair is thicker than the ends (which you shaved off)…so you might have thought it was coming in different. But since you aren’t doing anything to the follicle of the hair, you aren’t altering the makeup of it. But I know this technique isn’t for everyone! I’m glad waxing is an option for you! xo. C
Hi Cassie. Love your blog! I’ve been wanting to try dermaplaning for a a while. Now I think you’ve given me the courage to try it. One question … Does your face have the “stubble” feel once you start dermaplaning?
I wouldn’t call it stubble, but for about a day when the regrowth happens my face does feel a tiny bit sandpapery. It was odd the first time, but now I don’t even notice. You could shave again when (or before) that happens, but I’m strange and like to let it grow a little for the satisfaction of seeing it come off! 😉
Hi! I’m having a chin hair problem. Would you recommend dermaplaning for this problem if I’m only doing the edges and underneath side of my chin? Or is there another type of razor you recommend? Thanks!
It will absolutely help with chin hairs! I have one aggressive chin hair that I still pull with tweezers, but the razors get the rest of them!
Would I be able to still do my at home microneedling? Say alternating with the dermabrasion? Microneedling doesn’t exfoliate but it does “air rate” the skin to allow your skincare to penetrate better.
Absolutely!
I’m a big fan of you and your blog!
I found the Dr Dennis Gross peel pads at skinstore.com at 15% discount with code “Natural” , plus an 8 piece bag of items worth $137 is included.
Oh, good find!!! xo, Cassie
This looks intriguing, but is this better than using a Venus razor on your face?
So I think that a regular Venus or ‘leg-shaving’ razor would cause some hairs to come back like they do on your legs! This razor is single and doesn’t have the multiple blades, it doesn’t penetrate the follicle as deeply. Hope this helps! xo, Cassie
Hi Cassie,
Would love to know if you have tried the Dermaflash Luxe? If so, what were your thoughts? Thanks for being so transparent about things we are all interested in (but rarely talk about)!
Thanks so much, Ashley! I haven’t tried that, but I’ll look into it! xo. C
Hello! Love following you. I was intrigued by this so I tried it last night. It didn’t go very well. I didn’t see any dead skin coming off just peach fuzz and ending up slicing my face a few times. 🤪 Maybe it was the brand of the razor? I was so bummed. ☹️ Not sure I’ll attempt it again or not. 🤷🏼♀️
Oh no, Tiffany, I’m so sorry you had that experience! I don’t normally see actual skin flakes flying off, it’s mainly the peach fuzz… I think the dead skin is too fine to really see! And those razors are super sharp right out of the packaging, it takes some practice to know where the press a little harder and where to ease up. Hope this helps! xo, Cassie
This popped up on my IG today right after I did it. I’ve done it many times before today (after your first time showing us) and today I gouged my chin real bad. Go figure! I think I got in a rush because I knew my son was going to wake up from his nap. 😬
Oh yikes!!! I’ve nicked myself a time or two, also! usually when it get going too fast, or don’t use a new razor! I hope it heals quickly!
Do you still use the tinkle razors to Dermaplane or have you found a better or different product? Thank you!!
Hi Karen! I switched to these on my last order bc the price was so good, and they were great! https://amzn.to/43kqtMv