How To Fix Post-Dermaplaning Breakouts

By Anupriya Jamuar 

Heard of dermaplaning yet? One of social media’s most viewed skincare trends, this exfoliation technique involves using a single blade to remove the top layer of your skin. This reduces dead skin cells, dullness and provides a smoother base for makeup. Most importantly, it gets rid of peach fuzz.  

But while the promise of baby-smooth skin is tempting, the results of may include breakouts, scarring, acne, and bumps. So, for you to test the waters safely, we decided to take a deep dive into the side effects of dermaplaning with cosmetologist Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta.

Q. Why does dermaplaning cause breakouts? 

Sometimes, a treatment isn’t right choice for your skin, other times you aren’t doing it right. Holding the blade wrong, applying too much pressure or over-exfoliating can be a few causes of breakouts.  

“Dermaplaning leave your face more exposed. If your dermaplaning blade or your hands contains any bacteria, you are more likely to experience a breakout,” explains Dr Geetika.  

Try a patch test first to see if your skin responds well to it. Also, oily and acne-prone skin types might act adversely to the process and experience skin irritation. “Active acne skin must not be dermaplaned,” adds Dr Geetika.

Q. How can you avoid breakouts? 

Wash your hands and face well and pat it dry to start with a clean base. You can start anywhere on your face. With your fingers, pull the skin taut around the area you’re dermaplaning. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle to your skin and use small, light downward strokes to dermaplane. 

Avoid going over the same area multiple times, or dermaplaning over active acne, as this might increase your chances of spreading the infection.

Q. How to calm post-dermaplaning breakout? 

Dr Geetika suggests soothing and hydrating ingredients to calm your skin:

Niacinamide 

This form of vitamin B3, is a popular skin-soothing antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties. It regulates sebum production, reduces breakouts and treats hyperpigmentation. It will also reduce redness, blotchiness and the enlargement of pores, improving your skin texture.

Hyaluronic Acid 

A damaged skin barrier makes it difficult for your skin to retain moisture to heal post your breakout. For that, Dr Geetika suggests hyaluronic acid for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a skin-soothing ingredient that reduces acne marks and post-acne redness.

AHA/BHA 

Use mild AHAs like lactic acids and mandelic acid to exfoliate your skin. This will help get rid of dead skin cells, keep your pores clean and boost collagen production, resulting in radiant skin.

Post-treatment creams 

For a more severe breakout, you can also look for over-the-counter antibiotics and creams. “Antibiotics like mupirocin or a healing cream with arnica extracts can be used,” advises Dr Geetika.