Hello Gorgeous!
Recently I pampered myself and went to my favorite medical spa to get a Glycolic Acid Peel (my favorite medical facial). During my consultation with one of the spa’s licensed aesthetician’s, I was introduced to something I had never heard about before called Dermaplaning. I immediately thought this had to do with Microdermabrasion, but it is a completely different treatment so I was instantly intrigued to learn more.
What I learned: Dermaplaning is a non-traumatic method of skin rejuvenation, a “manual exfoliation” performed using a scalpel (yes, a real surgical blade is used) on the skin and is sometimes referred to as skin blading because you’re essentially blading the skin’s top layers, fine facial hair (peach fuzz), and skin imperfections. This treatment also stimulates new skin development. Dermaplaning removes the out-most layers of dead skin cells leaving the skin immediately smooth, supple, and vibrant. Dermaplaning (or skin blading) is generally most effective right before a facial because it helps to enhance the absorption of chemical peels and treatments. Sounds a little scary, doesn’t it?! This process is painless and very safe. There is no down time associated with this treatment. Dermaplaning can be done as often as every two weeks, although it is usually done when fine facial hair starts to grow back, which is generally in one month’s time. And NO, despite popular belief, the hair does NOT grow back thicker! Usually, you can see a difference in the skin after the first treatment (I did) and all skin types can benefit from Dermaplaning.
My treatment experience at the medical spa (what to expect): After the licensed aesthetician finished Dermaplaning my face (which only took about 10-15 minutes and my face felt amazing afterwards), she prepped my face for a facial. She used 30% medical grade glycolic acid and left the peel on for 2 minutes (if I wouldn’t have done the Dermaplaning, the peel would be left on for 3 minutes). This facial peel is not painful, but you will experience a mild degree of tingling or a slightly itchy sensation. Usually the aesthetician will fan your face to help with the sensation you may experience, but upon neutralizing the peel, the skin feels fresh and smooth without discomfort. After my facial she used my favorite face lotion Nia24 to complete my treatment (to learn more about Nia24 CLICK HERE and read my full review). My face felt and looked flawless after Dermaplaning and the Glycolic peel (better than it did when just getting a Glycolic peel done on its own).
Benefits of a medical facial peel: Now you may be wondering what the benefits are from a Glycolic peel. Medical spa facials are used to improve a wide variety of skin conditions that include fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, freckling, age spots, scaring, and help eliminate blackheads. Treatments stimulate production of collagen and improve the elasticity of skin resulting in smooth, supple and vibrant skin for a youthful and radiant glow. Medical peels also improve the tone, texture, smoothness and appearance of skin. This medical peel on a periodic basis helps to maintain skin health and appearance.
What to expect AFTER a chemical peel: It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and will react differently to chemical peels. After a chemical peel, the skin will look a little sunburned. Depending on the strength of the peel and skin sensitivity, redness may fade within hours or last up to a week. Skin may lightly peel (microscopic peeling) over the next 1 to 14 days and new skin will appear. Your skin may feel dry and flake a bit. There isn’t any downtime needed with glycolic acid peels, so you can still go to work or out to a social event shortly after the peel. The small amount of side effects of the peel can usually be covered up with makeup. After a glycolic acid peel, you might not see the expected results immediately. This doesn’t mean the peel didn’t work! It simply takes time for your skin to recover and heal from the peel, so it will take time for your skin to show any improvements. Your skin will usually look better a week after you get the peel. If, however, your skin still doesn’t look any better after a few weeks, you might have to get a stronger peel the next time. It is also very important to keep in mind that sun exposure after a chemical peel can cause unwanted side effects, including hyperpigmentation, so you should stay out of the sun for a least a few days and be sure to use good SPF.
Dermaplaning and a Glycolic medical peel is truly my new favorite combination of treatments. The exfoliation process is fool-proof and overall, I think Dermaplaning the skin is a great way to treat your face before a facial as it really enhances the absorption of peels since it removes the dead skin cells and stimulates the surface of the skin, skin formulations are absorbed more efficiently and results are remarkably improved with this added benefit. And don’t be afraid that the hair will grow in thicker. It won’t. Only flawless skin will be revealed!
Remember that these types of treatments should be done by professionals only. A consultation is essential. Your dermatologist/aesthetician will take in account and discuss complete medical history with you to determine what treatments will be most beneficial. Your medical history can have a tremendous effect on what you see after a chemical peel. After a consultation and a physical exam that includes a close look at your skin, your dermatologist/aesthetician will tell you if a chemical peel will help diminish the signs of aging that concern you and if a chemical peel is right for you.
Your Beauty Addict,
Trisha
Xo
Just Ask Trisha... Beauty Blog 