Can I do dermaplaning if I use retinol?
Dermaplaning has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it’s not necessarily a new beauty trend. Famous holiday stars like Marilyn Monroe have used this technique for years to improve the durability of their makeup and their overall appearance. However, those who undergo this treatment regularly appreciate more than just the cosmetic benefits of dermaplaning.
If you’re sitting here wondering, “What exactly is dermaplaning?”, here are some insights into this popular treatment and the benefits it offers. Let me explain in more detail.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a treatment that uses specially designed blades to remove the “peach fuzz” on your face. Not only does this remove all hair, but it also performs a type of peeling that doesn’t use chemicals or acids. As the tiny hairs and layers of dead skin cells fall off the surface of your skin, what’s left behind is a radiant, healthy, and smooth complexion. You’ll also find that dermaplaning helps other skincare products absorb into your skin faster and more effectively.
Unlike other facial treatments like chemical peels, dermaplaning doesn’t require any downtime. This makes dermaplaning an ideal at-home treatment that you can do before an event or on a semi-regular basis.
Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of dermaplaning, let’s explore the question from today’s blog post: “Can I dermaplaning if I use retinol? Stay tuned for the answer and if you have a little reminder, stay tuned.” How retinol works on the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
Can I have minimally invasive procedures if I use retinol?
Yes, you can, as long as you allow enough time between dermaplaning and applying retinol to your skin. Ideally, you should wait 5 days to a week before and after dermaplaning before reintroducing retinol into your daily skin care routine. If you apply retinol to your skin after dermaplaning, your skin can become irritated, dry, develop flaky patches, and redness. This is too much exfoliation for the skin. Since retinol increases the rate at which skin cells regenerate, it removes the sebum needed to protect the barrier. With a lack of sebum, the skin barrier becomes weaker and more susceptible to skin damage from free radicals and other environmental aggressors.
The easiest way to incorporate both into your daily routine is to avoid using retinol the day before a planned dermaplaning. This ensures that the skin maintains the correct oil and water levels while avoiding unnecessary irritation. You can then apply a serum rich in hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to lock in moisture to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and nourished.
How soon after dermaplaning can you use retinol?
As I mentioned before, it is important to allow enough time between dermaplaning and retinol to avoid your skin becoming increasingly irritated and causing a lot of discomfort. For a powerful ingredient like retinol, it is best to wait at least a week after dermaplaning. There are also some other aftercare steps you should take after your treatment, such as:
Avoid any form of physical activity that causes sweating.
Do not visit a sauna or steam room for 24 hours after your procedure.
Avoid exfoliating products such as physical exfoliants or chemical exfoliating toners that contain ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid.
Avoid using any type of makeup for 24 hours after your dermaplaning.
Do not have a facial for at least 2 weeks after your treatment.
Use gentle cleansing products and avoid using muslin or flannel.
Use moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to moisturize and soothe the skin.
Avoid sun exposure for more than 2 weeks after dermaplaning to prevent sun damage.
Below are some examples of aftercare you should do after a dermaplaning treatment. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor or dermatologist immediately to ensure that you do not cause any unnecessary irritation.
When should you not use dermaplaning?
There are certain situations and skin types where dermaplaning should not be used, such as:
People who are currently experiencing a severe sunburn or have recently been on a tanning bed before a dermaplaning treatment.
People with sensitive skin and a tendency to develop sensitive skin conditions.
People who are currently experiencing severe breakouts or acne.
People who have used prescription retinoids or retinoid products in the last 3 weeks before treatment.
While dermaplaning can be done at home, if you want my advice, I would recommend getting a professional treatment if you haven’t already done so. This will prevent the skin from becoming too irritated and will give you a better idea of how to use specialized blades at home once you are more confident.
Can serums be used after dermaplaning?
Of course, just make sure they contain the best active ingredients to truly nourish the skin. The best ingredients for serums after dermaplaning are:
Hyaluronic acid
Niacinamide
Vitamin E
Glycerin
All of these ingredients will moisturize the skin while combating the redness, irritation, or mild itching that can sometimes occur after dermaplaning. Also consider replacing your daily cleanser with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser. Use your fingers to work the cleanser into the skin and use warm water to avoid causing irritation. The last and most important step is to always use a daily SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin from the sun and possible skin damage.
Here is more information about dermaplaning and using retinol after the treatment. As I mentioned before, if you have any concerns, it is best to consult a dermatologist to ensure that you are using this treatment correctly. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more information!
