Dermaplaning and facials are both popular professional skincare treatments, but they are not the same. Dermaplaning primarily focuses on superficial exfoliation and removing fine facial hair, while a facial is a broader skincare treatment that can include cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, masks and other steps.
So, which is better? It depends on your skin type and your goal. If you want smoother skin and temporary removal of peach fuzz, dermaplaning may be worth considering. If you want overall cleansing, hydration or targeted skincare, a customized facial may be more appropriate.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic exfoliation treatment that uses a specialized blade to gently remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair.
The treatment can leave the skin feeling smoother and can temporarily improve the appearance of dullness. Cleveland Clinic describes dermaplaning as a minimally invasive procedure that removes the uppermost layers of skin and can also remove unwanted facial hair.
What Does Dermaplaning Do for Your Skin?
Dermaplaning can provide two main benefits: superficial exfoliation and peach-fuzz removal.
By removing dead surface cells, the skin may feel smoother. Removing fine facial hair can also create a smoother surface for makeup application.
Dermaplaning may be considered for concerns including dull-looking skin, fine lines, superficial acne scars and unwanted vellus hair. However, results vary, and it is not a treatment for every skin concern.
What Is a Facial?
A facial is a broader professional skincare treatment that can be customized according to your skin type and concerns.
A typical facial may involve cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, masks and other treatment steps. The exact process depends on the type of facial and the provider.
Facials can therefore be more flexible than dermaplaning. A professional may adapt the treatment depending on whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive or congested.
Dermaplaning vs Facial: What's the Main Difference?
The biggest difference is the primary purpose of the treatment.
Dermaplaning concentrates on superficial exfoliation and removal of fine facial hair. A facial focuses more broadly on cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and addressing specific skincare concerns.
|
Feature |
Dermaplaning |
Facial |
|
Main purpose |
Exfoliation + peach-fuzz removal |
Overall skincare |
|
Removes facial hair |
Yes |
Usually no |
|
Cleansing |
May be included |
Usually included |
|
Exfoliation |
Core part of treatment |
Often included |
|
Hydration |
May be included afterward |
Common component |
|
Customization |
Depends on provider |
Often highly customizable |
|
Best suited to |
Smoothness and facial hair concerns |
Overall skin concerns |
Neither treatment automatically wins. The better option depends on what you want to achieve.
Is Dermaplaning Better Than a Facial?
Dermaplaning may be better if your primary goal is smoother-feeling skin and temporary removal of peach fuzz. A facial may be better if your goal is hydration, cleansing or addressing broader skincare concerns.
Dermaplaning can provide a smoother surface because it removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair. However, it does not replace the broader steps that may be included in a customized facial.
A facial, meanwhile, can be adjusted around your skin's needs. For example, a hydrating treatment may make more sense for dry skin, while a cleansing-focused treatment may be more suitable for congested skin.
Which Treatment Is Better for Dry Skin?
For dry or dehydrated-looking skin, a hydrating facial may be the more suitable choice because the treatment can focus on cleansing, moisturizing and supporting skin comfort.
Dermaplaning may still be appropriate for some people with dry skin, but exfoliation should be approached carefully. Removing surface cells does not automatically solve the underlying cause of dryness.
If your skin feels tight, flaky or irritated, tell your skincare professional before treatment.
Which Is Better for Oily or Congested Skin?
A facial designed for cleansing and congestion may be more useful when excess oil or clogged pores are your primary concerns.
Dermaplaning is not primarily an acne treatment. Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding dermaplaning when you have active acne because the procedure can aggravate breakouts.
If you have persistent or severe acne, consider getting advice from a dermatologist rather than relying on cosmetic treatments alone.
Which Is Better for Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin requires a more cautious approach.
A gentle, customized facial may be preferable because the treatment can potentially be adapted to your skin's tolerance. Dermaplaning may cause temporary irritation, particularly if the skin is already compromised.
Always tell your esthetician about sensitivity, active skin conditions and the products or treatments you currently use.
Can You Combine Dermaplaning and a Facial?
Yes, dermaplaning can sometimes be incorporated into or combined with facial treatments, but the combination should be professionally assessed.
Because dermaplaning already provides exfoliation, adding multiple exfoliating treatments without considering your skin's condition may cause unnecessary irritation.
Cleveland Clinic notes that dermaplaning can be used as an add-on to some facials, but treatment combinations should be selected according to the individual's skin needs.
The important word here is customized.
More treatments do not automatically mean better results.
What Are the Benefits of Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning has several cosmetic benefits when appropriately performed.
Smoother-Looking Skin
Removing surface dead skin cells can leave the skin feeling smoother.
Temporary Peach-Fuzz Removal
Dermaplaning removes fine vellus hair from the surface of the skin. The hair grows back normally; shaving does not make it grow back thicker or darker.
Makeup May Apply More Smoothly
A smoother surface can make makeup application feel easier for some people.
Helps Refresh Dull-Looking Skin
Because the treatment removes superficial dead skin cells, it can temporarily improve the appearance of dullness.
However, dermaplaning does not stop the natural aging process and should not be marketed as a permanent solution for wrinkles or scars.
What Are the Benefits of a Facial?
Facials offer a wider range of potential skincare benefits because they can be customized.
Deep Cleansing
A facial can help cleanse the skin and remove everyday buildup.
Hydration
Hydrating products and masks can help leave the skin feeling more comfortable and moisturized.
Exfoliation
Depending on the facial, exfoliation can help remove surface buildup.
Customized Skincare
A professional can select treatment products according to your skin type and concerns.
Relaxation
Let's not ignore the obvious: sometimes your skin isn't the only thing that needs a break.
Facials can also provide a relaxing professional beauty experience while supporting a consistent skincare routine.
Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?
No. Dermaplaning does not make facial hair grow back thicker, darker or faster.
Shaving cuts hair at the surface but does not change the hair follicle responsible for growth. The hair can initially feel different as it grows back because the cut end is blunt rather than naturally tapered.
So the old “shaving makes hair thicker” myth can finally retire.
Who Should Avoid Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning isn't suitable for everyone.
You should discuss the treatment with a qualified professional if you have active acne, an eczema flare, another active skin condition or irritated skin. Cleveland Clinic specifically advises against dermaplaning over active acne and certain active skin conditions.
Professional assessment is especially important if you have concerns about scarring, pigmentation or a medical skin condition.
For cosmetic procedures, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends discussing your goals, risks, benefits, alternatives and the provider's experience before treatment.
What Should You Do After Dermaplaning or a Facial?
After either treatment, follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your skincare professional.
Keep your routine gentle and avoid immediately adding several new or potentially irritating products.
Sun protection is also important. Dermaplaning can temporarily leave the skin more sensitive, and Cleveland Clinic recommends moisturizing and continuing to use sunscreen after the procedure.
A simple post-treatment routine can include:
-
Gentle cleansing
-
Appropriate moisturizer
-
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen
-
Avoiding unnecessary exfoliation
-
Following professional aftercare instructions
How Do You Choose Between Dermaplaning and a Facial?
Start with your main skincare goal.
Choose dermaplaning if:
You primarily want temporary peach-fuzz removal, superficial exfoliation and smoother-feeling skin.
Choose a facial if:
You want broader skincare treatment such as cleansing, hydration, exfoliation or treatment customized to your skin type.
Consider a combination if:
A professional determines that both treatments are appropriate for your skin and can be safely performed together.
When in doubt, a professional consultation is often the smartest starting point.
Can Dermaplaning Replace Your Skincare Routine?
No. Dermaplaning is an occasional cosmetic treatment, not a replacement for daily skincare.
Your regular routine should still focus on cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. Targeted products can then be added according to your skin's needs.
Similarly, a facial does not replace everyday skincare. Professional treatments work best as part of a consistent long-term routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dermaplaning better than a facial?
Neither is universally better. Dermaplaning is more focused on superficial exfoliation and facial hair removal, while facials offer broader skincare treatment. Your skin type and goal should determine the better option.
Does dermaplaning remove dead skin?
Yes. Professional dermaplaning removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells along with fine facial hair.
Is dermaplaning good for glowing skin?
It can temporarily make skin look smoother and brighter by removing surface dead cells and fine hair. However, results vary and dermaplaning isn't a substitute for a consistent skincare routine.
Can you get a facial after dermaplaning?
It depends on the treatments involved and your skin's condition. Because dermaplaning already exfoliates the skin, additional treatments should be selected carefully by a qualified professional.
Does dermaplaning hurt?
Professional dermaplaning is generally not painful, although some people may experience a scratching or stinging sensation. Temporary redness or tenderness can occur afterward.
How often should you get dermaplaning?
There is no universal schedule. Your professional should determine appropriate treatment frequency based on your skin and how it responds.
Final Thoughts
When comparing dermaplaning vs facial, the right choice comes down to your skincare goal.
Dermaplaning is a focused treatment for superficial exfoliation and temporary removal of peach fuzz. A facial is a broader treatment that can focus on cleansing, hydration, exfoliation and other skin concerns.
If you're mainly looking for smoother-feeling skin and facial hair removal, dermaplaning may be worth considering. If you're looking for overall skin maintenance or targeted hydration and cleansing, a customized facial may be the better fit.
At Beauty Logix, professional facial treatments can be part of a broader skincare plan. A consultation can help you understand which treatment is most appropriate for your skin rather than choosing based on a trend.
