Dead skin buildup and fine facial hair can make your complexion look dull, uneven, and less radiant, while also preventing skincare products and makeup from performing at their best. This buildup often causes makeup to sit unevenly, reduces product absorption, and leaves skin looking tired — issues that even the most consistent at-home routine may not fully address.
While there are several treatments available to exfoliate and improve the skin, dermaplaning can provide a subtle enhancement to your skin using your body’s own natural healing mechanisms, with no healing or downtime. This treatment uses a precise, non-invasive technique to instantly smooth and brighten your complexion, revealing softer, more radiant skin right after your appointment.
Located in Oak Brook, Illinois, Rejuvenate Med Spa serves clients throughout the Chicago area with customized dermaplaning treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our medical team and find out how dermaplaning can help improve your superficial skin concerns.
What is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment that gently removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair (vellus hair) from the skin’s surface. Dermaplaning has been used for several years to provide comfortable resurfacing and exfoliation of the skin, and is commonly sought by men and women as an alternative to more abrasive or chemical-based skin resurfacing treatments.
How Dermaplaning Works
During dermaplaning treatment, our medical team uses a sterile medical scalpel and gently abrades the surface with light, feathering strokes. The treatment lightly scrapes away the outermost layer of dull, damaged skin to reveal a smoother, brighter, and more even-toned complexion underneath. This procedure is typically painless, and the experienced touch of our medical team will leave your skin feeling refreshed and opened up.
In addition to removing the vellus hair, or peach fuzz, covering the surface of the facial skin, dermaplaning also allows the skin to breathe and increases its ability to absorb skincare products and treatments.
Why Choose Dermaplaning?
Safer Option for Pregnant Women
For women who are pregnant, dermaplaning can be a safer alternative to chemical-based skin treatments. It exfoliates effectively without exposing the skin to potentially harmful ingredients.
Helps Reduce Dirt and Oil Buildup
Dermaplaning can also be effective for individuals who have excess vellus hair, which can lead to a buildup of dirt and oils in the hair follicles. By removing this hair, the skin stays cleaner and clearer.
Supports Skin Health and Elasticity
The shaving of this hair can help maintain overall skin health as well as stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin, adding strength and flexibility to treated areas.
Delivers Lasting, Natural Results
While other skin treatments only provide temporary results, dermaplaning utilizes the body’s natural healing process to provide subtle, natural improvement over time. Over time, this can improve firmness and texture.
Enhanced Skincare Product Absorption
With dead skin cells and fine hair gone, your skincare products can penetrate more effectively. This maximizes the benefits of your favorite serums, moisturizers, and treatments.
No Downtime or Discomfort
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment with zero recovery time. You can return to your regular activities immediately, glowing and confident.
Brighter, More Even Skin Tone
Exfoliating dull skin reveals a fresher, more luminous complexion. With continued treatments, you may notice a reduced appearance of discoloration and sun damage.
Dermaplaning vs. Other Exfoliation Treatments
When it comes to instantly smoothing the skin and removing peach fuzz without chemicals or downtime, dermaplaning offers a gentle, highly effective solution. Compared to methods like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or at-home exfoliation, dermaplaning stands out for its immediate results, comfort, and ability to prep the skin for enhanced product absorption.
Dermaplaning vs. Chemical Peels
- No Chemicals or Harsh Ingredients: Unlike peels, which use acids to dissolve surface layers of skin, dermaplaning uses a sterile blade for mechanical exfoliation—ideal for sensitive skin or pregnant clients.
- Instant Results with Zero Peeling: Peels often cause flaking or redness for days afterward, while dermaplaning leaves skin smooth and radiant immediately.
Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion
- Gentler on Sensitive Skin: Microdermabrasion uses abrasive crystals or diamond tips that can irritate sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Dermaplaning is a lighter touch, making it comfortable for most skin types.
- Removes Hair and Dead Skin Together: Microdermabrasion smooths texture but doesn’t remove vellus hair—dermaplaning does both in one step.
Dermaplaning vs. At-Home Exfoliation
- Professional Precision and Safety: Store-bought razors and exfoliating tools can’t match the accuracy, sharpness, or sterilization of professional dermaplaning blades.
- Longer-Lasting Smoothness: Professional treatments remove more buildup and hair in fewer passes, keeping skin softer for weeks at a time.
How Dermaplaning Works: Step-by-Step Process
Dermaplaning is a precise, non-invasive exfoliation technique that removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) to instantly reveal a smoother, brighter complexion—without chemicals, abrasion, or downtime. At Rejuvenate Med Spa in Oak Brook, we tailor each dermaplaning session to your skin type, goals, and comfort level for the best possible outcome. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Step 1: Comprehensive Skin Consultation
Your appointment begins with a detailed skin analysis by one of our experienced providers. We’ll evaluate your skin’s texture, tone, hydration level, and any areas of concern, such as dullness, uneven tone, or fine hair. Your medical history and any recent cosmetic treatments will be reviewed to ensure dermaplaning is the safest and most effective option for you.
From there, we’ll recommend a personalized treatment plan, including how often dermaplaning should be performed to maintain results.
Step 2: Skin Preparation
On the day of your treatment, your skin will be gently cleansed to remove any oil, makeup, or impurities. We may apply a toner to balance the skin’s pH and ensure optimal conditions for the procedure. For most clients, no numbing is needed, as dermaplaning is painless and comfortable. Your provider will ensure you’re relaxed and ready before beginning.
Step 3: Precision Exfoliation
Using a sterile, surgical-grade scalpel, your provider will glide the blade across your skin in light, feathering strokes. This motion gently lifts away the outermost layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, instantly improving smoothness and radiance. The process is methodical, working in sections to ensure even coverage without causing irritation. The entire treatment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
What to Expect After Dermaplaning
Recovery and Aftercare
One of the biggest advantages of dermaplaning is that it requires zero downtime—you can return to your day immediately. Some clients may notice slight pinkness right after treatment, but this usually fades within hours. Your skin may feel exceptionally smooth and more sensitive to sunlight, so we recommend applying broad-spectrum SPF daily. Avoid harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or direct sun exposure for at least 24 to 48 hours to protect your freshly exfoliated skin.
Instant and Ongoing Results
Unlike treatments that require a waiting period, dermaplaning delivers visible results right away—your skin will look brighter, feel silkier, and apply makeup more evenly. Over time, regular sessions can help soften the look of fine lines, promote a more even skin tone, and improve the effectiveness of your skincare products. Most clients choose to schedule dermaplaning every four to six weeks to maintain their glow and keep skin at its smoothest.
Ideal Candidates for Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is ideal for individuals with normal to dry skin, dull complexion, uneven texture, or fine facial hair. It’s also an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid the irritation of chemical exfoliants, microdermabrasion, or more aggressive resurfacing treatments. This gentle method works well for people preparing for an event who want an immediate boost in smoothness and radiance without any downtime.
It may not be recommended for those with active acne, open cuts, eczema, psoriasis, or certain skin conditions, as these can affect treatment safety and results. Your provider will evaluate your skin during a consultation to ensure dermaplaning is the safest and most effective choice for your goals.
Is Dermaplaning Safe?
This quick, simple treatment is safe for all skin types and does not have the scarring or infection that can be associated with other, more abrasive skin rejuvenation treatments. During your consultation with our medical team, your individual skin condition as well as your cosmetic goals and expectations will be assessed in order to determine if dermaplaning is the best course of treatment for you.
Although it is commonly thought that shaved vellus hair will grow back darker and more coarse, this is not the case in most patients, as superficial vellus hair will most likely grow back at the same rate and color.
Combination Treatments with Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning pairs seamlessly with other skin treatments, enhancing their effectiveness and delivering more noticeable results. By removing dead skin cells and fine hair, dermaplaning creates a clean, smooth canvas that allows active ingredients and light-based therapies to penetrate more deeply and work more efficiently.
Popular treatment pairings include:
- Facials: Boost hydration and nutrient absorption for a fresh, dewy glow.
- Chemical Peels: Allow peeling agents to work more evenly for improved exfoliation.
- Microneedling: Prepare skin for optimal collagen induction and healing.
- LED Light Therapy: Increase light penetration for better skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Your provider will help design a personalized combination plan based on your skin type, concerns, and goals, ensuring every treatment works in harmony for the most radiant, long-lasting outcome possible.
Risks and Side Effects of Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is considered a very safe treatment when performed by a trained professional, but like any cosmetic procedure, it carries some minimal risks. The most common side effects include temporary redness, mild sensitivity, or slight swelling, which typically resolve within a few hours. Some clients may experience small, superficial nicks if they move suddenly during treatment, but these are rare and heal quickly.
In rare cases, dermaplaning can cause minor breakouts if aftercare instructions are not followed, as freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to certain products and environmental factors. To minimize any risk, it’s important to follow your provider’s post-treatment guidelines, use gentle skincare, and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermaplaning
How long does a dermaplaning session take?
Most dermaplaning appointments take about 30 minutes, making it a convenient treatment to fit into even the busiest day. The process is efficient, starting with skin cleansing before the exfoliation begins.
If you choose to combine dermaplaning with another treatment, such as a facial or chemical peel, your appointment will be slightly longer. Patients appreciate that, despite the short time commitment, the results are visible immediately.
How often should I get dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is generally recommended every four to six weeks, allowing the skin to complete its natural cell turnover cycle between sessions. This schedule ensures your skin maintains a consistently smooth and refreshed texture.
More frequent treatments are not usually necessary and could risk over-exfoliation. Your provider can help customize a treatment plan based on your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
Can dermaplaning help with acne scars?
Dermaplaning can help soften the appearance of mild, superficial acne scars by gently evening out the top layer of skin. It is not designed to treat deep or pitted scars, but it can enhance the results of other resurfacing procedures.
Many clients choose to combine it with microneedling, chemical peels, or laser treatments for more comprehensive scar improvement. During your consultation, your provider will assess whether dermaplaning alone or a combination approach would best address your concerns.
Can men get dermaplaning?
Yes, dermaplaning is suitable for men and can be adapted to their unique needs. The treatment is typically performed on areas without coarse beard hair, focusing on improving texture and clarity. Men often notice benefits like smoother skin for easier shaving and better absorption of skincare products. It’s an excellent option for anyone seeking non-invasive exfoliation without downtime.
Why Choose Rejuvenate Med Spa for Your Dermaplaning
At Rejuvenate Med Spa, we focus on delivering advanced, non-invasive treatments that refresh and enhance your skin without sacrificing safety or comfort. Our skilled providers are extensively trained in dermaplaning techniques and tailor every session to suit your skin type, condition, and desired outcome. Whether your goal is to brighten a tired complexion, achieve a smoother makeup application, or prepare for an upcoming event, we create results that are natural, refined, and instantly noticeable.
We pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards in aesthetic care, combining clinical expertise with a dedication to ongoing training and innovation. Our dermaplaning services go beyond basic exfoliation—we take into account your skin’s unique needs, sensitivity levels, and long-term health to ensure the most beneficial and flattering outcome possible. This thoughtful approach allows us to deliver both immediate radiance and lasting skin wellness.
Conveniently located in the Professional Building at Oak Brook Mall, our med spa provides a modern, boutique atmosphere where you can relax while receiving individualized attention. From your first consultation to your refreshed glow after treatment, you’ll experience professionalism, precision, and a genuine commitment to helping you feel confident in your skin. At Rejuvenate Med Spa, personalized care and advanced techniques make us Oak Brook’s go-to destination for dermaplaning and other skin-enhancing treatments.
Reveal Your Smoothest, Brightest Skin Yet with Dermaplaning
At Rejuvenate Med Spa, our dermaplaning treatments are designed to deliver instant radiance, refined texture, and a flawless finish—all without downtime or harsh ingredients. Whether you want to refresh your look before a big event, enhance your skincare routine, or simply enjoy the confidence that comes with smooth, glowing skin, our experienced team will customize your treatment for the best possible results.
Contact Rejuvenate Med Spa today to schedule a consultation and find out how dermaplaning can improve your cosmetic skin concerns. Our team will assess your unique skin needs and create a customized plan for optimal, long-lasting results.