There are countless beauty treatments available that often target similar concerns but achieve the results in varying ways. As the treatments are ever evolving, the goals for smooth, clear, and clean skin remain the same.
Although waxing has been a popular, if not routine, beauty process for decades to remove unwanted hair, dermaplaning treatments have also grown in popularity.
Both treatments work to target unwanted hair while also exfoliating the top layer of the skin. Dermaplaning is an ideal treatment to be done on the face, while waxing is more versatile in where it can be applied. Both are similar in their goals and results, creating a smooth and radiant canvas.
Is dermaplaning or waxing the better option for you? Although they may seem similar in their goals, dermaplaning and waxing serve two separate purposes in your beauty and skin care routine. Both can be paired together, however dermaplaning is a facial treatment that exfoliates the skin, while waxing removes unwanted hair from a desired area.
Below, we’ll discuss in depth each treatment, how they differ, and how to determine which process is the right option for you.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment that uses a small scalpel-like tool to remove hair, peach fuzz, and dead skin cells from the face. It creates a radiant and smooth appearance on the skin and is a non-invasive process.
While it is typically done by a dermatologist or other skin care professional, there are tools available for it to be done at home as well.
Dermaplaning uses the small tool to gently scrape against the face to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. It helps to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, providing a smooth and clear surface for skin care and makeup to be applied.
Here are some pro dermaplaning tips from Viva Vitality MedSpa on YouTube.
Dermaplaning Benefits
Dermaplaning is a treatment that is meant for exfoliating the skin to reveal a more radiant and even complexion underneath. The knife gently scrapes away the top layer of skin, that can cling to dead skin cells and excess debris easily, leading to clogged pores or a dull appearance.
It is also able to closely remove the hairs from the face, including the soft peach fuzz that can be difficult to capture.
It will exfoliate the skin but should not cut the skin like regular shaving can do. By exfoliating the surface level of the skin, it can help skin care products absorb better and penetrate more deeply. Removing the peach fuzz can also help makeup products, especially foundations, sit on the skin more smoothly.
Often times, it is also paired with a facial treatment to receive maximum skin benefits.
Dermaplaning Side Effects
Although dermaplaning is a non-invasive treatment, it can cause slight irritation to the skin, especially if you are sensitive.
The irritation can include slight redness after the treatment, or itchiness. While the scalpel tool that is used is meant for the treatment’s purpose, there is also the risk that it can cut or scratch the skin if not handled properly.
With any cuts or scrapes, there is always a chance that it could lead to scarring. It is important to handle the tool as recommended, especially if you are doing dermaplaning on yourself at home.
While it is able to be done at home, the dermaplaning tools available will not be as sharp or high-grade as the professional tools available to dermatologists or estheticians.
However, it is important to keep the tools cleaned, as if it is not cleaned properly it can lead to a bacterial infection. If the tool is also being used over the face, it can also easily spread the bacteria around the face.
Dermaplaning Process and Recovery
The process for dermaplaning is non-invasive, quick, and does not require any down time.
You are able to resume your normal activities after the treatment, unless you are having it done in combination with a facial treatment that has its own recovery process. Sessions for dermaplaning can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to complete, based on your needs.
Your dermatologist will assess your skin and begin the treatment of lightly dragging the scalpel over the skin in small sections. The process is done by using short, quick strokes of the scalpel tool in downward motions over the face.
Dermaplaning can be done once a month for maintenance, however it is best not to have the treatment done too often as the skin can become sensitive or too vulnerable.
What Is Waxing?
Waxing is a cosmetic treatment that uses a melted, hot cosmetic wax to remove hair from the root of unwanted areas. It is completed in sections, with strips to completely remove sections of hair from the face or body. Waxing allows the hair to be pulled from the root, allowing for a smooth, clean surface.
Waxing Benefits
Waxing has many benefits in terms of hair removal, as it creates a smooth surface and can remove unwanted hair from almost any location on the body.
It removes the hair from the root, which allows the results to last longer. It can also be budget-friendly, as many salons offer a waxing service, or can be completed at home with the proper tools and products.
Although its main focus is to remove unwanted hair, waxing can also help to remove dead or dry skin cells that get trapped on the skin. It also does not have the same risk of cutting or scratching as dermaplaning or shaving does.
Waxing can also help to slow the regrowth process of the hair. As it removes the hair from the root, it can take about 4 to 6 weeks for the hair to regrow. It does not cause stubble, which can occur after a few days with shaving. It is also ideal for removing a large amount of hair from a larger area.
Waxing Side Effects
One of the main complaints about waxing is that it can be uncomfortable, especially is the hair is being removed from a sensitive spot.
It can cause redness or itchiness, especially for sensitive skin types, after the treatment. It is also not recommended to shave in between waxing appointments, to allow the hair to grow enough in order to be removed with the wax.
If you are allergic or sensitive to the wax, it can a potential reaction or irritation on the skin. There is also the chance that it can cause potential ingrown hair bumps, which can be uncomfortable and irritating.
Waxing Process and Recovery
Similar to dermaplaning, waxing is a non-invasive process that requires no down time before resuming daily activities. There are two processes for waxing that can be done with warm or hot wax, based on the salon and your preferences.
With warm wax, the soft, melted wax is applied to the section of the skin and then a strip of cloth is pressed into the wax. The strip is pressed firmly into the wax to ensure it all adheres properly. After a moment the strip is quickly and firmly pulled off with the wax to remove the hair.
Hot wax is a similar process, but without the strip of cloth to remove the product. The hot, soft wax is applied to the skin where the hair is to be removed. After waiting until the wax is hardened, it is peeled away from the skin while removing the hair in the process.
Both methods are done in small to medium sections to ensure all the unwanted hair is removed.
Should You Do Dermaplaning Or Waxing?
While both treatments can achieve similar results, depending on your goals for the service it can determine which process is right for you. The two treatments can also be done for different parts of the body, with dermaplaning focuses on the face while waxing can be completed on the face or body.
The main goal of dermaplaning is used to exfoliate the skin, while also removing hair. The treatment will give you a radiant complexion that is smooth and clear. It helps to eliminate any thin, soft facial hair, like peach fuzz, for a smoother appearance.
Waxing can be done to remove unwanted hair on the face but is ultimately ideal for removing a significant amount of hair in larger areas.
It can also be used to shape or define the eyebrows, by removing excess hairs growing outside the desired shape. With waxing, the hair is removed from the root to allow the skin to remain smooth and hair-free for up to four weeks.
Conclusion
Overall, both treatments are similar in their results and can be done together on different parts of the body. If you are looking to mainly exfoliate your skin for a radiant appearance and want the added benefit of removing unwanted peach fuzz, dermaplaning is going to be the right process for you.
However, if you are looking to remove more hair, shape and define the brows, or target areas of the body, waxing will be the best choice.
Both options will leave your skin glowing and smooth, with no down time required to see the results.
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