If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok lately, chances are you’ve come across endless videos of women gliding small blades across their faces in the name of “glass skin.” Dermaplaning has exploded in popularity, with creators promising baby-smooth complexions, fewer breakouts, and brighter skin. But with so many mixed opinions online, it’s hard to know the facts from the false rumours. So let’s break it down.
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic treatment where a trained professional uses a sterile blade to gently scrape away dead skin cells and fine facial hair (often called “peach fuzz”). While the process might look a lot like shaving, it goes deeper. Dermaplaning isn’t just about removing hair, it also exfoliates, taking away the very top layer of dull skin to reveal fresher, more radiant skin underneath.
So, what makes it different from simply shaving your face at home? Shaving only cuts hair at the surface level. It doesn’t remove any skin cells, so while it can leave your skin smoother to the touch, it won’t brighten or refine your complexion in the same way dermaplaning can. Dermaplaning aims to do both: remove unwanted hair and resurface the skin for a clearer, more even look.
Advocates of dermaplaning rave about the results, with people claiming to have a brighter and more youthful glow, Softer, smoother skin texture and makeup applying like a dream! So, on paper, it sounds like a miracle treatment. But what’s the real story behind the trend?
That’s where Laura, owner of Advanced Laser Light in Cork City, steps in. With 25 years of experience in the skincare industry, long before even laser treatments were started in Ireland, she’s seen fads come and go. And dermaplaning, she says, isn’t always what it seems.
“It is essentially shaving your face. A sharp blade removes the dead skin and the downy hair on the skin,” Laura explains.
At first, the results can look great. But according to Laura, repeated treatments may come with consequences.
“Over time, particularly after the second or third treatment, the hair will begin to grow out from the skin instead of sitting level with the skin,” she warns.
“The hair grows back darker and stronger, and the skin becomes very sensitised. You can be left with thick, coarse dark hair that is very visible on the face.”
This is a very different picture than the flawless TikTok “after” clips. And the risks don’t stop there.
Dermaplaning can also trigger flare-ups for people with certain skin conditions. Those prone to acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis may find their skin reacts badly. If the treatment isn’t carried out with proper tools or techniques, breakouts are a real possibility. And of course, results vary dramatically depending on your skin type.
So, while dermaplaning may look like a quick fix for glowing skin on your For You Page, it’s worth approaching with caution. The truth? It’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment.
If you’re curious, the safest route is to seek out a qualified, well-reviewed practitioner rather than trying to recreate what you see online. And if your main concern is hair removal, traditional shaving may be a lower-risk option.
As Laura puts it: “People need to understand the long-term effects, not just the immediate result.”
In a world of viral skincare hacks, it’s easy to get swept up by the promise of instant glow. But before you pick up that blade, make sure you’re armed with the facts, not just the filters.
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