With back to school and back to college season in full swing, you might be wondering... can teenagers dermaplane? We’ll explore the topic here and give you the expert answers you need.
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive skincare procedure that removes the oldest layer of dead skin cells and peach fuzz from skin’s surface. It can be done in a spa or dermatologist’s office, or at home. In a professional setting, a doctor or esthetician uses a sterile medical-grade scalpel to gently exfoliate the skin and remove fine hairs. At home, a scalpel blade should never be used—it’s not safe for your skin. Instead, experts recommend using a safe and gentle device like LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning. The high-level sonic vibrations allow the device to glide smoothly over your skin’s surface, and instead of using an unsafe open blade, it uses a specially designed MicroFine Edge™ with a Safety Cage to protect your skin from nicks and cuts.
Is dermaplaning safe for teenagers?
Dermaplaning should not be performed on children’s skin, but it is safe for teenagers and young adults who want to gently exfoliate and remove peach fuzz. You’ll just need to keep in mind a few important precautions:
Don’t dermaplane on areas with acne: Teenagers experience fluctuating hormones, which can directly lead to excess oil production and acne breakouts. Dermaplaning should never be done over areas of active acne—otherwise you’ll risk spreading acne-causing bacteria to other areas of your face.
Don’t overdo it: Our skin cells have a natural cycle of renewal, which declines with age. When you’re a teenager, your skin cells are still renewing at optimal levels—so there is never any need for aggressive exfoliation. “Over-exfoliation can damage your skin barrier and lead to irritation and inflammation,” explains licensed esthetician Billie Jo Bond. In-office dermaplaning can be done every 4-6 weeks, and at-home dermaplaning with a sonic device can be done once a week to help remove dead skin cells and keep peach fuzz at bay.
Don’t use a razor on your face: Thinking about taking a disposable razor to your face? Stop right there! Razors designed for your legs don’t have specialized safety features and they’re not designed for the contours of your face. For at-home dermaplaning, always choose a technologically advanced device like LUXE+ to prevent nicks and cuts and protect your skin barrier.
Should teenagers remove peach fuzz?
Peach fuzz is perfectly normal, but some teens may feel uncomfortable with it or simply just not like the appearance of upper lip fuzz or little fuzzy hairs on the side of their face. Sonic dermaplaning is a way to gently remove peach fuzz without the irritation of waxing.
“Unwanted facial hair can be a big source of anxiety. Having it removed may give your daughter’s self-esteem a boost. Before you move forward with any method of hair removal, though, make sure your daughter is comfortable with it. Help her gather information and discuss the options with her. Then let her make the choice on how she wants to proceed,” says Dawn Davis, MD, a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
The bottom line? Dermaplaning is safe for teens, but it should be done with caution, And remember, if your teenager is experiencing excessive facial hair growth, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out an underlying medical problem. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.
