Ever wondered why your $80 serum feels like it's just sitting on top of your skin instead of sinking in? Chances are, it’s not about the formula — it’s about the buildup on your skin. Here’s the thing: Even if you’re dedicated to removing your makeup and cleansing properly every night, you can still end up end up with a layer of dead skin cells, oil, and buildup on your skin’s surface — and this layer can be dense enough to physically block your serums, actives, and treatments from getting where they need to go.
Removing that layer of buildup by exfoliating is one of the most well-established ways to help your skincare absorb more effectively. Keep reading to learn more and discover a gentle, clinically proven method of exfoliation that removes buildup and peach fuzz.
The Barrier Is Real, and It's Backed by Decades of Research
Dermatology researchers have spent decades studying the outermost layer of the skin (known as the stratum corneum) because it's the single biggest obstacle to getting anything to penetrate below your skin’s surface. Published pharmaceutical research describes the stratum corneum as the “rate-limiting barrier” for anything that’s applied topically. In other words, your stratum corneum is what determines how much of a product actually sinks in.¹
Your skin’s outermost layer is made of dead cells that are constantly shedding — but they don’t always shed evenly or completely. A study published on stratum corneum exfoliation found that this outer layer of “dislodgeable” dead skin cells directly affects how much of a topically applied substance can be absorbed into the skin below it.² The bottom line? The more dead skin sitting on the surface, the less of your product gets through.
This is exactly why dermatologists recommend exfoliating before serums, not after. You're clearing debris out of the way and allowing your products to work more effectively.
Peach Fuzz Is Part of the Problem, Too
Dead skin cells aren't the only thing standing between your serum and your skin. Estheticians and dermaplaning providers widely note that peach fuzz (the fine vellus hair that covers most of the face) adds another physical layer on top of the skin's surface. That layer can trap oil, product, and everyday debris, compounding the same barrier effect as dead skin buildup. It's also a common reason serum can look like it's sitting in a fine film rather than sinking in, and why makeup can look patchy no matter how well it's blended.
What This Means for Your $80 Serum
When you spend your hard-earned dollars on a premium well-formulated serum, you’re paying for concentrated actives, research-backed formulas, and ingredients designed to do something specific for your skin. But if your serum isn’t able to penetrate effectively, you could be throwing money down the (literal) drain.
Here’s where sonic dermaplaning comes in. LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning clears away dead skin and peach fuzz at once, gently removing the buildup that’s preventing your skincare from penetrating your skin’s surface.
The Data on Dermaplaning and Absorption
In consumer testing, 100% of users said their skincare absorbed faster after using LUXE+.³ And in clinical testing, users saw a 74% reduction in dead skin cells and flakes after 6 weeks of consistent use.⁴ Less buildup on the surface means that more of your serum gets where it needs to go.
And because LUXE+ uses a MicroFine Edge™ rather than a traditional blade, this happens without irritation, without downtime, and without the danger of nicks or cuts (unlike a risky disposable razor).
Why Sonic Dermaplaning Maximizes Your Skincare Investment
If you're already investing in a serum with actives, sonic dermaplaning helps protect that investment. Here's the case for adding it to your routine:
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You're maximizing what you already own. A cleared barrier means more of your serum's actives can reach your skin, instead of sitting on top of buildup.
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It works with any serum. Sonic dermaplaning doesn't replace your routine, it makes your existing routing work better.
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The results build. Consistent exfoliation over time means consistently better absorption, not just a one-time boost.
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You only need to do it once a week. One weekly session with LUXE+ takes 10 minutes or less.
How to Build the Habit
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Prep. Cleanse skin with PREFLASH® Cleanser and pat completely dry.
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Flash. Insert a fresh MicroFine Edge™ and glide LUXE+ across skin in short, feathery strokes.
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Layer. Apply your skincare after.
One weekly Flash will help keep buildup and peach fuzz at bay, so your products can work harder for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dead skin really block serum absorption?
Yes. Dermatology research consistently identifies the outermost layer of dead skin, the stratum corneum, as the primary barrier to topical absorption. Removing that buildup through exfoliation is one of the most established ways to improve how well products penetrate.
How often should I dermaplane before applying serum?
Once a week is enough to keep the barrier clear without over-exfoliating. Apply your serum right after Flashing, while skin is freshly prepped.
Will dermaplaning make my skin more sensitive?
LUXE+ is designed to be gentle enough for sensitive skin, with two sonic speeds so you can choose what's comfortable. If you're introducing a new active alongside dermaplaning for the first time, it's always smart to patch test.
Does this mean my expensive serum wasn't working before?
Not necessarily; it likely was working, just not as efficiently as it could. Clearing the barrier doesn't change your serum's formula, it changes how much of that formula actually reaches your skin
Sources
1 Penetration Enhancement of Topical Formulations, National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6027320/
2 Dislodgeable stratum corneum exfoliation: role in percutaneous penetration?, PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21226557/
3 Consumer panel survey using LUXE+ 1x.
4 Instrumental analysis after 6 weeks of use.
