What it is
Your therapist uses a sterile surgical blade held at an angle to sweep away the top layer of dead skin and fine vellus hair on your face. The sensation is a light scratching, and many people find the steady movement relaxing.
The result is immediate. Skin feels smooth and looks brighter, while skincare sits less on the surface. Makeup can apply more evenly too.
Who it suits and who it does not
Dermaplaning suits dull skin, fine lines and uneven texture. It can also help if skincare does not seem to absorb or makeup catches and looks patchy.
It is not suitable if you have active acne, rosacea, diabetes, skin cancer, or skin that is broken or reactive. We discuss this during the consultation and recommend an alternative if dermaplaning is not right for you now.
How the session runs
You lie with your eyes closed while your therapist works across your face in gentle, deliberate strokes. The treatment takes 45 minutes. Beforehand, you complete a consent form covering what to expect and the small risks involved.
What it feels like
The blade feels like light scratching rather than anything sharp. Sensitive skin may feel a slight prickle. The movement is gentle and rhythmic, with no need for aggressive pressure.
Afterwards
You can apply makeup straight away, but use clean brushes and sponges so freshly exfoliated skin is not exposed to bacteria. Mild redness can happen, especially with sensitive skin, and usually settles within 12 to 24 hours.
Leave four to six weeks between treatments. Exfoliating again too soon can irritate the skin and damage its barrier.
How long results last
Skin is smoother and brighter immediately. Makeup can apply without catching for weeks. Most people rebook every four to six weeks, as the initial smoothness gradually fades and dead skin builds up again.
How dermaplaning compares to other treatments
Dermaplaning removes dead skin and vellus hair in one treatment. Jan Marini peels dissolve a layer of skin and suit deeper pigmentation and lines, but they do not remove hair. Microdermabrasion uses particles or crystals for mechanical exfoliation, also without hair removal.
For deeper collagen remodelling, microneedling is stronger but has more downtime. HydraFacial puts more emphasis on hydration and may suit dry or sensitive skin better. Dermaplaning is a thorough clean and smooth, not a transformation.
Westbury on Trym salon
Dermaplaning is available at Westbury on Trym only. Skin & Beauty Box has three salons across north-west Bristol: Clifton Down, Westbury on Trym and Westbury Park (Coldharbour Road). The treatment is carried out by an NVQ Level 3 qualified beauty therapist after a suitability consultation.