Who is not a suitable candidate for dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning, sometimes called epidermal levelling, is a safe procedure for exfoliating the epidermis and ridding the skin of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) of the face. Like all skincare treatments, dermaplaning has contraindications and precautions.

Contraindicaitons rule out a client from being able to receive a treatment.

Precautions, of the other hand, means more info may need to be requested prior to making a decision. We use the term precautions as this does not mean clients cannot be treated 100% of the time.

Dermaplaning Contraindications

The “no-no’s”:

  • Acne vulargis
  • Skin cancer
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Open wounds/skin lesions
  • Recent chemical peel procedure (4-6 weeks)
  • Chemotherapy or radiation
  • Family history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation
  • Haemophilia
  • Scleroderma
  • Tattoos (facial)
  • Thick, dark facial hair
  • Moles, numerous raised lesions on the skin
  • Sunburn
  • An allergy to stainless steel
  • Use of Isotretinoin (e.g. Roaccutane®) in the past 6 months
  • Oral blood thinner medications
  • Active infection of any type, such as herpes simplex or flat warts

Dermaplaning Precautions

  • Rosacea, eczema or dermatitis – depending on area and severity
  • Acne – can be treated depending on severity
  • Pregnancy

Dermaplaning is a safe way to exfoliate for pregnant women because it’s a simple mechanical exfoliation that doesn’t involve any acids or chemicals. Care should be taken surrounding use of topical products, and treatment should only be performed on healthy skin. Sometimes hormonal breakouts make dermaplaning unsuitable.

  • Prescription retinol within 1-2 weeks of treatment

The key question here – how thin/crepey is the skin? Very thin skin may not be suitable.

  • Recent use of topical agents such as glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids and Retin-A (4 weeks)

Depending on the product and client’s skin, however, we should always aim to avoid over-exfoliation.

  • IPL/Laser Facial treatments within the last month
  • Vascular lesions: major couperose skin should be avoided. Minor facial vessels on a case by case scenario.
  • History of cold sores: Whilst treatment can be performed preventative measures should be taken and treatment should not be carried out if a breakout is present or in the healing process. Without the use of a preventative oral anti-herpes medication, the cold sores can spread due to micro-tears in the skin.