Esthetician performing a dermaplaning treatment on a client's cheek near Sacramento

If your foundation seems to sit oddly on your skin no matter how well you prep, or if you have noticed fine, fuzzy hair catching the light on your cheeks and jawline, you have probably wondered whether dermaplaning could help. It is one of the more misunderstood treatments in skincare, often reduced to "shaving your face," when it actually addresses a much wider range of texture and product absorption issues.

At Glow On Studios in Gold River, dermaplaning is a regular part of the treatment menu for clients throughout Sacramento who want smoother, more even-toned skin without any downtime. This guide breaks down what dermaplaning does, who it is best suited for, and what to expect from a session. Updated for August 2026 with current treatment details.

Why Does Skin Develop Rough Texture and Visible Peach Fuzz?

What Causes That Fine, Fuzzy Facial Hair?

Nearly everyone has vellus hair, the fine, soft hair that covers most of the body including the face. It becomes more noticeable on some people due to genetics, hormones, or simply the way light catches it, and it can trap oil and makeup, contributing to a duller appearance.

Why Does Makeup Look Patchy or Cakey on Some Skin?

A buildup of dead skin cells combined with fine facial hair creates a slightly uneven surface. Makeup can cling unevenly to this texture, leading to a patchy or cakey finish no matter how good the product is.

What Causes Rough, Uneven Skin Texture in General?

Dead skin cell buildup, sun damage, and slower cell turnover as we age all contribute to a surface that feels rough to the touch rather than smooth. In a sun-heavy climate like Sacramento's, this buildup can accumulate more quickly during the warmer months.

Can Dermaplaning Help With Acne Scarring?

While dermaplaning will not remove deep textural scars on its own, it can improve the appearance of shallow acne scars and post-breakout marks by removing the outer layer of dead skin, allowing smoother-looking skin to be more visible and other treatments to work more effectively.

When Should You Consider Dermaplaning Instead of Other Exfoliation?

Dermaplaning is ideal for anyone who wants immediate, visible smoothness without any downtime or sensitivity, or who specifically wants to reduce the appearance of facial hair alongside standard exfoliation. It is also a popular choice before a big event, since results are visible right away.

What Does Dermaplaning Actually Do?

Dermaplaning uses a sterile, surgical-grade blade to gently glide across the surface of the skin, removing both the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair in one pass. The result is an immediately smoother, brighter complexion and a surface that allows skincare products and makeup to sit better and absorb more effectively.

What Skin Concerns Does Dermaplaning Address?

  • Rough or uneven texture
  • Visible peach fuzz or fine facial hair
  • Dull, tired-looking skin
  • Shallow acne scarring
  • Poor makeup application or product absorption

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is generally safe for most skin types and tones, and it is a particularly good option for clients who are pregnant, nursing, or otherwise unable to use certain chemical exfoliants, since it is a purely physical form of exfoliation with no active ingredients involved. It is not typically recommended for clients with active, inflamed acne, since the blade could irritate open breakouts.

What Happens During a Dermaplaning Appointment?

Your esthetician will cleanse the skin thoroughly, then hold it taut while gently gliding the blade at a precise angle across small sections at a time. Most clients describe the sensation as similar to a light scraping, not painful at all. The full treatment typically takes well under an hour, and skin is immediately visibly smoother by the time you leave.

Does Dermaplaning Make Hair Grow Back Thicker or Darker?

This is one of the most common myths about the treatment, and it is not true. Vellus hair grows back at the same fine texture and rate, since dermaplaning does not affect the hair follicle. Any temporary appearance of "faster" regrowth is simply due to the blunt edge of freshly cut hair, which resolves within a few days as it grows out.

How Does Dermaplaning Compare to Other Exfoliating Treatments?

Unlike a chemical peel or the Enzyme Exfoliating Treatment, dermaplaning uses no chemical solution at all, making it a purely mechanical form of exfoliation. Many clients actually combine dermaplaning with a HydraFacial or light peel in the same visit, since removing the top layer of dead skin and hair first allows other treatments and serums to penetrate more effectively.

How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?

Since the treatment works on the skin's natural cell turnover cycle, most estheticians recommend dermaplaning every three to four weeks for clients who want to maintain consistently smooth texture and enhanced product absorption.

Caring for Skin After Dermaplaning

Skin is more receptive to product absorption immediately after dermaplaning, which makes it a great time to apply serums, but it also means sun protection is especially important in the days following treatment. Given Sacramento's high UV exposure most of the year, your esthetician will likely emphasize SPF as a non-negotiable part of your aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dermaplaning remove acne scars? Dermaplaning can improve the appearance of shallow scarring and post-breakout marks by removing dead skin buildup, though deeper scarring typically requires additional treatments like a chemical peel.

Will dermaplaning make my facial hair grow back thicker? No. This is a common misconception. Vellus hair grows back at the same fine texture since the treatment does not affect the hair follicle.

Is dermaplaning safe during pregnancy? Yes, dermaplaning is generally considered a safe option during pregnancy or nursing since it does not involve any chemical exfoliants or active ingredients.

How often should I get dermaplaning done? Most clients schedule dermaplaning every three to four weeks to keep pace with the skin's natural renewal cycle.

Where can I get dermaplaning near Sacramento, CA? Glow On Studios in Gold River offers professional dermaplaning treatments for clients throughout the greater Sacramento area, often paired with other facial services for enhanced results.

Smooth Moves Ahead

Dermaplaning is one of the simplest ways to see an immediate difference in your skin's texture and glow, with no downtime standing between you and smoother results. If peach fuzz, rough texture, or dull skin have been on your mind, take a look at the full treatment menu on the services page, get to know the team behind the results on the about page, or head to the homepage to book your appointment near Sacramento.