Beauty Tips: Shaving your face, a good or bad idea?

FACIAL HAIR CAN BE A SOURCE OF COMPLEXITY FOR MANY WOMEN. UNSIGHTLY DOWN, HAIR ON THE CHIN, CHEEKS OR EVEN THE TOP OF THE FOREHEAD, THE DESIRE TO ELIMINATE THEM QUICKLY CAN BE TEMPTING. BUT IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO SUCCUMB TO THE RAZOR?

Better absorption of facial care, less dilated pores, smoother skin... This is what facial shaving, also called dermaplaning, promises. Focus on this unique and trendy facial treatment.

What is dermaplaning ?

Dermaplaning is the name given to shaving your face - like many men - when you are a woman! It is a method of gentle skin exfoliation that involves using a thin blade of a surgical scalpel to remove facial hair and dead skin cells. It is possible to perform a dermaplaning session in a beauty center, but it is also possible to do it yourself at home with a dermaplaner, that is to say, a small razor specially designed for the face.

Why shave your face?

Facial hair isn't just for men! Women's faces are also naturally covered with a little down intended to protect the surface of the skin from external aggressions. However, it happens that facial hair prevents optimal penetration of care, in-depth, or makes makeup less clean. Dermaplaning then offers an interesting alternative from the first day: the skin is smoother, softer, and more radiant. By promoting the removal of dead cells from the skin's surface, this technique can also help reduce the appearance of pores, acne scars, fine lines, and age spots.

Who can practice dermaplaning ?

The dermaplaning technique is not suitable for all skin types! Sensitive skin or acne-prone skin can be harmed by the passage of the razor blade over the skin because this action is slightly abrasive. It is therefore important to consult a professional to determine if dermaplaning is suitable for your skin type, in the event of pimples and blackheads over the skin, the treatment cannot be carried out. 

How does a dermaplaning session take place?

During a dermaplaning session:

• First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed using two different cleansers, then alcohol is passed over the skin to disinfect it and make razoring more efficient.
• Then the razor blade is gently used on the surface of the skin starting from the bottom of the neck up to the forehead.
• Very quickly, hairs and dead cells accumulate on the blade. Redness may appear on the skin, and it is completely normal for it to react to the treatment, as dermaplaning stimulates blood circulation and collagen production.
• Once the blade has passed wherever you want, you go back for a second pass so that you don't forget any hairs.
• Then, we apply a solution with a peeling action which can tingle a little if the skin is sensitive.
• To soothe it, apply a treatment that neutralizes redness, then a serum that will calm razor burn thanks to its refreshing effect.
• Then, a neutral cream is applied to restore the hydro-lipid barrier and rebalance the pH of the skin.
• And finally, we end with an essential step: sunscreen to protect the skin as much as possible from UVA and UVB rays.
• At the end of the treatment, the skin is luminous, shiny, and plumped up. Hair usually regrows after 30 days if you have Caucasian skin and about 6 to 8 weeks if you have dark skin. 

How to shave your face at home?

It's not obvious and it's better to avoid doing your very first dermaplaning session yourself, but if you feel ready and equipped you can go ahead and shave your face yourself at home  :

• Remove make-up and wash your face carefully with a cleanser or foam that suits your skin's needs.
• We apply a moisturizing skin oil on the entire face; this will allow the razor to glide better over the skin. 
• You disinfect the blade of your razor or use a brand-new one and you can start shaving your face.
• Stretch your skin well and gently pass the blade horizontally, being careful not to cut yourself.
• Once the blade has passed over all the corners of the face, it is moisturized with a soothing mist and a fragrance-free cream to calm redness.

What are the disadvantages and dangers of dermaplaning ?

Shaving your face won't cause the hair to grow back into a thick, black beard, so don't worry. On the other hand, it can leave the skin a little sensitized. Since it no longer has hair protection, all external aggressions such as cold, pollution, and the sun can more easily dry it out. To avoid this type of inconvenience, it must be protected with a rich cream and sun protection. In case of inflammatory acne, rosacea, or very sensitive skin, it is better to avoid carrying out dermaplaning which could irritate the skin, create lesions and spread bacteria. Finally, one should not carry outdermaplaning if you have just had your skin undergo a facial treatment such as peeling, a micro-needling, or a hydra facial.

And of course, we keep in mind that the use of a razor can be a source of cuts. Avoid if you are clumsy!

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