There is something universally satisfying and smile-inducing about caressing a baby’s cheek. It’s difficult to imagine that our now mature skin once felt so bouncy and velvety soft. What if your skin could feel that way again? Though we can’t turn back the hands of time, we can achieve a brighter, smoother complexion with dermaplaning and/or Nano needling.
Thankfully, we have options, albeit temporary, to recreate that magical feeling for our own skin. Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It can improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and allows for better product absorption. It also removes the vellus hairs (peach fuzz) and don’t panic, you will not transform into the Bearded Lady from the circus. The hair will not grow back thicker or darker, since it’s not altering the hair follicle. Initially, you might feel that the growth is coarser due to the blunt cut from the procedure but as it grows back to its original shape, it will soften.
Dermaplaning is relatively simple and painless, with no downtime and it provides immediate visible results. (I enjoy immediate gratification, don't you?) I know the thought of trusting someone to scrape a scalpel across your face sounds terrifying but it’s quite relaxing and soothing. A licensed professional cleans, tones and then preps the skin with a serum/oil. A sterile, angled blade glides gently over the skin in short, light strokes, removing the top layer of accumulated, dead skin cells and vellus hair. The skin is then soothed and moisturized. The procedure can be done in 30 minutes as stand-alone treatment or added to a facial. Dermaplaning can be repeated every 4-6 weeks, however, there are certain contraindications to consider. Avoid dermaplaning if you have rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, raised lesions, moles, skin tags, keloid formations, sunburn , active cold sores, lupus, skin cancer or being treated with Accutane (you must be off for 6 months) or chemotherapy. (You may need a release from your doctor) It is recommended to avoid sun exposure and to use sunscreen. The average cost is $75-$250 depending upon the providers’ experience and location.
I especially enjoy the results when I am applying my foundation that now seems to effortlessly flow (instead of getting caught in hairs that I didn’t even know I had) on my now fuzz-free face. My skin appears refined, without a pore insight and feels almost as silky smooth and cushiony soft as a newborn. Dancing cheek to cheek, anyone? I’m ready!
I am needle phobic and the thought of Microneedling my skin and dealing with blood is simply out of the question. Personally, Nano needling is more appealing and gentler for my sensitive skin, does not require numbing cream, minimally invasive, requires no downtime and is the less expensive aesthetic choice.
The treatment can cost between $150 and $350 depending on the size of treatment area, where the location of procedure is done and the provider.
It’s ideal for improving skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines around the eyes and mouth and stimulates the formation of collagen to firm and lift the skin. It can also improve skin hydration and aid in increasing the skin’s ability to absorb serums. Nano needling is done with a handheld, pen-like device that gets passed across the forehead and cheeks, around the eyes and lips, and may be used on the neck and body. Technically, the tip does not involve needles. It uses thin, tiny silicone cones to create channels on the top layer of your skin. These channels aid exfoliation and allow for product/serum to be more readily absorbed and therefore more effective. It’s not as invasive or effective as microneedling, since the cones only puncture the upper layer of the epidermis and are not penetrating deeper into the dermal layer. After nano needling, you might experience tenderness, redness, swelling, light peeling, dry or tight skin. The results will still be significant from regular treatments. Improvement is noticeable in 1-3 treatments. For lasting results, schedule 3-6 sessions every 4-6 weeks. Nano-needling is generally safe, however it’s not to be done on open wounds, active infections, rosacea, acne, keloids or if you are pregnant or have diabetes, scleroderma, undergoing cancer treatments or other immune suppression diseases. It is recommended to wait 2 weeks for those who have had Botox or fillers prior to treatment. After care includes avoiding sweaty exercising, use of saunas or swimming for at least 48 hours. The application of hydrating serums, moisturizers and sunscreen are recommended to keep skin plump, moist and protected.
We may not be able to age in reverse, (hello, Benjamin Button!), but glowing, refined, baby -soft skin is easily attainable with either dermaplaning and/or nano-needling. Either treatment will have your skin begging to be caressed. The choice is yours.
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