Blackheads don’t only affect teenagers. Many people, including the elderly, struggle with blackheads and finding the best way to treat them to get their desired complexion. Dermaplaning is a great skincare therapy that removes and controls blackheads to leave skin looking radiant and rejuvenated.
What Are Blackheads?
Millions of people worldwide suffer from blackheads, which are the most common form of acne. Also known as open comedones, blackheads are small hard bumps caused by clogged pores. They have a black surface that distinguishes them from other types of blemishes.
Skin is covered with many small openings called pores. These pores can accumulate and trap dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil that does not get cleaned from the skin. When a pore’s contents are exposed to air, it triggers a chemical reaction that produces a black colour on the surface – what we see as blackheads.
Blackheads typically affect the chest, back and face, especially the T-zone or the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Don’t confuse blackheads with sebaceous filaments, the sandy brown bumps that also appear on the skin. Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin’s moisturising process.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive procedure dermatologists and aestheticians use to gently exfoliate the skin to produce a smoother, more radiant surface and even complexion. During the procedure, your dermatologist or aesthetician holds the skin taut while using a sterile surgical blade, angled at 45 degrees, to scrape the epidermis or uppermost layer.
The blade removes tiny hairs (also known as peach fuzz), dead cells, excess oil and other impurities from the skin. The process lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Dermaplaning can closely resemble shaving; however, it uses a thinner and sharper blade that comes into closer contact with the skin to achieve a more thorough exfoliation.
Dermaplaning treatments encourage cell turnover that contributes to the skin’s natural rejuvenation process.
How Does Dermaplaning Help with Blackheads?
Blackheads are caused by pores clogged from the build-up of excess oil, dry skin cells and other matter. Dermaplaning removes and prevents blackheads through exfoliation. Exfoliation loosens and scoops away existing blackheads and removes excess dirt, oil and anything else trapped in your pores that might cause blackheads later on.
At the end of the treatment, the skin looks brighter and feels smoother. The results of dermaplaning last between three to four weeks, so continuous use of the therapy is required to maintain results.
While dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types, it is not recommended for individuals with:
- sensitive skin
- a recent sunburn
- active acne – especially cystic acne
- a current outbreak of rosacea or psoriasis
- Accutane in their system within the past six months
What Should You Do Before and After Treatment?
Besides wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, clients are required to prepare very little before their dermaplaning treatments. However, you should avoid:
- using retinoids three to five days before and after treatment
- applying makeup 24 hours before and after treatment
- exfoliating before and immediately after your treatment
- direct sun exposure
Are You Ready to Schedule an Appointment for Dermaplaning Treatment?
At SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic, we offer a wide range of beauty therapies to meet your beauty needs. Call 604 568 6333 or complete our contact form to schedule a complimentary skin consultation with one of our highly trained skincare professionals.
