How to Prepare Your Skin for Dermaplaning: The Ultimate Checklist

Preparing your skin for a dermaplaning treatment is the difference between a good result and a truly glowing, flawless finish. This isn’t just about showing up with a clean face; it’s a strategic, multi-step process that ensures the procedure is effective, safe, and delivers the radiant results you’re after. This ultimate checklist will guide you through every critical step, from the weeks leading up to the session to the final moments before the blade touches your skin. Following these instructions meticulously will set the stage for an optimal dermaplaning experience and reveal your most luminous complexion yet.

The Long-Term Game: 2-4 Weeks Before Your Appointment

The work for a perfect dermaplaning session begins long before you set foot in the clinic. The goal during this phase is to strengthen your skin barrier, calm any potential inflammation, and create a healthy canvas.

1. Halt All Harsh Exfoliation

This is non-negotiable. Two to four weeks out, you must completely stop using any form of chemical or physical exfoliation. This includes:

  • Chemical Exfoliants: Cease using products containing AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), and PHAs. If you use a retinol or prescription retinoid, you need to stop this as well. These ingredients increase your skin’s cell turnover and can make it more sensitive, leading to irritation and potential nicks during dermaplaning.
    • Actionable Example: If you typically use a glycolic acid toner every other night, you need to swap it for a gentle, hydrating toner. If you have a prescription retinoid, consult with your dermatologist on the exact time frame for cessation, but a minimum of two weeks is standard.
  • Physical Exfoliants: Put away your facial scrubs, cleansing brushes (like Clarisonic), and any other abrasive tools. These can cause micro-tears in the skin that, while imperceptible to the eye, can be exacerbated by the dermaplaning blade.
    • Actionable Example: Instead of a sugar scrub, use a cream or oil-based cleanser that effectively cleans without stripping or abrading the skin.

2. Prioritize Hydration and Barrier Repair

A strong, hydrated skin barrier is the key to a successful dermaplaning session. When your skin is well-hydrated, it’s more supple and less prone to irritation.

  • Actionable Example: Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine, applying it to damp skin morning and night. Follow up with a ceramide-rich moisturizer. Ceramides are lipids that help restore the skin’s natural barrier. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and panthenol (Vitamin B5) to help soothe and fortify the skin.

3. Sun Protection: Your Daily Shield

Sun damage can make your skin more fragile and sensitive. If you’re planning on dermaplaning, you must be meticulous with sun protection.

  • Actionable Example: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single morning, regardless of the weather. Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. A mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be particularly soothing for the skin. Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you’re spending an extended period in direct sunlight.

The Immediate Lead-Up: 1-7 Days Before Your Appointment

As your appointment approaches, the focus shifts to maintaining a calm, clean, and healthy surface.

1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning

Just as you’ve been diligent with sun protection, you must now actively avoid intense sun exposure.

  • Actionable Example: Cancel that weekend trip to the beach or the tanning salon. A sunburn, even a mild one, will make your skin too inflamed and sensitive for dermaplaning. The procedure would be painful and could lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

2. Postpone Hair Removal

Any form of hair removal in the treatment area must be stopped.

  • Actionable Example: This means no waxing, threading, or using depilatory creams on your face. The dermaplaning blade itself will remove the vellus hair (peach fuzz), so there’s no need for any other method. Waxing and threading can cause trauma and inflammation to the hair follicles, which you want to avoid.

3. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Healthy skin starts with a healthy body. Hydrating internally is a simple but crucial step.

  • Actionable Example: Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses. This supports overall skin health and ensures your cells are plump and hydrated from within.

The Day Before and Day Of Your Appointment

This is the final, crucial stage. Your actions in the last 24 hours will directly impact the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

1. The Day Before: A Simple, Calming Routine

Keep your skincare routine as basic as possible. The goal is to not introduce any new products or anything that could potentially irritate your skin.

  • Actionable Example: Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser. Apply your hydrating serum and a simple moisturizer. Avoid any actives, serums with vitamin C, or anything else that could cause a reaction.

2. The Morning Of: A Clean Slate

When you wake up on the day of your appointment, your routine should be minimal.

  • Actionable Example: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Do not apply any serums, moisturizers, or makeup. The aesthetician will cleanse your skin thoroughly before the procedure, but starting with a clean face is best. This ensures there are no lingering products that could interfere with the treatment or cause a reaction.

3. The Appointment Itself: Clear Communication

Be prepared to discuss your skin and your preparation with your aesthetician.

  • Actionable Example: Upon arrival, be honest about your skincare routine in the weeks leading up to the appointment. Mention any new products you’ve tried or if you’ve had any recent sun exposure. This information allows the professional to assess your skin’s readiness and adjust the treatment if necessary.

The Ultimate Checklist at a Glance

  • 2-4 Weeks Before:
    • Stop all chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids).

    • Stop all physical exfoliants (scrubs, brushes).

    • Focus on hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides).

    • Wear SPF 30+ daily, without fail.

  • 1-7 Days Before:

    • Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning.

    • Do not wax, thread, or use depilatory creams.

    • Hydrate by drinking plenty of water.

  • Day Before:

    • Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer only.

    • Avoid all active ingredients and new products.

  • Day Of:

    • Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.

    • Cleanse gently in the morning.

    • Communicate openly with your aesthetician about your recent skincare habits.

This comprehensive guide takes the guesswork out of preparing for dermaplaning. By meticulously following each step, you’re not just preparing your skin; you’re investing in the quality and longevity of your results. The few weeks of careful preparation will lead to a smoother, safer, and ultimately more satisfying dermaplaning experience, leaving you with the radiant, glass-like skin you desire.