Dermal Planing...not your Father's Razor
One of the most underestimated treatments that I perform in the treatment room /office for exfolaition is called "Dermal Planing". This is a super simple and safe procedure for exfoliating dead skin from the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) and for those of you who hate it as much as I do, getting rid of fine, vellus hair (peach fuzz) taht plagues so many of us whose heritage is Northern European , Irish, Scottish and the ethnicities of East India, Greek, Italian and even American Indian. It has been used for many years, but in many states in the US, either many estheticians don’t even know it exists, or their States refuse for them to do it. So, many aesthys never gets trained in it and their clients lose out! Dermal-Planing versus Derma-brasion When I explain this treatment to my clients, or say "Let's Dermal-plane your skin", they are quick to associate Planing with the more medical procedure known as "Derm-abrasion". Many of them won't hear otherwise and and won’t even consider Planing as a possible treatment. For those of you who don't know, "Derm-abrasion" is a medical procedure in which the skin is abraded down to the dermis using a handpiece with sand paper or wire type tips which move in an almost whisk-like fashion. There are many complications associated with dermabrasion, including infections and scarring. The most common name for the machine that offers this service is "Derma-Sweep" machine. Personally, I love the Derma-Sweep for treating keloid scarring and also for those who appeciate resurfacing. Dermal-planing, on the other hand, is a simple shaving of the epidermis.
Not Your Father's Razor.....
Many of Hollywood 's legendary makeup artists promoted facials shaving for their starlets. One artist in particular, Whitey Snyder, was the career artist for the greatest bombshell herself, Marilyn Monroe. As a matter of fact, Jane Russell, Elizabeth Taylor, and Cleopatra all shaved their faces. A Google search online reveals that many modern women have Dermal-planing done. Especially brides who like the flawless makeup look!
Although there has been some dispute, it is old wives’ tale, that hair will grow back heavier and darker after Dermal-planing. This is not the case. As long as the hair is superficial vellus hair, it will grow back at the same rate and texture as before the treatment. in fact, it is the only choice for clients who have bothersome vellus hair on the skin. This downy, "baby-hair" often causes a buildup of dirt and oils in the follicles, so removing the hair gives the patient healthier looking skin. Most of the time, clients choose not to wax bacause of the irritation waxing causes the skin. Waxing also has the ability to cause hyper-pigmentation (dark spotting/freckling) because wax is heated before applied. Dermal-planing also helps control what laser hair recuction cannot resolve.
The Procedure & Benefits
Dermal-planing is a quick procedure with few to no adverse effects. It employs a a scalpel and a delicate touch. Some have explained it to me as soothing and lulling during treatment. Your aesthy simply abrades the surface of the skin using light feathering strokes.
This is a great treatment to offer to patients who are pregnant or nursing who want exfoliation, but are not allowed to use peeling agents on their skin. Dermal-planing is most effectively used on patients with dry skin, hyper-pigmentation, mild acne scarring, or fine rhytids. (lines and wrinkles) The treatment results in a more refined, smooth, “glowing” appearance. The best part is that there is no down-time associated with Dermal-planing. Clients in my practice are educated about the importance of using sunscreen to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation, post treatment. Dermal-planing can be done as often as every two weeks, although it is usually done when vellus hair starts to grow back, which is generally every 30-45 days.
Who Should NOT have Dermal-Planing?
Typically, I will not treat someone who has open lesions on their skin, an allergy to Nickle or inflamed acne. In the end...
I love this receiving and offering this treatment 10 times more then the archaic Micro-Dermabrasion. This treatment can also be complimented with peels and enzymes which enhance the effect overall. I personally have this done as I love the way my products perform post treatment. If you have not tried it, make sure that your technician/skin therapist is certified at offering this treatment. Many people walk away with surface scratches mirroring cat scratches on their skin if the procedure is performed incorrectly.
The Skin Coach will be offering a $25 off discount to those who mention this blog when scheduling during the month of November.
Try something that is a little more "cutting edge" minus the cutting today!
