For the first 24 to 48 hours, keep your skin simple. Use a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. Skip actives like retinol, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C serums until your skin settles. No heat, no heavy sweating, and no waxing or other exfoliation for at least a week. That covers most of what you need to know.
Dermaplaning removes the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair with a surgical-grade blade. The result is a fresh surface that feels smooth and absorbs serums well. But that same freshness means your skin is temporarily more vulnerable than usual.
Here on the Gulf coast, that matters even more. Florida sun is not forgiving, and stepping outside without SPF after a dermaplaning session can undo the treatment fast. I always remind clients to treat the day or two after as a quiet recovery window, not a dramatic one.
Let your skin breathe. Skip makeup if you can, or at least wait several hours. Use only cool or lukewarm water to rinse. If you go outside, sunscreen goes on first, no exceptions.
Your routine can start to return to normal, but keep it gentle. A mild, fragrance-free cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and SPF are your whole routine for now. If your skin feels a little tight or dry, that is normal. It usually settles within a day or two.
Most people can ease their regular serums and actives back in by midweek, starting with one product at a time. If you use retinol, I'd wait a full week. Your skin will tell you when it is ready: if something stings more than usual, wait another day.
I want to say this clearly: sunscreen is not optional after dermaplaning. It is the single most important step. Your skin has just been resurfaced, and UV exposure on that fresh skin can cause irritation, uneven tone, and in some cases dark spots that take months to fade. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied every morning and reapplied when you are outside, protects your results and your skin.
Most people look great right away. The skin looks smoother and products absorb more evenly. Some people notice mild redness the same day, which typically fades within a few hours. Dryness or slight tightness in the first day or two is also common and not a reason to worry.
If you notice prolonged irritation, bumps, or anything that does not feel right, reach out to your aesthetician rather than trying to treat it on your own.
It is best to wait at least a few hours, and ideally skip it entirely on treatment day if you can. When you do go back to makeup, choose mineral or non-comedogenic formulas and apply with clean brushes or fingers.
I recommend waiting a full seven days before reintroducing retinol. The skin is more sensitive after treatment and retinol can irritate a freshly resurfaced surface. Ease back in gently rather than jumping straight to your usual amount.
No. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair, which is the fine, soft hair on your face. Removing it does not change the hair follicle, so regrowth comes back at the same texture and color. This is one of the most common concerns people have, and it is not something you need to worry about.
Most aestheticians recommend spacing treatments four to six weeks apart. That timing allows your skin to complete a natural renewal cycle so you are removing dead cells again rather than fresh ones. Your aesthetician can help you figure out the right schedule for your skin.
Light walking is fine, but skip anything that involves heavy sweating, heat, or friction on the skin for the first 24 to 48 hours. Heat and sweat can irritate freshly treated skin and increase the chance of breakouts.
That is a normal response for many people. A plain, fragrance-free moisturizer applied two or three times a day usually resolves it quickly. If the dryness is significant or lasts more than a few days, let your aesthetician know so they can adjust your aftercare or your next treatment plan.
Dermaplaning aftercare does not have to be complicated. A gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, SPF every day, and a short pause on actives cover most of what your skin needs. If you are ever unsure about a product or a reaction, it is always better to ask than to guess.
If you have questions before or after a treatment, I am happy to talk through what makes sense for your skin. Call (941) 354-9099 and I will give you an honest answer, not a sales pitch.
SASS SRQ Facial Spa and Skin Care Clinic
101 S Pineapple Ave, Suite 107, Sarasota, FL 34236
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-7:00 PM · Sat 9:00 AM-5:00 PM · Sun Closed
Lynn is the founder and lead aesthetician at SASS SRQ Sarasota. Her approach: she listens before she recommends anything, and she'll tell you if something isn't worth your money.
Lynn has worked in aesthetics for over ten years and opened SASS SRQ downtown so clients could get focused, one-on-one skin care without the upsell pressure of a big salon.
She's trained in microneedling, chemical peels, and advanced waxing techniques, and she takes the time to explain what she's doing and why it fits your skin.
Before recommending anything, Lynn asks about your skin history, lifestyle, and what's bothering you most - then builds from there.
