Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment that gently removes surface dead skin buildup and fine facial hair, often called peach fuzz. At Viviane Aires Skin Wellness in Philadelphia, dermaplaning is personalized around your current skin condition, sensitivity, and goals to support smoother, brighter-looking skin without aggressive exfoliation.
If your skin feels rough, looks dull, or makeup is catching on fine facial hair and dry surface buildup, dermaplaning may be a good option.
The treatment creates a smoother surface by removing superficial buildup and vellus hair. Many clients choose it when they want a polished look before an event, smoother makeup application, or a simple skin refresh.
At our Rittenhouse Square studio, treatment selection starts with your skin—not a trend. Dermaplaning is not appropriate for every skin condition, so your skin is considered before treatment begins.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique performed with a sterile professional blade.
The blade is carefully moved across the surface of the skin to remove:
Unlike a chemical peel, dermaplaning does not use acids to exfoliate the skin.
And although it removes facial hair at the surface, professional dermaplaning is more than simply shaving the face at home. The treatment involves controlled technique, appropriate skin preparation, and professional assessment before proceeding.
Dermaplaning mainly works at the surface of the skin. It should not be presented as a treatment for deep scars, significant wrinkles, or medical skin conditions.
What Can Dermaplaning Help With?
Dermaplaning is most useful when the concern is happening at the surface of the skin.
Peach Fuzz
Dermaplaning temporarily removes the fine facial hair known as vellus hair or peach fuzz.
This can leave the face feeling smoother and may create a cleaner surface for makeup application.
Removing peach fuzz does not cause it to grow back thicker. Vellus hair may temporarily feel different as it grows back because it has been cut at the surface, but removing it does not change the hair follicle itself.
Dull-Looking Skin
Surface buildup can sometimes make the complexion appear less fresh or radiant.
Dermaplaning gently removes this superficial layer, which may help the skin look brighter and more polished.
If dullness is a recurring concern rather than an occasional surface issue, explore our Dull Skin guide to understand what else may be contributing.
Rough or Uneven Surface Texture
Dermaplaning may help when the skin feels rough because of superficial buildup or dry flakes.
It does not correct every type of texture. Deep acne scars, persistent congestion, and other texture changes may require a different approach.
Learn more about possible causes of Uneven Skin Texture.
Smoother Makeup Application
Peach fuzz and surface flakes can sometimes make foundation or complexion products sit unevenly.
By creating a smoother surface, dermaplaning may help makeup apply more evenly.
If this is one of your main reasons for considering treatment, read our guide: Does Dermaplaning Help Makeup Look Smoother?.
Dermaplaning may be a good choice if you want:
However, dermaplaning is not automatically appropriate for every skin type or concern.
Your current sensitivity, active breakouts, barrier condition, irritation, and treatment history should be considered before proceeding.
Enjoy Fresh-Faced Beauty & More By Adding Dermaplaning to Your Next Facial!
Who Should Avoid or Postpone Dermaplaning?
There are times when dermaplaning should be postponed.
It may not be appropriate over:
If active breakouts are your main concern, start with our Acne & Breakouts guide rather than choosing an exfoliating treatment based only on texture.
If your skin frequently burns, stings, or reacts to products, visit our Sensitive Skin guide first.
When skin is inflamed or compromised, stronger exfoliation is not always the right next step.
Is Dermaplaning Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Dermaplaning may be appropriate for some sensitive skin, but not all sensitive or reactive skin should be dermaplaned.
The important distinction is how your skin is behaving at the time of treatment.
Skin that is mildly sensitive but calm may respond very differently from skin that is currently inflamed, burning, peeling, or experiencing an active barrier problem.
That is why professional assessment matters.
At Viviane Aires Skin Wellness, the goal is not to perform dermaplaning simply because it is booked. The treatment should make sense for your skin on that day.
Is Dermaplaning Suitable for Melanin-Rich Skin?
Dermaplaning can be an option for many melanin-rich skin tones when the skin is calm and the treatment is performed appropriately.
Skin tone alone does not determine whether someone is a candidate.
Other factors—including sensitivity, active inflammation, pigmentation history, acne, and barrier condition—are also important.
Viviane’s approach to melanated skin is personalized rather than one-size-fits-all. Her professional background includes experience working with diverse skin tones and training alongside dermatologists.
If pigmentation, post-acne marks, sensitivity, or uneven tone are also concerns, explore our Skin of Color & Melanin-Rich Skin Care guide.
How Much Does Dermaplaning Cost in Philadelphia?
Dermaplaning cost in Philadelphia can vary depending on the provider, treatment length, and whether dermaplaning is offered alone or as part of a longer facial.
At Viviane Aires Skin Wellness, the current Express Dermaplaning treatment is 30 minutes and $185.
This option is designed for clients who want a focused surface refresh without booking a longer facial.
Current Service: Express Dermaplaning
Treatment Time: 30 minutes
Current Price: $185
Prices and availability may change. Please check the booking page for current information before scheduling.
What Happens During a Dermaplaning Appointment?
Your appointment should begin with your skin—not immediately with the blade.
Step 1 — Skin Assessment
Your skin is checked for active irritation, breakouts, sensitivity, and other concerns that could affect whether dermaplaning is appropriate.
Step 2 — Cleanse & Prepare the Skin
The skin is cleansed and prepared so the treatment can be performed on a clean surface.
Step 3 — Professional Dermaplaning
A sterile professional blade is carefully passed across the skin to remove superficial buildup and fine vellus hair.
The technique is controlled and adjusted to the skin rather than using aggressive pressure.
Step 4 — Support the Skin After Exfoliation
After dermaplaning, the focus shifts to keeping the skin comfortable and supported.
The finishing steps may vary depending on your skin condition.
Step 5 — Aftercare Guidance
You will receive guidance on how to keep the skin comfortable after treatment and when to resume stronger products.
What Should You Expect After Dermaplaning?
After dermaplaning, your skin may feel noticeably smoother because peach fuzz and superficial buildup have been removed.
You may notice:
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Does Dermaplaning Make Facial Hair Grow Back Thicker?
No. Dermaplaning does not make peach fuzz grow back thicker, darker, or faster.
Dermaplaning removes vellus hair at the skin’s surface. It does not change the follicle underneath the skin.
As the hair grows back, the cut end may initially feel slightly different, but the biological structure of the hair has not been changed. Cleveland Clinic similarly notes that removing peach fuzz does not cause it to grow back thicker.
This is one of the most common dermaplaning myths.
How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?
There is no single treatment schedule that is right for everyone.
How often you dermaplane should depend on:
Some clients choose dermaplaning periodically for maintenance or before events, while others may need longer intervals.
At Viviane Aires Skin Wellness, frequency should be based on your skin rather than automatically putting every client on the same schedule.
Dermaplaning Before Makeup, Photos or a Special Event
Dermaplaning is popular before events because it temporarily removes peach fuzz and surface buildup that can interfere with a smooth-looking makeup finish.
You may consider it before:
However, do not schedule a treatment for the first time immediately before an important event.
Giving your skin enough time beforehand is a better approach, especially if you do not yet know how your skin responds.
For more detail, read Does Dermaplaning Help Makeup Look Smoother?.
Dermaplaning vs. Chemical Peel
Dermaplaning and chemical peels both exfoliate, but they work differently.
| Dermaplaning | Chemical Peel |
| Manual surface exfoliation | Uses a chemical exfoliating solution |
| Removes peach fuzz | Does not focus on facial hair removal |
| Useful for surface smoothness | May support different tone and texture concerns depending on the peel |
| Generally little downtime for many clients | Downtime varies by peel and skin response |
| Often chosen for makeup prep | Often selected for more targeted corrective goals |
Neither treatment is automatically “better.”
The right choice depends on your skin, sensitivity, pigmentation history, and goals.
If you are considering a more targeted exfoliation approach, learn about our Chemical Peels in Philadelphia.
Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion
Both treatments are forms of mechanical exfoliation, but they are not the same.
Dermaplaning uses a professional blade to remove superficial dead skin buildup and peach fuzz.
Microdermabrasion uses a device to exfoliate the skin’s surface and is not designed primarily for facial hair removal.
Dermaplaning may make more sense when peach fuzz and surface smoothness are your main goals.
Another exfoliation method may be recommended when your concerns are different.
Your skin condition should determine the treatment—not whichever procedure happens to be trending.
Dermaplaning vs. Microdermabrasion
Both treatments are forms of mechanical exfoliation, but they are not the same.
Dermaplaning uses a professional blade to remove superficial dead skin buildup and peach fuzz.
Microdermabrasion uses a device to exfoliate the skin’s surface and is not designed primarily for facial hair removal.
Dermaplaning may make more sense when peach fuzz and surface smoothness are your main goals.
Another exfoliation method may be recommended when your concerns are different.
Your skin condition should determine the treatment—not whichever procedure happens to be trending.
Not Sure If Dermaplaning Is Right for Your Skin?
You do not need to choose dermaplaning simply because your skin looks dull or feels rough.
Dryness, dehydration, irritation, congestion, sensitivity, and uneven texture can sometimes look similar but need very different approaches.
If you are dealing with several concerns at once, it may be better to start with a Customized Facial in Philadelphia.
A personalized facial allows your treatment to be selected around what your skin is actually experiencing at the time of your visit.
You can also explore our Skin Concern Guide if you are unsure whether your main issue is dryness, sensitivity, acne, pigmentation, dullness, texture, or another concern.
Why Choose Viviane Aires for Dermaplaning in Philadelphia?
Viviane Aires brings more than two decades of experience as a licensed esthetician and massage therapist to her Philadelphia practice. Her background includes training alongside dermatologists, advanced facial techniques, and personalized care for a wide range of skin tones and concerns.
At Viviane Aires Skin Wellness, dermaplaning is not treated as an automatic add-on for everyone.
Treatment decisions consider:
Viviane’s philosophy is simple: the best treatment is not necessarily the strongest or most popular one. It is the treatment your skin can receive well.
Learn more about Viviane’s experience and approach.
Dermaplaning Near Rittenhouse Square & Center City Philadelphia
Viviane Aires Skin Wellness is located at:
255 S 17th St Suite 2407
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Our studio is conveniently located near Rittenhouse Square and Center City Philadelphia.
We welcome clients from nearby areas including:
If you are searching for professional dermaplaning in Philadelphia or dermaplaning near Rittenhouse Square, our focus is on personalized treatment in a calm, private setting—not a rushed, one-size-fits-all experience.
Dermaplaning FAQs
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a professional manual exfoliation treatment that removes superficial dead skin buildup and fine facial hair, or peach fuzz, using a sterile blade.
Does dermaplaning remove peach fuzz?
Yes. Removing fine vellus hair is one of the primary reasons people choose dermaplaning.
Will facial hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?
No. Dermaplaning does not change the hair follicle, so peach fuzz does not biologically grow back thicker or darker after treatment.
Is dermaplaning safe for sensitive skin?
It may be appropriate for some sensitive skin, but active irritation or barrier problems may make dermaplaning unsuitable at that time. A professional skin assessment is important.
Can I get dermaplaning if I have acne?
Dermaplaning is generally not performed directly over active, inflamed acne or open lesions. If breakouts are your main concern, another treatment may be more appropriate.
Is there downtime after dermaplaning?
Many clients experience little downtime, although temporary redness or sensitivity may occur. Your response depends on your skin.
How long do dermaplaning results last?
The smooth feeling is temporary because skin continues its natural renewal process and vellus hair gradually grows back. How long the effect feels noticeable varies from person to person.