A razor is a razor, right? Not quite. Dermaplaning and regular shaving both use a blade, and both take care of hair at the surface. But only one is built to sweep away peach fuzz and remove dull surface cells in the same pass.[6][3]
Choose a dermaplaner when you want softer, smoother-feeling skin and a better canvas for skincare and makeup. Select a regular razor when you just want the hair gone.
Dermaplaning vs. shaving at a glance
| Dermaplaning | Regular razor | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | Peach fuzz removal plus light exfoliation — clears fine vellus hair and dead surface cells for a smoother, brighter look.[6] | Thick hair removal. It cuts hair at the skin's surface so it's not visible.[3] |
| The tool | A small, straight-edge blade with micro-shields, used with serums or on dry skin.[6] | A standard razor — often with 3+ blades lined up together, used with water and shaving cream or gel.[5] |
| Exfoliation | Intentional — it's a big part of the point.[6] | Not really the goal. Its main purpose is cutting hair.[3] |
| Results | Smooth skin and no fuzz. | Heavy or thick hair removal. |
| Best for | Skin prep and peach fuzz. Skincare may absorb better and makeup may go on more smoothly afterward.[6] | Full facial hair removal when hair is coarser. |
| How often | Don't overdo it. Typically every 2–4 weeks depending on your skin and peach fuzz growth.[2] | As needed — but frequent shaving can cause irritation.[3] |
What dermaplaning does that a razor doesn't
Shaving is all about the hair. Dermaplaning goes one step further. At its core, at-home dermaplaning uses a small blade made for your face to gently sweep away peach fuzz and lightly exfoliate the surface.[6] When it's done right, it removes the fine hairs and dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull.[7]
That's why dermaplaning gets talked about as skin prep, not just hair removal. A smoother top layer means serums spread more evenly and foundation sits more smoothly instead of clinging to fuzz.[6]
Technique is everything
It's still a blade, so a light touch matters more than anything. The basics:[7][2]
- Start with clean skin. For extra slip and comfort, prep with a dermaplaning serum before you begin. Our Dermaplaning Prepping Serum is made with a Cica Complex, which offers a light, non-oily layer that creates a smooth glide during dermaplaning.
- Hold skin taut with one hand. This creates a smoother surface for light strokes.
- Use short, gentle strokes at about a 45-degree angle. Let the blade do the work — pressure isn't the goal.
- Move with care around curves. Keep your touch especially light near the lip, chin, and jawline.
- Moisturize afterward. Dermaplaning essentially exfoliates skin, which helps your skincare absorb more effectively — so this is the perfect moment to reapply our Dermaplaning Prepping Serum and a layer of moisturizer for enhanced hydration.
- Follow with sun protection. Freshly exfoliated skin deserves a little extra backup — use SPF whenever you head outdoors, and be especially vigilant after dermaplaning.
When a regular razor still makes sense
If you just want the hair gone and you know your skin handles shaving well, a regular razor can be right for you. Just stick to the basics dermatologists recommend: wet your skin and hair, use shaving cream or gel, shave in the direction your hair grows, and swap disposable blades every 5–7 shaves to cut down on irritation.[5]
When to skip both
Dermaplaning isn't a "push through it" kind of step. Talk to a healthcare provider first if you have active acne, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, burns, rashes, or certain skin growths.[4] Harvard Health also suggests people with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or acne avoid dermaplaning.[7]
Same goes if your skin is stinging, peeling, sunburned, or freshly treated. Wait it out — your blade will still be there next week.
And once you do dermaplane, give freshly exfoliated skin some love: moisturize and always wear sunscreen.[6] Skip the harsh scrubs for a bit.
Two Japonesque picks for at-home dermaplaning
Decided dermaplaning is your move? The tool makes all the difference — a precise blade is what separates a smooth glide from a tug that irritates.
Precision or Comfort+ Dermaplaners — the everyday pick
Both are made for gentle hair removal and exfoliation and feature blades made with superior Japanese stainless steel, so they are sharper and more precise than most other blades. Comfort+ adds an aloe-infused serum strip that helps hydrate, improve glide, and reduce irritation as you go.[2] It's designed to clear peach fuzz and dead skin cells, improve skin texture, help makeup go on better, and boost skincare absorption.[2]
SKINTherapy Dermaplaning Facial Razors — the precision pick
Want a permanent option with multiple blade sizes so you can also remove hair from the lip, temples, or brow area? SKINTherapy is a 2-in-1 with an interchangeable handle and two different-sized ultra-precision blade heads made with Japanese stainless steel — a dermaplaner and a brow razor.[1] It clears peach fuzz and facial hair, exfoliates, improves texture, boosts serum and moisturizer absorption, and creates a smooth base for makeup.[1]
SKINTherapy Dermaplaning Facial Razors
2-in-1 · interchangeable handle · dermaplaner + brow razor
Shop SKINTherapyQuick answers
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
Nope — that's a long-standing myth. Dermaplaning doesn't pull hair from the follicle, and it doesn't change hair's thickness, color, or growth rate. It grows back at its natural texture.[2]
Can I use a regular razor to dermaplane?
Technically, all dermaplaning tools are a type of razor.[6][7] The difference is design and technique. A regular razor removes hair, but a facial dermaplaner is made for exfoliation plus peach fuzz removal.
How often should I dermaplane at home?
Don't overdo it. Start with dermaplaning every 2–4 weeks, depending on your skin type and hair growth.[2] If your peach fuzz grows back faster, you can try dermaplaning weekly at most, but listen to your skin — if it feels dry, irritated, or reactive, wait longer, or ask a dermatologist what's right for you.
What should I put on my skin after dermaplaning?
Keep it gentle: soothing serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen.[6][2] Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive, so SPF is a must.
Who should avoid dermaplaning?
Anyone with active acne, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, burns, rashes, certain skin growths, rosacea, very sensitive skin, or active irritation should skip it or talk to a pro first.[4][7] When in doubt, don't guess with a blade.
The bottom line
If you want smooth, fuzz-free skin and a fresh canvas for makeup, dermaplaning is the better pick. A regular razor works fine for basic hair removal — it's just not built for that soft, exfoliated finish.
Start with calm skin, a clean tool, and a light touch. Moisturize, wear your SPF, and enjoy the glow.