Dermaplaning in Ottawa: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Expect
By: Ivonne Sanchez | BLOG.IVONNE.CA BY | IVONNE
Published on: February 14, 2026 at 9:36 a.m.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Quick Answer: Dermaplaning is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. The result is immediately smoother, brighter skin with better product absorption. Treatments take 30-45 minutes with zero downtime.
If you have ever wondered why your skincare products do not seem to absorb properly, or why your foundation never sits quite right, the answer may be simpler than you think. A fine layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair sits on the surface of your skin, creating a barrier between your products and the fresh, healthy skin underneath.
Dermaplaning removes that barrier in a single, painless treatment. It is one of the most straightforward yet effective treatments in medical aesthetics, and understanding how it works will help you decide if it belongs in your skincare routine.
How Dermaplaning Works
Your provider uses a sterile, medical-grade surgical blade (called a dermatome) held at a precise 45-degree angle against your skin. With light, feathering strokes, the blade glides across the surface to remove:
Dead Skin Cells
The outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) accumulates dead cells that make skin appear dull and rough. Dermaplaning removes up to 21 days' worth of dead cell buildup in one session, revealing the fresh skin beneath.
Vellus Hair (Peach Fuzz)
Fine facial hair traps oil, dirt, and product residue against the skin. Removing it creates a smooth canvas that allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively and makeup to apply flawlessly.
The entire treatment takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. There is no need for numbing cream because the procedure is painless. Most clients describe the sensation as a gentle brushing across the skin.
The Myth: Will My Hair Grow Back Thicker?
This is the most common concern about dermaplaning, and the answer is definitively no. Here is why.
There are two types of hair on your body: vellus hair (fine, light peach fuzz) and terminal hair (thick, coarse, pigmented hair like eyebrows or scalp hair). The type of hair that grows from a follicle is determined by hormones and genetics at the follicular level, not by what happens at the surface.
When you shave or dermaplane, the blade cuts the hair at the surface, creating a blunt tip. As the hair regrows, that blunt tip can momentarily feel slightly different than the original tapered end, but the hair itself is identical in colour, thickness, and texture. Dermaplaning does not alter the follicle, change hormonal signals, or convert vellus hair into terminal hair. That is biologically impossible from a surface-level treatment.
Benefits of Dermaplaning
Immediate Results
Your skin looks brighter and feels smoother the moment you leave. There is no waiting days or weeks for results to appear.
Better Product Absorption
Without the barrier of dead cells and peach fuzz, your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can penetrate up to 20 times more effectively.
Zero Downtime
Return to your normal routine immediately. Apply makeup the same day if you wish. No redness, peeling, or recovery period required.
Flawless Makeup Application
Foundation, concealer, and powder sit evenly on smooth skin instead of catching on peach fuzz and dry patches.
Safe for Most Skin Types
Suitable for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin. It is a mechanical exfoliation method, so there is no risk of chemical sensitivity or allergic reaction.
Reduces Fine Lines Appearance
Removing the dull outer layer softens the appearance of fine lines and gives skin a more youthful, radiant glow.
Dermaplaning as a Treatment Enhancer
One of the most valuable aspects of dermaplaning is how it amplifies other treatments. At IVONNE, we often recommend dermaplaning before:
Chemical Peels
Removing the dead cell layer allows the peel solution to penetrate more evenly and effectively, resulting in better outcomes with less product. Your AlumierMD peel works harder because it reaches fresh, living skin cells directly.
Hydrafacial
The Vortex-Fusion technology extracts and delivers serums more efficiently on dermaplaned skin. The absence of peach fuzz and dead cells means the Hydrafacial suction tip can work closer to the pore level.
Microneedling
A smooth, clean surface allows microneedling devices to create channels at consistent depths. The serums applied during microneedling absorb more uniformly, and the overall treatment result improves.
This is a significant advantage for clients at IVONNE. Rather than treating dermaplaning as an isolated service, it becomes a strategic first step that makes your other treatments more effective.
Dermaplaning vs. Other Exfoliation Methods
| Method | Type | Removes Peach Fuzz | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermaplaning | Mechanical | Yes | None | All skin types, pre-treatment prep, immediate glow |
| Chemical Peel | Chemical | No | 1-7 days depending on depth | Hyperpigmentation, acne, deeper texture issues |
| Microdermabrasion | Mechanical | No | Minimal | General exfoliation, congested skin |
| Enzyme Peel | Chemical (mild) | No | None | Sensitive skin, gentle exfoliation |
Dermaplaning is the only exfoliation method that removes both dead skin cells and vellus hair simultaneously. This makes it uniquely effective as a standalone treatment and as preparation for other procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Dermaplaning works well for most people, but it is important to know when it is appropriate and when to wait.
Good Candidates
- Dull, rough, or uneven skin texture
- Visible peach fuzz affecting makeup application
- Preparing for a chemical peel, Hydrafacial, or microneedling
- Dry or dehydrated skin that needs better product absorption
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Skin that does not tolerate chemical exfoliants well
Wait If You Have
- Active acne breakouts or cystic acne
- Rosacea flare-ups or highly inflamed skin
- Sunburn or compromised skin barrier
- Active cold sores (herpes simplex) in the treatment area
- Open wounds, cuts, or abrasions on the face
- Very recently used isotretinoin (Accutane)
If you are unsure whether dermaplaning is right for your skin, a consultation will help determine the best approach based on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Step 1: Cleansing
Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and dried. The treatment surface must be clean and free of oils or makeup for the blade to work effectively.
Step 2: Dermaplaning
Using a sterile surgical blade, your provider works in short, precise strokes across each section of the face. The forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and upper lip are all treated. The sensation is a gentle scraping, not unlike brushing a credit card across your skin.
Step 3: Treatment Application
Immediately after dermaplaning, your freshly exfoliated skin is primed to receive active ingredients. A targeted serum or treatment is applied to take advantage of the enhanced absorption.
Step 4: Protection
The session concludes with a moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF. Your newly revealed skin needs sun protection, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Aftercare
Dermaplaning requires minimal aftercare, but following these guidelines will help you get the most from your treatment:
- Apply SPF daily for the first week, even on overcast days. Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. This is particularly relevant in Ottawa during summer months.
- Skip active ingredients (retinol, AHA, BHA, vitamin C at high concentrations) for 24 to 48 hours. Let your skin settle before reintroducing actives.
- Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers for the first day or two. Avoid scrubs, exfoliating brushes, or anything abrasive.
- Do not touch your face unnecessarily. Your skin is clean and smooth; keep it that way.
- Makeup is fine to apply the same day if desired. In fact, most clients are thrilled by how smoothly foundation applies after dermaplaning.
How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?
The skin's natural cell turnover cycle takes approximately 28 days. For optimal results, dermaplaning every 4 to 6 weeks keeps your skin consistently smooth and maintains the enhanced product absorption benefits.
Many clients incorporate dermaplaning into a broader treatment plan. For example, alternating between dermaplaning and chemical peels on a monthly rotation provides both mechanical and chemical exfoliation benefits throughout the year.
Professional Dermaplaning vs. At-Home Tools
At-home dermaplaning razors and devices have become widely available. While they are not dangerous, there are important differences between what you can do at home and what a trained professional provides in a clinical setting.
Professional (Clinical)
- Surgical-grade sterile blade
- Precise blade angle and pressure control
- Full-face treatment including delicate areas
- Paired with professional serums and treatments
- Consistent, even exfoliation depth
- Performed by a trained, licensed aesthetician
At-Home Devices
- Smaller, less precise blades
- Uneven pressure leads to inconsistent results
- Limited to easy-to-reach areas
- No professional product application after
- Risk of nicks or irritation without training
- Primarily removes peach fuzz, less effective on dead skin
At-home tools can be useful for light maintenance between professional sessions, but they cannot replicate the thoroughness, precision, or the treatment-enhancing benefits of a clinical dermaplaning session.
Dermaplaning for Men
Dermaplaning is not exclusively a women's treatment. Men who do not have heavy facial hair in certain areas (such as the forehead, nose, and cheekbones) can benefit from dermaplaning in those zones. It is also valuable for men who experience irritation from traditional shaving and want a smoother, less reactive alternative for specific areas of the face.
During your consultation, your provider will assess which areas of the face are appropriate for dermaplaning based on your hair growth pattern and skin concerns.
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