Dermaplaining Vs Oilplaining

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At-home dermaplaining videos have gained massive popularity on social platforms, with many showing best practices and recommended tools. In this post, I will explain the difference between dermaplaining and oilplaning.

Peach Fuzz

Vellus hair (also known as peach fuzz) is fine, short hair that grows all over your body, including your face, stomach, arms and legs. Vellus hair helps regulate your body temperature and protects your skin. In some cases, vellus hair can trap oil and bacteria on the face leading to acne. There’s no actual harm in removing this providing it is done safely. The amount of vellus hair on an adult varies from person to person. Due to genetics, some people maintain more of these tiny hairs after puberty. Some conditions spur vellus hair growth, such as a hormonal imbalance in women.

What is Dermaplaining?

Dermaplaning, or facial shaving, has been used for centuries to remove vellus hair. It is most commonly used as a beauty prep treatment that provides instantly smoother, brighter skin before makeup application. The process of dermaplaining involves using a single-bladed facial razor to remove dead skin and the delicate, vellus hair often found on the face. If not carried out correctly, this process can cause skin irritation, particularly for dry and sensitive skin types.

How to dermaplaine

Start with a deeply cleansed face. An acid-based cleanser would be most beneficial as it will remove any product from the skin. The type of cleanser is also essential, and this should be oil-free and exfoliant free.

Then you need to dry the skin thoroughly. You can easily remove the dead skin and peach fuzz with drier skin.

Work from the cheekbones in small downward strokes using the device in your dominant hand and the other pulling the skin taught. Work around the face using light strokes on the upper lip, forehead and chin areas.

It is essential to cover each area once and avoid eyelids, eyebrows, hairlines, sides of the nose or directly on the lips.

Once finished, apply moisturizer and serums. Ones which contain squalene are always a great choice.

What is Oilplaining?

Oilplaning is dermaplaning using a facial oil beforehand to aid hydration. It’s used for a more effortless movement across the face and gentler exfoliation and facial hair removal. Oilplaning is suitable for more mature or particularly sensitive skin types, which may suffer a reaction to dermaplaning on dry skin.

Although generally safe, there are a few things to be aware of when oilplaining at home. Your skin should still be deeply cleansed and dried oil application. This is to ensure that you do not spread bacteria across your face. As you need to hold your skin taught but have oil applied, you are also more susceptible to losing skin grip and increasing chances of cutting yourself.