Dermaplaning Prep: What to Do (and Skip) Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Dermaplaning

Good preparation helps you get the most from dermaplaning. A few simple steps before your appointment can make the treatment more comfortable and the results more noticeable.

Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair from the surface of your skin using a sterile surgical blade. The treatment instantly smooths texture, brightens your complexion, and may help skincare absorb more easily. It is gentle, and good prep helps keep it comfortable.

What Dermaplaning Does

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation treatment. The blade glides across your skin at a precise angle, lifting away the top layer of dead cells and fine hair.

Your hair does not grow back thicker or darker. Shaving does not change the follicle. What you remove is vellus hair, the soft peach fuzz that everyone has.

The treatment leaves your skin smooth and bright immediately. Makeup applies more evenly. Products may absorb more easily. The effects are temporary because your skin naturally renews itself.

Skip Retinol and Exfoliants a Few Days Before

Most estheticians suggest pausing retinol and strong exfoliating acids (like glycolic, salicylic, or AHAs) three to five days before dermaplaning. If you use a prescription retinoid like tretinoin, ask your prescriber first. These products thin the outer layer of your skin and make it more sensitive.

Dermaplaning works on the same layer. If your skin is already irritated or over-exfoliated, the treatment can feel uncomfortable and may cause redness.

Switch to gentle cleansers and hydrating products in the days leading up to your visit.

Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning

Do not get dermaplaning if you have a sunburn or recent tan. Sunburned skin is inflamed and fragile. Dermaplaning on irritated skin increases the risk of discomfort and uneven healing.

Wear sunscreen daily in the week before your appointment. If you spend time outdoors, use a hat and seek shade.

Come to Your Appointment With Clean Skin

Arrive with a clean face. Remove all makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products before your appointment.

Your esthetician will cleanse your skin again as part of the treatment, but starting clean helps the process go smoothly.

Let Active Breakouts Heal First

Dermaplaning is not recommended over active acne, open wounds, or active cold sores. The blade can spread bacteria and irritate inflamed skin.

If you have a breakout, wait until it heals. Your esthetician will assess your skin at your consultation and let you know if dermaplaning is appropriate or if another facial option is better for you right now.

Tell Your Esthetician About Skin Conditions and Medications

At your consultation, share your full skincare routine and any medications you take. Some prescription treatments (like isotretinoin) and skin conditions (like rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin) may mean dermaplaning is not the best choice.

Your esthetician will recommend the safest, most effective treatment for your skin.

What a Dermaplaning Facial at KRIDO Looks Like

At KRIDO Wellness, the Dermaplaning Facial is $150. It includes dermaplaning plus a customized Circadia facial, red light therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage.

Your esthetician reads your skin, performs the dermaplaning, uses Circadia products chosen for your skin, and finishes with red light and lymphatic drainage massage. The entire experience is designed to leave your skin smooth, bright, and healthy.

You start with a skin consultation. Every visit starts with a consultation where we look at your goals and build your plan. You pay for the facial.

I had the absolute best experience at Krido Wellness!! I went in for a dermaplane and from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I sat down with the owner, Kristina and she took the time to discuss my current skincare routine, what I’m struggling with and my goals. You could tell she really has such a passion for what she does and after learning more about her story, it was clear that her mission is to help people look and feel their best. The spa itself is very clean, professional, and has a calming atmosphere so you can truly relax. My aesthetician Amber was incredible!! She is so knowledgable and friendly and was so thorough with my treatment. She wasn’t pushing products on me, she just really wanted me to have the best possible experience. I literally couldn’t believe my skin afterward - had to do a double take in the mirror lol it was GLOWING, rejuvenated and felt amazing.

Cassandra Porter, Google review

Oh my goodness I cannot say enough good things about Krido, Kristina, and Amber. The studio is beautiful and so relaxing. Amber is incredibly knowledgeable, I was blown always. And I left with no pores! Cannot recommend enough.

Mia Tramontana, Google review

After Your Dermaplaning Facial

Your skin will be smooth and may look slightly pink for an hour or two. This is normal.

Avoid direct sun exposure for a few days. Wear sunscreen daily. Skip retinol and strong acids for at least three days after treatment. Use gentle, hydrating products.

For healthy skin, we generally recommend a facial every four to six weeks. Your esthetician will recommend a schedule based on your goals.

Book Your Dermaplaning Facial in St. Petersburg

KRIDO Wellness is in downtown St. Petersburg at IMAGE Studios, 11 7th St N, Suite 220. Free parking is available in front.

Each of our estheticians has 30 years of esthetics experience. The studio serves St. Petersburg, Gulfport, South Pasadena, St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Seminole, and the surrounding area.

Book your skin consultation and dermaplaning facial at kridowellness.com/book. Call or text 727-513-3925 with questions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear makeup to my dermaplaning appointment?

Come with a clean face if possible. Your esthetician will cleanse your skin as part of the treatment, but arriving without makeup helps the process go smoothly.

How long before dermaplaning should I stop using retinol?

Most estheticians suggest pausing retinol and strong exfoliating acids three to five days before your appointment. If you use a prescription retinoid, ask your prescriber first. These products make your skin more sensitive, and dermaplaning works on the same layer.

Can I get dermaplaning if I have a breakout?

Dermaplaning is not recommended over active acne or open wounds. Wait until your skin heals. Your esthetician will assess your skin at the consultation and recommend the best treatment for you.

Will my hair grow back thicker after dermaplaning?

No. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair, the soft peach fuzz on your face. Shaving does not change the follicle or make hair grow back thicker or darker. This is well established.

What should I avoid after dermaplaning?

Avoid direct sun exposure, retinol, and strong exfoliating acids for at least three days after treatment. Wear sunscreen daily and use gentle, hydrating skincare products.