It’s also best for people who don’t have sensitive skin and for people who have gentle skincare routines. “For people using strong skincare actives like retinol or prescription acne treatments, it can increase the risk of irritation,” says Vorodyukhina.
It’s also best if you aren’t prone to breakouts.
The benefits
Basically, waxing does the job, and it does it well.
“It’s quick and precise, especially on areas like the upper lip, chin or jawline where peach fuzz can be stubborn,” she says.
She adds, “Waxing is also great for people who want longer-lasting results without committing to something more permanent like laser,” she says. ”It’s also quicker and a little easier than threading.”
- It’s quick
- It’s precise
- It offers long(ish) results
- It’s easier than threading
The downsides
Waxing can be painful, but it’s usually a short, sharp pain that dissipates quickly.
“Expect a short, sharp sting as the wax is removed, followed by a little redness that usually settles within a few hours,” says Vorodyukhina.
Waxing can also sometimes result in ingrown hairs. “Exfoliating gently a couple of days beforehand can help prevent ingrown hairs, and soothing products such as aloe vera are great to calm the skin afterwards,” she suggests.
- It can be painful
- It can leave redness
- It can lead to ingrown hairs
Dermaplaning
A controversial option, dermaplaning involves gently shaving the face straight off the face. “Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment where a sterile surgical blade is gently glided across the skin to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (often called ‘peach fuzz’),” explains acne specialist Emily Mawdsley, founder of Emily Jayne Skin Revision. “This not only leaves the skin incredibly smooth, but also allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively and makeup to apply more evenly.”
On the plus side, it’s painless, it’s easy and it is said to help keep the skin healthy and fresh as it doubles as an exfoliation practice. The downside? Many people fear that shaving of any kind will result in the oh so dreaded side effect of stubble. Rumour has it, dermaplaning can actually cause your hair to regrow thicker and darker.
Nevertheless, Mawdsley promises that it will give you that coveted “glass skin” look. Let’s get into it:
Who should try it?
Anyone who wants quick, painless, easy hair free skin! But especially those with “dry, dull or uneven skin texture,” recommends Mawdsley.
“It can be a great option for people with mild acne scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation because it encourages cell turnover,” she adds.
There are a few caveats, though. If you have active breakouts, skin wounds or sensitivity, it may not be the best option for you. “I typically avoid dermaplaning for clients with active acne or sensitive skin, as it can irritate the skin further – in those cases, I’ll focus on calming treatments first and revisit dermaplaning once the skin is more stable,” she says.
The benefits
“I love dermaplaning because it’s a quick, non-invasive treatment with immediate results and no downtime,” says Mawdsley. “For many of my clients, particularly those who are self-conscious about facial hair, it’s an instant confidence boost. It’s also an excellent way to avoid breakouts because it clears away dead skin cells that can trap oil and bacteria.”