Quick Answer: Dermaplaning is a quick exfoliating treatment that uses a specialized scalpel to gently remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair, often called peach fuzz. A session takes about 30 minutes with little to no downtime. Many patients repeat it about every four weeks, and your provider will recommend the right schedule for your skin.

Dermaplaning does more than remove peach fuzz. By gently exfoliating dead skin cells, this professional treatment helps reveal a smoother, brighter complexion without significant downtime. For patients in Des Moines looking for a simple way to refresh their skin, dermaplaning in West Des Moines and Ankeny offers noticeable results in a single visit. This guide covers how the treatment works, how it compares to shaving, what to expect, and how often to book.

What Is Dermaplaning?

It’s an express exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin and peach fuzz to reveal softer, more glowing skin. Unlike scrubs or acids, it doesn’t rely on harsh exfoliants. Your provider uses a specialized scalpel to do the work by hand.

Because it clears the outermost layer of dead cells, the treatment leaves the face feeling baby smooth right away. Many people also notice their makeup sits more evenly afterward.

How Does Dermaplaning Work?

During the treatment, your provider uses gentle, feathering strokes to scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and the fine vellus hairs on your face. The skin is cleansed first, and the pace is slow and controlled.

Removing that surface buildup can also help skincare products spread more evenly across the skin, although the effect varies with the product and your skin’s condition. That’s one reason Coachlight providers often use it as a pre-treatment for Hydrafacials, DiamondGlow facial, chemical peels, and traditional spa facials.

Benefits of a Dermaplaning Facial

Most patients book this facial for two main reasons. The first is texture. Removing built-up dead skin helps dull, rough areas look brighter and more even, which is the change people notice first.

The second is peach fuzz removal. Fine facial hair can catch light and make skin look less smooth, so taking it off gives makeup and skincare a cleaner surface to work on.

It also fits a busy schedule. A session takes about 30 minutes, and most people go straight back to their day.

Dermaplaning vs. Shaving

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is no, they aren’t the same, even though both involve a blade. Shaving removes visible hair, and it can exfoliate a little, but dermaplaning is built around controlled exfoliation and a professional assessment of your skin. The table below shows the main differences.

	Dermaplaning	Shaving
Purpose	Exfoliation and skin rejuvenation	Removing visible hair
Tool	Specialized scalpel used by a trained professional	Razor designed for hair removal
Technique	Gentle, feathering strokes to lift dead skin and fine facial hair	Varies with the tool and the person using it
Skin assessment	Your provider reviews your skin and goals first	Not part of the process
Results	Smoother texture and a bright, radiant complexion	Removes visible hair, with exfoliation that varies

Professional treatment also differs from the at-home tools sold online. A trained provider brings precision and control, which is a big part of what makes the treatment effective and comfortable.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your provider starts by cleansing your skin and talking through your goals and skin history. Then they work across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline with light, controlled strokes.

Most patients describe the sensation as a light scraping or tickling, not pain. Afterward, skin can feel a little irritated or sensitive for about a day, so your provider will give you simple aftercare guidance before you leave.

Aftercare Tips

Treat freshly exfoliated skin gently. Moisturize, keep your routine simple for a day or two, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area. Hold off on strong active products and other exfoliating treatments unless your provider says otherwise, since too much exfoliation right afterward can leave skin irritated.

Keep wearing sunscreen every day, as you should anyway. If your skin feels irritated, take a break and let it calm down before your next visit.

How to Pair Dermaplaning With Other Treatments

This treatment combines well with others. Many patients add it to a HydraFacial or DiamondGlow visit for deeper cleansing and glow, or schedule it ahead of a chemical peel so the peel can work more evenly.

If you’re not sure where to start, a Coachlight facial consultation is a good place to build a plan around your skin and your calendar. Coachlight also offers complimentary VISIA skin complexion analysis, which gives you a clearer picture of what your skin needs beyond the surface.

How Often Should You Get Dermaplaning?

Many patients schedule dermaplaning about every four weeks, although the ideal interval depends on skin sensitivity, exfoliation habits, and any other treatments you’re having. One dermatologist quoted by Healthline says once or twice a month is enough for most people and cautions that going more often can cause irritation.

Facial skin is delicate and needs time to recover between sessions. Your Coachlight provider can recommend a schedule that supports your skin without over-exfoliating it.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermaplaning?

This treatment suits most people who want smoother, brighter skin and an easy first step into professional skincare. It’s a good fit if you have dull texture, visible peach fuzz, or makeup that doesn’t glide on evenly.

It may not be right for everyone. It can aggravate active acne, and people with irritated or very sensitive skin, eczema flare-ups, or other active skin conditions should check with their provider first. A quick skin check at your appointment will confirm whether it’s a good choice.

Are There Side Effects or Risks?

Temporary irritation is the most common effect, and skin typically settles within about a day. Rarely, a nick or small cut can occur, which is one reason to choose a trained professional over a drugstore razor. Tell your provider about any skin conditions, breakouts, or products you use, and call the clinic if redness or irritation lingers.

Why Des Moines Patients Choose Coachlight

Coachlight offers this treatment at both the West Des Moines and Ankeny locations, with an experienced aesthetic team that tailors each visit to your skin and goals. You can book it on its own or combine it with other appropriate treatments for a more complete plan.

The clinic has served the greater Des Moines community for more than 15 years and is medically directed by Dr. David Robbins of Des Moines Plastic Surgery, Iowa’s only quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon. That medical oversight, paired with a personalized approach, shapes every treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dermaplaning hurt?

Most patients find it comfortable. The sensation is usually described as a light scraping or tickling, not pain.

Will the hair grow back thicker?

No. Cutting fine hair at the surface doesn’t change how it grows. Newly grown hair can feel slightly coarser at first because the cut ends are blunt, but that’s temporary. Hair removal from this treatment is not permanent.

Can I wear makeup afterward?

Because skin may be temporarily sensitive after dermaplaning, your provider may recommend waiting until the following day before applying makeup. Follow the instructions given at your appointment, especially if you combine it with another exfoliating treatment.

Book Your Dermaplaning Appointment

Ready for smoother, brighter-looking skin? At Coachlight Clinic & Spa, our experienced aesthetic team offers personalized dermaplaning treatments in West Des Moines and Ankeny. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or building regular exfoliation into your skincare routine, we’ll help determine the right approach for your skin. Explore your options and book a consultation appointment today.

Dermaplaning in Des Moines: Benefits, What to Expect, and How Often to Get It