Dermaplaning Aftercare: 48‑Hour Do's and Don'ts for Your Skin
By Lash and Beauty Loft LLC | August 30, 2026
Right after dermaplaning, the most important rule is simple: keep your skin cool, clean, and protected with SPF. Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, so your skin feels instantly smoother and looks brighter, but it can also be a little more reactive for a couple of days. Here in Columbus, that sun and humidity can sneak up on you fast, so don’t leave your aftercare to chance. I’ll keep this practical, low-effort, and easy to follow when you’re heading back out on West Broad or looping around I‑270.
The first 24 hours after a dermaplane facial: keep it calm
My 24-hour non-negotiables: gentle cleanse, light moisture, and broad-spectrum SPF. No makeup, no heavy sweating, and skip hot water and steam.
Do this (it takes 3 minutes)
- Cleanse with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Use lukewarm water. Pat dry, don’t rub.
- Apply a lightweight, calming moisturizer. Think barrier support, not heavy oils.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF in the morning, and reapply if you’re outside.
Don’t do this (these are the usual culprits)
- No makeup for 24 hours. Your skin just got a fresh exfoliation, so give it breathing room.
- Skip hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and anything that makes you flushed.
- Avoid heavy sweating for 24 to 48 hours. If you’re on shift work and you’re moving nonstop, keep your skin clean and reapply SPF when you can.
- Don’t use scrubs, cleansing brushes, or exfoliating pads.
Hilltop quick checklist: If you’re stopping by after errands and heading right back out, keep a small SPF in your bag, drink water, and avoid touching your face in the car. Freshly dermaplaned skin picks up irritation fast.
24 to 72 hours: SPF discipline and zero “active” products
Day two is where people get tempted to do too much because their skin feels so smooth. Keep it simple. If you’re outside in Columbus, especially in summer, reapply SPF about every two hours. If you’re commuting around I‑270 or spending time in the car, you’re still getting sun exposure through windows, so don’t skip it.
For this window, I generally recommend avoiding “actives, ” even if you love them. That includes AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and strong vitamin C serums. Your skin is already exfoliated. Let it settle and rebuild its barrier.
Also, keep showers warm, not hot. And if you’re acne-prone, change your pillowcase and keep your phone screen clean. Small habits make a big difference in those first few days.
The first week after dermaplaning: keep the glow, don’t strip it
If your skin feels a little dry or tight a few days after a dermaplane, that’s common. The fix isn’t scrubbing. It’s hydration and barrier support. Stick to gentle cleansing once or twice a day, moisturize consistently, and keep SPF in the rotation.
Skip picking and peeling. If you notice any tiny dry patches, let them resolve on their own. Picking is how irritation turns into a longer recovery.
Hold off on strong retinols and chemical exfoliants for about a week. If you’re unsure where your product falls, bring it in or text me a photo of the ingredient list.
And if you’re pairing dermaplaning and facial services together, keep the same mindset. Gentle care first. You’ll get better results by letting your skin rest than by stacking strong products too quickly.
My short product list: 4 things that do the heavy lifting
You don’t need a complicated routine to protect your dermaplaning results. I like a simple lineup that you can actually stick to, even on busy weeks.
- Fragrance-free gentle cleanser: no scrubs, no acids, no “tingle.”
- Hydrating serum: hyaluronic acid is a great go-to for that plump feel without irritation.
- Barrier moisturizer: something that seals in hydration and keeps you comfortable.
- Broad-spectrum SPF: mineral or chemical is fine, as long as you’ll wear it and reapply.
If you want a bigger picture view of skin services I do in Hilltop and West Columbus, take a look at our skincare services in Hilltop.
When to text me after dermaplaning (and when it’s totally normal)
A little redness right after dermaplaning is normal, and it usually calms down quickly. Mild sensitivity can happen too, especially if you’re naturally reactive or you had a lot of sun exposure recently. What I don’t want is for you to sit at home guessing.
“She cares, and always listens to feedback. She’s the best!!”
one of our regulars
Reach out right away if you have prolonged redness that doesn’t improve, blistering, or severe irritation that lasts beyond 72 hours. Call or text +16142301640, or email hdcaudill@gmail.com. If you’re in Columbus, Galloway, Grove City, Hilliard, Dublin, Upper Arlington, or nearby, I can usually help you troubleshoot quickly so you don’t lose your result.
If you’re planning your next visit, dermaplaning is $75 and it’s a great reset when your skin looks dull or makeup isn’t sitting right. You can also browse all services or see real work on the gallery page.
Quick answers I give all the time in my Columbus treatment room
How long does redness last after dermaplaning?
Most people see mild redness that settles within a few hours. If your skin is sensitive, it can hang around closer to 24 hours. If redness stays intense or doesn’t improve by 72 hours, call or text me.
When can I wear makeup after dermaplaning?
I recommend waiting at least 24 hours. That first day is all about keeping things clean and calm so you don’t clog or irritate freshly exfoliated skin.
Can I work out after dermaplaning?
Give it 24 to 48 hours before moderate exercise. Heavy sweating and heat can keep redness around longer and can trigger irritation.
When can I use retinol or chemical exfoliants again after dermaplaning?
Wait about one week before restarting strong retinols, AHAs, BHAs, or at-home peels. If you’re on prescription-strength products, I’m happy to talk through timing with you.
Can I go swimming or use a sauna after dermaplaning?
Skip pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 48 hours. Chlorine, heat, and steam are common triggers for irritation right after dermaplaning.
What’s a dermaplaner, and should I use one at home?
A dermaplaner is the tool used to gently remove dead skin and vellus hair from the surface of the skin. At-home tools can be tempting, but they’re easy to overdo, and that’s when people end up irritated. If you’re thinking about doing it yourself, ask me first and I’ll tell you honestly if your skin is a good candidate.
What is a dermaplane facial?
A dermaplane facial is dermaplaning done as part of a facial-style routine, focusing on smooth texture and a brighter look. The aftercare is the same: gentle products, no extra exfoliation, and consistent SPF.