First Dermal Facial? What to Do Before and After
By Highline Aesthetics | August 12, 2026
If you’re nervous about trying a dermal facial for the first time, that’s normal. I hear it all the time. One of the most consistent things people mention after coming in is that I listen to their concerns and explain what I’m doing, step by step, so it doesn’t feel mysterious or intimidating.
A Dermaplane Facial uses a sterile blade to gently remove vellus hair (peach fuzz) and built-up dead skin so your face looks smoother and brighter right away. To prep, come makeup-free, pause retinoids and stronger exfoliants for 3 to 7 days, and avoid waxing or laser hair removal on the area for about two weeks. Afterward, plan on sunscreen and calm skincare, plus skipping heavy sweat and active acids for 48 hours. In Boulder’s strong sun and dry air, that aftercare piece matters more than people expect.
Your 7-day prep plan for esthetician dermaplaning
I keep prep simple because it works. Here’s what I want you to do before your Dermaplane Facial (75 minutes, $130) at our South Boulder location near the Broadway corridor just south of downtown.
Quick checklist
- Arrive makeup-free if you can. If you can’t, don’t stress. I’ll cleanse thoroughly first.
- Stop retinoids and stronger exfoliating acids for 3 to 7 days (think: anything that makes you peel, flake, or sting).
- Avoid waxing or laser on the areas I’ll dermaplane for two weeks.
- Tell me if you’ve had a recent chemical peel, you’re actively flaring with rosacea, you’ve got open lesions, or you’re dealing with active inflamed acne. I’ll help you pick the safest next step.
What actually happens during my 75-minute Dermaplane Facial in Boulder
When you walk in, I’ll start with a quick consult. If you’re new to facials near me searches and this is your first appointment anywhere, you’re in good company. People tell me they were nervous at first, then felt more comfortable once we talked through their routine and skin goals. I’m going to ask what you’re using at home, what you’re trying to improve, and what you don’t want changed. That detail matters.
Next is a thorough cleanse and skin prep. Then I dermaplane. The dermaplaning portion is usually 10 to 25 minutes inside the full 75-minute service, depending on how your skin is behaving that day and how much buildup we’re removing. You’ll feel a light scraping sensation. It’s not painful. Most people describe it as oddly satisfying.
After dermaplaning, I move into the rest of my signature custom facial steps, focused on calming and hydration so your skin looks smooth instead of reactive. I finish with serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen. And yes, I’ll talk you through what I’m applying and why. People regularly mention how helpful it is when I explain the healing process and results process in plain language.
“Julie was super patient with all of my newbie questions, and my skin has honestly never looked better.”
one of our first-time clients
A quick note on comfort and privacy
I keep the room calm, the pace steady, and the communication clear. People also call out that our space feels super clean and that booking is simple. If you need a breather, a break, or you want me to stop and explain what I’m doing, just say so. I’d rather you feel fully at ease than “tough it out.”
After your dermal facial: the 48-hour rules that protect your glow
Right after dermaplaning, your skin is smooth and more receptive to what you apply. That’s the upside. The responsibility is keeping your barrier calm while it settles. In Boulder, the combo of sun exposure and dry air can sneak up on you, especially if you’re heading out for a walk, a patio lunch, or a Chautauqua hike.
What’s normal
Mild pinkness and a “fresh” feeling can happen for a day or two. You should not feel intensely burned or raw. If something feels off, let me know. My team is known for follow-up and checking in after appointments, and I take that seriously.
What I want you doing
- Sunscreen daily, starting immediately after your service. Reapply if you’re outside.
- Stick to gentle hydration. Think calm cleanser, moisturizer, and barrier support.
- Skip heavy sweating and hot yoga style heat for about 48 hours.
- Avoid active acids and retinoids for 48 to 72 hours so you don’t overdo exfoliation.
Rebook timing: Most people love dermaplaning every 4 to 6 weeks. That spacing gives you consistent smoothness without pushing your skin too hard.
Will dermaplaning make hair thicker? And other first-time worries I hear daily
If you’re commuting in from Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Longmont, or Denver, you probably don’t want surprises. Here are the honest answers I give in the room.
No, you don’t need to shave first
Please don’t shave right before. I’m doing the hair removal portion with a sterile blade and controlled technique. Shaving can irritate your skin or leave rough patches that make dermaplaning harder.
It shouldn’t be painful
Dermaplaning is a light, controlled exfoliation. If you’re sensitive, tell me at the start. I’ll adjust pressure and pace and keep you comfortable.
Active acne needs a quick conversation
If you’ve got active inflamed breakouts, I may avoid those areas because dermaplaning over raised lesions can irritate them. If you’re breakout-prone, good aftercare and gentle products matter. And if acne is your main goal, I’ll tell you if another service makes more sense.
My insider tips before you book a facial spa in South Boulder
If you’re choosing between a med spa near me search result and a true facial spa experience, here’s what I’d focus on: communication, cleanliness, and realistic recommendations. People regularly tell me they appreciate how professional and helpful the team is, that pricing is transparent, and that they don’t feel pressured into a bunch of add-ons. That’s intentional.
Dermaplaning also plays really well with your routine. Many people book it when they want smooth sunscreen and makeup application, especially before events. If injectables like botox, a botox flip lip, or lip filler are already on your radar, I’m happy to talk about sequencing so your skin stays calm. Same goes for bigger resurfacing conversations like microneedling or co2 laser resurfacing, or collagen-stimulators like sculptra. I’d rather plan smart than rush.
Want the easiest first step? Book a Dermaplane Facial and come in with your current skincare products listed on your phone. I’ll walk you through exactly what to pause, what to keep, and how to protect your results in our Boulder sun. If you’re near the Broadway corridor, it’s an easy stop before Pearl Street plans or after class.
Questions before you schedule? Call +17207844057 or email hello@highlineaesthetics.com. You can also find us at 637 South Broadway #P, Boulder, Colorado 80305.
FAQ: Dermaplane Facial prep, pain level, timing, and breakouts
Is a Dermaplane Facial painful?
It’s usually not painful. Most people feel a light scraping sensation. If you’re sensitive, tell me at the start and I’ll keep pressure gentle and check in as I go.
Do I need to shave before a Dermaplane Facial?
No. Please don’t shave right before your appointment. I’ll remove peach fuzz during the dermaplaning step with a sterile blade and controlled technique.
How long does a Dermaplane Facial take and how soon will I see results?
Our Dermaplane Facial appointment is 75 minutes. You’ll see and feel results immediately, especially smoothness and a brighter look.
Can dermaplaning cause breakouts or make acne worse?
If you’re acne-prone, dermaplaning can be fine, but active inflamed breakouts need a quick conversation first. I may avoid raised lesions to prevent irritation. Good aftercare, gentle hydration, and skipping harsh actives for 48 to 72 hours helps keep your skin calm.
When can I wear makeup after my Dermaplane Facial?
If your skin looks calm, you can usually wear makeup the next day. I still want you prioritizing sunscreen and gentle products for the first 48 hours.
What does “esthetician dermaplaning” mean, and why does it matter?
It means dermaplaning is performed as part of a skincare-focused facial appointment, with skin prep, technique, and aftercare guidance that supports your barrier. Done well, it’s not just hair removal. It’s controlled exfoliation plus a calming finish, so your skin looks smooth without feeling overworked.
