Does Your Face Feel Prickly After Dermaplaning
- 7 Causes & Tips
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Across the UK
Expert Team of
professionals
Award winning
Clinics Across the UK
Over 1 million Treatments
delivered
Rated 92%
on Trustpilot
9 Clinics
Across the UK
Dermaplaning is a popular skin treatment that leaves your face smooth and glowing.
But after the treatment, you might notice your face feels a little prickly or tingly. Don’t worry, this is common and usually harmless.
Yes, it’s common for your face to feel prickly after dermaplaning due to freshly exposed skin and hair regrowth.
This sensation is usually temporary and part of the natural healing process. Maintaining skin hydration and steering clear of harsh products can expedite relief.
In this post, we’ll break it all down in the simplest way possible: why that prickly feeling happens, how long it lasts, what to do about it, and when to call in the pros. And hey, if you're looking for a top-tier experience, Colaz’s dermaplaning treatment has your back (and your face). Let’s get into it!
Does Your Face Feel Prickly After Dermaplaning: 7 Key Reasons
Many people feel tingling or prickly skin after dermaplaning. This is because the top layer of dead skin and fine hair (peach fuzz) has just been removed, revealing fresh, sensitive skin underneath. Here’s why this happens:
- Hair grows back blunt: After dermaplaning, the fine facial hair is cut with a sharp blade.
It doesn’t grow back thicker, but it may feel stiffer because the ends are blunt instead of tapered. This can cause a slight prickly feeling as the hair regrows. - Sensitive skin after exfoliation: Your face has just been exfoliated, meaning the top dead skin layer is gone. The new skin is more sensitive and exposed. This can make it feel tingly when touched, even by wind or products.
- Dryness or tightness: Removing the top layer of skin can sometimes make your face feel dry or tight. Without enough moisture, your skin may feel rough or prickly. This is why moisturizing after treatment is so important.
- Tiny nicks or micro-cuts: While rare, small scratches can happen during dermaplaning. These tiny cuts aren’t usually visible, but they can make your face feel irritated or tingly.
How Long Does the Prickly Feeling Last?
Good news, this prickly sensation is temporary. Most people feel it for a short time after the treatment, and it fades on its own. Here’s what you can expect:
- Tingling right after treatment: Mild tingling is normal in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. It’s just your skin reacting to the exfoliation and becoming used to being freshly exposed.
- Prickly hair regrowth: Around day 5 to 7, you might feel a slight prickliness as the peach fuzz starts to grow back. The hair isn’t thicker, it just feels sharper due to the way it was cut.
This feeling typically subsides after a week. If it lasts longer, check in with your skincare expert.
What Can You Do to Soothe Your Skin?
Post-treatment care is crucial in minimizing discomfort. With a little care, you can calm the skin and prevent irritation. Here’s what you can do:
- Apply aloe vera: Aloe is a natural skin soother. It cools the skin, reduces redness, and eases that prickly sensation. Keep some chilled aloe gel on hand after your treatment.
- Use a gentle moisturizer: Choose a fragrance-free, soothing cream or lotion. Hydration helps lock in moisture and protect the new skin layer. This also helps reduce any tingling or dryness.
- Avoid harsh products: Skip acids, retinol, or intense exfoliators for at least 3 to 5 days. These can irritate the freshly exfoliated skin and cause stinging or breakouts.
- Stay out of the sun: Your skin is extra sensitive after dermaplaning. Sunlight can easily damage it or cause redness. Try to refrain from direct sunlight for several days.
- Use SPF daily: Always apply sunscreen after dermaplaning, even indoors. Opt for SPF 30 or above to safeguard your radiant, fresh skin. Clinics like Colaz also recommend daily SPF as part of your skincare routine.
Why Does Your Face Feel Prickly?
Feeling a slight tingling or prickly sensation after dermaplaning? That’s common! Your skin has just undergone exfoliation, and now it’s adjusting. Possible Causes:
- Freshly exfoliated skin: Your skin was covered in a thin layer of dead cells and fine hair. Removing them exposes the fresh layer underneath. This new skin might feel extra sensitive for a short time.
- Increased sensitivity: With no protective layer of fuzz, your skin reacts more to touch, temperature, and skincare products. This is why some people experience a slight stinging sensation when applying products after treatment.
- Temporary dryness: The exfoliation process can strip away some moisture from the skin, leaving it slightly dehydrated. This dryness can make your face feel tight or prickly until hydration is restored.
How Long Does It Last?
The prickly sensation is usually short-lived. Your skin needs time to adjust, but it should settle within a day or two. Helpful Tips:
- Apply a soothing moisturizer: Choose a gentle, hydrating cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. These help restore moisture and calm sensitivity.
- Avoid harsh products: Stay away from exfoliants, acids (like glycolic or salicylic), or strong skincare treatments for at least 48 hours. Your skin needs a break to recover.
- Use sunscreen: Freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Apply SPF 30 or higher to protect it from irritation and sun exposure.
When to Be Concerned
While mild prickliness is normal, anything beyond that might need attention. Watch for:
- Redness or swelling: If your skin remains red or swollen beyond 48 hours, you might be experiencing irritation or an allergic reaction to a product used during dermaplaning.
- Bumps or breakouts: Sometimes, clogged pores or bacteria can trigger small breakouts. If pimples appear after treatment, check your skincare routine to ensure you’re using clean, non-comedogenic products.
- Burning or pain: A mild tingling sensation is fine, but a burning feeling or prolonged discomfort isn’t. If pain increases instead of fading, consult a professional to rule out irritation or an allergic reaction.
Does Hair Grow Back Thicker?
One of the biggest dermaplaning myths is that it makes hair grow back thicker.
Let’s clear this up!
- Hair only feels thicker: The blade cuts the hair straight across, creating a blunt edge. This can make it feel thicker or rougher when you touch it, but it’s not growing thicker or faster.
- No change in speed or color: Your facial hair doesn’t grow faster or darker after dermaplaning. It comes back the same as before, soft, fine, and light.
- No stubble like leg hair: Facial peach fuzz is different from body hair. It won’t grow back like stubby leg hair. You’ll simply feel it during the early regrowth stage, and then it softens.
So, relax, your skin will stay smooth and lovely, not fuzzy or rough.
When Should You See a Professional?
Most prickly feelings are normal and fade fast. But if the feeling sticks around or gets worse, it’s best to talk to a skin specialist. Watch for these signs:
- Redness that lasts longer than 3 days: A little redness is normal right after dermaplaning, but if it stays or spreads, it may be a reaction.
- Itchy bumps or a rash: These could be signs of irritation, clogged pores, or an allergy to a product used during the treatment.
- Burning or swelling: This is not typical. If your face feels hot or swollen, it could be an infection or a more serious irritation.
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a clinic like Colaz. Their team can guide you and provide the right care.
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Conclusion
That little prickly feeling after dermaplaning? Normal and manageable, your skin is simply adjusting to being freshly exfoliated and free of peach fuzz. By following the right aftercare and exercising some patience, you’ll soon display your smooth, radiant skin.
Remember to keep your skin hydrated, skip harsh products, and apply SPF like it’s your job. And if anything feels off, there’s no shame in reaching out to the pros.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup, especially if your skin feels sensitive or prickly. Your pores are more open and your skin is freshly exfoliated, which means makeup can clog pores or lead to irritation. Give your skin a little break first; your foundation will apply more smoothly once your skin has calmed down.
Yes, people with thicker or darker vellus hair (peach fuzz) may feel slightly more “stubble-like” regrowth compared to those with finer hair. This doesn't mean the hair is growing back thicker; it’s just more noticeable during the early regrowth stage. If this is an issue, a skincare expert can customize a treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
Absolutely. It’s tempting, but touching or scratching your skin when it feels prickly can lead to irritation or even transfer bacteria. Let your skin heal naturally and focus on keeping it clean and moisturized instead. Hands off means faster healing and fewer breakouts!
For some people, yes. Dermaplaning eliminates the top skin layer and clears clogged pores. Occasionally, it may lead to a temporary breakout, particularly if your skin is acne-prone or you’re just starting with exfoliation. Typically, this reaction is brief and indicates your skin is adapting. Maintain a mild skincare regimen and seek professional advice if the breakout continues.
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