If you are wondering what dermaplaning actually is and whether it is worth trying in Colorado Springs, the simple answer is this: dermaplaning is a gentle, manual exfoliation treatment that uses a small blade to remove dead skin and fine facial hair, and yes, many people here find it very helpful for smoother, brighter skin. If you want to skip straight to trusted providers, one place to look for dermaplaning Colorado Springs services is that link, but let us slow down a little and talk through what this treatment really feels like, how it fits into a vintage-inspired beauty routine, and what you can realistically expect. For more information on acne facial Colorado Springs, keep on reading.
What dermaplaning actually is, in plain language
Dermaplaning is simple. An esthetician uses a sterile, single use blade that looks a bit like a tiny scalpel. They hold your skin tight and lightly glide the blade over your face at an angle.
This removes:
- Dead skin cells sitting on the surface
- Fine vellus hair, often called peach fuzz
- Some built up product residue and dullness
There is no suction, no chemicals, no needles. It is closer to a careful old school shave than a high tech procedure. In a way, it feels like a modern version of the classic barbershop straight razor shave, just done with a focus on skin texture and glow instead of beards.
Dermaplaning is basically precise, controlled shaving for your face, done by a trained pro, with the goal of smoother skin and better product absorption.
The whole treatment usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes when it is part of a facial. The actual blade work is shorter than that, but you have cleansing and prep before, and calming products after.
Why people in Colorado Springs are drawn to it
Colorado Springs has dry air, higher altitude, and sun that feels stronger than you expect. Even if you are careful with sunscreen, skin can look a bit dull or flaky. Makeup clings to dry patches. Powder settles in little lines.
Dermaplaning helps with that in a very direct way. By removing the dead layer, your skin reflects light better. Creams and serums sit closer to the skin instead of on top of old cells. That glow people talk about is partly just better light reflection.
There is also a nostalgic angle that tends to appeal to people who like vintage things. The treatment does not rely on machines or long ingredient lists. It is a person, a blade, and a focus on technique. If you enjoy things like safety razors, straight razors, or old grooming rituals, dermaplaning can feel oddly familiar.
A vintage lover’s view: why dermaplaning feels a bit old fashioned
If you look at old Hollywood photos, skin often looks soft, almost airbrushed, even long before digital retouching. Some of that was lighting and film, but some came from grooming habits that we moved away from for a while.
Actresses used to shave their faces more than people talked about. Removing peach fuzz helped studio makeup lay smoothly under strong lights. The idea was not new at all. It was just not posted on social media back then.
Modern dermaplaning is a safer, more refined version of that practice:
- Professional tools instead of home razors
- Trained estheticians instead of guesswork
- Medical grade sanitation, which those early days clearly did not have
If you enjoy restoring old items or taking care of records, cameras, or clothing, you might appreciate the same spirit in skin care. There is something satisfying about regular, gentle maintenance instead of chasing quick fixes. Dermaplaning fits that slower, more intentional mindset quite well.
How a typical dermaplaning appointment flows
Every spa is slightly different, but most dermaplaning sessions in Colorado Springs follow a similar pattern.
1. Consultation and questions
When you arrive, your esthetician will usually:
- Ask about your skin type and current routine
- Check for recent peels, retinoid use, or sunburn
- Look at areas of texture, dryness, or breakouts
This is where you should speak up if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, active acne, or if you are using strong prescription creams. Not all skin is an ideal fit for dermaplaning every time.
If you feel rushed through this first part, that is a small red flag. A good esthetician will slow down and ask questions before picking up a blade.
2. Cleansing and prep
Your face is cleansed to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil. Some places will use a gentle enzyme or light prep solution to loosen dead cells. Your skin should feel clean but not tight.
Your esthetician will then dry the skin fully. The blade needs a smooth, dry surface to glide over. Any moisture can cause drag.
3. The actual dermaplaning
You will usually lie back on a treatment bed. The esthetician holds your skin firm with one hand and uses the blade with the other, working in short strokes.
Most people describe the feeling as a light scraping. Not painful, just unusual. If you have ever shaved your legs with a fresh razor and felt that super smooth slip afterward, dermaplaning feels like that, but for your face.
Areas covered often include:
- Cheeks
- Upper lip
- Chin and jaw
- Forehead
- Sometimes the sides of the nose
The esthetician pauses as needed to brush away removed hair and skin. The blade is always at a set angle to reduce risk of nicks.
4. Post treatment care and finishing steps
After the blade work, your skin may be slightly pink but should not feel raw. Your esthetician will often apply:
- Soothing toner or mist
- Hydrating serum
- Nourishing moisturizer
- Broad spectrum sunscreen
If this is part of a larger facial, you might also have a mask or light massage. The whole visit might run about an hour.
How much it costs in Colorado Springs
Prices vary by spa, esthetician experience, and what is included. To give you a rough idea, here is a simple comparison.
| Service type | What it usually includes | Approx price range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone dermaplaning | Cleanse, dermaplaning, basic serum, moisturizer, sunscreen | 60 to 90 |
| Dermaplaning facial | Deeper facial with mask, massage, dermaplaning, custom products | 90 to 150 |
| Add on to other facial | Short dermaplaning added to an existing facial service | 30 to 60 extra |
If you see prices that are dramatically lower than this, ask more questions. You want someone properly licensed, insured, and trained. A bargain does not always stay a bargain if you end up with irritation.
What dermaplaning helps with (and what it does not)
There is a tendency online to treat every skin treatment like a magic fix. Dermaplaning is helpful, but it is not a cure for everything.
Realistic benefits
Dermaplaning can help with:
- Softening rough or flaky texture
- Removing peach fuzz for smoother makeup
- Creating a brighter, more even looking surface
- Helping serums and moisturizers sink in more easily
- Giving a quick glow for events or photos
Think of dermaplaning as regular surface maintenance, not a complete repair. It polishes what you have, but it does not build new skin from the inside out.
Limits of dermaplaning
Dermaplaning does not:
- Erase deep wrinkles
- Remove significant hyperpigmentation
- Treat moderate to severe acne on its own
- Replace sunscreen, retinoids, or long term skin care
If someone promises that a single dermaplaning session will fix years of sun damage, that is not realistic. You might see a short term improvement in how your skin looks, but structure changes take longer and usually need other treatments.
The peach fuzz myth: will hair grow back thicker?
This is probably the number one concern. People worry that once they remove the fine hair, it will grow back darker or coarser.
The short answer is no. Dermaplaning cuts hair at the surface. It does not change the hair follicle or the root. When the hair grows back, it follows its natural pattern.
What can happen is that the blunt tip of cut hair may feel different as it grows out. Before, the hair tapered to a soft point. After cutting, it can feel more noticeable for a little while, especially if you are paying close attention. That is more a feeling issue than an actual change in thickness or color.
If you are still unsure, you can try a small test area first. For example, just one side of the face or part of the jawline. Watch how it grows for a few weeks, then decide if you want a full treatment.
How often to get dermaplaning in a dry, high altitude city
Dead skin cells renew on a cycle, usually around 28 to 30 days for many adults, sometimes longer with age. Dermaplaning more often than every 3 to 4 weeks is usually not needed and can irritate the skin.
In Colorado Springs, with the dry air, people often like a schedule such as:
- Every 4 weeks if your skin is normal to combination
- Every 5 to 6 weeks if your skin is sensitive
- Every 3 to 4 weeks if your main goal is makeup smoothness for work or events
If you notice increased redness, stinging when you apply products, or a feeling that your skin is thinner, that can mean you are doing too much. Spacing treatments out a bit more usually helps.
Who is not a good fit for dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is gentle for many people, but not everyone. Situations where you should pause or skip include:
- Active, inflamed acne with many raised pimples or cysts
- Open cuts, cold sores, or skin infections
- Recent chemical peel or laser treatment
- Very reactive rosacea flare up
- Certain blood thinning medications, depending on your doctors advice
If you fall into one of these groups, a different type of exfoliation or a gentler facial may be better. Or your esthetician may work around problem areas instead of over them.
How dermaplaning compares to other exfoliation methods
Many people in Colorado Springs already use scrubs, brushes, or acids at home. It can feel confusing to figure out what to keep and what to change when adding dermaplaning.
| Method | What it does | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermaplaning | Physically removes surface dead cells and peach fuzz | Smoother makeup, instant glow | Professional, precise, no downtime for most |
| Chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) | Dissolve bonds between dead cells | Texture, mild pigment, clogged pores | Can be used at home, but easy to overdo |
| Scrubs | Manual rubbing off of dead cells | Occasional polish for non sensitive skin | Rough scrubs can create micro tears |
| Microdermabrasion | Machine based exfoliation with crystals or diamond tip | Thicker or more resilient skin types | More intense, sometimes mild redness after |
You do not need all of these at the same time. In fact, combining them carelessly can cause irritation.
If you start dermaplaning, consider easing up on strong scrubs and high strength acids for at least a few days before and after each session.
Building a vintage inspired, skin friendly routine around dermaplaning
People who love nostalgic items often like routines that feel simple and repeatable. Dermaplaning works well as a monthly reset, with soft daily care in between.
Before your appointment
2 to 3 days before dermaplaning, you can:
- Skip harsh scrubs and strong acid peels
- Pause retinoids the night before, unless your provider says otherwise
- Use gentle cleanser and rich moisturizer to keep the skin comfortable
Coming in with sunburned or over exfoliated skin is not ideal. It is a bit like trying to polish a piece of vintage furniture that already has scratches from aggressive sanding. You do not want to strip more than needed.
Aftercare: simple and calm
Right after dermaplaning, your skin is more exposed to the environment. Basic aftercare usually includes:
- Physical or mineral sunscreen during the day
- Hydrating toner or mist if your skin likes it
- Gentle, fragrance free moisturizer
- Plenty of water and maybe a humidifier at home, especially in winter
For 1 to 3 days, try to avoid:
- Strong retinoids
- High strength acids
- Very hot showers or steam on the face
- Heavy, pore clogging makeup
This is a good time to lean into a classic, almost vintage style routine. Think simple soap or mild cleanser, one or two treatment products at most, and a cream that feels soothing instead of trendy.
How it feels if you love old objects and slow rituals
This part is more subjective, but I think it matters for anyone who cares about nostalgic things.
Dermaplaning itself is quick, but the way it fits into your month can feel like a small ritual. There is a rhythm:
- You book it on a regular schedule, like people once booked weekly hair sets.
- You prepare your skin a little, the same way someone might polish shoes before a big day.
- You enjoy that post treatment glow with a favorite lipstick or perfume that gives you a sense of era, maybe 1950s or 1960s.
There is a quiet joy in caring for your skin in a way that feels human and manual. No chasing an app, no complex device at home. Just a skilled pair of hands, tools that need no charging cable, and products that you can pronounce.
Of course, that might sound a bit romantic. Some people only care that makeup no longer clings to fuzz on their cheeks, and that is fine too.
Common mistakes people make with dermaplaning
Even a simple treatment can go wrong if handled carelessly. Some traps to avoid:
Trying to copy it at home without training
There are many cheap face razors online that look like mini dermaplaning tools. Shaving at home is your choice, but it is not the same thing as a full treatment:
- You cannot see your whole face clearly at the right angle.
- It is easy to overdo and create micro cuts.
- Blades are often reused more than they should be.
If you like home tools, keep your expectations lower and be gentle. Do not call it dermaplaning in the professional sense. That word should really refer to treatments done by trained practitioners.
Layering too many active products right after
There is a temptation to think: skin is freshly exfoliated, so this is the perfect time to pile on acids, retinol, vitamin C, and so on. That can backfire.
Your barrier needs a bit of kindness. Light serums and hydrating ingredients are usually enough immediately after. You can bring back stronger actives over the next few days, slowly.
Ignoring sunscreen in the Colorado sun
At altitude, UV exposure is stronger. Freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to that. Skipping sunscreen can undo some of what you are trying to achieve with dermaplaning.
A broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied if you are outdoors, matters more here than in many lower, more humid places. This part is not glamorous, but it is what keeps the glow from turning into new spots and fine lines.
Questions to ask before booking in Colorado Springs
If you are trying a new spa or esthetician, you can ask simple, direct questions. If they hesitate or give vague answers, you can decide if that bothers you.
- “How long have you been performing dermaplaning?”
- “Is the blade single use and opened fresh for each client?”
- “What skin types do you not treat with dermaplaning?”
- “Can you adjust the service if I have sensitive areas?”
- “What do you recommend I avoid before and after the appointment?”
A confident provider will usually welcome those questions. They may even add details you did not think to ask about, like how they disinfect tools or what to watch for at home.
Combining dermaplaning with other classic treatments
Many people in Colorado Springs like to pair dermaplaning with other services as part of a bigger skin plan instead of a one off visit.
- Hydrating facials: Good after a dry winter, to add moisture after exfoliation.
- Gentle enzyme masks: Can complement dermaplaning by softening remaining dead cells.
- LED light therapy: Some spas offer this to calm redness and support general skin health.
If you already follow routines inspired by earlier decades, such as weekly masks, a classic cold cream, or facial massage, dermaplaning can be a monthly upgrade that makes those rituals more effective. Old favorites often work better when they reach fresh skin.
What a long term dermaplaning habit feels like
One treatment will give a quick effect. Over 6 to 12 months, with a steady schedule, many people notice patterns like:
- Makeup goes on faster, with less product.
- Texture issues do not build up as much between appointments.
- They need less aggressive scrubs at home.
- Photos, especially in natural Colorado light, feel less stressful.
This is not dramatic, and you will still have normal skin days with small breakouts or dryness. Dermaplaning does not turn you into a porcelain doll. It just raises your baseline a little, if that makes sense, so that even “off” days look a bit better than they used to.
Is dermaplaning right for you if you love nostalgia and simple routines?
It might be, if you like the idea of:
- Hands on care instead of purely device based treatments
- A consistent, almost old fashioned schedule of maintenance
- Seeing your vintage style makeup sit on smooth skin without fuzz
It might not be your favorite, if you:
- Have very reactive or inflamed skin most of the time
- Prefer to avoid any blade on your face, even in trained hands
- Expect one service to erase long term texture and spots
There is also space for a middle ground. Some people try dermaplaning once or twice per year around special events, like a themed photoshoot, a vintage style wedding, or a convention where they plan to wear period makeup and hair. Others keep it as a regular part of their routine, like a recurring hair appointment.
Quick Q&A to wrap things up
Does dermaplaning hurt?
Most people say no. You may feel light scraping and a sense of tightness afterward, but it should not be painful. If it stings during the treatment, speak up right away.
How long does the smooth feeling last?
Usually around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your hair growth and skin cycle. The glow from better product absorption can last a bit longer, especially if you take care of your skin at home.
Can I wear makeup after dermaplaning?
Yes, many people do, especially for events. That said, some estheticians prefer that you let the skin breathe for the rest of the day. If you must wear makeup, choose lightweight products that are not heavy or fragranced.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, when done by a trained professional, dermaplaning is generally safe for all skin tones. Since it does not use heat or strong chemicals, the risk of pigment issues is lower than with some other treatments. Still, patchy irritation is possible if the skin is already stressed, so honest consultation is key.
What if I love vintage aesthetics but I am nervous about blades near my face?
That hesitation is reasonable. You can start by booking a different facial first, just to meet the esthetician and get a feel for their style. Ask them to explain dermaplaning in person, show you the tool, and walk through the steps. Sometimes seeing everything calmly explained removes a lot of the fear. If you still feel unsure after that, your skin can still look lovely with other classic methods, so you do not have to force it.