If you are wondering what dermaplaning is and whether it is worth trying in Colorado Springs, the short answer is that it is a gentle exfoliating treatment where a trained provider uses a sterile blade to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair, leaving your skin smooth, soft, and more receptive to skincare and makeup. Many people in creative fields like makeup, photography, design, and performance use it to keep their skin looking even and camera ready. You can see what a local service looks like by checking out dermaplaning Colorado Springs, which gives a clear idea of how it fits into a broader skincare routine. Visit Alluring Aesthetics for the best facial treatment.
That is the practical version. But if you care about art and making things, skin can feel like more than a surface. It can feel like part of your work. The way light hits your face in a studio, or how pigment sits on your skin for a shoot, matters more than people admit.
Dermaplaning is one of those simple treatments that sounds a bit strange at first, yet makes a quiet difference. No big drama, no instant “new person” feeling. Just a cleaner texture, less fuzz, and a base that behaves better when you work on it, whether that is makeup, body paint, or just how you look in your own sketch references.
What dermaplaning actually is (without the fluff)
At its core, dermaplaning is pretty straightforward. A licensed provider uses a sterile, single use surgical blade held at a shallow angle to your skin and gently moves it across your face. That motion removes:
- The outer layer of dead skin cells
- Fine vellus hair, often called peach fuzz
There is no chemical peel involved. No needles. No long recovery.
I used to imagine it like shaving, which it sort of is, but not exactly. Shaving focuses on hair. Dermaplaning focuses on surface texture and tone, and the hair removal is almost a side benefit. The goal is not to change your face, but to clear what is sitting on top of it.
Dermaplaning is less about giving you a new face and more about letting your real skin show up without extra noise on the surface.
People in the arts sometimes care about that “noise” more than others. If your work involves lighting, color, close up shots, or live performance, texture starts to matter quite a bit.
Why creatives in Colorado Springs keep hearing about dermaplaning
Colorado Springs has a mix of sun, altitude, and dry air that can make skin look a bit tired. You probably know the feeling. You spend all day in a studio or a gallery, then step outside into bright, dry air and wind. Sunscreen helps, of course, but it adds another layer that collects on your skin.
If you create or perform, your face can become part of your work in several ways:
- You model for your own reference photos or videos
- You perform on stage under strong lighting
- You do makeup looks for photography, cosplay, or character studies
- You attend openings, readings, or shows where people meet you in person
Dermaplaning helps with all of that by making your surface smoother so light and color behave in a more predictable way.
Think of dermaplaning as surface prep, the way you might stretch and prime a canvas before painting, or sand a wood panel before applying ink.
That comparison is not perfect, but it is close enough. You do not change the material. You just get it ready to hold work more cleanly.
How dermaplaning feels from the treatment chair
If the idea of a blade near your face makes you tense, that is normal. Most people expect something intense or painful. The reality is usually duller than the imagination, which is comforting.
Step by step what usually happens
Each location has its own flow, but the basic steps often look like this.
| Step | What usually happens | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | Brief chat about your skin, products, sensitivities, and any conditions. | Simple conversation, usually relaxed. |
| 2. Cleansing | Your face is cleaned to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oil. | Like a normal facial cleanse. |
| 3. Prep | Skin is dried fully. Sometimes a prep solution is used. | Neutral, no discomfort. |
| 4. Dermaplaning | Provider glides the blade in small strokes across the skin. | Light scraping or brushing sensation. Many describe it as oddly soothing. |
| 5. Soothing care | Hydrating serums, maybe a mask, moisturizer, and sunscreen. | Cooling, soft, usually the favorite part. |
The session is often around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether you pair it with a facial. There is no real downtime. Your skin may look a bit flushed for an hour, then it settles.
When I first tried it, I kept waiting for a “sharp” feeling. Instead, it felt more like someone using a small spatula with a gentle scrape. Not painful, just… present. I was more aware of the sound than the sensation, like a faint brushing noise.
What dermaplaning actually does for your skin
Stripping away the marketing talk, dermaplaning mainly affects three areas.
Smoother texture
Dead skin cells collect on the surface and catch light in uneven ways. After dermaplaning, light reflects more evenly. That can help:
- Reduce the look of shallow fine lines
- Softly blur old acne marks at the surface level
- Make complexion look a bit more uniform
It will not erase deep scars or change the structure of your skin, but it can reduce that “dull film” look that sometimes makes the face seem flat in photos.
Better product and makeup application
This part is practical. Without a layer of dead cells and fine hair, products can sit closer to your skin.
- Foundation and concealer glide on more evenly
- Highlighter looks smoother instead of clinging to tiny hairs
- Body or face paints can appear more opaque with less streaking
- Skincare such as serums can reach the surface more directly
If you use your own face as your “canvas” for tests, character studies, or performance looks, dermaplaning can give you a more predictable base to work on.
Temporary removal of peach fuzz
That soft facial hair that catches the light in profile can be distracting on camera, especially with side lighting or macro shots. Removing it:
- Reduces that halo of tiny hairs in close up photography
- Makes powder products lay flatter
- Helps creams blend without catching on hair
There is a common worry that hair will grow back darker or thicker. This is one of those myths that refuses to go away. Hair regrowth is based on the follicle and hormones, not the way it was cut at the surface. The hair grows back with the same thickness and color it had before.
How this connects to creative work in a non cheesy way
The usual beauty writing tends to sound a bit exaggerated. As if one treatment will “change your life”. That rarely happens. But for people who make or perform, small physical changes can have ripple effects in daily work.
Makeup artists and body painters
If you work with pigments, inks, or creams on faces, you know that surface matters more than most people think. On smooth skin, you can:
- Blend colors faster, which helps on timed shoots or shows
- Use less product to get the same opacity
- Build fine lines and small details without skipping over texture
Some makeup artists encourage their regular models or clients to keep a dermaplaning schedule, not because it is trendy, but because it saves time on set. Less patchiness, less patch fix.
Photographers, videographers, and performers
High resolution cameras, stage lighting, and close up framing all make texture more visible. You can retouch, of course, but that means time. And sometimes you want authenticity, not heavy editing, just a clean base.
When skin is freshly dermaplaned, you tend to see:
- Less uneven reflection on cheeks and forehead
- Smoother transitions where light wraps around the face
- More accurate color from makeup in RAW files
I have heard photographers say they notice it most around the jawline and side of the face where peach fuzz catches rim light. It sounds minor, but if you are shooting portraits or fine art pieces, minor things stack up.
Traditional artists, illustrators, and live drawing
If you model for your own reference shots, or do self portrait studies, your skin is part of how you study light and shadow. With fewer distractions on the surface, you can focus more on structure and value rather than being pulled by every little texture spot.
That does not mean you “must” have smooth skin to make good art. That would be absurd. But having the choice to present a clean base when you want to can feel useful, especially for projects where you want a softer look or a specific character style.
Dermaplaning vs other exfoliating methods
Sometimes people are already using scrubs or acids and wonder if dermaplaning is just the same thing with a different name. It is similar in goal, not in process.
| Method | How it works | Typical feel | Notes for creatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical scrubs | Grains or beads manually rub off dead cells. | Can feel rough or scratchy. | Easy to overdo, can irritate before important shoots. |
| Chemical exfoliants | Acids like AHA/BHA dissolve bonds between dead cells. | Mild tingle to strong sting, depending on strength. | Can cause redness or peeling if misused, which shows on camera. |
| Dermaplaning | Blade physically removes surface cells and peach fuzz. | Light scraping sensation, usually comfortable. | Instantly smoother makeup base, limited downtime. |
Many people combine methods, which is where trouble can start. For example, using strong chemical exfoliants at home and then booking dermaplaning too soon can leave skin more sensitive than it needs to be.
If your work or events depend on how your face looks, plan dermaplaning on a week where you are not also testing new active products or peels.
Who dermaplaning is good for, and who should pause
There is a tendency online to act like every treatment is for everyone. That is not true here.
People who tend to do well with dermaplaning
- Normal to dry skin types who want smoother texture
- People with fine facial hair that catches light in photos
- Those who use makeup regularly and want cleaner application
- Artists and performers who have frequent shoots or stage work
If you are dealing with surface dullness, mild unevenness, or just want better product absorption, dermaplaning can fit into a regular skincare rhythm.
People who might need to wait or skip
- Active cystic acne flare ups on the face
- Open cuts, sunburns, or raw irritation
- Certain skin conditions that react badly to friction, such as some forms of rosacea or eczema
If you are in the middle of a strong acne treatment plan or using prescription retinoids, a professional should guide timing. In some cases, dermaplaning is fine, in others it is not. This is where asking questions matters more than any article.
What to ask before booking in Colorado Springs
You do not need to become an expert, but asking a few direct questions can help you avoid guesswork.
Questions about the provider
- Are you licensed to perform dermaplaning in Colorado?
- How long have you been offering this treatment?
- Do you combine it with facials or keep it as a stand alone service?
Listen less for perfect scripts and more for clear, calm answers. If a provider cannot explain basic steps, that is not a good sign.
Questions about your skin and lifestyle
- Given my current products, do I need to stop anything before the treatment?
- How often would you suggest I come, based on my skin and budget?
- I work in [your field]. I have upcoming performances or shoots. When is the safest time to schedule around that?
Some providers have clients in performing arts, modeling, or media. They may already know how to time treatments around heavy schedules or important shows.
How often to get dermaplaning if you are in a creative field
This is where people often go to extremes. Either they want it every week, or they worry once a month is “too much”. Skin renews itself in cycles, usually around 3 to 4 weeks for many adults. That is why dermaplaning is often planned on a similar cycle.
For artists and performers, a workable pattern might look like this.
| Frequency | Who it might fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every 4 weeks | People with regular shows, shoots, or on camera work. | Keeps surface consistently smooth without overdoing it. |
| Every 6 to 8 weeks | Those who want occasional texture reset. | Good for seasonal projects or busy budgets. |
| Before major projects | People who only need it before big events or exhibitions. | Helps for launch photos, headshots, or important appearances. |
Getting it more often than every 3 to 4 weeks can start to stress the skin, especially in a dry climate. The point is to support the natural cycle, not override it.
Pre and post care for people who use their face in their work
There are many long routines online that can feel overwhelming. You do not need a 20 step plan.
Before your appointment
- Pause strong exfoliating acids for several days unless your provider says otherwise
- Avoid new retinol or retinoid products in the days leading up to it
- Skip waxing on the face in the week before your visit
Think of it this way: if your skin already feels irritated or thin, it is not the week for dermaplaning.
After your appointment
- Use gentle cleanser and a simple moisturizer
- Wear broad spectrum sunscreen daily, especially in Colorado sun
- Avoid heavy scrubs or acids for at least several days
- Keep makeup light right after, if possible, so skin can breathe
For performers, planning treatment a few days before an event gives your skin time to settle into that soft, balanced state. Some people look best on day 2 or 3 after dermaplaning rather than the same day.
Common fears and honest answers
Since you asked for an honest take, here are some of the most common concerns people mention, with simple responses.
“Will my hair grow back darker or thicker?”
No. Dermaplaning slices hair at the surface. It does not reach or affect the follicle. When it grows back, the tip can feel a bit blunt at first, so you might notice it more with your fingers, but it is the same hair you had before.
“Will my skin get dependent?”
“Is it safe to try at home?”
If your face is part of your work, and if you have an event or project coming, trusting a trained provider is usually less risky than self experimenting right before something important.
Dermaplaning as part of a larger self care rhythm for creatives
There is a strange pattern many artists fall into. Hours on a project, skipping meals, ignoring posture, forgetting skincare. Then suddenly noticing themselves in a mirror under strong gallery or stage lighting and feeling surprised, sometimes in a way that does not feel good.
Dermaplaning will not fix burnout or stress. It cannot touch deeper things like body image or self doubt. But it can be one small part of a more regular care routine that respects the fact that your face and body show up with your work.
You do not have to treat skincare as vanity. You can treat it as maintenance for one of the tools you use every day: your own presence.
For some, booking a monthly or seasonal treatment creates a natural check in point. A moment where you pause, let someone else take care of a small piece of your life, and walk out with a surface that feels a bit clearer. That is not essential for art, but it is not pointless either.
Questions artists often ask, answered simply
Q: Will dermaplaning make my skin look “too perfect” for realistic reference photos?
A: Not really. It smooths surface texture and removes fuzz, but it does not erase pores, natural expression lines, or underlying structure. You can still capture real skin, just without the extra film of dead cells and tiny hairs catching light in distracting ways.
Q: How far ahead of a show or opening should I book?
A: Many people like 2 to 5 days before an important event. That gives time for any minor redness to fade and lets skincare settle. If you are very sensitive, test this timing once on a week where nothing critical is happening so you learn how your own skin responds.
Q: If I can only afford one “treat” for my skin, is dermaplaning a good choice?
A: That depends on your skin goals. If you want smoother makeup and a more even surface for photos or performance, dermaplaning can be a good single service. If you are dealing with deeper issues such as persistent acne or pigmentation, a targeted treatment plan might give more long term change. You do not have to pick the “fanciest” option, you just need the one that matches what bothers you most when you see yourself in your work.