Many patients want to know how they can safely exfoliate their skin while also ridding themselves of the fine hair, or Vellus hair that covers the face. This hair is commonly known as peach fuzz, and for patients who want to remove it, there are a number of options.
Importance of Exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin is important to keep the dead skin away[74]. Allowing dead cells to accumulate results in dull, dry looking skin. It accentuates fine lines and wrinkles and can also cause congestion to form in the pores below. If the pore becomes blocked it becomes difficult for oil to escape, which can breed bacteria, and thus cause a breakout. Keeping the skin exfoliated also allows any skin product applied to the surface to better penetrate, which will give patients healthy, glowing skin. Patients may also find that make-up goes on much smoother after proper exfoliation.
Exfoliation and Fine Hair Removal for Face
There are many ways to exfoliate the skin, but for patients who also want to get rid of the little fine hairs on the face, there are three primary options: dermaplaning, shaving, or waxing.
Dermaplaning
Only a licensed skin professional should provide a dermaplaning treatment. With this treatment, professional aestheticians use a surgical blade or scalpel to remove the fine hairs along with the outer layer of dead skin. This method provides a much closer shave than a razor can provide. It cuts the hair at a perfect angle, so the hair is softer when it grows back[75].
Dermaplaning also provides deeper exfoliation for the skin than the other two options.
Waxing
Waxing options can be found at most spas, medi-spas, and even nail salons. There are also many types of waxes available, so patients may want to have a test spot waxed to make sure the skin won’t react negatively. Waxing is a great option, but patients need to be careful, because it can over exfoliate the skin causing hyperpigmentation, irritation, and even breakouts. If not done properly too much skin can be removed, leaving behind raw spots and potential scarring.
Shaving
Even for patients who don’t have dark hair on their face, many people use a razor to shave and exfoliate their faces. It goes without saying that shaving removes the hair, but the exfoliation from a razor is far less than that of dermaplaning or waxing. Shaving also blunts the end of the hair, which can lead to ingrown hairs and razor burn and will have a stubbly feel when it grows back. Patients may also find they have to shave much more frequently than they will need dermaplaning and waxing.
All three options offer the opportunity to both exfoliate the skin and get rid of peach fuzz, but as with any skincare treatment, patients should do their research before choosing the right option for them. As always, patients can come to WIFH for a free consultation to find out what treatments will work best for their skin.
