Dermaplaning in Chicago: Smoother, Brighter Skin in One Visit

Dermaplaning gently lifts away dead skin cells and peach fuzz with a sterile blade, so your skin looks brighter, feels softer and takes makeup and skincare beautifully. There is no downtime and nothing to numb. Here is how it works, what it can and cannot do, how it compares with waxing and laser, and where to book at our five Chicago-area clinics.

30 to 45 minno numbing needed
No downtimeback to your day
5 clinicscity and suburbs

How It Works Book Dermaplaning

Smiling woman with long brown hair and smooth, glowing skin touching her jawline

Dermaplaning at a glance

Method: Sterile single-use blade
Visit: About 30 to 45 min
Feels like: Light scraping, no numbing
Downtime: None
Results: Right away, about 3 to 4 weeks
Repeat: Every 3 to 4 weeks

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation treatment. Your provider holds a sterile, single-use surgical blade at a shallow angle and uses short, feather-light strokes to lift away the top layer of dead skin cells along with vellus hair, the fine, soft “peach fuzz” most of us have on the face. The result is skin that looks brighter, feels smooth to the touch and reflects light more evenly.

What it removes, and what it does not

Dermaplaning works on the very surface. It is excellent for dullness, rough dry patches, peach fuzz and a smoother makeup base. It does not reach deep enough to change acne scars, deep wrinkles or stubborn pigment. Those respond better to microneedling or a chemical peel, and your provider will tell you honestly which fits your goal.

Will the hair grow back thicker?

No. This is the most common worry, and it is a myth. Dermaplaning cuts the fine hair at the surface without touching the follicle, so it grows back with the same color and softness. Darker, coarser hair on the chin or upper lip is a different kind of hair, and laser hair removal is the better long-term option for it.

Provider dermaplaning a client's forehead with a sterile blade

Why See a Professional

Professional Dermaplaning vs a Home Razor

Home face razors are popular, but they mostly remove hair. A trained provider uses a sterile surgical blade, keeps the skin taut and adjusts the angle and pressure for each area, so dead cells come away evenly with the hair and the skin barrier stays protected.

Your visit also starts with a skin check. Your provider skips any irritated, broken or inflamed areas, works around blemishes and moles, and tells you whether dermaplaning is right for your skin today.

Every PURE dermaplaning treatment uses a new, sterile, single-use blade.

What It Helps

What Dermaplaning Does for Your Skin

The reasons Chicago clients book it most often.

Peach Fuzz

Removes the soft vellus hair that traps oil and makeup and catches the light.

Dull, Tired Skin

Lifts the layer of dead surface cells that makes skin look flat and grey, especially in winter.

Smoother Makeup

Foundation and concealer glide on evenly, with less caking around fine hairs.

Better Skincare Absorption

Serums and moisturizers reach fresh skin instead of sitting on a dead layer.

Rough, Dry Patches

Softens flaky, uneven texture caused by dry Chicago winters and indoor heat.

Event-Ready Glow

An instant, camera-friendly finish before weddings, photos and big nights out.

Areas We Treat

Where Dermaplaning Is Done

Dermaplaning is a facial treatment. Your provider treats each area with its own angle and pressure.

Forehead

Smooths the T-zone and the fine hair near the hairline.

Cheeks

The largest area, where peach fuzz and dullness show most.

Upper Lip

Fine, soft hair above the lip, without the sting of waxing.

Chin

Soft hair and rough texture on the chin.

Jawline and Sideburns

Blends the edge of the face for an even finish.

Around the Nose

Careful, small strokes beside the nose where flakes collect.

We do not dermaplane the eyelids, lips or over active breakouts. Men can have dermaplaning on areas outside the beard.

Your Visit

What Happens During Dermaplaning

Plan on 30 to 45 minutes, or about an hour with a HydraFacial or peel.

Step 1
Skin check and cleanse
Your provider looks at your skin, asks about products and recent shaving or waxing, then cleanses and dries the face.
Step 2
Gentle blade strokes
Holding the skin taut, the provider uses short, feather-light strokes with a sterile, single-use blade, area by area.
Step 3
Optional add-on
If you booked a HydraFacial or a peel, it follows now, on freshly exfoliated skin.
Step 4
Soothe and protect
A calming serum, moisturizer and SPF finish the visit. You can go straight back to your day.

Glow Combinations

Treatments That Pair Well With Dermaplaning

Because dermaplaning removes the dead layer that blocks products and treatments, it is often used to prepare the skin for the next step.

Dermaplaning + HydraFacial

Dermaplaning clears the dead layer and peach fuzz first, so the HydraFacial cleanse, extractions and serums reach fresh skin. A favorite for congested, dehydrated or dull skin.

About HydraFacial →

Dermaplaning + a light peel

With the surface layer gone, a light peel can penetrate more evenly, which helps with dullness, light dark spots and rough texture. Your provider picks a gentle strength for your skin.

About chemical peels →

Dermaplaning between microneedling sessions

Microneedling builds collagen for scars and texture, while regular dermaplaning keeps the surface smooth and bright. They are planned on separate visits, never the same day.

About microneedling →

Not sure what to pair?

Tell us your skin goals and your provider will suggest whether dermaplaning alone or a combination suits you best.

Book a free consultation →

Not sure which combination suits your skin? Book a free consultation and your provider will build a plan around your goals.

Is It Right for You?

Who Dermaplaning Suits

Most skin types can enjoy dermaplaning. A quick skin check confirms it on the day.

Often a great fit

Dull, tired or uneven-looking skin
Peach fuzz that shows under makeup or in photos
Dry, flaky winter skin
Most skin tones and types, including sensitive skin
Anyone who wants a glow before an event
Pregnant clients who want a chemical-free treatment

Best to wait or discuss first

Active, inflamed acne or a cold sore in the area
Sunburn, open cuts or fresh irritation from shaving or waxing
A flare of rosacea, eczema or psoriasis on the face
Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6 months
Prescription retinoids used in the last few days
Dark, coarse hair you want gone long term (laser suits it better)

Aftercare

What to Expect After Dermaplaning

There is no real downtime, but a few simple steps keep your skin calm and glowing.

Same day
Smooth and bright
Skin feels soft right away. A few people look slightly pink for an hour or two.
Day 1
Makeup back on
Most people wear makeup again from the next day, on a smooth, even base.
Days 2 to 3
Ease back in
Restart acids, scrubs and retinoids after 2 to 3 days if your skin feels calm.
Weeks 3 to 4
Time to repeat
Fine hair and surface cells return gradually, so most people rebook at 3 to 4 weeks.

Compare

Dermaplaning vs Waxing, Shaving and Laser

Four ways to deal with facial hair, and what each one is really for.

	Professional dermaplaning	Facial waxing	At-home razor	Laser hair removal
Removes	Peach fuzz and dead surface cells	Hair from the root, some surface skin	Hair only	Reduces hair growth over a series
Best for	Fine, soft facial hair and dull skin	Brows and thicker hair	Quick touch-ups	Dark, coarse hair on the lip, chin and jaw
Exfoliation	Yes, even and controlled	Uneven, can lift skin	Minimal	No
Comfort	Painless	Stings	Painless, risk of nicks	Quick snaps with cooling
Lasts	About 3 to 4 weeks	About 3 to 5 weeks	A few days	Long-term reduction after a series

Read our guides on dermaplaning vs facial waxing and dermaplaning vs laser hair removal.

Prep and Aftercare

Before and After Your Visit

Simple steps that keep dermaplaning comfortable and the results even.

Before your visit

Pause retinol, acids and scrubs for 3 to 5 days
Avoid sunburn, tanning and waxing for a week
Tell us when you last shaved your face
Arrive without makeup if you can
Let us know about cold sores, medications or pregnancy

After your visit

Use a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturizer
Wear SPF 30 or higher every day, as fresh skin burns more easily
Wait until the next day for makeup
Skip acids, scrubs and retinoids for 2 to 3 days
Avoid saunas, steam rooms and pools for 24 hours

Dermaplaning Through the Chicago Seasons

Winter is when many clients book their first dermaplaning. Cold wind outside and dry indoor heat leave skin flaky and dull, and moisturizer seems to sit on top. Removing that dead layer once a month lets your winter skincare actually reach your skin.

Before events and photos

Because there is no downtime, dermaplaning is a favorite two to five days before a wedding, holiday party or photo shoot. Makeup sits flat and smooth, and skin catches the light. If you are planning a peel or microneedling too, book those earlier so your skin has time to settle.

In summer

Dermaplaning is fine year round, but freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Wear SPF 30 or higher daily and avoid long stretches by the lake for a few days after your visit.

Pricing and Savings

How Dermaplaning Pricing Works

One clear price at every PURE clinic. PURE memberships also include dermaplaning as a monthly treatment option.

This Month

Dermaplaning $99 (Regular $149)

Our current offer at all five PURE clinics. Ask about pairing it with a HydraFacial or a light peel at a free consultation.

Book Dermaplaning

Pair It

Plan a Glow Combination

Dermaplaning pairs well with a HydraFacial or a light peel. Book a free consultation and your provider will suggest the right plan.

Book a Free Consult

Membership

Save All Year

PURE members save on wrinkle relaxers and facials with one simple monthly plan.

Compare Plans

Five Clinics

Dermaplaning Near You

Every PURE clinic offers dermaplaning with the same standards. Each clinic page covers what clients there ask about most.

Gold Coast

875 N Dearborn St, Suite 300, Chicago

Near River North, Streeterville, Old Town

Dermaplaning in Gold Coast →

Roscoe Village

2152 W Roscoe St, Chicago

Near Lakeview, Lincoln Square, North Center

Dermaplaning in Roscoe Village →

Skokie

4801 Golf Rd, Suite 200, Skokie

Near Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview

Dermaplaning in Skokie →

Oak Brook

17W506 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace

Near Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Elmhurst

Dermaplaning in Oak Brook →

Naperville

1620 Pebblewood Ln, Suite 124, Naperville

Near Aurora, Lisle, Wheaton

Dermaplaning in Naperville →

FAQ

Dermaplaning Questions, Answered

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a professional exfoliation treatment. A trained provider holds a sterile, single-use surgical blade at a shallow angle and gently glides it across the skin to lift away dead surface cells and the fine, soft facial hair known as peach fuzz. Skin looks brighter and feels smoother straight away.

Will my hair grow back thicker or darker after dermaplaning?

No. Dermaplaning cuts the fine vellus hair at the surface and does not change the follicle, so it grows back with the same color and texture as before. The soft blunt tip can feel slightly different for a day or two as it grows, but it is not thicker.

Does dermaplaning hurt?

No. Most people describe a light scraping or tickling feeling. No numbing is needed, and the treatment is very relaxing for most clients.

How long does a dermaplaning appointment take?

Dermaplaning on its own takes about 30 to 45 minutes. When it is added to a HydraFacial or a peel, plan for about an hour.

Is there any downtime after dermaplaning?

There is no real downtime. Some people look a little pink for a few hours. You can go back to work or your plans the same day, and most people wait until the next day to wear makeup.

How often should I get dermaplaning?

Every 3 to 4 weeks works for most people. That matches the skin's natural renewal cycle and gives peach fuzz time to grow back. Treating more often than that can over-exfoliate the skin.

How long do dermaplaning results last?

The smooth, bright finish usually lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, until new surface cells build up and fine hair grows back.

Can I dermaplane if I have acne?

Not over active, inflamed breakouts, because the blade can irritate them and spread bacteria. If your skin is calm with only a few small blemishes, your provider will work around them. For active acne, a peel plan is usually the better place to start.

Is professional dermaplaning better than doing it at home?

A home razor removes hair, but a provider uses a sterile surgical blade, the right angle and pressure for each area, and checks your skin first. That gives a more even exfoliation with less risk of nicks, irritation and breakouts. Read dermaplaning after face shaving for more.

What is the difference between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion?

Both exfoliate the surface. Dermaplaning uses a blade, so it also removes peach fuzz. Microdermabrasion uses a fine abrasive tip and suction and does not remove hair. Dermaplaning is often preferred for a smooth makeup base and sensitive skin.

Can dermaplaning be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Dermaplaning is often done just before a HydraFacial or a light peel, because removing the dead layer helps the next treatment work more evenly. It can also be planned between microneedling sessions on separate visits. Book a free consultation to find the right combination for your skin.

Can I have dermaplaning while pregnant?

Plain dermaplaning uses no chemicals, heat or light, so it is often a comfortable choice during pregnancy. Some peels and serums used alongside it are not. Tell your provider you are pregnant so they can adjust your plan.

How much does dermaplaning cost in Chicago?

Our current dermaplaning price is shown in the pricing section on this page and is the same at all five PURE clinics. Dermaplaning is also a monthly treatment option in PURE memberships, and it can be added to a HydraFacial or peel.

Plan Your Visit

Book Dermaplaning at PURE

Choose your clinic and a time that suits you. Want it with a HydraFacial or a peel? Add a note and your provider will plan it with you.

On its own, with a HydraFacial or with a peel
About 30 to 45 minutes, no downtime
Open at all five PURE clinics

Prefer to talk? Call 312.312.PURE

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