 
Unwanted facial hair ranges from soft peach fuzz to darker, coarse chin hairs. The best way to remove it, dermaplaning or facial waxing, depends on your hair type, how sensitive your skin is and whether you would also like the glow that comes with exfoliation.
The biggest difference is how each method works. Dermaplaning removes fine hair at the skin’s surface while gently lifting dead skin cells. Facial waxing pulls hair out from the follicle. Both leave skin feeling smooth, but they serve different goals.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz and exfoliates in one gentle step.
- ✓Waxing pulls hair from the root and suits selected coarse hairs.
- ✓Dermaplaning does not make hair grow back thicker or darker.
- ✓For coarse hair that keeps returning, laser hair removal offers a longer-term option. Book a consultation.
What Is Professional Dermaplaning?
Professional dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade, held at a careful angle, to remove dead surface cells and fine vellus hair, also known as peach fuzz. Because it clears both at once, skin feels smoother right away.
- ✓Removes peach fuzz
- ✓Gently exfoliates dull surface skin
- ✓Leaves skin smooth and soft to the touch
- ✓Helps makeup go on more evenly
- ✓Brightens the look of the complexion
- ✓No pulling hair from the follicle
When Facial Waxing Makes Sense
Waxing removes hair from the follicle, so regrowth follows a different pattern from dermaplaning. It can be useful for coarse upper-lip hair, selected chin hairs and small defined areas when you prefer removal from the root.
Waxing can irritate sensitive skin. Redness, irritated follicles, skin lifting and temporary pigment changes can happen in some people, especially when skin is already thinned by certain products.
Dermaplaning vs Facial Waxing at a Glance
| Dermaplaning | Facial waxing | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A sterile blade removes surface hair and dead skin | Wax pulls hair from the follicle |
| Best for | Fine peach fuzz, dullness, rough texture | Selected coarse hairs in small areas |
| Exfoliation | Yes, in the same step | Minimal |
| Sensitive skin | Avoid over active acne or broken skin | Use caution with retinoids or a weak skin barrier |
PURE MEDICAL SPA CHICAGO
Smooth, Glowing Skin Starts Here
Our aestheticians will match the right treatment to your hair type and skin.
Which Is Better for Sensitive Skin?
There is no single answer. Dermaplaning involves light, controlled contact between a blade and the skin’s surface. Waxing applies product and pulls hair from the root. If your skin is sunburned, broken, irritated or inflamed, either option may need to wait.
People using retinoids should be especially careful with waxing. FDA labeling for adapalene advises against waxing treated skin, because increased sensitivity can lead to irritation or skin injury. Tell your aesthetician about every product you use, including prescriptions.
A Longer-Term Option for Coarse Facial Hair
If coarse chin or lip hair keeps coming back, laser hair removal reduces regrowth over a series of sessions instead of removing hair one visit at a time. Compare the two in laser hair removal vs waxing. If new coarse hair appears suddenly, our guide to hormonal facial hair explains when to check with a doctor.
Dermaplaning at PURE Medical Spa
Dermaplaning is a great fit when your main goals are softer peach fuzz and smoother, brighter skin. At your visit, your aesthetician checks for sensitivity, irritation and active breakouts before treatment. You can book it on its own or add it to a facial; see dermaplaning alone vs a full facial to choose.
Book online or call or text 312.312.7873.
Visit PURE Medical Spa Across Chicagoland
PURE Medical Spa welcomes you at five convenient clinics in Chicago and the suburbs. Ask our team which location offers dermaplaning and pick the visit that fits your schedule.
PURE Medical Spa Gold Coast (N. Dearborn), Chicago
875 N Dearborn St, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60610
Book OnlineCall or Text 312.312.7873Naperville 331.283.0440
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dermaplaning or waxing better for facial peach fuzz?
Dermaplaning is usually the better fit for peach fuzz, because it removes fine vellus hair and exfoliates dead skin in the same visit. Waxing pulls hair from the follicle and suits coarser hair better.
Should I choose dermaplaning or waxing for coarse chin hair?
Coarse hair responds better to methods that remove or reduce hair at the root, such as waxing or laser hair removal. Dermaplaning is designed for fine surface hair. New or increasing coarse facial hair is worth mentioning to a medical professional.
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
No. Cutting a hair at the surface does not change the follicle, so peach fuzz grows back soft and fine.
Is dermaplaning or facial waxing better for sensitive skin?
It depends on your skin and products. Waxing can irritate skin that uses retinoids, while dermaplaning should be skipped over active acne or broken skin. A quick assessment helps you choose.
How much does dermaplaning cost compared with facial waxing?
The services do different things, so prices differ. Dermaplaning includes exfoliation as well as hair removal, and it can be booked alone or added to a facial. Ask our team for current pricing.
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Say Goodbye to Peach Fuzz
Book dermaplaning and enjoy smoother, brighter skin.
Safety note: Avoid dermaplaning over active infection, open wounds, significant irritation or inflamed acne. Take extra care with waxing if your skin barrier is damaged or you use retinoids. Seek medical advice for severe pain, blistering, swelling, drainage, spreading redness or lasting discoloration after hair removal.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Using cosmetics safely
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Differin (adapalene) prescribing information
