This $20 Tool Is the Gateway to Smooth, Baby-Soft Skin

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(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

As a beauty editor, my skincare routine is ever-evolving. New ingredients, products, and tools come across my desk faster than I can test them all (I know, hard life). As a result, there are aspects of my routine that I consider "normal" now, that would have seemed completely strange at the start of my career. Dermaplaning is one of them. 

Even though everyone and their mother are familiar with the practice now, I remember when I first learned about it all the way back when I was a beauty intern. I remember asking myself why I would ever shave my face. Wouldn't it irritate my skin? Wouldn't it cause my peach fuzz to grow back thicker? If only I could have seen myself now. These days, I have a small collection of dermaplaning tools that I use regularly and enthusiastically.

I recently added a new one to my collection, and I couldn't be happier with the results. At only $20, this dermaplaning tool works as well as others that are double or triple its price. Keep scrolling to see which one it is and learn why it's worthy of sitting atop your bathroom vanity. 

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

How Does Dermaplaning Benefit the Skin?

Aside from painless hair removal (which is a big deal), the main way dermaplaning benefits the skin is through exfoliation. As we know, regular exfoliation can do everything from improving skin texture to brightening tone to preventing breakouts, and more. To learn more about the exfoliation process, and the benefits dermaplaning can provide, I reached out to two skin experts.

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(Image credit: @versed)

I learned that there are two ways to exfoliate: chemical and physical. According to Alexia Wambua, esthetician and founder of Native Atlas, "chemical exfoliation uses a low dose of acids or enzymes to break down the bonds between the top layer of skin cells. Instead of physically scrubbing, chemical exfoliants loosen up dead skin and can penetrate the skin to loosen other impurities that can clog pores." 

Physical exfoliation is different. Let celebrity esthetician Candace Marino explain. "Physical exfoliation refers to anything that has an abrasive texture and requires a rubbing motion to slough away dead skin." Physical exfoliants include mitts, scrubs, and yes, dermaplaning. 

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(Image credit: @joannacoops)

Dermaplaning offers all the benefits of traditional physical exfoliation with an added bonus. "Dermaplaning also helps skincare products get absorbed better by removing the dead skin cells that block absorption," Wambua explains. "The 'shave' also tricks the skin into thinking that it's wounded, which promotes collagen production that decreases fine lines and scarring."

How Do I Safely and Effectively Use a Dermaplaning Tool?

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(Image credit: Versed)

When it comes down to it, dermaplaning is pretty easy. All it requires is a steady hand and the right skincare products. "For most skin types, I personally like to use a degreasing toner to remove oils to ensure a smooth glide of the blade across the skin," Marino says. "When someone has very dry skin, we can utilize a facial oil to saturate the skin and the blade will glide safely across the skin." 

Once your skin is adequately prepped, reach for your dermaplaning tool. "When dermaplaning at home, hold the blade at a 45-degree angle to prevent nicking yourself and to make sure that the layer of dead skin and peach fuzz is getting removed," Wambua says. "To prevent infection, always sterilize your dermaplaning tool and make sure the blade is sharp!" 

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(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Wambua has one note of caution. "I generally advise people with active acne or other inflammatory conditions to avoid dermaplaning, because the physical exfoliation can trigger flare-ups and spread bacteria." If you're someone who's struggling with active acne or any other inflammatory condition, check out our list of expert-approved chemical exfoliants

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

3 More Exfoliating Products from Versed

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Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.