After months of sunscreen, sweat, heat and sun exposure, skin can emerge from summer looking a little less glowy than it did going in. Enter dermaplaning, the exfoliating treatment that removes dead surface cells and peach fuzz in one pass — and happens to be particularly well-timed for the end of summer.

“The number one misconception I hear is that dermaplaning is just shaving your face. It’s not even close,” says Kerry Benjamin, aesthetician and founder of StackedSkincare. “Shaving cuts hair at the surface and that’s it. Dermaplaning is treatment-level exfoliation — you’re removing the dead skin buildup that dulls your complexion and prevents your serums from absorbing. Hair removal is a side effect, not the goal.”

That buildup can be especially noticeable after summer. Dara Levy, founder of Dermaflash, points to dullness, uneven-looking pigmentation and more visible facial hair as some of the season’s lingering effects.

“End of summer is one of my favorite times to talk about dermaplaning, because so many of us are dealing with the after-effects of the season, dullness, buildup, and dark spots that always seem to show up even if you’re diligent about wearing sunscreen,” says Levy. “And it’s not just dark spots. In the summer, the bright sunlight has a way of catching every fine hair on your face and showing up in photos.”

Dermaplaning removes that peach fuzz immediately while exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin cells, which can leave skin looking smoother and more even. Levy says consistent exfoliation can also help improve the appearance of discoloration over time. Dermaflash’s independent clinical testing of its LUXE+ device found that after once-weekly use for four weeks, 97 percent of testers had less visible fine lines and wrinkles and 94 percent had a reduced appearance of dark spots.

“As an aesthetician, dermaplaning has always been my favorite treatment — in the spa or at home — because the results are immediate,” says Benjamin. “The skin is instantly smoother, products absorb better, makeup goes on flawlessly.”

For at-home dermaplaning, technique matters. Levy recommends starting with thoroughly cleansed, completely dry skin and a fresh blade or edge each time. Hold the device at approximately a 45-degree angle and work in short, light strokes rather than repeatedly scraping over the same area.

And don’t waste that freshly exfoliated canvas. “Afterward is when your skincare works hardest, so this is the moment to layer on the good stuff,” says Levy. She favors hydrating and brightening ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide after dermaplaning.

One persistent dermaplaning rumor can also officially be retired: removing peach fuzz won’t cause it to return darker or thicker. “If you stop dermaplaning, your peach fuzz will grow back exactly the same,” Levy says.

For anyone staring down September with skin that looks a little duller, rougher or fuzzier than it did in June, dermaplaning may be one of the simplest ways to hit reset — with the added bonus that your fall skincare and makeup have a much smoother surface to work with.

6 DERMAPLANING TOOLS TO TRY – SHOP THE GUIDE

DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning Set

The high-tech option for anyone serious about making dermaplaning part of their regular routine. The rechargeable LUXE+ uses sonic technology and a MicroFine Edge with a safety cage to help remove peach fuzz and dead surface skin while minimizing the risk of nicks. Founder Dara Levy recommends using it once a week with a fresh Edge on clean, completely dry skin. dermaflash.com.

StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Face Exfoliating Tool

Created by aesthetician Kerry Benjamin, this sleek manual tool pairs a weighted aluminum handle with replaceable surgical stainless-steel blades. The substantial handle makes it easier to control the angle and pressure, while separate precision blades are available for smaller areas like around the brows and upper lip. stackedskincare.com.

Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth Sonic Dermaplaning Tool

Another tech-forward option, Sonicsmooth uses sonic technology and single-use safety tips to exfoliate and remove facial hair. The rechargeable device comes with multiple speed settings, making it easy to adjust the intensity as you get comfortable with at-home dermaplaning. michaeltoddbeauty.com.

Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand

Proof that you don’t need to spend hundreds to get in on dermaplaning. This affordable tool has a weighted, ergonomic handle and stainless-steel blades with micro-guards designed to offer extra protection against slips and nicks. It’s easy to maneuver around smaller areas of the face, making it an especially good entry point for beginners. schick.com.

Tweezerman Facial Razor

Simple, sleek and refreshingly low-tech, Tweezerman’s stainless-steel facial razor is an easy way to remove peach fuzz and lightly exfoliate without investing in an electronic device. The reusable handle works with replaceable blades, making this a solid middle ground between disposable razors and pricier dermaplaning systems. tweezerman.com.