Before You Pick Up the Blade: Dermaplaning Decisions Estheticians Need to Make

Dermaplaning is one of the most popular treatments in the esthetics treatment room, but is it appropriate for every client? In this episode of the Real Skin Pro Podcast, Lisa breaks down dermaplaning from a barrier-first, professional esthetics perspective. We’ll look beyond vellus hair removal and talk about what dermaplaning actually does to the stratum corneum, how it functions as a form of mechanical exfoliation, and why skin analysis should always come before picking up the blade. We’re also diving into dermaplaning and corneotherapy. If corneotherapy focuses on preserving and supporting the stratum corneum, where does a treatment that intentionally removes superficial corneocytes fit? Lisa shares why understanding corneotherapy doesn’t necessarily mean eliminating dermaplaning, but it can change how estheticians think about exfoliation, barrier health, and treatment selection. We’ll cover barrier impairment, sensitive skin, active acne and inflammation, home-care considerations, treatment stacking, dermaplaning technique, pressure, skin tension, and knowing when NOT to perform the treatment. Because being a skilled esthetician isn’t just about knowing how to perform a service. It’s knowing how to look at the skin in front of you and ask: Does this treatment make sense for this skin today? Perfect for licensed estheticians, esthetics students, new estheticians, and skin professionals who want to strengthen their skin analysis and treatment customization skills. **Resources & Links** **Real Skin Pro Treatment Room Companion App** Become a subscriber for instant access to skin analysis guides, treatment room resources, consultation tools, ingredient education, skin condition references, and continually updated professional education designed for licensed estheticians and esthetics students. 🔗 Subscribe here: https://www.realskinpro.com/app-landing-page **Website** Learn more about education, resources, workshops, coaching, and upcoming opportunities. 🔗 https://www.realskinpro.com 🎙 **Connect with Me** Instagram: @real\_skinpro  Private Facebook Group for Pros: https://www.facebook.com/groups/930389736385647 Email: lisa@realskinpro.com 📚 **Free Resources** Download free cheat sheets, educational tools, and other esthetics resources here: 🔗 https://www.realskinpro.com/app-landing-page ⭐ **Enjoying the podcast?** If this episode helped you become a more confident esthetician, I'd truly appreciate it if you would:  • Follow the podcast  • Leave a rating and review  • Share this episode with another esthetician or esthetics student Every share helps grow our professional community and allows me to continue creating free educational content for our industry. **Disclaimer:** This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Information shared is designed to support professional learning and should always be used within your scope of practice and in accordance with local laws and regulations. Real Skin Pro Education is dedicated to helping estheticians think differently, treat skin intentionally, and create real, lasting results. Follow along for more advanced skin education and insights. Instagram: @real\_skinpro