Dermaplaning aftercare: what to do in the first 72 hours
By FACIALS BY VANESSA CT SKIN JOURNEY! | October 22, 2026
Downtown Hartford / Riverfront district along Columbus Boulevard, near the Connecticut Science Center and convention center
Dermaplaning is a 60-minute service in my Hartford studio, and the best aftercare rule is simple: protect your fresh skin barrier and wear SPF 30+ every morning. Right after dermaplaning, your skin is smoother and more receptive, which is great, but it also means you want gentle products and zero extra exfoliation for a few days. If you’re in Downtown Hartford near the Riverfront, I’ll keep this easy and realistic so it fits into a busy night routine and a quick morning before work.
First 24 to 48 hours: the dermaplaning aftercare rules that prevent irritation
If you do one thing after dermaplaning, make it this: keep everything calm. Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine vellus hair, so your face can feel extra smooth, but it can also feel a little more sensitive to heat, friction, sweat, and strong ingredients.
My 48-hour non-negotiables: gentle cleanse, hydrate, moisturize, SPF 30+ in the morning. Skip active exfoliants, retinoids, heavy sweating, hot tubs, pools, and saunas.
What to do the night of your dermaplaning
- Cleanse gently with a mild face wash. No scrubs, no cleansing brushes, no aggressive rubbing.
- Hydrate with a humectant like hyaluronic acid. Think lightweight and soothing.
- Seal it in with a barrier-supporting moisturizer. This is not the night to experiment with new products.
What to avoid for the first 48 hours
- Actives and exfoliants: AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, strong vitamin A products, and exfoliating toners. Your skin has already been exfoliated.
- Heavy sweating and intense workouts: sweat plus heat tends to sting freshly exfoliated skin.
- Pools, hot tubs, saunas: I generally recommend waiting 48 hours because chlorine, heat, and friction can kick up irritation fast.
- Heavy makeup: if you can, give it 24 hours before full coverage makeup. Let the skin settle and breathe.
Days 3 to 7: keep the glow, don’t “overdo it”
Most people love how smooth their skin feels after dermaplaning. I hear a lot of “my face feels new” and “my skin is sooo smooth” after services. The temptation is to pile on strong products because everything absorbs so well. Don’t. The first week is where you protect your results.
New England fall note: cooler, drier air plus office heating can sneak up on your barrier. If you’re feeling tightness, that’s your sign to boost hydration and moisturizer, not to exfoliate.
Downtown Hartford reality: if you’re commuting or walking between buildings, wind and sun exposure add up quickly. SPF in the morning is still the move, even on a “quick run out” day.
This is what I want you doing all week
- AM: gentle cleanse (or rinse), hydrate, moisturize, broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
- PM: gentle cleanse, hydrate, moisturize. Keep it consistent.
- Hands off: no picking, no “testing” the texture all day. Friction is sneaky.
What to avoid until at least week 1 to 2
I generally recommend waiting 1 to 2 weeks before chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or aggressive laser work. If you have something scheduled, let’s talk through timing so your skin stays calm and you get the best results.
If you want a deeper read on how this service supports smooth texture and glow, you can also check out the benefits of dermaplaning for smoother skin.
A simple dermaplaning post-care routine (no extra steps)
After dermaplaning, you don’t need a 10-step routine. You need the right types of products used consistently. When people tell me they’re “glowing” after the first session, it’s usually the combination of fresh exfoliation plus steady hydration and SPF.
The routine that works for most people:
Cleanser: mild, fragrance-light, no scrubby beads.
Hydration: hyaluronic acid or another humectant serum.
Moisturizer: barrier-supporting, comfortable on the skin, not stingy.
Dermaplaning sunscreen: broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, and reapply if you’re outdoors.
If makeup is part of your day, dermaplaning can make application look smoother because you’ve removed that surface layer of dead skin and vellus hair. I break down that side of it in dermaplaning for peach fuzz and makeup.
Redness, sensitivity, and when to reach out to me in Hartford
A little redness or sensitivity right after dermaplaning can be normal. Mild dryness can pop up too, especially with New England weather swings. What I don’t want you doing is guessing or pushing through something that doesn’t feel right.
“Vanessa is great! She takes her time and provides Customized recommendations for your own skin issues.”
Usually normal
- Light redness that settles down quickly
- A “tight” feeling that improves with moisturizer
- Slight sensitivity to heat or friction for a day or two
Reach out right away
- Irritation that’s getting worse after day 2 to 3
- Blistering, intense swelling, or significant pain
- Any signs that look like infection
If you’re coming in from West Hartford, East Hartford, Wethersfield, Newington, or Manchester, I’ll keep your plan straightforward so you’re not juggling extra steps when you get home.
Ready for your next step after dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning results are immediate, and with the right dermaplaning aftercare, they tend to last well for weeks. If you want to pair smooth texture with deeper resurfacing later on, take a look at Clinical Peels & Skin Resurfacing in Downtown Hartford and we’ll talk through timing so your skin stays happy.
Visit us: 200 Columbus Blvd, 22nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
Call: +18608387039 | Email: facialsbyvanessact@gmail.com
And yes, downtown visits can be easy, especially if you’re coming in before a show at The Bushnell or stopping by the Riverfront district.
Dermaplaning service details: 60 minutes | $210. If you’re new to facials and want a confident, no-pressure approach, you’re in the right place. I’m known for taking my time, explaining what I’m doing, and giving real at-home steps that make your results last.