In the latest episode of the hit podcast Smiling Gives You Wrinkles, award-winning beauty editor Donna Francis gets candid about unwanted facial hair.
With 25 years of experience helping women feel comfortable in their own skin, Donna shared her personal journey with HRT. While she credits it as a "game-changer" for her energy levels and muscle tone over the past year, the resulting increase in facial hair (a common side-effect) motivated her to explore dermaplaning at home.
When acclaimed make-up artist and fellow beauty expert Nadira V Persaud recommended Hollywood Browzer, Donna reached out to our founder, Amy Anzel, to get the definitive guide on how to dermaplane like a pro.
Amy’s Golden Rules:
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Start with a Clean Slate: Always dermaplane on clean, dry skin. For those who want to be extra thorough, Amy suggests using a toner beforehand to ensure the skin is "squeaky clean."
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The 45-Degree Rule: Hold the blade at a 45 degree angle. This is the "sweet spot" for removing peach fuzz and dead skin cells without irritation.
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The "Melted Butter" Technique: You don’t need to press hard! Amy describes the pressure as being as light as "spreading melted butter on a bagel." Let the tool do the work.
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Stay Taut: Use one hand to hold the skin taut while using short, feathery strokes with the other.
Why "Dry" is Always Better Than "Oil"
You may have seen the TikTok trend of "oilplaning" (using facial oil while dermaplaning), but Donna and Amy are here to set the record straight. Donna warns that oil is best avoided during the process. Not only can it cause irritation, but it significantly increases the risk of the blade slipping. For the safest, most effective exfoliation, dry skin is the way to go.
Why Dermaplaning Is Trending (And Why It Works)
Dermaplaning removes vellus hair (often called peach fuzz) alongside dead skin cells, instantly smoothing the skin’s surface.
Donna described the process as surprisingly satisfying, noticing the fine hairs that catch the light being gently lifted away. By the next day, she reported smoother, glowier skin and significantly improved makeup application , adding that her skin “felt incredible” afterwards.
The benefits of dermaplaning include:
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Smoother skin texture
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Brighter appearance
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Better skincare absorption
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Flawless makeup application
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Gentle exfoliation without harsh acids
This combination explains why dermaplaning tools have become a staple in at-home skincare routines.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once you’ve finished your "meditative" session, Donna recommends flooding the skin with hydration. Her go-to routine? A Hyaluronic Acid serum followed by a light moisturizer to lock in that fresh-faced radiance.
Don't forget blade hygiene! Amy Anzel reminds us to:
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Clean: Use witch hazel or alcohol to disinfect the blade after every use.
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Replace: Swap your blade every 3 months to ensure it stays sharp and effective.
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