Everything You Need To Know About Your Leaf Dermaplaner

Dermaplaning is a skincare technique that uses a sharp, guarded blade to gently scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) from your face. This exfoliation process aims to leave the skin smoother and brighter. It’s important to follow proper hygiene and safety guidelines to avoid irritation or cuts.

It’s new, it’s different, but don’t let it be intimidating. We’re to help!

HOW TO USE: LOAD

There are two pieces to replace when you refill your Dermaplaner tool: the blade and the blade guard. Your tool comes with your first blade guard already installed—you simply need to unwrap a fresh blade and install that.

Be careful not to discard the items located under the tool and matching stand in the packaging—12 replacement blades, 12 replacement blade guards, and 1 precision clip are included and they are all important. Refills of blades and blade guards are available to purchase when you’re ready to restock, and replacement precision clips are available directly from Leaf if you lose yours.

Load Your First Blade:

1. Thumb the head open, unwrap a blade, and insert it between the flaps of the blade guard. This is very important. Do not simply lay the blade on top of the blade guard and close the head.. insert the blade between the flaps of the blade guard. If you need a visual reference, please watch the video in the product description.

2. Push the blade forward once it’s between the flaps of the blade guard and press it down from the back. This will be a tight, friction fit. This forces the edge of the blade hard up against the inside of the scallops of the blade guard.

3. The blade’s edge will be completely encompassed by the blade guard’s scallops, it will not be fully exposed on either side. 

Refilling Your Tool:

1. When you’re ready to refill your tool, reach behind the blade and push it forward while pulling up. The blade will then pop out though it may take some effort to release from the friction fit.

2. Turn the dermaplaner tool over and use a coin or other thin object to push out the blade guard. Place the used blade and blade guard in your recycling tin.

3. Install a new blade guard by inserting the short leg of the guard though the slot from inside the dermaplaner head. Friction will hold it in place.

4. Finally, unwrap and load a fresh blade, close the head, and enjoy.

HOW TO USE: PREP

Remove makeup and skincare products prior to dermaplaning by thoroughly cleaning your skin with a non-exfoliating cleanser. Apply a small amount of Shave Oil to your skin to help the blade guide and prevent irritation.

HOW TO USE: DERMAPLANE

1. Bring the tool to your skin, holding your skin taut behind the tool. Place the blade at a 45 degree angle against your skin.

2. Begin dermaplaning using light pressure and move in short, feathery strokes. Start high on your cheekbone and move inward/down along your cheek and jawline.

3. Address areas of concern: Continue along your forehead moving downward. Use above your lip and along your chin as desired. Avoid use on your nose. Rinse or wipe the blade throughout use, and most importantly, take your time.

HOW TO USE: AFTER CARE

When you’re finished, rinse your skin and apply Calming Serum for a layer of protection and to soothe the skin. Avoid direct sunlight immediately after dermaplaning and consider use of an SPF. Avoid chemical exfoliation products for a few days after dermaplaning.

Rinse your tool thoroughly. Remove and rinse the blade, disinfecting it with a wipe of rubbing alcohol. Rinse and disinfect the blade-guard while keeping it in the tool. Re-load the blade for its next use, unless you are refilling it with a fresh blade and guard.

Do not use the blade and guard more than three times—prioritizing fresh and clean tools when working with the delicate skin of your face.

AVOID DERMAPLANING IF:

Please consult your dermatologist if you ever have questions about whether using an at-home tool like this is a good fit. Potential contraindications can include:

• History of skin irritation

• Rosacea

• Active acne

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Active sunburn

FAQs:

How long do the blades and blade-guards last?

Use your blade and blade-guards for your dermaplaner up to three times.

Why do I need to replace my blade-guard?

For best results when at-home dermaplaning, use clean and fresh tools. To ensure a high degree of good hygiene, we recommend frequently changing the blade-guard along with the blade. We suggest every 2-3 uses.

How often should I dermaplane at home?

Incorporating at-home dermaplaning into your exfoliation regimen once or twice a month can enhance your skincare performance. Observe your skin and how it responds to using Leaf Dermaplaner. If redness persists, consider reducing frequency. It is important to avoid dermaplaning over areas experiencing acne, irritation, or open cuts.

How is this different from shaving?

Shaving has a purpose of shearing through hair to remove it. Dermaplaning, either in a professional environment or at home, has a dual purpose to both remove fine vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) AND exfoliate dead skin. You can use an at-home dermaplaner with the goal to simply remove facial hair—you will also gently exfoliate as you do this.

Mechanically, the tools approach your skin differently. Dermaplaning happens at a 45 degree angle to your skin, whereas shaving blades approach at an angle of less than 30 degrees. The wider angle of dermaplaning is where exfoliation happens—the blade is scraping dead skin cells away along with the hair opposed to shearing through hair only.

You can get a professional dermaplaning procedure in a clinic with a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist—they will use a bare scalpel and exfoliate deeply.

Or, you can use an at-home tool like Leaf Dermaplaner. This tool uses a blade as sharp as a scalpel, but it is inserted into a scalloped guard so that the full length of the blade is never against your skin. 

Will my hair grow back thicker or darker?

Nope! Your hair’s growth speed and thickness will not change after dermaplaning. You cannot change the physiology of your hair by removing it with a blade.

Can I dermaplace on dry skin?

For the best experience and to avoid irritation, we suggest applying a few drops of Shave Oil while you dermaplane to facilitate a smooth gliding motion of the blade across your face. Additionally, Shave Oil helps to hydrate your skin.

Is the Shave Oil safe for sensitive skin?

Leaf Shave Oil contains minimal ingredients that were selected for their moisturizing and calming benefits. The formulation of Shave Oil is noncomedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. Individual reactions to products may vary, however, so it’s advisable to patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific concerns.

How do I recycle my blades?

The blades can be contained in a blade tin and recycled where scrap metal is accepted. Leaf makes it easy to recycle used safety razor blades. Their blade takeback program lets you send blades directly to them for recycling through scrap metal streams. To do this, simply secure your blades in the blade tin, pack it up, and send it to: Leaf Shave ℅ RECYCLE, 48 Taugwonk Spur Road Unit 2, Stonington, CT 06378.