First Time Dermaplaning Facial (and yes, we’ll clear up the peeling chemical peel confusion)

Before your dermaplaning facial in Downtown Santa Rosa: 7 prep steps that actually matter

If your goal is smooth, calm skin after dermaplaning, prep is simple. It’s mostly about avoiding irritation before we even start.

• Pause retinoids and strong exfoliants (like acids and scrubs) about 3–7 days beforehand. If you’re not sure what counts, bring your products or a photo of the labels and we’ll tell you.
• Come in with clean, makeup-free skin if you can. If not, no stress. We start with a double cleanse.
• Skip your workout right before if you tend to get very flushed. Calm skin dermaplanes more comfortably.
• Avoid sunburn and let us know if you’ve had lots of sun. Santa Rosa’s summer sun can sneak up fast.
• Tell us about active breakouts, especially deep, cystic acne, and any open areas you’re healing.
• Flag rosacea flare-ups or extra sensitivity. We can adjust how we work so your skin stays happy.
• Let us know your timeline. If you’ve got photos, a wedding, or a big dinner downtown, we’ll guide you on timing so your skin looks its best.

Inside our 90-minute Dermaplaning Facial ($225): the exact flow, start to finish

Our team is big on making first visits feel easy. People regularly mention how comfortable they feel the moment they walk in, and we keep that vibe going once you’re on the bed. You can ask questions at any point. And if you want quiet time, tell us that too.

1) We start with a real check-in, not a rushed script

Before we touch your skin, we’ll talk through what you’re hoping to improve. Texture? Makeup sitting weird? Congestion? We’re known for listening, and we’ll also call out anything we see that could make dermaplaning a “not today” choice, like active cystic acne bumps or a rosacea flare.

2) Double cleanse + mechanical exfoliant to prep the canvas

We begin with a thorough double cleanse to lift sunscreen, makeup, and daily buildup. Then we use a mechanical exfoliant to brighten and help soften the look of dullness so the dermaplaning step is smoother and more even.

3) Dermaplaning: what it feels like in real life

Your therapist uses a sterile blade at a precise angle, using light, controlled strokes to remove dead skin and fine vellus hair, that peach fuzz that catches foundation. Most people describe it as gentle scraping or a soft brushing sensation. If anything feels sharp, too scratchy, or just “off, ” tell us right away. We adjust pressure and pace constantly.

“From start to finish, she made me feel so comfortable and taken care of.”

one of our regulars

4) Detailed extractions + soothing serums

After dermaplaning, we move into extractions to clear clogged pores and refine texture. Then we layer in soothing serums to hydrate and calm. If your skin gets red easily, we’ll keep everything gentle and barrier-focused.

5) Moisture lock + warm stones on your shoulders

We finish with a moisturizing step to seal in hydration, then warm stones on the shoulders. It’s one of those details that makes people call our facials “the most relaxing” they’ve ever had, even when their main goal was skin results.

After dermaplaning: the first 72 hours (and how to keep the glow in Santa Rosa sun and smoke)

Right after, your skin usually looks brighter and feels smoother. Makeup tends to apply more evenly, and skincare absorbs like it finally has room to work. It’s also normal to have mild pinkness for a short window, especially if you’re sensitive.

People often tell us they see results right away, like hydration and glow, and some notice their clogged pores look calmer after the congestion work we do during the facial.

“Most relaxing facial I’ve ever had! And saw results right after treatment, my skin was hydrated, glowy, and my enlarge clogged pores pretty much disappeared.”

a recent visitor

For maintenance, dermaplaning results typically last about 3–4 weeks. If you love the smoothness, we’ll help you pick a rhythm that makes sense with your skin and your schedule, especially if you’re commuting in from Windsor, Petaluma, or Sonoma.

3 myths we hear weekly (plus the Downtown Santa Rosa scheduling tip that saves you stress)

Let’s make this easy. These are the big ones that keep people stuck in “I want to try it, but…” mode.

Myth 1: Dermaplaning makes hair grow back thicker or darker

It doesn’t. Hair can feel a little different as it grows back because the end is blunt, but it doesn’t change the color or thickness.

Myth 2: It’s permanent hair removal

It’s not. Dermaplaning is about exfoliation and that smooth finish. Most people come back every 3–4 weeks if they want to keep it consistent.

Myth 3: A “peeling chemical peel” and dermaplaning are the same thing

They’re different tools. A chemical peel, including a TCA face peel or trichloroacetic peel, works through controlled chemical exfoliation and can come with real peeling depending on strength. Dermaplaning is a controlled physical exfoliation that usually has little to no downtime when your skin is a good candidate.

If you’re coming from Rohnert Park or Sebastopol: how we keep your results consistent between visits

We’ve been doing this work in Santa Rosa for a long time, and the pattern we see is simple. People get the best results when we build on them. That means we don’t just do a one-off facial and wave goodbye. We talk about what your skin needs next, and we keep the plan realistic.

You’ll also never get the hard sell. A lot of our regulars mention they appreciate being able to ask questions, get straightforward routine help, and leave feeling more confident about what they’re doing at home.

If your biggest fear is walking out irritated or overdone, tell us. We’ll keep your first dermaplaning visit conservative and focused on smoothness, hydration, and comfort. And if you’re actually looking for stronger resurfacing, that’s a separate conversation about options like a chemical peel, including TCA peel styles, and what downtime you’re comfortable with.