Once upon a time, dermaplaning, aka the process of shaving the peach fuzz off your face, was an expert-only cosmetic procedure. You made an appointment with a dermatologist or spa and lay super-quiet while a trained professional took a scalpel to your skin. But in the past few years, home dermaplaning tools have become increasingly popular, making it easy and safe to achieve the same skin-smoothing, radiance-enhancing results while relaxing in the comfort of your bathroom.

But of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to any home treatment. Before you pick up the blades, read on to get all the facts straight and make sure you have the right tools...Joyce Park, founder of Skin Refinery Dr. Joyce Park (opens in new tab), @teawithmd on TikTok, and a board certified dermatologist Dr. Park explains everything you need to know and debunks a handful of dermaplaning myths.

"The concept of dermaplaning is simple. It involves taking a scalpel and running it lightly across the surface of the skin to remove dead skin and baby hairs, aka peach fuzz, acting as an exfoliant." The tiny hairs, accurately called baby hairs, clump together as they are shaved off. There is a strange sense of satisfaction. While this procedure can be performed by a professional, there are dozens of home tools that can help achieve the same result.

The benefits of dermaplaning are primarily cosmetic. Dr. Park explains, "Dermaplaning is said to make the skin appear brighter, improve makeup application, and help skin care products penetrate deeper." To maintain these effects in the long term, it requires a good deal of care. Dermaplaning should be performed once a month.

The short answer: yes. But be sure to follow the instructions and use one of the best home dermaplaning tools to avoid cutting yourself or getting an infection. Says Dr. Park, "As long as you have the right tools and use safe techniques, it's safe to do it at home." She explains that she recommends washing your face before beginning the procedure, making sure the tools are disinfected (cleaning procedures vary from instrument to instrument), and wearing gloves during the procedure.

Once the tool is in your hand, pull the skin at a 45-degree angle and remove facial hair in small, short movements. You will not feel any pain or discomfort. After shaving, moisturize with an unscented moisturizer.

Dermaplaning is generally safe, but special care should be taken in individuals with active acne. Dermaplaning helps remove dead skin cells by lightly exfoliating the skin. However, and this is a big but, if you have inflamed cystic or pustular acne lesions, wounds, or openings in the skin, do not dermaplaning over them, as the blade can spread bacteria. Those with rashes, cuts, cysts, or open wounds should avoid dermaplaning as well. [Shaving peach fuzz does not make hair thicker or fuller; Dr. Park explains that hair density is determined primarily by hormones and genetics. In this light, the reason hair feels thicker may be because it grows at an angle.