Submit your skincare questions to Dr. Agnes, CEO of Herborium and natural medicine expert
Regardless of the season, some people with acne-prone skin look to shed a few layers for the good of their complexion with a process called dermablading.
To put it simple, dermablading is a procedure that rids the surface of the skin of dry, dead cells. Using a surgical scalpel, a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist removes these dead cells by essentially scraping them away, applying short, light strokes to the surface of the skin after washing the face and applying an alcohol solution. The result? A pile of dead skin, a renewed and youthful glow, and a complexion free of pore-clogging debris.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and can affect anyone regardless of age, race, or sex. Acne is attributed to a hormonal imbalance, which can affect the function of the sebaceous glands, whose job is it to create sebum, or oil, which travels along the pore to hydrate and protect the skin on the surface. When too much sebum becomes produced it can become clogged within a pore, and when paired with dead skin cells from the surface, bacteria known as P. acnes can form, which triggers an inflammatory response from the body. The result of that response usually appears as red, swollen bumps such as pimples or cysts, although symptoms of this condition can come in many forms, including whiteheads, blackheads, comedones, or even just oily skin.
Many topical treatments are aimed at eliminating oil, but because the formation of bacteria relies on those dead, flaky skin cells to occur, exfoliation should be just as high of a priority in anyone’s external skincare regimen. Dermablading takes the removal of these cells a step further, and because it is performed by a professional, often reduces the further spread of acne-related bacteria.
Exfoliation. Out with the old and in with the new - this is exactly what exfoliating will do to your skin. By removing old skin cells, new, healthy skin cells are able to rise to the surface and replace them, which is especially important for anyone with super oily skin that may hold onto dead weight. This cellular turnover can also work to reduce the appearance of dark spots and scarring over time, and most importantly, reduces the risk of pores becoming clogged, which can lead to breakouts.
Increases circulation. By increasing blood circulation under the surface, the body is better able to break down harmful toxins that may harm the function and appearance of our skin.
Allows topical products to penetrate more effectively. Whether it’s a sunscreen, night cream or topical acne medication, the removal of dead skin through dermablading allows for the active ingredients of these products to penetrate the surface of the skin easier, which can ultimately mean less use of product with more immediate payoff.
Dermablading is definitely not a procedure for everyone, and for those with particularly severe or painful breakouts or cysts, it may cause even more discomfort. Because exfoliating is an important part in maintaining healthy skin it isn’t a step that should be skipped, and luckily there are several gentle and all-natural remedies you can whip up from the comfort of your own home. Our favorites include this cranberry facial scrub, which can even calm redness and irritation, and this apple cider vinegar and baking soda mask for those days when you may have a few extra minutes to indulge in some good skincare.
While keeping the surface of our skin as clean and free of flakes as possible can go a long way in helping keep your complexion clear, treating the source of the problem is the only way to truly rid yourself of the issue. Think about it! Acne is an internal issue that manifests itself externally. So even if you made dermablading or deep exfoliation a regular part of your skincare routine, unless the condition is treated at its source, the sebaceous glands, acne symptoms will always return. The only long-term solution that will keep your skin looking and feeling its best is to prevent acne before it starts, which means breaking the acne cycle, and this is exactly what AcnEase® does. No matter how mild or severe your symptoms may range, our users are able to experience clear skin (long term!) knowing that there are no chemicals that will alter their hormones, and that they won’t experience side effects.
We want to hear from you! Have you, or would you, ever tried dermablading? Have any DIY exfoliating tips or tricks you swear by? Tell us in the comments!