I Tried the Dermaflash Luxe+—And Now I'm a Believer In Dermaplaning

Lay me on an esthetician's table, and bring on the suctions, scrapers, and extraction and exfoliating devices all day long. Leave me and my butter fingers to use a device on myself, and my trust wanes. I don't know if it's fear of cutting myself or what, but Clarisonic Mia Smart (R.I.P.) and Foreo Luna 3 are about as experimental as I've gotten with face tools that come with a charger. I've been curious about the award-winning Dermaflash Luxe+ for a while, though, because so many credible beauty editors and creators have used it (and have had varying responses).

The Dermaflash Luxe+, featuring 14,000 sonic vibrations a minute to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and remove peach fuzz, is the latest iteration of the at-home dermaplaning device. In an effort to step outside of my comfort zone and into the world of skincare gadgets, I finally dermaplaned after 15 years as a beauty writer. Read ahead to see how it went, and for a detailed review of the tool.

About My Skin

My skin is normal-combination. I get the oiliest in my t-zone, my cheeks are "normal," and my chin is slightly dry but manageable with a good moisturizer. I just turned 39 years old, too, so my skin is also considered mature. I don't experience a lot of congestion or breakouts, and I've never had acne or other skin conditions.

Skincare has been a ritual I've taken seriously since Mary Kay dropped its teen line, Velocity, about 25 years ago, and I've maintained that enthusiasm. My current routine is Aster Raine Microbiome Face Cleanser, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, whichever serum I'm trying at the moment, moisturizer, and SPF. I love a good facial, but I haven't had any fillers, Botox, or other cosmetic treatments or procedures.

How It Works: Straight-forward and easy to use

Included with the Luxe+ Set is a tray of four Microfine Edges, one Preflash Cleanser, a charging cable, and a charging base. Once fully charged, you slide the device into any tray slot until you hear the Microfine Edge click with the Dermaflash. Simply lift the tool, and it's ready for use.

Before dermaplaning, make sure that your face is clean and free from makeup, moisturizers, oils, and any other products. I probably overdid it because I'd already cleansed my face, and then I followed up with the PREFLASH Cleanser. I pat-dried my face and immediately started the process. The directions say to start at the cheekbone, holding the Dermaflash Luxe+ at a 45-degree angle with your other hand, pulling your skin taut. Make short feathery strokes to the face and watch the hairs buzz away. Throw away the Microfine Edge after use.

The Results: Baby-soft skin with a slight sting

The cool thing about this tool is that you see it working in real-time. After a few strokes, I saw peach fuzzies collecting in a little line. There are two settings, the second being a stronger vibration than the first. I'm a beginner, and my face isn't that hairy, so I kept it on the first setting. My goal was to get a thorough exfoliation, and rid enough peach fuzz to notice a smoother feel to my face.

I took the Dermaflash Luxe+ across my entire face — cheeks, forehead, temples, chin, and upper lip. As hair would accumulate, I'd wipe it off the device before moving it to another area. Once complete, I instantly noticed how much smoother my face was. Not to brag, but I think my face is pretty soft with peach fuzz. Post dermaplaning, though? It very much gave fresh out the womb.

I applied my BHA liquid exfoliant, and there was a slight sting, almost like a prick. I expected some kind of sensation, given that I'd just taken a cutting tool to my skin. After that, I went about my routine as usual, applying serum, moisturizer, and sun care. The products went on with ease, and the finish was glowy, perhaps slightly more than usual.

The Final Takeaway

So, the Dermaflash Luxe+ operates just as it claims. It exfoliates the face, removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz for noticeably smoother skin. The baby-soft results are cool, but my favorite part is the level of exfoliation this thing gets. Your hands just can't compete with an edge and sonic vibrations.

I won't be using it the recommended frequency of once a week because I don't mind a bit of fuzz. Instead, I'll use it about once or twice a month for more thorough beauty maintenance. Like I explained before, my emphasis is more on product and less on treatments and procedures. Because of this, I don't get to the esthetician and dermatologist as often as I'd like, and therefore, those deep exfoliations don't happen as often as they should. The Dermaflash Luxe+ will come in handy in between professional appointments, giving me the ability to unveil new skin, free of dead cell and product build-up, on my own.