Dermaplaning and Acne: Why Breakouts Happen and How to Avoid Them
Dermaplaning is a type of exfoliation where a small blade is used to gently scrape off dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the surface of your face. It can make your skin feel smooth and look brighter — but it’s not without risks, especially if your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts.
Whether you’ve just broken out after dermaplaning or you’re thinking about trying it and have acne-prone skin, you’re in the right place. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you’re doing something good for your skin… only to end up with breakouts or irritation instead.
Let’s get straight to the point with a few quick answers:
- Yes, dermaplaning can cause breakouts, especially if your skin is acne-prone, or if hygiene or technique isn’t quite right.
- It’s not suitable for active or cystic acne — in fact, it can make things worse.
- That said, some people do see clearer, smoother skin and fewer clogged pores when it’s done properly.
- It might help with certain acne scars, like leftover marks or roughness — but it won’t fix deep scars.
If you’re unsure whether dermaplaning is right for your skin — or wondering how to calm a breakout after doing it — I’ll walk you through what’s really going on, what to avoid, and what might actually help.
Why Dermaplaning Sometimes Leads to Breakouts
If you’ve experienced a breakout after dermaplaning — or you’re acne-prone and wondering if it might happen — it’s important to understand that this reaction isn’t uncommon.
Breakouts can happen, and here are the most common reasons why:
- Bacteria can spread during the treatment, especially if you go over areas with active pimples or if tools aren’t properly sanitised. This can transfer bacteria across your face and lead to new breakouts.
- The skin barrier may become compromised. Dermaplaning exfoliates the top layer of skin, which can leave it temporarily more vulnerable. If too much pressure is applied or if your skin is already sensitive, this irritation can trigger inflammation and clogged pores.
- Using the wrong products afterward — like heavy creams, fragranced skincare, or comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients — can overwhelm freshly exfoliated skin and trap oil and bacteria.
- At-home dermaplaning carries a higher risk because many people use dull or unclean blades, don’t prep the skin properly, or apply too much pressure — all of which increase the chance of irritation and breakouts.
And just to clear up confusion: not every post-dermaplaning breakout is “typical” acne. Sometimes it’s temporary irritation or, less commonly, a purge if you’re also introducing actives into your routine.
In other cases, it could be fungal acne, which isn’t true acne at all — it’s a yeast imbalance that can flare up when the skin barrier is weakened or moisture gets trapped.
Does It Depend on the Type of Acne You Have?
Yes — and this part is often overlooked. The type of acne you’re dealing with makes a big difference in how your skin might react to dermaplaning.
- Cystic acne: If your skin has deep, painful cysts, dermaplaning is not a good idea. It can spread bacteria, increase inflammation, and make breakouts worse. Avoid dermaplaning completely until the cysts have healed.
- Fungal acne: This isn’t actually acne — it’s caused by yeast, not bacteria — and it can flare up when the skin barrier is weakened or when moisture is trapped under the surface. Since dermaplaning exfoliates and can disrupt the skin’s balance, it may worsen fungal acne.
- Mild or occasional breakouts: If your acne is mostly under control and you have the odd pimple here and there, dermaplaning might still be okay — but it’s important to avoid going over any active spots and to take extra care with hygiene and aftercare.
Your skin type also matters. If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or tends to break out easily, you may be more prone to irritation or clogged pores after dermaplaning — even if your acne isn’t severe.
Can Dermaplaning Ever Be Good for Acne-Prone Skin?
It might sound surprising after everything we’ve covered, but dermaplaning isn’t automatically bad for acne-prone skin. In some cases, it can actually help — it just really depends on the state of your skin and how the treatment is done.
Here’s when it can be beneficial:
- If your acne is under control — meaning no active breakouts, inflammation, or cysts — dermaplaning may help improve skin texture, remove dead skin buildup, and reduce clogged pores.
- When it’s done professionally with sterile tools and proper technique, there’s far less risk of irritation or bacteria spread. A trained aesthetician will know how to work around sensitive areas and assess whether your skin is ready for treatment.
- Some people see smoother, brighter skin after dermaplaning, especially if they deal with dullness, rough patches, or congestion — all common concerns for acne-prone skin.
But even then, it’s not for everyone.
If your skin is currently breaking out, easily irritated, or prone to infection, it’s best to wait. Dermaplaning at the wrong time or in the wrong hands can do more harm than good.
It really comes down to timing, technique, and aftercare — and being honest with yourself about how your skin is doing right now.
Can Dermaplaning Help with Acne Scars?
To a small degree, yes — but only for certain types of marks. It really depends on the kind of scarring you’re dealing with and what kind of results you’re hoping for.
Dermaplaning may help fade leftover pigmentation, redness, or mild texture issues from previous breakouts. By removing the top layer of dead skin, it can give the skin a slightly smoother, more even appearance — especially when done consistently by a professional.
But if you’re dealing with deeper scars, like ice pick or boxcar scars, dermaplaning won’t do much. These types of scars affect the lower layers of the skin and usually require more advanced treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing. In fact, a 2022 review of acne scar treatments didn’t even list dermaplaning among the effective options for these types of scars.
So while it’s not a fix for deep scarring, dermaplaning can still be a useful maintenance treatment if your skin just needs a bit of smoothing or brightening. Just be realistic about what it can and can’t do.
Can You Prevent Breakouts After Dermaplaning?
Yes, and it mostly comes down to good technique, clean tools, and gentle aftercare — especially if you’re acne-prone.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Start with clean, freshly washed skin. Never dermaplane over makeup or unwashed skin.
- Use a sharp, sterile blade (or make sure your professional is doing so). Dull blades can tug and damage the skin.
- Avoid active pimples. Going over them can spread bacteria and cause more breakouts.
- Apply light pressure and short strokes. Too much pressure can irritate the skin and damage the barrier.
- Skip heavy or fragranced products afterward. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen only.
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours. Let your skin breathe and recover.
- Keep your hands off your face and avoid sweating or intense workouts for the rest of the day.
Doing all of this won’t guarantee zero breakouts, but it greatly reduces the chances and helps your skin recover properly.
Broke Out After Dermaplaning? Here’s How to Calm It Down
If you’re breaking out after dermaplaning, don’t panic. It’s frustrating, but it can be managed — and most of the time, it’s temporary.
Here’s what to do:
- Keep your skincare routine simple. Use a gentle cleanser, a calming moisturiser, and nothing harsh or exfoliating.
- Look for soothing ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, aloe vera, or centella asiatica. These help reduce redness and support healing.
- Avoid active treatments like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or strong acne creams until your skin calms down.
- Don’t exfoliate again — even if the texture feels rough. Your skin needs time to recover.
- Hands off. No picking, squeezing, or scrubbing. That’ll only make things worse.
Healing time depends on the severity. Mild irritation usually settles in a few days, while breakouts or inflamed spots can take a week or two to fully calm down.
If things don’t improve after two weeks — or if the breakout feels painful, itchy, or looks like a rash — it’s worth checking in with a dermatologist or licensed skin pro.
So… Is Dermaplaning Right for Your Skin?
It depends — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
If your acne is under control, your skin isn’t irritated, and you go to a trained professional (or you’re very careful at home), dermaplaning can give smoother, brighter skin and may even help with mild texture or post-acne marks.
But if you’re dealing with active breakouts, cystic acne, sensitive skin, or frequent flare-ups — it’s probably not the right time. You’re more likely to trigger irritation or make your skin worse.
The best approach? Listen to your skin, start slow if you decide to try it, and don’t feel pressured to do what’s trending if it doesn’t suit your needs. Healthy skin is about consistency — not quick fixes.
Explore More on Dermaplaning:
Is Dermaplaning Better With or Without Oil?
Microdermabrasion vs. Dermaplaning: Which One Is Right for Your Skin?
Can You Wear Makeup After Dermaplaning?
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