Whilst bleaching the upper lip or plucking out the mono-brow is nothing new, women shaving the soft vellus hair of our faces- dermaplaning, has never come into fashion- until now. Followers of the trend claim it can brighten the skin and give it a perfect primed texture- making sure your foundation sits right. But is there truth behind the hype?

Dermaplaning shaves off the top layer of skin dead skin cells and hair, also removing the build-up of dirt and oils that have accumulated there. This leaves the skin with a fresh glow and is also supposed to allow your skin to absorb products more therefore enhancing their effects, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds good so far and due to the fact it relatively quick with no lasting side effects it has become more and more popular- there are currently over 12,000 pictures examples of the effects on Instagram.

Many clinics and beauticians across the UK offer it on their menus of beauty procedures. The treatment can vary between half an hour to three hours, every 3-4 weeks and can cost between £30 and £300. Beauticians are specifically trained and use a scalpel to shave away the hair. However, for those on a tighter budget it can be also done at your own peril over your bathroom mirror- practitioners of this moderate beauty procedure stress that for baby-soft results, you must use a sterilised single bade razor or a scalpel and follow with a rich moisturising mask.

“However, for those on a tighter budget it can be also done at your own peril over your bathroom mirror”

Despite the benefits it seems to offer, this and other exfoliating routines aren’t a perfect way to achieve a flawless air-brushed face. For those who have sensitive or dry skin this can cause the skin on your face to peel, as the area becomes more exposed to the elements. On the other end of the spectrum, for those with oily or acne prone skin, this treatment can make your skin greasier and therefore more prone to spots because it removes the hairs which soak up excess oils.

Moreover, there are plenty of alternatives on the high street that can be tested first on the back of the hand before committing them to your face. For example, THE BODY SHOP Drops of youth liquid peel (£18), which reduces the dead top layer of your skin to dust in one gentle wash. Just make sure to use it no more than once a week and to always follow with a rich moisturiser to keep skin balanced and healthy.

Another great product is the PIXI Glow Tonic (£18). It is used like a toner after cleansing to removes dead skin and brighten the face. As well as exfoliating, this product also contains hydrants to keep the skin moist and soft. It can be used up to twice a day due to its gentle nature. Or for a more student loan friendly alternative the SIMPLE Kind to Skin Soothing Toner (£3.29 at Boots) is a safe option for all skin types.

Ultimately though skin health is more affected by your daily routine than the occasional facial procedure so to keep your skin glowing it is important not to use too many harsh chemicals or exfoliate too often. Also maintaining a balanced diet and moisturising regularly. Furthermore, dermatologist Nick Lowe stresses the importance of preventing skin damage through the use of “sun protection every day you can remember to. Use either SPF 15 or 20 on a normal day and If you’re out for extended time or going overseas go up to SPF 30.”.