First Dermaplaning? What to Expect and How to Prepare (Dermaplaner Guide)
By Beauty by Emily | July 18, 2026
Serving Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Mount Pleasant, China Grove, and Charlotte

We hear it all the time: you want smoother, brighter skin, but you’re nervous because you don’t know what it’s going to feel like. Totally normal. One of our facial clients put it simply: the lymphatic massage facial “was amazing, ” and they loved that we explained what we were doing and how it would help their skin. That same calm, step-by-step vibe is exactly how we handle a first dermaplaning appointment too.
Dermaplaning is a gentle manual exfoliation using a sterile blade to remove dead skin and fine vellus hair. Most first-timers feel little to no pain, may have light redness for a few hours, and notice that smooth “fresh face” feeling right away. If you’re coming to us off I-85 through the Kannapolis Highway corridor, this is a quick, polished reset with minimal downtime.
Before you come in: 6 prep steps that make dermaplaning smoother
Our goal is simple: we want your skin to handle the dermaplaner beautifully, and we want you to feel taken care of. Clients describe our team as “very knowledgeable and professional, ” and that starts before you even get on the table.
- Pause retinoids and strong exfoliants (think retinol, tretinoin, glycolic, salicylic, strong peels) for about 3 to 7 days beforehand. If you’re not sure what counts, tell us what you use and we’ll help you sort it out.
- Don’t shave the area right before. Dermaplaning already takes care of that fine facial hair, and shaving can make your skin more reactive.
- Skip sun exposure for a few days leading up to your appointment if you can. Sun-stressed skin tends to get redder.
- Come with a clean face if it’s easy. If you arrive with makeup, no problem. We’ll cleanse thoroughly either way.
- Tell us about anything “new”: recent facial procedures, a fresh sunburn, open spots, or active cystic breakouts. If your skin needs a rain check, we’ll reschedule you so you don’t leave irritated.
- Plan your timing: dermaplaning takes 30 minutes. It’s a great after-work stop for commuters coming off I-85 because it’s quick and you still look put-together right after.
Inside our 30-minute Dermaplaning appointment (yes, we talk you through it)
If you’re picturing something intense, take a breath. People come in nervous and end up describing the whole visit as relaxing. We keep it simple, and we keep you informed. One client summed it up perfectly after a facial: “Emily kept me informed of the products she was using on my skin and each step of the facial.” That’s the standard in our room.
1) We start with a quick skin check and your goal
When you arrive, we’ll ask what you’re hoping to get out of dermaplaning. Some people want makeup to sit smoother. Some want that brighter look before weekend plans at Concord Mills or an event around Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you’ve got a few “problem areas, ” tell us. Clients have noticed we pay attention and take our time.
2) Cleanse, then dermaplane with a light, steady touch
We cleanse first so we’re working on clean skin. Then we use a sterile blade and short, controlled strokes to sweep away dead skin and that fine vellus hair. Sensation-wise, most people describe it as a gentle scraping or a light tickle. It shouldn’t feel painful. If something feels sharp or uncomfortable, say it. We’ll adjust immediately.
Quick reassurance: You’re covered the whole time, and we keep checking in. A lot of first-timers mention they felt “relaxed and comfortable” fast, which is exactly what we want for you.
3) Finish products, then you’re back to your day
We finish with skincare that supports that freshly exfoliated surface. You’ll leave feeling smoother and looking brighter. And if you’ve got sensitive skin, tell us up front. Clients appreciate that we explain techniques as we go and choose products that feel good on their skin.
“I got my first facial and dermaplaning done today w/ Beauty by Emily and it was AMAZING! She was great paid attention and treated my problem areas. Took her time and made it great and relaxing! I will definitely be back to see her!!”
one of our first-time visitors
After dermaplaning: what’s normal in the first 72 hours in Concord’s humidity
Right after, your skin usually feels extra smooth. A little pinkness is normal and tends to calm down within a few hours. Some people are surprised by how soft they feel. We’ve heard “my face feels so soft” and “my skin has never felt this smooth” more times than we can count.
Our go-to aftercare tips
- SPF every day, especially in Concord’s humid summers when you’re more likely to be outside without realizing how strong the sun is.
- Hold off on heavy sweating and intense workouts for 48 to 72 hours. Freshly exfoliated skin can get cranky with heat and friction.
- Skip harsh exfoliation (scrubs, strong acids, retinoids) for 48 to 72 hours after.
- Makeup timing: many people can wear makeup the next day, but if you’re prone to redness or breakouts, giving it about 24 hours is often the safer play.
- Maintenance: repeating every 4 to 6 weeks keeps that smooth texture consistent.
If your skin is flaring: active cystic acne, open lesions, or a very recent facial procedure are good reasons to pause and reschedule. We’d rather see you a week later than push your skin when it’s already stressed.
Want to compare dermaplaning with other options? Take a look at our facials options in Concord, NC and we’ll help you pick what fits your skin and your schedule.
A few insider tips for first-timers near the Concord–Kannapolis border
Here’s what tends to make your first visit feel easy. Tell us if you have an event coming up. We’ll talk timing so you’re not squeezing dermaplaning in the day before and stressing about it. We also want to know what products you’re using at home, especially if you bounce between “gentle” and “active” skincare week to week.
And yes, you can talk during your appointment or zone out completely. A lot of people say the environment is relaxing and that we’re easy to talk to. Some even fall asleep. That’s always a good sign.
If you’re deciding between services: Dermaplaning is our fast, event-ready option at 30 minutes for $50. If you want more “facial time” with extra relaxation, ask us about Dermaplaning with Facial, which includes a mask and neck and shoulder massage.
Ready when you are. We’re easy to reach from the Kannapolis Highway corridor, and we regularly see people coming in from Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Mount Pleasant, China Grove, and Charlotte who want smooth skin without a big time commitment. If you’ve got questions before you book, call or message us and we’ll talk it through like a real person.
Book or ask a question: +17043055588 | ecksells@gmail.com
Address: 2050 Kannapolis Hwy, Concord, NC 28027-4147
You can also browse our services or view our gallery before you come in.