One of the trendiest exfoliation options today is dermaplaning, which is performed using a sterile surgical scalpel (not as scary as it sounds!) to manually exfoliate dead skin cells from the face. I had the exciting opportunity to sit down with Patricia Hunsberger, esthetician and owner at Nature’s Pure Skincare in Ridgefield to experience a treatment which I’ll describe shortly.
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation method to the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, dead skin layer, and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz. This treatment results in ultra-smooth, fresh, and brighter skin. By removing that dead layer and hair from the face, the skin is evened out, and it helps with cell metabolism, which helps new skin come to the surface. Dermaplaning cleverly triggers the cell regeneration process and improves the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The effects of the procedure are instant, leaving your skin with a smooth appearance and a radiant glow. Along with the removal of fine hairs, it results in healthier skin that feels silkier.
Why would you choose to have a dermaplaning treatment? Here are just a few of the benefits:
- It painlessly exfoliates the stratum corneum to stimulate cellular turnover with no downtime.
- It is a great option for clients with sensitive skin, Rosacea, and pregnant women who are looking for a deep exfoliation.
- It can be performed prior to treatments like facials, laser, and chemical peels for better product penetration.
- It can be performed frequently- every 4 weeks.
- It helps makeup go on smoother and more evenly.
- It can help significantly lighten post-inflammatory scars from past acne.
- It does not make the hair grow back thicker and darker.
So, what is a treatment like?
After one, I was hooked. It was so relaxing I might have fallen asleep had I not been asking Patricia a million questions for this article. She started with a citrus cleanse to remove oils from my face and followed that with a toner. She then applied a Neogenesis fruit enzyme mask to break the bond of dead cellular buildup and oil/pollution buildup on the skin. This is used to increase the effectiveness of the dermaplaning. Then the procedure started with a tool that looked just like a tiny butter knife. After she ran the tool across my skin a few times I wasn’t concerned at all about how it would feel, as it felt just like lightly running your fingernail across your skin.
Following the treatment, Patricia applied Neogenesis stem cell serum and red light therapy for about 10-12 minutes. Again, I could have fallen asleep if we weren’t talking so much! After this, a cooling mask is applied again with red light therapy for 5-7 minutes. Then Patricia hot toweled the mask off and applied more stem cell serum and stem cell moisturizer.
The therapy lasts about an hour and Patricia ends it with a scalp massage which is a nice treat! I was shocked to notice that my skin felt softer than it had in years – like many years! My skin tone was drastically improved and evened out. I also noticed a softening of fine lines around my eyes, forehead and frown lines immediately. That day I left feeling amazing, but the next day when I went to apply my normal makeup, I can’t tell you the difference I noticed. My makeup went on like butter and I literally felt airbrushed!
After treatment, you do need to refrain from being in direct sunlight for a minimum of 48 hours and continual wearing of sunscreen is strongly advised. In addition, Patricia recommended not using any products with glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, Retin A or Rentinol for at least 5 days, and no exfoliating for 3 days following the treatment (why would you need to?). You can return to your regular skincare routine thereafter and make sure to stay hydrated. Patricia explained that one of the reasons skin can look dull and have buildup is from ongoing dehydration. She suggested drinking at least 64 oz of water per day.
Stem cells for skincare
I had to ask Patricia about the science behind using stem cells in a skincare product. Latest research is showing that stem cells act as a self-healing process to maintain our body over the years. This process is also completely natural to our body and is what assists with healing after disease and trauma. When a person’s tissue is damaged by disease or trauma, or simply by the aging process, several types of stem cells in and around the affected area are activated and release a multitude of molecules that act as building blocks, and messengers communicating with the surrounding cells. The building block molecules, such as different types of collagen, provide the elements needed to rebuild the skin, and the messenger molecules instruct the surrounding cells to begin the repair and regeneration process. She chose Neogenesis formulas because they provide ingredients that mimic and enhance your body’s own natural stem cell function.
The stem cell-based processes that maintain and heal our body, including our skin, can be improved through our own lifestyle choices. The proper diet, moderate exercise, practicing stress reduction and avoiding harsh toxins and chemicals create a healthy environment where stem cells can thrive. Healthy stem cells function at a higher level and are better able to do their work to help us heal and thrive.
Patricia’s focus is regenerative skin care which in short is the renewal, regrowth or restoration of tissue at a cellular level. Whether your concern is aging skin, sun damage, age spots, or acne, all can be addressed with this approach and the use of stem cells in their purest form. Patricia uses products which are 100% natural, organic, nontoxic, gluten free, & oncology approved.
Hear what her clients have to say!
“My experience at Nature’s Pure Skin Care has always been positive and I truly enjoy time spent with Patricia, Esthetician and Owner. She is very experienced and truly understands skin care. All of her treatments are customized to your skin’s specific needs. Whatever facial you have, your skin will look and feel wonderful. My recent “Dermaplaning” facial, which I was a bit skeptical of trying at first, but decided to go for it, left me wanting more. My skin felt silky smooth after and had a beautiful glow. Patricia is my “go-to” esthetician for all my skin care needs. Her salon is quaint, charming and personable. She really takes the time to get to know you, and will recommend what your skin needs. Patricia is very knowledgeable and her passion for skin care is very evident. I have been going to Patricia for years and I have never been disappointed! I have made an appointment next month for another Dermaplaning treatment you should too!”
~ Suzanne D.
Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden.
Patricia Hunsberger is a professional esthetician who specializes in regenerative skin care, microcurrent, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, peels, brow design, lash tinting, brow tinting, and waxing. Patricia’s approach is to provide a professional customized treatment for each of her clients. She has worked in the esthetic and wellness field for 13+ years after graduating from The Institute of Aesthetic Arts & Sciences in Southbury, CT. Patricia’s focus is transforming skin through natural, safe, effective treatments. She also strongly believes that eating a clean, lean, healthy diet will only enhance the results of professional treatments and a good home skin care regimen. We are open Wednesday through Sunday by appointment only. We do offer some late Monday evening appointments. Please call or email to schedule an appointment. (please give 24 hr. cancellation notice).
Ridgefield Health & Wellness Center, lower level, suite D4,
109 Danbury Road, Ridgefield.
[email protected].
845-270-9694 or visit us at: www.naturespureskincare.com