Meet DERMAFLASH, the Breakthrough Exfoliant You Haven’t Tried Yet

If the mere idea of shaving your face horrifies you and conjures up images of painful stubbles and growing a female beard, you're not alone. In fact, a quick search online shows that most people would rather wax, thread or go through a laser procedure to remove unwanted hair than shave their face. But what if we tell you that there's another kind of "shaving" that not only removes unwanted peach fuzz from your face but also leaves your skin with a vibrant glow? Yup, you heard that right: It's called DERMAFLASHing. Inspired by an in-office exfoliating procedure called dermaplaning, DERMAFLASH is an at-home device that gently removes the outermost layer of the skin, including facial hair.

(Curious to see how this works? Here's what happened when Dermstore team members tried DERMAFLASH.)

To give us more information about this trendy at-home device, we talked to DERMAFLASH founder Dara Levy.

So tell us, what exactly is DERMAFLASH?

Dara Levy: DERMAFLASH was inspired by the dermaplaning treatment and, accordingly, produces similar results. Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliating treatment that uses a sterile, surgical blade and removes dead skin cells, built-up debris as well as vellus hair. This medical-grade treatment is available only in doctor offices and medical spas and is performed by a physician, nurse or trained medical aesthetician. DERMAFLASH was born in the med spa that I own. After our med spa performed 6,000 dermaplaning treatments in five years, I realized an at-home solution did not exist and created DERMAFLASH. This device is powered by a subtle sonic vibration, which provides an elegant and comfortable treatment, while also enhancing the efficacy of the treatment. It has multiple safety features built in. The blade in our Edge is covered by a safety cage that ensures a safe, smooth result.

Who should use DERMAFLASH?

DERMAFLASH was invented by a woman for ALL women. This little magic wand is appropriate for women of all ages, colors, skin types and tones. Our skin cells turn over every 28 days. If we do not exfoliate, those cells build up and lead to a dull complexion. When we remove the buildup on our faces, we reveal soft, smooth, luminous skin.

How is DERMAFLASH better than a razor when it comes to removing unwanted hair?

I say this all the time: Men shave, women flash. It's important to note that DERMAFLASH is not a shaver; it's an exfoliant that also removes peach fuzz. Men grow terminal hair, which is like a piece of copper wire.  Women grow vellus hair, which is light and fluffy.  The blade in our Edge was designed specifically for the delicate skin on a woman’s face. It is counterintuitive for a woman to use a product designed for the tough skin and hair of a man. The blades in a man's razor are sharp and much too harsh for a woman.

Another difference is that men have to lubricate their beards to make them receptive to removal. DERMAFLASH is performed on a perfectly dry canvas.

How is exfoliation by DERMAFLASH different from other kinds of exfoliation, like microdermabrasion?

For one, microdermabrasion also doesn't offer hair removal. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that uses suction and abrasive crystals. Results are lovely for some, but for many, the treatment can be too aggressive and can result in redness, swelling and small bruises. It is also not recommended for people who have rosacea or are prone to broken capillaries. There are certain risks associated with the treatment, as well; most are associated with performing microdermabrasion under unsterile conditions. Patients are at risk of contracting infections if the microdermabrasion applicator and vacuum are not properly sanitized. Also, if the machine is used at too high a strength, there is a risk that the patient’s skin may be perforated by the fine crystals that are used to exfoliate the skin.

DERMAFLASH is the ONLY device on the market that both exfoliates and removes peach fuzz.  There is no downtime and results are immediate. DERMAFLASH does not promote an inflammatory response, as it does not involve the use of harsh chemicals, granular crystals or suction. DERMAFLASH creates a flawless canvas for makeup and allows skin care to do its job more effectively.

But won't DERMAFLASHing our peach fuzz make it grow back faster and darker?

It is an old wives' tale that once removed facial hair will grow back thicker, darker or fuller. If you use DERMAFLASH weekly, your peach fuzz will be held at bay. If you stop using DERMAFLASH (and why would you?), your hair will grow back exactly as it was prior to your first use.

How difficult is it to use this device at home? 

DERMAFLASH is a 3-step process: prep, flash and soothe.

Prep is the first step in the DERMAFLASH process.  Specifically formulated to prepare the skin for the treatment, this cleanser creates a perfectly dry canvas and brings all of the dead skin cells, built-up debris and peach fuzz to the surface. Prep enables DERMAFLASH to do its magic most efficiently.

DERMAFLASH is ergonomically correct, there is no wrong way to Flash. So feel free to go in any direction, up, down, in or out…have fun! However, the best way to use DERMAFLASH is to hold your skin taut with a finger from the opposite hand to create a flat tight surface. The pads on the head of the device will act as your guide. Hover the pad just above the surface of your skin to achieve the perfect angle and use short feathery strokes.

Is it possible to hurt yourself in the process?  

DERMAFLASH  is painless, safe, fast and fun. There is no downtime and there are no side effects associated with DERMAFLASH. However, as with most things in life, common sense must prevail.  You should never DERMAFLASH if you have windburn, sunburn or if you have open acne or other facial legions. Additionally, avoid retinols the day before and immediately after using DERMAFLASH. Finally, those on Accutane should avoid the treatment entirely.

How often should you do it and how to tell if you’re doing it right?

DERMAFLASH was designed as a once-per-week treatment. As long as you follow the directions, you are good to glow! After your first Flash, you will be amazed by how smooth and radiant your skin looks and feels. Product penetration is enhanced and makeup glides on beautifully. Light is refracted, rather than absorbed, producing a beautiful glow. All of this occurs because you have removed the barrier lying on top of the skin's surface.