Dermaplaning Blades vs. The Exfoliation System: A Comparison
By StackedSkincare —Skin Renewal by Kerry Benjamin ... | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Comparisons
Dermaplaning blades offer instant physical exfoliation and hair removal, while The Exfoliation System delivers chemical resurfacing. Compare trade-offs to choose your method.
Quick Answer
Choose dermaplaning blades if you want immediate physical exfoliation and peach fuzz removal with visible smoothness after one use. Choose The Exfoliation System if you prefer a chemical approach that dissolves dead skin without a blade, which is often better for sensitive or reactive skin. Many people alternate both, but start with one method to see how your skin responds.
How the Two Methods Actually Work
Dermaplaning blades are stainless steel tools that manually scrape away dead skin cells and fine facial hair. The StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Exfoliation Tool is designed for this purpose, with replacement blades that maintain a clean edge. The Exfoliation System, by contrast, uses chemical exfoliants to loosen and dissolve dead skin cells without any scraping motion. The choice comes down to whether you want a mechanical action or a chemical one, and how much control you want over intensity.
Results and Downtime Compared
Dermaplaning delivers instant results: skin feels smoother and looks brighter right after a session, and makeup applies more evenly. There is no downtime, but you may experience mild redness for a few hours. The Exfoliation System works gradually over days or weeks, with results building as you use it consistently. It typically causes less immediate irritation, but you may see flaking or purging as skin adjusts. Neither method is permanent; both require ongoing use to maintain results.
Sensitivity and Skin Type Considerations
Dermaplaning for sensitive skin can be tricky because the blade physically contacts the skin, which may trigger reactivity if you have active acne, rosacea, or a compromised barrier. The Exfoliation System may be gentler for some because you can control the strength and frequency of application, but chemical exfoliants can still sting or cause irritation if overused. If your skin is easily inflamed, start with the gentler option and patch-test first.
Cost and Maintenance Over Time
The Dermaplaning Exfoliation Tool requires replacement blades, which are sold separately as a 3-pack. Over time, blades dull and need swapping to maintain clean exfoliation and smooth glide. The Exfoliation System involves purchasing the system itself and replenishing chemical exfoliant products as you use them. Neither is a one-time purchase, so consider which ongoing cost and routine you prefer: blade replacements or product refills.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Instant vs. Gradual Results: Dermaplaning blades give immediate smoothness and hair removal, while The Exfoliation System works over time to resurface skin. Pick blades for a quick fix before an event; pick the system for long-term skin improvement.
- Physical vs. Chemical Action: Blades manually scrape away dead skin; The Exfoliation System uses chemical exfoliants to dissolve them. If you dislike the idea of scraping, the chemical route may feel more comfortable.
- Sensitivity and Irritation Risk: Dermaplaning can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin due to physical contact; chemical exfoliation can also cause irritation if overused. Introduce either method slowly and patch-test, especially if your skin is reactive.
Product Facts
- Dermaplaning Exfoliation Replacement Blades: Dermaplaning Blade Refills are replacement blades designed to maintain smooth, professional-level dermaplaning results. This 3-pack of stainless steel replacement blades is designed exclusively for the StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Tool. You will need to repurchase blades regularly to keep results consistent and avoid dull blades that tug at skin.
- Dermaplaning Exfoliation Tool: Dermaplaning is exfoliation; hair removal is the side benefit. This tool is not a face razor but a skin treatment that removes dead skin buildup first, with peach fuzz removal as a secondary benefit. If you primarily want smoother skin texture, this tool addresses that directly; hair removal is a bonus, not the main goal.
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- Those who want instant smoothness and peach fuzz removal
- People who prefer a manual, tool-based exfoliation they control
- Makeup wearers who want a flawless base
Not for
- Anyone with active cystic acne or open lesions
- People who want a no-touch, chemical-only routine
- Those unwilling to replace blades regularly
