Dermaplaning sounds scary. Honestly, the first time someone told me they were basically taking a surgical-grade scalpel to their face to scrape off dead skin and hair, I thought they’d lost it. But then you see the results. The "glow" everyone talks about isn't just hype; it's what happens when you finally get rid of the microscopic wall of debris and "peach fuzz" that’s been sitting on your chin for a decade.
If you’ve been looking at the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth dermaplaning system, you’ve probably seen the ads. They make it look effortless. While it’s definitely easier than trying to navigate your jawline with a cheap plastic eyebrow razor from the drugstore, there is a learning curve.
Most people buy it, use it once like a standard razor, and then wonder why their skin feels "meh" or slightly irritated. It’s not a razor. It’s a sonic exfoliation tool. There’s a massive difference.
What is the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth, Anyway?
Basically, this is a 2-in-1 system. It uses sonic technology—vibrating at speeds up to 258 times per second—to slough off the top layer of dead skin while simultaneously removing vellus hair. Vellus hair is that fine, light-colored fuzz that catches the light in the most annoying way possible when you're trying to apply foundation.
A lot of tools out there are just "shapers." They cut the hair, but they don't do much for your skin texture. The Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth is different because it actually "planes" the skin. Think of it like a professional treatment you’d pay $150 for at a spa, but you’re doing it in your pajamas while watching Netflix.
The kit usually comes with:
- The rechargeable device (cordless is a lifesaver).
- A charging cradle.
- A 2-month supply of single-use safety edges.
- Prep cleanser and after-treatment gel.
The Science of the Sonic Vibration
Why the vibration? Why not just use a steady hand?
When the blade vibrates at such a high frequency, it reduces the friction between the metal and your skin. This makes it way less likely that you'll nick yourself. It also helps "jiggle" the dead skin cells loose. If you’ve ever used an electric toothbrush vs. a manual one, you get the vibe. The motor does the heavy lifting so you don't have to apply pressure.
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In fact, applying pressure is the #1 mistake people make. You should barely be touching your skin.
Does the hair grow back thicker?
No. Seriously, no. This is the most persistent myth in beauty history. Shaving or dermaplaning does not change the structure of your hair follicle. The hair might feel a little "blunt" as it first pokes through the skin surface, but it’s the same hair you had before. It won't grow back like a lumberjack's beard.
How to Actually Use It Without Ruining Your Skin
If you want the "red carpet" results, you have to prep. You can't just go to town on a dry, dirty face.
- Cleanse like your life depends on it. Use the prep cleanser provided or a very gentle, oil-free face wash. Your skin needs to be bone dry. If it's even slightly damp, the blade will "skip" and you'll end up with patchy results or a scratch.
- The 45-Degree Angle Rule. This is non-negotiable. If you hold the device too flat, it won't do anything. If you hold it too upright (90 degrees), you’re going to scrape too deep. Aim for that 45-degree sweet spot.
- Hold it Taut. Use your free hand to pull your skin tight. This creates a flat surface for the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth to glide over. Be extra careful around the "fleshy" parts like your cheeks.
- Short, Feather-Light Strokes. Don't try to do your whole face in one long swipe. Think short, downward motions. It’s a slow process.
The Reality of Maintenance
One thing people often overlook is the "single-use" rule for the blades. I know, it’s tempting to try and get two or three uses out of one safety edge to save money. Don’t do it.
The blades are incredibly fine. After one use, they develop microscopic "hooks" and collect bacteria. If you use an old blade, you’re basically inviting a breakout or "strawberry skin" to the party. Michael Todd Beauty usually ships these with an 8-week supply (8 blades), because you should only be dermaplaning once a week.
Usually, every 7 to 10 days is the sweet spot. Your skin needs time to regenerate that top layer. If you do it every day, you’ll destroy your skin barrier, and everything will burn.
Why It Beats the Cheap Drugstore Razors
I’ve used those $5 packs of "tinkle" razors. They’re fine for a quick upper lip touch-up, but they are jagged. If you look at them under a magnifying glass, the metal isn't perfectly smooth.
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The Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth safety edges are medical-grade. They are designed to be used on the face, which is much more delicate than your legs. Plus, the built-in LED light on the newer Pro models is actually helpful. It’s horrifying to see how much fuzz you actually have, but it ensures you don't miss a spot.
Post-Treatment: The "Golden Hour"
The 60 minutes after you finish are the most important. Your pores aren't technically "open," but that barrier of dead skin is gone. This is the time to use your most expensive serums.
Since there’s nothing blocking the way, your Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, or peptides are going to sink in way deeper than usual. You’ll feel a slight tingle—that’s normal. However, avoid anything with "acid" (like AHA/BHA) or Retinol for at least 24-48 hours. Your skin is fresh and vulnerable. Treat it like a baby.
A Quick Warning
If you have active cystic acne, stay away. Do not glide the Michael Todd Beauty Sonicsmooth over a breakout. You will pop the blemish and spread the bacteria everywhere, leading to a massive flare-up. Just work around those areas.
Actionable Next Steps for Glowing Skin
Ready to give it a shot? Here is exactly what you should do:
- Charge it fully: Don't try to use it straight out of the box. Give it a full 12-hour charge first to ensure the sonic motor is running at full power.
- Do a patch test: If you’ve never dermaplaned, try a small area near your jawline first and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts.
- Pick your "Dermaplane Day": Sunday nights are perfect. It gives your skin a full night to recover before you put on makeup on Monday morning.
- Replace the blade every time: Seriously. Use a fresh safety edge for every single session to avoid irritation.
- Sunscreen is mandatory: Since you just removed your "protective" layer of dead skin, you are way more prone to sunburn. Wear SPF 30+ the next day, even if it’s cloudy.
By following these steps, you’re not just shaving; you’re performing a legit skin treatment that makes your products work better and your makeup look like a filter.