Pittsburgh winters are hard on the skin. Cold air lowers outdoor humidity, while indoor heating pulls moisture from the skin’s surface, leaving many people with a rough, dull complexion that does not respond to moisturizer as it should. By spring, the underlying issue remains: an accumulated layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair on the face, blocking everything underneath from working properly.
DermaPlaning removes that layer in a single 30-minute session. For expert dermaplaning in Pittsburgh, PA, visit our Aspinwall location, where we serve clients from across the greater Pittsburgh area, including Fox Chapel, Shadyside, the North Hills, South Hills, Squirrel Hill, and Mt. Lebanon.
DermaPlaning uses a sterile straight-edge blade held at a precise angle by a licensed aesthetician. Short, controlled strokes move across the full surface of the face, lifting dead skin cells and fine peach fuzz in a single pass. The process involves no chemicals, no downtime, and no recovery period. Clients return to their normal routine immediately after the session.
More clients arrive having already tried at-home DermaPlaning devices or personal facial shavers. The experience they describe is typically underwhelming compared to that of a professional DermaPlaning session. Personal tools are designed to be safe enough for unsupervised use, which means they sacrifice the precision and blade quality that make the treatment effective.
A clinical DermaPlaning session uses a sterile blade held at a 45-degree angle and is guided by a licensed aesthetician, who adjusts pressure and direction based on each client’s unique skincare needs. The controlled stroke pattern lifts dead skin from the surface layer while simultaneously removing fine vellus hair.
Shaving with a personal razor primarily removes hair at the surface and delivers minimal exfoliation compared with other methods. The gap between the two experiences is one reason clients who have tried both consistently return for the professional version.
DermaPlaning suits a wide range of clients. Women dealing with a dull complexion, rough skin texture, or foundation that settles unevenly throughout the day tend to see particularly strong results. The treatment is also well-suited for clients who are pregnant or nursing, since it involves no chemical absorption and carries no risk in that regard.
Clients with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate chemical peels or acid-based exfoliation often find DermaPlaning the most effective option. It delivers real exfoliation results without introducing actives that can trigger irritation on reactive skin types.
Ideal candidates do not include clients with active acne breakouts, inflamed skin, or rosacea in a flare state. We review every client’s skin and health history before the treatment begins. Clients who are unsure whether they qualify are welcome to contact us or schedule a consultation before committing to a booking.
We perform DermaPlaning at our 7,000-square-foot facility at 17 Brilliant Ave in Aspinwall, Pittsburgh. We begin by thoroughly cleansing and drying the skin, as the treatment is performed on dry skin to maximize the blade’s precision and effectiveness.
A sterile blade is positioned at the correct angle and moved in short upward strokes across the full face. Our estheticians work through a treatment designed to address each client’s specific skin concerns rather than following a fixed script.
Pressure and pace adjust in real time based on the skin’s response. Most clients describe the session as genuinely relaxing once they settle in. The sensation is a light, smooth pass across the face with no discomfort whatsoever.
After the treatment, we apply a customized blend of peptides and vital nutrients to the newly exposed skin. We recommend keeping the skincare routine simple for the first day or two and allowing those nutrients to absorb fully before layering additional products.
The results are visible the same day. Skin tone appears more even, and the difference in texture is immediately noticeable to the touch. Fine lines that were more visible because of surface buildup become less defined. Peach fuzz is gone, and the absence of that fine vellus hair layer changes how the face reads in both natural light and photographs.
Clients who wear makeup notice the most dramatic shift in their daily routine. Without a layer of dead skin and fine hair for product to catch on, foundation applies more smoothly, coverage is more even, and wear lasts longer into the evening. Many clients describe the result as baby-soft skin, which is the most accurate way to describe what the skin surface feels like once the outermost dead layer has been removed.
One benefit that becomes clear over repeated sessions is the change in how skincare products perform after treatment. Facial oils, serums, and moisture-binding creams reach the skin more effectively when there is no barrier of accumulated surface cells. Products that seem to sit on the skin rather than absorb tend to behave differently after dermaplaning.
This is why clients who schedule regular sessions every three to four weeks often notice their at-home skincare routine becomes more effective over time, not just their in-office results. A single session removes approximately 21 days of dead-cell buildup, resetting the surface and giving everything that follows direct access to fresher skin.
Dermaplaning works well on its own and complements several other services available at our Pittsburgh location. Our facial and skin treatments include anti-aging skin peels that pair naturally with dermaplaning, since a freshly exfoliated surface allows peel formulas to penetrate more evenly and consistently.
Microdermabrasion is a complementary exfoliation method that uses crystal flow and suction to target clogged pores and surface congestion, and some clients with resilient skin benefit from combining the two treatments. Our spa packages also combine multiple services into a single visit for clients who want to address skin, tension, or nail care in a coordinated appointment.
Our founder, Eva Sztupka-Kerschbaumer, became one of the first estheticians in Pennsylvania to earn full certification and training in dermaplaning. She has since built that training into a protocol that every member of our esthetician team completes personally before working with clients, which means the treatment experience does not vary based on who performs it or when you schedule.
ESSpa Kozmetika has been recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine for Best Skin Treatments and Best Organic Spa across multiple years. Our estheticians have been named Top Aestheticians in America by BeautyWire Magazine for four consecutive years, 2022 through 2025, and our training program has received the same national recognition across the same period. The full awards record is available at esspa.net/best_of_awards_honors.html.
“Go see Jen for your esthetician needs. She is so personable and will create an experience specifically for your skin care needs. I need someone who will take care of my sensitive skin. She took her time and made great recommendations. I was comfortable and relaxed during my facial. Loving the glow!” – Brittany Clyburn, Google
Scheduling your Pittsburgh DermaPlaning appointment takes just a few minutes online. Book at esspa.net or call (412) 782-3888 during business hours. We are open seven days a week: Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Pricing details are available when you call or complete your online booking.
New clients can text GREEN to 77948 to receive a $20 certificate for free before their first visit. You can find answers to pre-appointment questions about what to expect, downtime, and our cancellation policy at esspa.net/policy_FAQs.html.
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Please note. If you would like to enjoy Facials with Eva all year long for one low price, please take advantage of our Family Spa Membership Program (it includes Facials with Eva)
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