Beauty for Queens

By Morten Andersen, Co-founder  ·  leads clinic vetting & editorial standards  ·  Independent & not affiliated  ·  Last updated June 2026

CompareAdvanced facials

HydraFacial vs dermaplaning

Both leave skin smoother and brighter with no downtime, yet they do quite different things. HydraFacial cleanses and hydrates with water based serums, while dermaplaning shaves away dead surface skin and fine vellus hair. Here is how to choose, honestly.

Option one

HydraFacial

A multistep device facial that cleanses, gently exfoliates, extracts and floods the skin with hydrating and antioxidant serums. Instantly dewy, well suited to dullness, congestion and dehydration.

Indicative cost · £100 to £250 per session
Downtime · None, a possible light flush for an hour or two
Option two

Dermaplaning

A sterile blade is drawn across the skin to remove dead surface cells and fine vellus hair. Skin feels instantly smooth, make up sits better and products absorb more easily.

Indicative cost · £40 to £90 per session
Downtime · None, skin may be slightly sensitive briefly

All figures are indicative ranges for guidance only and vary by city and clinic. Confirm the price with the provider before booking.

Side by side

How they differ

HydraFacial
Dermaplaning
What it does
Cleanses, exfoliates, hydrates with serums
Removes dead skin and fine facial hair
Best for
Dullness, dehydration, congestion
Peach fuzz, rough texture, flat make up
Sensation
Cool, comfortable suction
A light scraping, painless
How often
Monthly
Every three to four weeks
Who each suits

Which is right for you

Choose HydraFacial if

Your skin looks tired, dehydrated or congested and you want an instant glow before an event. It suits most skin types and adds hydration that dermaplaning does not.

Choose dermaplaning if

Fine facial hair or rough texture is your main concern and you want make up to sit flawlessly. It is quick, affordable and pairs well with a facial.

Good to know · Many clinics combine the two, dermaplaning first then a HydraFacial, so freshly resurfaced skin drinks in the serums. Ask whether a combined treatment is offered.

When the answer is neither

Sometimes you need something else

Both are gentle surface treatments. If your real concern is deeper lines, sun damage, acne scarring or pigmentation, neither will deliver lasting change and a chemical peel, laser or a proper skincare plan may serve you better. Dermaplaning is also best avoided on active acne or very sensitive, reactive skin. A good clinic will tell you when a facial is not the answer.

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Still unsure which suits your skin

Tell us your city and your skin goals and we will match you with a vetted clinic who can advise in person. No pressure, no obligation.

This is general information. Prices are indicative and results vary.

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