Dullness is often a surface problem first
Dead skin cells collect on the surface, and clearing them is what exfoliation is for. Cleveland Clinic describes dermaplaning as an exfoliating process that "leaves skin a little bit smoother and brighter," says removing dead skin cells helps revive a dull complexion, and notes that skincare products and makeup can then be applied more effectively (Cleveland Clinic).
Uneven texture has more than one possible cause, from surface build-up to enlarged pores or acne scars, and the four treatments below are described for different concerns. A skin assessment, not a mirror test, is how to decide which applies to you.
Which treatment fits your skin
| Treatment | Single session | Length | 3-session package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermaplaning with Clinical treatment with Collagen 90-II or Botinal | $275 | 70 minutes | $650 |
| Hydrafacial & Collagen Treatment | $325 | 75 minutes | None listed for this treatment |
| Chemical peel treatments | $300 | 60 minutes | $600 |
| Microneedle Treatments with skin growth Factors | $300 | 60 minutes | $700 |
- Dermaplaning with Clinical treatment with Collagen 90-II or Botinal — $275, 70 minutes. The studio's menu describes dermaplaning as a non-invasive treatment that uses a specialized tool to gently scrape away dead skin cells and fine facial hair from the surface of the skin.
- Hydrafacial & Collagen Treatment — $325, 75 minutes. The menu describes HydraFacial as a mechanical procedure that removes dead skin cells and dirt from the skin's surface; the manufacturer adds hydration infusion to that list (Hydrafacial). If you are weighing this against a peel, the HydraFacial page covers the trade-offs.
- Chemical peel treatments — $300, 60 minutes. The menu says a peel can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and sun damage, so it works on tone as well as texture.
- Microneedle Treatments with skin growth Factors — $300, 60 minutes. Microneedling makes tiny holes in the top layer of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, and Cleveland Clinic lists enlarged pores, fine lines and acne scars among what it treats (Cleveland Clinic). If the unevenness is acne scarring specifically, that page covers it.
Not sure which one applies? Every client is offered a complimentary consultation with Oogii that includes an assessment of your skin.
Aftercare after each treatment
Follow the aftercare instructions your provider gives you for your skin and the treatment you had. For general context, this is what Cleveland Clinic describes:
- Dermaplaning: skin may feel a little irritated for a day or so; moisturize well and keep wearing sunscreen (Cleveland Clinic).
- Light chemical peel: expect a sunburn-like reaction, with redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days; apply lotion or cream as directed until the skin heals, then use sunscreen daily. Cleveland Clinic says makeup can be worn immediately after treatment or the next day (Cleveland Clinic).
- Microneedling: skin might be red and swollen for up to five days and may feel tight, dry or flaky, which moisturizer helps; stay out of the sun until the skin heals. Most people can wear makeup the day after (Cleveland Clinic).
For a HydraFacial, ask at your appointment what to do afterward. The studio's blog has a longer piece on skincare after a peel.
How often, and when results show
These treatments run on different schedules. For light chemical peels, Cleveland Clinic says they can be repeated every two to five weeks, with three to five peels typically needed (Cleveland Clinic). Microneedling usually takes multiple treatments about 3 to 8 weeks apart, and Cleveland Clinic says visible improvement takes 3 to 6 months because it works through new collagen (Cleveland Clinic). For dermaplaning, Cleveland Clinic's advice is to give the skin time to recover between sessions (Cleveland Clinic). Results vary from person to person, so ask at your consultation what schedule suits your skin.
If you want a run of treatments, the menu has a 3-session Chemical peel package ($600), a 3-session Microneedle package ($700) and a 3-session Dermaplaning with Clinical treatment package ($650). Series packages must be redeemed within a calendar year.
Who should wait or choose something else
Cleveland Clinic advises against dermaplaning during active acne breakouts or with skin conditions like eczema (Cleveland Clinic); it advises caution with microneedling for people with acne or taking acne medication, a tendency to keloids, or active eczema or psoriasis (Cleveland Clinic); and it says to avoid a peel with a history of abnormal scarring or if you can't stay out of the sun while healing (Cleveland Clinic). Darker skin tones carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after peels, according to the same source. Tell the studio about health conditions, allergies, injuries or recent medical procedures when you book, as its policy asks.
Dullness that does not respond to any of this, or skin that has changed noticeably over months, is worth raising with a physician.
Where to find us
Aesthetic OOGII is at 450 Sutter St #1530, San Francisco, near Union Square. Oogii is a certified medical and clinical aesthetician. The studio is open Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. To book, or to start with the complimentary consultation, see the menu.