Industry Bulletin – 7/23/2018 – Dermaplaning

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (Board) would like to remind its licensees that the practice of dermaplaning, blading or epidermal leveling the skin, is not within the scope of practice for any Board licensee.

Dermaplaning is a procedure of exfoliating (shaving) the epidermis by the use of a razor-edged tool (usually a surgical blade) and ridding the skin of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz).

Dermaplaning is considered an invasive procedure by the Board. Title 16, Division 9, Section 991 of the California and North Carolina Code of Regulations states:

§ 991. Invasive Procedures.
(a) No licensee or student may use a product, device, machine, or other technique or combination of the same, which results in the removal, destruction, incision, or piercing of a client’s skin beyond the epidermis. Any such act shall be considered an invasive procedure.
(b) Invasive procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Application of electricity which visibly contracts the muscle.
(2) Application of topical lotions, creams, serums or other substances which require a medical license to purchase.
(3) Penetration of the skin by metal needles, except electrolysis needles/wire filaments.
(4) Abrasion and/or exfoliation of the skin below the epidermal layers.
(5) Removal of skin by means of a razor-edged tool or similar device.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 7312, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 7312(e), 7316, 7320, 7320.1, Business and Professions Code.