You know that feeling when your foundation just… sits there? Like it’s hovering on top of a fuzzy peach rather than melting into your skin? It’s annoying. Honestly, most of us have spent way too much money on "blurring" primers that don't actually blur anything because the underlying texture—dead skin and vellus hair—is still in the way. That is basically where the Michael Todd Beauty dermaplane system, specifically the Sonicsmooth, enters the chat.
It isn't just a fancy razor. People often confuse dermaplaning with "shaving your face," and while they're cousins, they aren't twins. If you use a cheap drugstore razor, you're mostly just cutting hair. If you use a sonic tool, you're vibrating the dead cells off your face while the blade catches the fuzz. It’s a subtle difference that makes a massive impact on how your serums sink in later that night.
The Reality of the Michael Todd Beauty Dermaplane Experience
Most people are scared of two things: cutting their face and growing a beard. Let’s kill the beard myth right now. Your hair doesn’t have a memory. Cutting it at the surface doesn't change the follicle deep down, so it's not coming back thicker or darker. It might feel "prickly" for a second as the blunt edge grows out, but you aren't going to wake up looking like a lumberjack.
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The Michael Todd Beauty dermaplane tool uses what they call sonic technology—around 15,000 movements per minute. That vibration is key. It helps the blade glide without you having to "scrape" as hard. If you've ever used a manual eyebrow razor and ended up with those tiny red scratches, you'll appreciate the difference here. The device usually comes with three speeds, which is great because your forehead can handle more intensity than your thin-skinned upper lip.
What’s actually in the box?
Usually, when you grab a Sonicsmooth kit, you aren't just getting the wand. You get a charging cradle (the Pro+ version has a really sleek wireless one), a pre-treatment cleanser to strip away oils, and a post-treatment gel to calm things down. The safety tips are single-use. Do not try to be a hero and use them twice; they get duller than you think, and bacteria love a used blade.
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Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the "Sonic" Part
Is the vibration just a gimmick? Not really. Think about an electric toothbrush versus a manual one. Sure, both clean your teeth, but the electric one does more work with less manual pressure. The Michael Todd Beauty dermaplane works on the same logic. By using sonic frequencies, the tool dislodges the "glue" holding dead skin cells together.
- Better Absorption: Your $80 vitamin C serum finally has a clear path to your actual skin cells.
- Makeup Finish: Foundation stops looking cakey because there’s no hair for it to "grab" onto.
- Safety: The patented guards on the MTB blades make it much harder to nick yourself compared to a bare surgical scalpel.
Michael Todd Beauty Dermaplane vs. The Competition
Look, the elephant in the room is the Dermaflash. It's the other big name in this space. If you're comparing the two, Michael Todd is often the more "budget-friendly" long-term play. Why? The refill blades. MTB replacement tips are generally cheaper than the Dermaflash "edges."
However, some users find the MTB handle a bit bulkier. If you have tiny hands, it might feel a little clunky at first. But the Sonicsmooth Pro+ added an LED light, which is a total game-changer. You don't realize how much invisible fuzz you have until a bright light hits your cheek at a 45-degree angle. It's satisfying and slightly horrifying at the same time.
The Learning Curve
Don't just turn it on and go to town. You need to hold your skin taut. If the skin is loose, the blade can jump, and that’s how you get irritation. Short, feathery strokes are the way to go. If you’re doing long, sweeping motions like you’re shaving your legs, you’re doing it wrong.
Is It Worth It for Sensitive Skin?
This is where it gets tricky. If you have active cystic acne, stay away. Seriously. Sliding a blade over a breakout is a recipe for a localized disaster and potential scarring. But if you just have "reactive" skin that gets red easily, the Michael Todd Beauty dermaplane is actually often better than physical scrubs. Scrubs can create micro-tears with jagged walnut shells or beads. A controlled blade is actually more precise.
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Just make sure you don't use Retinol or heavy acids the night you dermaplane. Your skin is "raw" in a good way—it's fresh. Putting a harsh chemical on top of that is going to sting like crazy. Stick to a simple hyaluronic acid or a ceramid-rich moisturizer to rebuild the barrier.
Actionable Steps for Your First Session
If you just unboxed your tool, don't rush.
- Double Cleanse: Use the charcoal cleanser that comes with it or any oil-free wash. Your skin must be bone-dry. Any moisture makes the blade "skip."
- The 45-Degree Rule: Hold the tool at an angle, not flat against the face and definitely not 90 degrees.
- Section by Section: Start at the ear and work inward toward the nose. Avoid the eyelids and the actual surface of your lips.
- Blade Disposal: Pop that tip off immediately. It’s tempting to save it, but your skin's health is worth more than the three dollars the refill costs.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: You just removed your face's "shield." The sun will hit those new cells harder tomorrow, so wear SPF 30 at a minimum.
Using the Michael Todd Beauty dermaplane once every week or two is plenty. Over-exfoliating will just make your skin shiny and thin, which isn't the "glow" we're after. When done right, you'll notice your skin looks airbrushed in photos, even without a filter. It's one of those rare at-home tools that actually delivers a result you can see in the mirror five minutes later.