What isn’t on TikTok these days? The short-form video social media platform has proven to be quite the repository for addictive content, ranging from dance numbers to stunts, from jokes to life hacks. Beauty trends have gone viral on the app as well, with soap brows, double liner, and skin icing being some of the most popular ones. A cosmetic skincare procedure known as dermaplaning—which involves shaving your face with a scalpel—has been gaining significant ground since last year, especially popular due to high-engagement content made available by vloggers and influencers.

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Dermaplaning works the way most microdermabrasion processes do. But instead of a diamond-tipped wand or a crystal-emitting handpiece, the dermatologist or esthetician uses a surgical blade to slough off the top layer of your epidermis. The removal of dead skin and debris allows for a speedier skin cell renewal process, helping reduce and manage dryness, dullness, sun damage, acne scars, and fine lines. In addition, this shaving process also eliminates your vellus hairs or peach fuzz, giving you a smoother canvass for your make-up. Your skincare products will penetrate better as well, making them more effective. You may experience a bit of redness and sensitivity after the procedure, but it is virtually painless and posits little to no downtime.

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While most of us are in agreement that dermaplaning is safe for as long as you are in the hands of a professional, the availability of at-home blades in the market and the significantly large number of DIY tutorials has made it possible for us to try dermaplaning at home. This, of course, begs the question: Is it safe? It can be, but to be frank, any procedure that involves using a sharp object on your face demands great care and caution. The direction and the angle of your strokes, as well as how taut you pull your skin, is crucial to your safety.

Of course, having the right razor in your arsenal matters, too. You won’t have access to the tools that licensed professionals do, so it’s best to look for one with a stainless steel blade and with a good grip. Stainless steel is more hygienic, lasts longer, and is more resistant to rust. A good grip will lessen the chances of the tool possibly slipping, reducing the risk of injury.

When dermaplaning at home, here’s what you need to remember:

• Cleanse your skin thoroughly before dermaplaning.
• If you’re using a razor, hold the blade at a 45-degree angle against your skin.
• Use short downward strokes and avoid going against the direction your hair is growing in.
• Avoid your eyelids and the sides of your nose as the skin in these areas is thin and sensitive.
• Do not dermaplane if you have an active skin condition or a recent sunburn.

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While it can be safe if you are careful, skincare experts advise visiting a clinic for proper assessment and to have it done professionally so as to reduce the risk of nicks, cuts, and irritation. And while doing procedures in the comfort of your own home is appealing, nothing compares to the peace of mind the trained hands of a licensed professional can bring.