Hydrafacial Treatment: Benefits, Side Effects and Is It Worth It?

What is Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial is a popular non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that cleans, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. It uses a device with a handheld wand that uses vacuum suction to remove impurities from the skin while simultaneously bathing it with hydrating serums and antioxidants.

The Hydrafacial treatment is typically performed in medical spas, dermatology offices and aesthetic clinics. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and involves these key steps:

Step 1: Deep Cleansing

The first step uses vacuum suction to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Dead skin cells and debris are removed to reveal fresher skin underneath.

Step 2: Peel

Next, a gentle acid solution is applied to peel away the outer layer of skin. This allows the subsequent steps to better penetrate and work within the skin.

Step 3: Extraction

The wand uses vacuum suction to perform extractions of blackheads and congested pores. This removes deeper impurities from the skin.

Step 4: Hydration

Hydrating and nourishing serums containing hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides are infused into the skin using the suction technology. This floods the skin with replenishing ingredients.

Step 5: Final Moisturizer

At the end of the treatment, a final moisturizer is applied to the face, neck, chest and hands. This locks in the hydration and leaves skin looking radiant.

What are the Benefits of Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial has grown in popularity due to its instant results and many skin benefits. Advocates of the Hydrafacial praise it for:

Deep cleansing

The suction technology deeply cleanses and dislodges impurities in a way that cannot be achieved just by manual extraction or scrubbing the skin. This leaves skin looking clearer and brighter.

Gentle exfoliation

The acid peel solutions gently exfoliate and resurface the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing new skin. But Hydrafacial is gentle enough for sensitive skin types.

Painless extractions

The suction extracts blackheads and clears pores without painful squeezing of the skin or needles. Extractions are generally not painful with Hydrafacial.

Infusion of hydrating ingredients

The unique delivery system allows serums with hydrating and nourishing ingredients to soak into the skin better than if simply applied topically. Skin is left looking plump and hydrated.

Enhances other treatments

Hydrafacial is sometimes performed before laser treatments, microneedling or chemical peels in order to prep and deeply cleanse the skin beforehand. This allows other treatments to better penetrate the skin.

Minimal downtime

Unlike harsh chemical peels or laser resurfacing treatments, there is no significant redness or downtime after Hydrafacial. Some mild redness may occur but fades after an hour or two.

Cumulative and immediate effects

Skin looks noticeably improved immediately after one Hydrafacial session. But the best results come with a series of treatments, providing both instant and cumulative effects.

What Are The Disadvantages of Hydrafacial?

While Hydrafacial has many benefits, there are some downsides to consider as well. Potential disadvantages include:

Temporary results

Like most cosmetic treatments, the results are not permanent. Skin may look great immediately after, but regular sessions are needed to maintain the benefits. Results typically last about a month before the skin starts to revert.

Not effective for severe acne

Hydrafacial works well for mild breakouts and clogged pores. But those with moderate to severe cystic acne are better served by prescription acne medications or in-office procedures like chemical peels or cortisone injections.

May cause sensitivity

The suctioning and chemical solutions may irritate very sensitive skin. Patients report stinging during the treatment and occasionally increased redness or dryness afterwards.

Requires multiple treatments

A single session will provide temporarily improved skin, but a series of 5-6 treatments is usually needed for optimal results. This can become costly over time.

Not covered by insurance

Since Hydrafacial is considered an elective cosmetic treatment, it is typically not covered by health insurance. The out-of-pocket cost may be prohibitive for some.

Risk of infection

As with all procedures that involve skin contact, there is an extremely small risk of bacterial or fungal infection if the equipment is not properly sterilized between patients.

Can't treat all skin concerns

Hydrafacial is great for improving overall skin texture, glow, pore appearance and fine lines. But it does not treat more significant skin concerns like loose sagging skin, deep wrinkles or cellulite.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial is suitable for men and women alike who wish to improve the overall look and feel of their skin. Good candidates include those with:

• Dull, uneven skin tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Oily, congested skin and blackheads
• Mild acne and breakouts
• Dry, dehydrated skin

Candidates should be in overall good health without any active skin infections or inflammatory skin conditions.

How is Hydrafacial Performed?

Hydrafacial uses a patented device with a handheld wand that is moved across the face and neck in sections. Here is how a typical Hydrafacial treatment goes:

Step 1: Cleansing

The skin is cleansed to remove any makeup, oils and debris from the skin surface.

Step 2: Peeling

Gentle glycolic/salicylic acid solution is applied and suction used to exfoliate and reveal fresher skin.

Step 3: Extraction

The wand suctions out impurities and congested sebum from pores.

Step 4: Hydration

Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides are infused into the skin.

Step 5: Vitamin Boost

Specialized booster serums with vitamin C, vitamin D or growth factors can be applied.

Step 6: Final Moisturizer

A facial moisturizer is massaged into the face, neck and dcolletage.

The entire procedure takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the areas treated. A series of 4-6 treatments every 2-4 weeks is recommended for optimal results.

How Long Do Results Last?

You can see instant improvement in skin radiance, tone and smoothness immediately after Hydrafacial. However, these results are temporary.

For longer lasting results, you will need to get Hydrafacial treatments consistently. On average, the benefits will last about 4 weeks before the skin starts reverting to its baseline condition. Doing Hydrafacial every 4 weeks is ideal for maintaining the results.

How Much Does Hydrafacial Cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of Hydrafacial is around $150-$300 per session. However, pricing can vary based on your geographic location and the individual provider. Areas with a higher cost of living typically charge more.

Many clinics offer discounted prices per session if you purchase a package or membership. For example, you may pay $250 for one session but only $150 per session if you purchase a package of 6.

Hydrafacial for just the face is on the lower end around $150-$200. Expanding the treatment to the neck, chest and hands will add more to the cost. Combining Hydrafacial with a chemical peel or microdermabrasion at the same session also increases the overall price.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Hydrafacial is considered very safe with minimal risks. However, some people may experience some temporary side effects including:

• Mild redness and sensitivity - Resolves within a few hours
• Temporary dryness or peeling - Lasts a day or two
• Breakouts - Rare. Purging from extractions.
• Bruising - Uncommon from suction.

Make sure to speak up if you feel any pain or discomfort during your Hydrafacial treatment. Your provider should be able to adjust the suction strength and serum ingredients accordingly.

How to Prepare for Hydrafacial

Here are some tips on how to prepare for your treatment:

Avoid sun exposure

Stay out of the sun for a week beforehand. Tanned skin is harder to treat.

Stop exfoliating treatments

Hold off on chemical peels, retinols and scrubs for a few days before.

Shave before (men)

Facial hair can interfere with the suction wand and cause discomfort.

Go makeup free

Arrive with a clean face without any lotions, creams or makeup.

Know your medications

Discuss any medications or skin conditions with your provider.

Hydrate well

Drink plenty of water in the week beforehand.

How to Care for Skin After Hydrafacial

Be sure to care for your skin properly after Hydrafacial treatments to avoid irritation and maximize results:

• Avoid sun exposure - Wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
• Gentle skincare - Use only mild cleansers and moisturizers for 2-3 days.
• Hold off on exfoliation - Don't use scrubs, retinols or acids for at least 1 week.
• Stay hydrated - Drink lots of water and apply hydrating serums.
• Book your next session - Follow your providers recommendation for timing between sessions.

Is Hydrafacial Worth It?

Hydrafacial is worth considering if you want a deep cleansing facial that provides instant results with no downtime. It can help improve overall skin tone, texture, radiance and the appearance of pores and fine lines.

However, it comes at a price - both financial and time commitment. Four to six sessions averaging $150-$300 each are usually needed before youll see significant improvements. And youll need regular touch up sessions every 4-6 weeks to maintain the benefits.

Results are milder and more temporary compared to more aggressive treatments like laser resurfacing. But Hydrafacial does have a leg up when it comes to being low risk and suitable for all skin types.

Overall, Hydrafacial works well as part of a broader skincare routine that may also incorporate prescription treatments. But on its own, it may not be the best value for those with severe skin issues like deep wrinkles or acne scarring that require more dramatic procedures.

The Takeaway

Hydrafacial is a popular facial that deeply cleanses, exfoliates and infuses skin with antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The results can be instant glowing skin perfect for a special event.

But when considering it as part of your regular skincare, be realistic about the cost and time commitment required. For mild skin concerns like dullness, fine lines and enlarged pores, Hydrafacial can certainly help.

Make sure to communicate with your provider throughout your treatment plan. And complement Hydrafacial with a consistent regimen of proper skincare, sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits for optimal, long-lasting skin improvements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.