Hydrafacial Treatments - How They Work, Benefits, Risks, and Who They're For

What is the Hydrafacial Treatment?

The Hydrafacial has become a popular nonsurgical skin resurfacing procedure that claims to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin for a revitalized, youthful glow. This water-based facial uses patented technology to deliver skin-nourishing ingredients with minimal discomfort or downtime.

Keep reading to understand how Hydrafacials work, potential benefits, risks to consider, who it’s best suited for, and what to expect during and after your treatment.

How the Hydrafacial Works

The Hydrafacial is performed using a wand-like device with a tip that painlessly glides over the skin. As it moves across the face, the device uses vacuum suction to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from pores.

At the same time, the wand gently exfoliates with chemical solutions like glycolic or salicylic acid. These acids loosen congestion in pores to be sucked away while also sloughing off dull surface layers.

Finally, the machine infuses your skin with hydrating and nourishing serums filled with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins. These soak in to replenish moisture and rejuvenate the complexion.

Hydrafacial Benefits

Fans of the Hydrafacial praise it for these benefits:

• Deeply cleanses pores
• Exfoliates away dead skin
• Extracts congestion and blackheads
• Hydrates skin with nutrient serums
• Brightens and evens out tone
• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces redness and inflammation
• Tightens and firms loose skin
• Speeds up cell turnover
• Boosts collagen production
• Requires no recovery time

Results are temporary, lasting about 1-4 weeks before follow-up treatments are needed. Some dermatologists recommend a series of 4-6 facials spaced 2-4 weeks apart for maximum results. Maintenance facials every 4-6 weeks help sustain the benefits.

Who is a Good Candidate?

The Hydrafacial is safe for most skin types. It's ideal for those wanting a deep cleanse and refresh for lackluster skin showing:

• Dull, uneven tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Congested, clogged pores
• Mild acne and breakouts
• Hyperpigmentation
• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Oily, congested skin

The facial is not recommended for those with highly sensitive skin, severe acne, or active rosacea. Patients may still experience some redness after treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

Here’s a quick rundown of what happens during a typical 30-minute Hydrafacial session:

• Skin is cleansed to remove makeup, oil, and debris from the surface.
• A glycolic/salicylic acid solution deeply exfoliates the face.
• The wand uses vacuum suction to dislodge and extract impurities in pores.
• Nourishing serums containing hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides are infused.
• LED light therapy helps absorb serums and kill acne bacteria.
• Moisturizer and sunscreen are applied at the end.

You may experience tingling during the facial. Most describe the Hydrafacial as relaxing with a cooling sensation. There is no pain, redness fades quickly, and you can return to normal activities right after.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

When performed properly by an experienced esthetician, Hydrafacials are safe with minimal risks. However, possible side effects include:

• Redness, swelling for 1-2 days
• Minor peeling or flaking
• Purging of clogged pores
• Irritation in sensitive skin
• Infection if equipment is not properly sterilized

More serious risks like scarring, burns, and pigment changes are highly unlikely but possible if solutions are left on too long. This is why attending an established clinic with licensed providers is recommended.

Maximizing Your Hydrafacial Results

Follow these tips to get the most out of your Hydrafacials for gorgeously glowing skin:

Go to an Experienced Provider

Have your facial performed by a licensed esthetician or cosmetic dermatologist familiar with the machine. They can adjust protocols for your skin type.

Get a Series of Treatments

A single session will provide a temporary refresh, but a series of 4-6 facials spaced 2-4 weeks apart will give you the best results.

Support with Skincare

Use professional-grade cleansers, serums, and moisturizers tailored to your skin type to maintain the benefits in between facials.

Avoid Irritants

After your facial, steer clear of irritants like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and scrubs until skin recovers.

Protect Your Skin

Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen after your treatment to shield fresh new skin from damage.

Book Maintenance Visits

Schedule follow-up Hydrafacials every 4-6 weeks to sustain clearer, smoother, more luminous skin.

Complement With Other Treatments

Pair your Hydrafacials with treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling, and PRP to tackle specific concerns.

Professional Skincare Lines to Boost Results

Using professional-strength skincare products at home helps prolong your Hydrafacial’s rejuvenating effects. Consider these dermatologist-approved skincare lines:

SkinCeuticals

This clinical brand offers advanced antioxidants, peptides, and corrective serums backed by scientific research, like their C E Ferulic serum.

Obagi Medical

Their glycolic and retinol formulas help build collagen and maintain youthful-looking skin.

SkinMedica

With brightening, exfoliating, and hydrating options like the HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, their products perfectly complement the Hydrafacial.

Revision Skincare

Products contain antioxidants and peptides to replenish and protect skin after facials.

Alastin Skincare

Their Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer deeply hydrates post-procedure skin with emollients like shea butter.

Should You Get a Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacials offer an effective way to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin without surgery, lasers, or significant downtime. While results are temporary and ongoing treatments are needed, many find the facials helpful for restoring a smooth, radiant complexion.

Schedule a consultation at a reputable cosmetic dermatology clinic to see if Hydrafacial treatments could benefit your skin concerns. Be sure to maintain results between sessions with proper skincare and sun protection.

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.