Hydrafacial For Acne - Does It Help Treat Breakouts?

What Is Hydrafacial For Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages. It occurs when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This leads to red, inflamed lesions on the face, back, chest and shoulders. While acne is very treatable, it can take time to find an effective treatment. Some people are looking to hydrafacial as a fast and effective way to treat acne and clear the skin.

Hydrafacial is a popular facial that claims to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate the skin. It uses a device with a wand that vacuums away impurities while simultaneously infusing the skin with cleansing solutions, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Some dermatologists are using hydrafacial as a way to treat active breakouts and improve acne prone skin.

How Does Hydrafacial Help With Acne?

There are a few ways hydrafacial may help improve acne:

• Deep cleansing. The hydrafacial wand uses vacuum technology to deeply cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells, oil and other impurities.
• Gentle exfoliation. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are used to loosen and gently sweep away dead skin cells. This helps keep pores clear.
• Extractions. The hydrafacial uses suction to extract blackheads and other impurities from the skin.
• Hydration. Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are infused into the skin, helping to hydrate and protect.
• Anti-inflammatory. Ingredients like niacinamide and red algae extract help reduce redness and calm inflammation.

By combining deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions and hydration in one quick treatment, hydrafacial can improve the overall look and feel of acne prone skin. It may help reduce breakouts by keeping pores clear and excess oil under control.

Hydrafacial Benefits For Acne

Using hydrafacial to treat acne offers a few potential benefits:

• Non-inflammatory. The hydrafacial is gentle and non-irritating, unlike harsh scrubs or brushes.
• No downtime. You can return to normal activities right after a hydrafacial treatment.
• Immediate results. Many people see reduced redness, oiliness and clearer skin right away.
• Cumulative effects. With regular treatments (e.g. once a month), hydrafacial may help maintain clear, acne-free skin over time.
• Customizable. Serums can be tailored to your skin's specific needs, like adding antibacterials for breakouts.
• Suitable for sensitive skin. Hydrafacial is generally well tolerated even by those with sensitivity.

Does Hydrafacial Really Help Acne?

Research on hydrafacial for acne treatment is limited. But some small studies have shown promising results:

• One study found 4 weeks of weekly hydrafacial treatments significantly reduced acne lesions and improved skin oiliness, with effects lasting 8 weeks after the last treatment.
• Another study had 17 people with mild to moderate acne use a hydrafacial device at home every 3 days. After 8 weeks, they experienced a nearly 60% decrease in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
• Some research shows hydrafacial improves skin hydration, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, and decreases fine lines and wrinkles, which could also benefit acne-prone skin.

However, more clinical studies on hydrafacial specifically for acne treatment are needed.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

When performed properly by a licensed esthetician, hydrafacial is considered safe for most skin types with very low risks. Potential side effects may include:

• Mild redness and sensitivity - Usually resolves within a few hours.
• Temporary dryness or peeling - Especially if acids are used.
• Breakouts - Possibly from moving around bacteria; very uncommon.
• Bruising - If suction used is too high.

Always communicate with your provider if you experience any discomfort during your hydrafacial treatment.

Who Should Get a Hydrafacial For Acne?

Hydrafacial may be a good option for those with mild to moderate acne, including:

• Teens and young adults struggling with hormonal breakouts.
• Those with persistent whiteheads and blackheads.
• People with oily, congested skin and clogged pores.
• Anyone with mild to moderate inflammatory acne (papules and pustules).
• Individuals wanting cleaner, brighter skin tone and texture.

Hydrafacial is not recommended for severe acne with cystic lesions or nodules. It should also be avoided if you have active cold sores or other viral infections.

How Often to Get Hydrafacial for Acne

For ongoing acne treatment and maintenance, most dermatologists recommend getting a hydrafacial every 2-4 weeks initially. Once breakouts are under control, facials can be spaced out to every 4-8 weeks.

Don't overdo it. While generally gentle, getting hydrafacials too frequently could dry out your skin and cause irritation. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels to determine the ideal frequency for you.

Best Hydrafacial Serum For Acne

The serum solutions used during your hydrafacial treatment should be tailored for your acne concerns. Some of the best include:

• Salicylic acid - Exfoliates dead skin cells and penetrates pores.
• Glycolic acid - Dissolves the "glue" that holds dead skin in place.
• Niacinamide - Calms inflammation and helps balance oil production.
• Hyaluronic acid - Boosts hydration and plumps the skin.
• Antioxidants like vitamin C and E - Protect against free radicals and heal damage.

For active acne, your provider may also use solutions with antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil or witch hazel.

What To Expect During a Hydrafacial For Acne

The basic hydrafacial steps include:

1. Cleansing - The skin is cleansed and conditioned with a mix of cleansing solutions.
2. Peel - Glycolic/salicylic acid is applied to exfoliate dead skin.
3. Extract - Impurities are extracted with vacuum-like suctioning.
4. Hydrate - Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides are infused into the skin.

Extractions are also performed on blackheads and clogged pores. The entire process takes about 30-60 minutes. You may experience mild redness and sensitivity immediately after, but this usually goes away within a few hours.

How to Maximize Your Hydrafacial Results For Acne

To get the most out of your hydrafacial acne treatment, here are some tips:

Pick the Right Provider

Go to an experienced esthetician who's familiar with performing hydrafacials to treat acne. They can assess your skin and customize the treatment accordingly.

Prep Your Skin

Come with a clean, makeup-free face - don't use scrubs or acids right before. Shave before your appointment if needed. This allows hydrafacial solutions to effectively penetrate your skin.

Use Recommended Aftercare

Your provider will likely recommend products to maintain results. This may include hydrating creams, a gentle cleanser, antioxidants, etc. Avoid picking at skin or using abrasive products.

Repeat Regularly

Schedule follow-up facials every 2-4 weeks while clearing up acne. Then move to monthly maintenance facials. Consistency is key for lasting acne improvement.

Pair With Other Acne Treatments

For moderate to severe acne, incorporate other therapies like medications or in-office procedures. Hydrafacial works best alongside these treatments.

How Hydrafacial Compares To Other Acne Facials

Many facials claim to help acne, so how does hydrafacial compare? Here's a quick rundown:

Hydrafacial vs. Chemical Peels

• Peels use acids to intensely exfoliate the skin. This can help unblock pores and reduce breakouts.
• However, deeper peels have significant downtime. Hydrafacial provides a gentler peel with no downtime.
• Those with moderate to severe acne are often better candidates for chemical peels.

Hydrafacial vs. Microdermabrasion

• Microderm uses a wand with diamond-tipped crystals to deeply exfoliate.
• It's more aggressive than hydrafacial so also has some downtime. Those with sensitive skin may tolerate hydrafacial better.
• Microderm treatments are fast while hydrafacials incorporate cleansing, extractions, hydration, etc.

Hydrafacial vs. Photofacial

• Photofacials use light energy to target and destroy acne bacteria in pores.
• No exfoliation or extractions are done. This makes photofacials less thorough at unclogging pores.
• Those with mild acne are good candidates for hydrafacial while more moderate cases may need photofacial treatment.

Overall, hydrafacial provides a balanced approach of deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, gentle extractions, and hydration to effectively yet mildly treat acne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hydrafacial leave scars?

No, when performed properly by an experienced esthetician, hydrafacial should not leave any scarring. The treatment is very gentle on the skin.

How long do hydrafacial results last for acne?

For acne, results typically last 2-4 weeks before follow-up treatments are needed. Some people

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.