Hydrafacial Treatments: A Guide to the Popular Resurfacing Procedure

Understanding the Hydrafacial Treatment

The Hydrafacial has become an extremely popular facial treatment over the last several years. This non-invasive, non-surgical procedure aims to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin for a smooth, healthy, glowing complexion.

What is the Hydrafacial Treatment?

The Hydrafacial uses a device with a special vacuum and serum applicator tip that can simultaneously cleanse, exfoliate, and extract impurities while also infusing the skin with hydrating serums filled with antioxidants and peptides.

Hydrafacials are performed in medical spas, dermatology offices, and even some beauty salons. The treatment takes about 30 minutes as the aesthetician uses the device to methodically cleanse and treat various areas of the face.

How a Hydrafacial Works

During a Hydrafacial treatment, the aesthetician starts by deeply cleansing and lightly exfoliating the skin. Next, they use the unique spiral applicator tip to vacuum out congested pores while simultaneously bathing the skin with hydrating serums.

There are usually 3 main steps to a Hydrafacial treatment:

• Cleanse + Peel: A combination of cleansing solutions and glycolic/salicylic acid is used to remove dead skin cells and prep skin for extraction.
• Extract + Hydrate: The unique vacuum technology painlessly extracts impurities while infusing skin with intense hydrators like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides and more.
• Fuse + Protect: Using LED light therapy and a combination of hydrating and skin-protecting solutions to maximize results.

Many Hydrafacial providers have several different treatment options available depending on your skin goals:

• The Signature Hydrafacial: The basic 3-step protocol.
• Deluxe Hydrafacial: Includes booster serums for maximum hydration.
• Platinum Hydrafacial: The Deluxe Hydrafacial plus extended extractions and facial lymphatic drainage.
• Hydrafacial with Dermabuilder: All the steps of The Signature Hydrafacial but with the added benefit of microneedling to stimulate collagen and treat fine lines.

Hydrafacial Benefits

The growing popularity of these facials lies in the many benefits users experience. Hydrafacials are said to improve the appearance of:

• Fine lines + wrinkles
• Elasticity + firmness
• Skin texture
• Skin tone evenness
• Brown spots
• Oily and congested skin
• Dull, dry skin

In addition to the aesthetic improvements in the skin, many people love how relaxing and rejuvenating the treatment can be. Some have even likened the hydradermabrasion process to a "facial massage" leaving skin clean and glowing.

What to Expect During Treatment

One of the biggest draws to trying a Hydrafacial is how pleasant and easy the treatment process is. Unlike more invasive or Ablative laser resurfacing treatments, hydrafacials are gentle, painless and require no downtime afterwards.

The Hydrafacial Process Step-by-Step

1. Cleansing + Light Exfoliation - The process starts with cleansing away makeup, oil and debris from the surface of the skin. Your provider will customize the cleansing solutions used for your skin type. They'll also exfoliate by lightly brushing the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

2. Peel Solution - Next, your provider will apply a glycolic/salicylic acid solution to prep and condition the skin for extraction. This peel solution helps loosen congestion in the pores to be removed.

3. Hydradermabrasion - This patented technology uses vacuum pressure to gently push customized skin solutions with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides into the skin. At the same time, it uses that vacuum technology to extract impurities like bacteria, sebum and buildup from within the pores.

4. LED Light Therapy (Fuse) - Your provider will end your Hydrafacial with LED light therapy to further infuse the skin with the hydrating Hydrafacial serums while also stimulating collagen production.

5. Moisturize + Protect - At last, they'll apply a hydrating antioxidant cream to soothe, moisturize and protect the skin.

Does a Hydrafacial Hurt?

Most patients report little to no pain or discomfort during their Hydrafacial treatment. Unlike harsh chemical peels or ablative laser treatments, Hydrafacials use gentle suction to cleanse and infuse serums rather than chemicals, heat or friction which tend to cause irritation.

Some patients say they feel a slight tingling sensation when the serum is applied or a mild suction pressure from the device. Overall though, the consensus is that it is easily tolerable for the majority of people.

What Makes the Hydrafacial Unique?

Hydrafacials stand out from other types of facials due to the patented technology that allows skin to be thoroughly cleansed and soaked with nourishing ingredients at the same time. Traditional facials cannot deeply cleanse and infuse serums multi-dimensionally like a Hydrafacial can.

Benefits of Hydrafacial’s Unique Delivery

Unlike manual extractions which can be harsh and only surface level, Hydrafacial uses gentle suctioning to clear pores deeply. Although it focuses on deep cleansing and hydration, the treatment is still very gentle and non-irritating.

Additionally, the special vortex device used is equipped with serums that can treat four skin issues at once: cleansing/exfoliating, extracting impurities, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid + peptides, and antioxidant protection from environmental damage. Manual extractions just cannot treat skin on so many levels at once like this advanced technology can.

Better Results and Recovery Time

Alternative treatments to address congested pores and dullness like harsh chemical peels or ablative laser treatments tend to involve lots pain, peeling and heavy downtime. They work by essentially damaging the outer layers of skin to promote regeneration of new cells.

Hydrafacials work differently by infusing the skin to optimize the health of skin cells. There's no burning, peeling or damage to the skin barrier so most people see noticeable results after just one treatment with zero downtime. Skin looks plump and dewy right away thanks to all the hydrating and nourishing ingredients soaked into the skin during treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hydrafacials?

Just about anyone can benefit from a Hydrafacial treatment. Unlike harsh laser treatments or surgical procedures, there are little to no contraindications because hydrafacials work by infusing ingredients rather than ablating the skin.

Skin Types

All skin types can enjoy Hydrafacial treatments including sensitive, eczema-prone skin. The serums used during treatment are gentle enough for most people to tolerate well. Your provider may customize treatment to avoid certain ingredients if you have sensitivities.

Skin Tones

Those with darker skin tones that are prone to PIH can also make excellent Hydrafacial candidates. The treatment is very low risk for causing any post-procedure pigmentation issues.

Skin Concerns

Hydrafacials can also address a wide scope of skin concerns including:

• Dull, tired skin
• Oily, congested skin
• Blackheads and enlarged pores
• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation

And provide overall brightening, toning and smoothing of the complexion.

Age Range

Hydrafacials are safe and effective for those in their 20s-70s+. Younger patients may opt for maintenance hydrafacials to keep skin looking fresh. More mature patients enjoy both an instant glow along with long term results from continual collagen stimulation courtesy of the LED light therapy used.

How Long Do Hydrafacial Results Last?

How long results last really depends on your skin goals and type. Immediately after treatment, most will enjoy an incredible glow along with a plumping effect from all the hydrating and nourishing ingredients soaked into the skin.

Instant Glow + Plumping Effect

Skin will appear brighter, smoother and more youthful thanks to all the antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid infused. Pores also appear tighter and more refined. This instant glow and plumping effect can last about 1-4 weeks.

Longer Term Skin Improvement

With regular monthly or bi-monthly Hydrafacials, cumulative long term skin improvement is also possible. Continual LED light therapy encourages collagen regeneration. Extracting congested pores also helps keep them clear long term. Maintaining results requires commitment to treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Additionally, proper at home skincare can help you maximize and maintain your youthful hydrafacial glow. This includes daily SPF, gentle cleansing, treatment serums with peptides, retinol and antioxidants along with rich moisturizers.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Hydrafacials are very low risk but still have some potential (yet unlikely) side effects including:

• Light Peeling: Glycolic acid may cause very light peeling that subsides in a day or two.
• Purging: Rarely, extracting congested pores may initially cause short term breakouts.
• Redness: Suctioning and glycolic acid can result in short term pinkness for under an hour after treatment.

So while most will enjoy zero downtime, a very small percentage may experience one of those temporary issues listed above. Always consult your provider if you have any concerns after your hydrafacial.

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.