What is a HydraFacial and What Are The Benefits Of It?

When it comes to facial treatments, there isn’t much that beats a HydraFacial. This popular treatment is given over 2 million times every single year around the world and when you see the results, you’ll understand why. This non-invasive facial treatment helps with a range of issues from fine lines and wrinkles to acne and large pores. And with almost instant results, you’ll leave the salon looking youthful and rejuvenated. 

If you’ve heard about HydraFacials but you’re not sure if it’s the right treatment for you, here’s everything you need to know. 

What is a HydraFacial?

A HydraFacial is a three-part regimen of cleansing, exfoliating, and infusing the skin with hydrating serums. This professional form of hydradermabrasion uses a gentle vacuum device to clear pores while adding active ingredients that give the skin a healthy glow.  The device is a small, handheld wand that has a gentle suction action, just like a very small vacuum cleaner. This is slowly pulled across the skin, removing dirt, bacteria, blackhead, and oil build-up as it goes.

You can get non-professional devices to use at home, however, these are not as effective as professional-grade treatments and can even cause damage to the skin if not used correctly.  

How does it work? 

This is a relaxing three-step treatment that not only leaves your skin smooth and glowing, but is also the perfect self-care treatment to help you relax and let go of stress. 

Here is a breakdown of the three-step process you’ll receive when you visit us for a HydraFacial:

1. Cleanse and Peel

The treatment begins with a deep cleansing to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. This gives a clean canvas to get the most out of the treatment. 

Next, a salicylic and glycolic acid peel is applied to help remove dirt and oils clogged in the pores. This targets the upper layers of the skin to remove any surface impurities before moving onto the next step of the process. 

2. Extract and Protect

The handheld device used to give a HydraFacial has a unique vortex technology that produces a pain-free whirling suction when put on the skin. This essentially vacuums up blackheads, oil, dirt, and other impurities in the skin while simultaneously hydrating and plumping the skin to give a youthful glow. 

3. Fuse and Protect

To finish, your skin will be infused with a hydrating serum that helps to protect the skin barrier. Since your pores are unclogged and clear after step two, the serum easily absorbs into the skin giving a nourishing, protective effect. 

How Long Is the HydraFacial Process?

One of the best things about this treatment is how quick it is. Taking just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect treatment when your schedule is already packed and you feel like you have no time for self-care. 

Once complete, you can reapply makeup if you’d like to and get back to your day without zero downtime. 

How to Prepare for a HydraFacial

When you come in for the treatment, make sure you’re not wearing any makeup. If you feel self-conscious about coming in without makeup, you can take it off when you arrive if you’d prefer. 

To get the most out of your treatment, we also recommend discontinuing several different things for 48 hours prior to your hydrafacial:

• Facial waxing
• Hair removal creams
• Shaving or dermaplaning
• Excessive sun exposure
• Over the counter acne treatments 

Avoiding these makes sure there is no unnecessary micro-damage to the skin, giving you the best possible results with no irritation. 

If you come in with any cuts or open acne, these areas won’t be able to receive treatment and you won’t get the full benefits. If these are severe, you may not be able to get the treatment to avoid further aggravating the damaged skin. 

Benefits of getting a HydraFacial

The relaxing treatment is a popular choice since there are so many benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits you’ll get when you have regular HydraFacials:

1. A More Even Skin Tone

This is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for evening out skin tone, both in texture and appearance. It softens any rough areas and helps to reduce the appearance of brown spots. Since it has a gentle plumping effect, it gives the skin an overall healthier and smoother look without the need for invasive surgery.  

2. Fewer Lines and Wrinkles

The salicylic acid used is shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which is why it’s such a popular ingredient in moisturizers and serums. This active ingredient along with the gentle plumping motion of the device helps rejuvenate the skin and reduce those unwanted wrinkles and signs of aging. 

3. Cleared Pores

The vacuum lifts oils, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities out of the pores. If you suffer from blackheads, these are also removed in the process. Giving beautifully clear, healthy pores. This also helps reduce the appearance of pores, giving a smoother, more even complexion overall. 

4. Doesn’t Irritate Your Skin

If you have sensitive skin, this is a gentle treatment that is safe on most skin types. No harsh peels or chemicals are used and it is non-invasive, so you won’t get any irritation. This is an especially useful treatment for reducing acne if you have oily skin or the tendency to breakout.

5. You Get Instant Results

There is zero downtime with this effective treatment and you’ll see results instantly. You might have seen the videos online which show the dirt, blackheads, and oil that are drawn from the skin using the HydraFacial device. You too will see these impurities visibility leave the skin. Once finished, you’ll have an instant glow without the worry of redness or irritation. 

6. Good For Most Skin Types

Even the most sensitive skin is suitable for HydraFacials since it’s such a gentle treatment. If you are worried about specific active ingredients or serums, our technicians can talk you through some different options and help customize the treatment for your skin if you have any unique requirements. 

Can a HydraFacial be Paired with Other Treatments?

HydraFacials are a great standalone treatment that offers tons of benefits. But they can be paired with other treatments safely if you’d like.  Since HydraFacials are gentle and hydrating, they work wonderfully alongside other treatments such as eyebrow waxing, eyelash lift, or tanning.  We wouldn’t recommend microneedling alongside HydraFacials as this could overload the skin. If you’re unsure which one would be best, we can give you a free consultation, assess your skin, and let you know which will give the best results.  If you have a specific treatment combination in mind, we can give you our advice and let you know if they are safe to be done regularly together. 

Who should avoid getting a HydraFacial?

Although this treatment is suitable for all skin types and tones, there are some instances which means it should be avoided.  If you have a rash, sunburn, or rosacea, HydraFacials should be avoided as these could aggravate the skin further. 

If you are pregnant, it’s also advisable to skip your HydraFacial.  This is because some of the active ingredients used are not proven safe during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid the risk. 

If you’re using any prescription creams or ointments, it’s also best to check with your healthcare provider and talk to us in the salon to ensure a HydraFacial won’t interfere with your treatment. 

What are the side effects of HydraFacial?

One of the great things about HydraFacials is that major side effects are extremely rare. It’s a non-invasive treatment so is well tolerated by most people. 

Unlike chemical peels or other more invasive facial treatments, it doesn’t cause rashes, irritation, inflammation or peeling of the skin. 

Since it is so gentle, you can apply your makeup straight after if you’d like (although we always recommend leaving your skin bare to allow it to breathe and get the full benefit of the serums). 

Is a HydraFacial better than a regular facial?

The answer to this question depends on the results you’re after. A HydraFacial is a deeper treatment that aims to extract impurities from the skin. If you have oily skin or clogged pores, this is better than a regular facial. 

Of course, a regular facial is still a great treatment to hydrate the skin and keep it looking its best. If you want a gentler treatment but aren’t as concerned about blackheads or your pores, a regular facial is a good choice. 

If you’re unsure which treatment is the best option for you, we offer free consultations where we will give you our professional advice on which treatment regimen is the best to give the results you’re looking for. 

How long do Hydrafacial results last?

You’ll see results immediately after your facial. Many clients report seeing smoother, more radiant skin with minimized pores after their first treatment. These results can last up to 7 days or longer, depending on the skin type.

If you’d like to see lasting results, regular HydraFacials are recommended to maintain the effects of the serums and treatment. 

How often is a HydraFacial recommended?

We recommend getting this specialist facial every four to six weeks. This will help keep the skin clear and free from impurities, while still giving it enough time to produce the essential oils that keep it healthy. 

You can have them more regularly if you would like, or less often. When you come in for your first HydraFacial, we’ll give you our professional opinion on how often you should come in for follow-up appointments based on your skin. 

What should you not do after a HydraFacial?

Although you can apply makeup straight after your facial, we recommend letting the skin breathe for the rest of the day by keeping it product-free if possible.  You should also refrain from any exfoliating treatments that involve enzymes or glycolic acid 48 hours after treatment. These will be too harsh on your skin.  Also, avoid steam and hot showers 24 hours after treatment. Since your pores will be opened up, this may cause unnecessary irritation or redness.  

Does a HydraFacial hurt?

Absolutely not! HydraFacials are non-invasive and pain-free. The small vacuum device used to remove dirt and oils has just a gentle pressure but no pain. Imagine a teeny vacuum lightly pulling on your skin to draw out the dirt and bacteria. 

How Many HydraFacial Treatments Are Required To See Results? 

Many of our clients see results after their very first HydraFacial. Your skin will have a healthy glow and feel smoother. It will also minimize the appearance of pores and remove impurities which is a noticeable difference almost immediately. 

For lasting benefits, we recommend at least six HydraFacials, once every four to six weeks. This will help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated and give it time to reap the lasting benefits of this treatment. 

Do HydraFacials Get Rid of Blackheads?

Yes, the suction action of the HydraFacial tool pulls blackheads from the skin along with bacteria, dirt, and oil build-up. This leaves you with visibly clear skin and since it removes bacteria, it also helps reduce blackheads and acne recurring. 

You’ve probably seen the viral videos online of people getting a HydraFacial and being shocked by the amount of dirt and build-up that comes out of their skin. Depending on your skin type, you’ll see the impurities that come out of your skin and feel the difference of having beautifully clear, hydrated skin.  

Book Your Own HydraFacial Today!

If you’re ready for smooth, radiant skin, why not book yourself a HydraFacial today? This relaxing treatment offers a much-needed break from the stress of life and will leave your skin looking phenomenal. Call us today to book an appointment.