The Hydrafacial. Doesn’t the name alone make you think you will leave cleansed and plumped at the same time? Exactly right! This hugely popular treatment has some unexpected benefits. Firstly, it is actually relaxing. No torturous extractions which hurt and can leave red marks and lead to breakouts, you will still get deep, pore cleansing but it feels more like a facial massage.
Secondly, it is less technician-dependent than most facials as it is a device with a protocol that is followed so results are consistent. (No more being bugged because your favourite aesthetician took off for Cancun without telling you.)
And, thirdly it is instantly effective without downtime! Your skin looks great right away.
What is a Hydrafacial?
A Hydrafacial is a medical-grade hydra-dermabrasion device that performs 3 important jobs, cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing the skin with active, intensive serums.
If you’ve ever had a microdermabrasion treatment you will notice the similarity, except that there are no tiny crystals being blasted at your skin. Instead, a pen-like handpiece vacuums out the clogged pores and dead skin cells with a swirling, liquid solution.
Two to three passes are usually performed and areas of extreme congestion such as the T-zone, the chin and around the nose, can be focused on, so the treatment is totally customizable – even the strength of the vacuum is adjusted for comfort.
The Treatment
These steps may vary depending on where you go, but the basic procedure is fairly consistent.
Step 1: Cleansing and exfoliating
Prepping the skin – Makeup is removed and skin is cleansed with a solution of willow bark and fruit extracts and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, pumping through the handpiece and sliding across the skin, vacuuming up the solution and keratin, (dead cells) at the same time.
Step 2: Acid peel
A glycolic acid 7.5 % and salicylic acid 2% peel is then applied and stays on for about 2 minutes. These acids, also known as AHA and BHA’s are excellent for loosening blackheads and stubborn clogs in your pores. Patients with acne can get some quick and surprising results with the Hydrafacial.
Step 3: Deep suction extractions
A vortex extraction then begins with the vacuum turned higher. The ‘gunk’ is vacuumed into the handpiece and the skin is left smooth and glowing.
And if you are into this sort of thing, you can actually see what was sucked out of your pores at the end. (No judgement)
Step 4 : Infusion and hydration
Now it’s time to infuse the skin with vitamins, A, E, plant extracts, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid which hydrates and plumps the skin. Using the same process, the handpiece slides along the skin “driving the goodies in.”
Step 5: Topical antioxidants
Topical peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and of course, sunblock are then applied as the skin can now allow better penetration of these much-needed ingredients.
Depending on your skin concerns, breakouts, sun damage, wrinkles, the technician can focus more time and attention on these areas and issues. Even the under eyes at a low suction strength can be treated to reduce puffiness and increase blood flow. Also, a light suction on the lips can temporarily plump and remove dry layers.
Boosters
There are a myriad of Booster products that can be inserted into the process to give enhanced results for your specific concerns. Your technician can run those down for you so you can take advantage of those benefits too.
If you have a big event coming up, try a Hydrafacial one month before it, to do your initial deep-cleanse, and then book another a day or so before the event to look your best.
Can you have a HydraFacial the same day you do your botox or fillers?
Absolutely! The Hydrafacial would need to be performed first but you can combine this treatment with almost anything, even light therapies like IPL and Venus Viva can follow a Hydrafacial. Booking one about a week after your Fraxel, would clean up any leftover dry skin and have you feeling smooth again.
How long does it take?
The whole process takes about 30-40 minutes and you really can go right back to work if needed. It would be best if you could do one Hydrafacial a month for a few months to start.
Who is a good candidate?
It’s good for all ages and skin types, however, this treatment is not recommended for people with rosacea, a sunburn or rash or if you are pregnant. Salicylic acid has not been tested for safety for pregnant women. If you have demographia, a skin condition where the skin welts up and reddens when even lightly scratched, then go with the regular facial instead.
Is there any aftercare?
Your technician will probably suggest some doctor-recommended skin care, if you don’t already have some in your regime. Listen to them!
Continuing with daily antioxidants will not only enhance your results but it will help maintain them, well worth the money spent.
How much will it cost?
Prices can range from $175-350 depending on where you go and what Boosters you may decide to add. This treatment is popular for good reason, excellent bang for your buck! If you haven’t been able to get your MediSpa for a while, you know, in case of something like a global pandemic…(it could happen) then the Hydrafacial is one of your best bets for getting your skin back on track to glowing, beautiful and healthy.
