What Is a HydraFacial and How Does It Work?
Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD
A HydraFacial, sometimes called hydradermabrasion, is a patented skin treatment. It is a multistep process that combines deep cleansing, exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells), extraction (removing debris from clogged pores), and hydration (enhancing the water content of the skin).
You can receive a HydraFacial as an in-office treatment in medical spas and dermatology offices. This treatment can work on all skin types and skin tones. It is also safe for sensitive skin. It is a popular treatment because it provides instant results without pain or downtime.
This article describes how a HydraFacial works and the pros and cons of this treatment. It also explains safeguards and who should avoid having this done.
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How Does a HydraFacial Work Exactly?
A HydraFacial is a multistep facial treatment. It is performed using the handheld wand of a proprietary machine. Your treatment is customized to meet a wide range of skin care needs. Treatments last 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of booster processes added to the basic treatment.
The typical steps involved in a HydraFacial include the following:
Vortex cleansing and exfoliation
A handheld tool using vortex cleansing and exfoliation sweeps away dead skin cells and debris. The results leave skin that reflects more light for a brighter and healthier appearance.
A deep cleansing acid peel is applied to remove bacteria, oil, and makeup and reveal a new layer of skin. This peel is a non-irritating glycolic acid and salicylic acid mixture that is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Some people experience a faint tinge but not discomfort during treatment.
Extraction
During the extraction stage, a handheld wand sucks up the built-up debris from clogged pores like a vacuum. Though traditional facials use manual extractions, the HydraFacial uses vortex-powered extraction with painless gentle suction. The strength of suction can be adjusted for your needs and comfort.
Hydration
A handheld vortex fusion tool provides hydration. This tool applies an antioxidant and collagen serum to promote skin elasticity and hydration. These ingredients work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin problems without leaving your skin red and irritated.
Learn More: What Is Microdermabrasion?
Potential Benefits of Getting a HydraFacial
A HydraFacial can provide benefits similar to those of microdermabrasion without using harsh, abrasive surfaces that can irritate your skin. This treatment offers the following benefits:
Effective for a wide range of skin conditions, including the following:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Pore size reduction
Oily skin and pore congestion
Potential to personalize the standard HydraFacial to accomplish one or more of the following results:
Calm
Brighten
Clarify
Firm
Hydrate
Restore
Refine
Smooth
More benefits include:
No need for downtime, with the potential to return to normal activities immediately after a treatment
Painless procedure that doesn't require numbing treatment
Immediate results that include a more refined and radiant appearance to your skin
Deeper penetration of skin care products, including boosters used during the Hydrafacial
Noninvasive treatment gentle enough for sensitive skin
Suitable for use in combination with certain noninvasive treatments such as Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA), dermal fillers, and some lasers
Cost-effective enough for multiple treatments
Acne
HydraFacial can be valuable as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for acne management.
According to the results of a clinical study, HydraFacial treatments were generally well tolerated among a small study group of adults with mild-to-moderate acne. All subjects who completed the study's regimen of six Hydrafacial treatments over 12 weeks reported a significant improvement in skin feel and appearance.
Blackheads
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, can often be treated by professional exfoliating and extracting methods. These treatments, which include microdermabrasion, remove the dead skin cells and sebum (an oily substance made by your sebaceous glands) that cause blackheads.
A HydraFacial provides the benefits of exfoliation and extraction without the potential side effects of microdermabrasion. Though there is some evidence that HydraFacial is an effective acne treatment, no clinical studies have proved the effects of HydraFacial on blackheads.
Anti-Aging Concerns
HydraFacial processes can help reveal skin that has a brighter, smoother texture and more youthful appearance. A HydraFacial treatment stimulates the production of collagen (a structural protein in skin), which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines over time. It also enhances skin elasticity, which can help to make skin firmer and suppler.
Learn More: What Is Skin Rejuvenation?
HydraFacial Side Effects and Precautions
Though HydraFacials are generally safe for all skin types, reactions can occur. Most people do not experience pain or redness due to the treatment.
HydraFacial side effects are typically mild and resolve within a day or two with home care. Though uncommon, these problems can include the following:
Tightness
Redness
Skin sensitivity
Irritation
You face a higher risk of getting sunburn and sun damage after having a HydraFacial treatment. Use a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) 40 sunscreen to protect your skin and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Is a HydraFacial Safe During Pregnancy?
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can have an unpleasant effect on your skin.
A 2017 review of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and breastfeeding reported that glycolic acid peels are relatively safe for use because they have negligible skin penetration.
Topical salicylic acid has dermal penetration of up to 25% when treating large areas. In the 2017 review, researchers advised pregnant people to only use topical salicylic acid in limited areas when necessary.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products containing topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid are considered safe for use during pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). However, no clinical studies specify that the salicylic acid and glycolic acid mixture used during a HydraFacial is safe during pregnancy.
Though trying a HydraFacial to improve acne or another skin condition may be tempting, consult your healthcare provider for guidance regarding skin care products that are safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing.
Can HydraFacials Cause Breakouts?
For some people, facials that use deep exfoliation can trigger an increase in cell turnover called skin purging. It occurs when your skin pushes all the excess oil, sebum, dead skin cells, and other debris to the surface. The debris can lead to temporary clogged pores and breakouts. Though skin purging is an uncommon reaction to a HydraFacial, it can occur after any exfoliating facial.
Every HydraFacial treatment is personalized. If you have oily skin or skin prone to breakouts, your HydraFacial treatment can include serums to regulate this condition and possibly reduce your risk of breakouts.
Learn More: What Is an Acne Facial?
Who Should Avoid Getting a HydraFacial?
Because HydraFacial is a relatively new treatment, few clinical studies address the outcomes of this specific process. As a result, there seems to be little consensus on who should avoid getting a HydraFacial.
Generally, healthcare providers advise against HydraFacials for people with the following conditions:
An active rash
Open wounds
Sunburn
Irritated or sensitive skin from topical ingredients
Every HydraFacial provider may also have specific contraindications that they impose. A common contraindication for receiving this treatment includes using certain medications, such as Accutane (isotretinoin), within the six months preceding the treatment.
To ensure your health and well-being, check with your healthcare provider before scheduling a HydraFacial if you have a medical condition or skin disorder or take prescription medication.
Does a HydraFacial Really Work?
After treatment, people who receive a HydraFacial typically notice immediate results that reveal a more youthful appearance. Improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall radiance are sometimes visible as early as immediately after the first session.
Those treated often report that they notice fewer fine lines and wrinkles, acne and blemishes, and a more vibrant complexion.
How Often Should You Get a HydraFacial?
Continued HydraFacial treatments are recommended to maintain skin health results. The results of a HydraFacial can last one to four weeks.
Monthly treatments are advised to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and oily and congested skin.
Average HydraFacial Cost
On average, a HydraFacial costs between $150 and $350. Health insurance does not cover the cost because the treatment is typically categorized as a cosmetic procedure.
Prices can vary because each treatment is customized to your needs. Costs differ based on the complexity of your facial and the types of additional steps or boosters added to the basic procedure.
More experienced providers may charge a premium. Prices can also vary by geographical area. To pay the lowest price, compare a few HydraFacial providers. You may find promotions that include savings for HydraFacials administered during slower days and times. Some providers may also offer savings when you prepay for a package that includes more than one HydraFacial.
Summary
A HydraFacial is an advanced skincare treatment. It can reduce the signs of aging and other skin problems. This non-invasive treatment can provide a more youthful look in just 30–60 minutes without downtime.
A HydraFacial uses proprietary equipment to apply a multistep treatment. This process includes cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. Each treatment is tailored to meet the unique needs of the person treated. It is safe for all skin types and tones.
Though the process boasts remarkable results, it's not necessarily suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding people or others with certain health problems. To protect your well-being, consult your healthcare provider before trying this or any other new skin care treatment.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
