What Is a HydraFacial? Everything You Need to Know About the Treatment
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One of the greatest things about skincare in the 21st century is that there is a non-invasive treatment for every kind of woe. Want to erase forehead wrinkles or crow's feet? There's an injectable for that. How about tighten your skin and sculpt your cheekbones? Nothing gets the job done like a microcurrent device. Or are you looking for something that delivers a crystal-clear complexion? For that, you turn to a HydraFacial.
This do-it-all treatment has been making waves in the beauty industry in recent years for its ability to target and treat a myriad of skin issues, including dryness, uneven texture, acne, signs of aging, and discoloration. Intrigued? We thought you'd be. Here, we consulted Dr. Azza Halim, a board-certified multi-specialist physician based in Florida, and Arielle Panarello, Medical Aesthetician & Aesthetic Educator at Ever/Body, to give us the low-down on the HydraFacial and how it works, plus its skincare benefits, cost, and potential risks.
What is a HydraFacial?
According to Panarello, the HydraFacial is a 3-step medical-grade treatment that "cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates to remove dead, dull skin and bring brighter skin to the surface." It uses a special Vortex-Fusion system that sucks debris and impurities from pores while delivering medical-grade serum boosters to target your specific concerns.
Every HydraFacial treatment begins with the skin getting cleansed and exfoliated to loosen dead skin cells with a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids. Next, is the extraction step, and that method involves a licensed practitioner using a medical-grade suction-like device to unclog pores and reduce congestion. Finally, during the last part of the treatment, a serum blended with antioxidants and collagen is applied and infused into skin with the same tool. After a HydraFacial, you'll notice a plumped, hydrated, and glowing complexion.
What are the benefits of a HydraFacial?
HydraFacials offer endless benefits for skin. "In addition to the deep-cleaning and intense hydration that comes with every HydraFacial," says Panarello, "the treatment can also tackle fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dryness, congested pores, and acne."
Another plus: Dr. Hazim says that the HydraFacial can be customized based on individual skin needs, and is "a great adjunct treatment to maintain good skin after in-office medical
grade procedures such as lasers, fillers, and Botox."
At Ever/Body, treatments are often taken up a notch by "including additional steps such as a steam, manual extractions, LED light therapy, and a cryo globe massage," adds Panarello. "We complete the treatment with a serum, sunscreen, and moisturizer customized to meet your individual needs." There's even a special HydraFacial treatment for your scalp that helps slough away flakes and promote a healthier head of hair.
Does a HydraFacial hurt?
The HydraFacial doesn't hurt at all—not even the extractions. Dr. Halim describes it as "a painless treatment that is also refreshing."
Is a HydraFacial safe for all skin types?
The HydraFacial is suitable for all skin types, especially beginners. "It's a great treatment for anyone and everyone, whether treating acne or looking to refresh or for anti-aging benefits," says Dr. Halim, while Panarello notes that "even the most sensitive can easily tolerate it." However, Dr. Halim does advise those who are pregnant should avoid a HydraFacial altogether, and anyone with specific allergies or skin sensitivities should consult their aesthetician for more details before trying the facial.
Another great thing about the HydraFacial is the fact there is no recovery time. "It’s completely non-invasive and has no downtime," says Panarello. "You'll walk out with increased clarity and tighter, firmer, glowing skin."
What are the risks of a HydraFacial?
There are little to no risks or side effects associated with the HydraFacial other than possible post-treatment sensitivity. "Some may experience mild redness," says Dr. Halim. "It's usually best not to apply makeup til the next day so that the skin can absorb all the products infused." Panarello also recommends wearing sunscreen post-treatment and integrating sun care into your daily routine to maintain your results."
Additionally, Panarello notes that the aestheticians at Ever/Body "review all contraindications thoroughly to ensure there are little to no risks" prior to treatment. "We cannot treat those with a shellfish allergy, those who are using certain topical and oral medications, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding," she adds.
How many HydraFacial treatments do you need to see results?
"Your skin will instantly feel hydrated, cleaner, brighter, and healthier after just one Hydrafacial treatment," says Panarello, noting that "the smoothing results and noticeable skin hydration may last 5 to 7 days or even longer."
But if you're looking for more long-term results for specific skin concerns—such as hyperpigmentation or acne—Panarello says clients usually see an improvement after five treatments. Dr. Halim, for her part, recommends getting a HydraFacial every 6-8 weeks for maintenance.
How much does a HydraFacial treatment cost?
As with most treatments, the cost of a HydraFacial depends on where you go for it and who you see for it. At Dr. Halim's practice, pricing starts at $135, while Ever/Body offers three different HydraFacials ranging from $245 to $345 per session. You can also go to the HydraFacial site to find a HydraFacialist near you and more details about the cost.
Meet the experts
Dr. Azza Halim, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist and aesthetic medicine, anti-aging, and regenerative medicine physician based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Arielle Panarello is a medical aesthetician & aesthetic educator at Ever/Body.
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