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.
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.1 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.
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
- Acne
- Skin pigment discoloration
- 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.4 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,3 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.