When your skin needs an extra-super glow for your wedding or a big red-carpet event, try a HydraFacial for treatment that’s more than a basic spa facial but less than a laser treatment. The key to a HydraFacial is a hydradermabrasion device that takes a gentler approach to traditional dermabrasion. Instead of blasting the skin with grit, the magic device simultaneously vacuums out pores while pushing in intensive serums. The combined effect of moisturizing, plumping, protecting and brightening adds up to unparalleled radiance for your face.
The smoothness and hydration may last between five and seven days or even longer. A monthly treatment is recommended for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and oily skin.
Treatment takes about 30 minutes
The HydraFacial is different from all other skin resurfacing procedures in that it moisturizes the skin. The HydraFacial device delivers a patented three-part regimen — cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing skin with intensive serums. The treatment takes between 30 minutes to 60 minutes. The huge HydraFacial machine uses a vacuum-like tip to cleanse deeper down than the traditional manual extraction used during a microdermabrasion treatment.
It’s as effective as a microdermabrasion, but much less painful. Think about the sandpaper effect of a cat licking your face. The extractions don’t produce redness, irritation or peeling, so there’s no downtime. Fans rave that it delivers that extra glow with no pain.
Good for almost all ages, concerns and complexions
HydraFacials are ultra-popular with nearly all ages and complexions. Adults with pimples, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation revel in the results. Teenagers with acne and older patients with sun damage swear by it. The results are immediately apparent in improved texture and tone.
HydraFacials can be used on most skin types, including very sensitive complexions. The treatment can be performed on all complexion shades, unlike the chemical peels that use acids and are most effective on lighter skin tones. Your skin care professional will work with you to recommend a personalized treatment; HydraFacials are highly customizable. Depending on your unique skin concerns, the aesthetician can vary the length of time acids are left on the face and also adjust the intensity of the exfoliator.
You’ll want to avoid a HydraFacial if you have rosacea, sunburn or rash since the treatment can cause flareups or additional damage. Women who are pregnant should know that some of the ingredients used during the HydraFacial, such as salicylic acid, haven’t been tested or proven safe during pregnancy.
The three stages of treatment
You can expect three stages to this treatment. The first step of cleanse and peel gently exfoliates and resurfaces your skin to uncover a new layer. The aesthetician will use a serum to remove dead skin cells and reveal healthy skin. Next, a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids will be applied to deliver the benefits of a peel without post-peel scaling.
The second step will extract and hydrate. The HydraFacial machine makes a lot of noise as it removes debris from pores with painless suction. Intense moisturizers—antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acids—are used to nourish and protect. The third step to fuse and protect maximizes the skin’s glow by saturating the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides.
Expect the cost of this facial to range between $185 to $300. Spas must be registered and licensed to offer the HydraFacial experience.