Dry skin, acne, wrinkles, large pores, discoloration, the list of problems that plague our faces is truly a never-ending battle. Even during the age of COVID where half our face is covered most of the day, the appearance of our skin is still incredibly important.
Having healthy-looking skin inspires confidence that extends into all areas of our lives. Radiant skin is consistently valued. More extensive than the problems that occur are the “solutions” that exist to remedy them.
A seemingly unlimited amount of facial products, treatments, and routines claim to have the ability to restore baby-esque skin. Very few are actually able to deliver these results. One shared feature of most products and treatments is that they are designed to target a specific issue. According to the board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Ariel Ostad, “the HydraFacial is the only hydra-dermabrasion procedure that uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate” your skin.
A hydrafacial uses a "medical-grade hydradermabrasion device that carries out a patented three-part regimen — cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing skin with intensive serums," explains Sameer Bashey, MD, a clinical instructor in dermatology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Hydrafacials are composed of three steps:
Step 1: Cleansing and Exfoliation - In this first step, the technician will use a “deplaning tool” (similar to your spinning toothbrush) that opens pores and removes the surface layer of makeup, debris, and dead skin cells.
Step 2: Acid peel - Using a combination of salicylic acid (2.5%), glycolic acid (7.5%), and botanical extracts the hydrafacial utilizes a more gentle peel that cleans deeper while avoiding “post-peel scaling.” This step stimulates new collagen and cell growth which results in a radiant complexion.
via GIHPY
Step 3: Extraction and Serum application - Here is where the fancy pen-like device you may have seen advertised is used. The double helix vortex treatment wand is utilized. One chamber draws in the dead cells and dirt removed in steps one and two while the other chamber pumps in nutrients including peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid which hydrate and protect your skin.
In addition to these steps, some dermatologists also offer LED light therapy, oxygen boosters, and other targeted boosters for specific issues.
Obviously, the goal of the hydrafacial and any other skincare treatment is to give your skin a healthier, more vibrant appearance. However, hydrafacials specifically target:
First off this facial is super quick. In just about 30 minutes, this treatment is completed. It can also be customized to fit your unique skin needs, the Hydrafacial serum can be tweaked to target things like dark spots and fine wrinkles. Even if you have sensitive skin, you can get a hydrafacial. Due to its innovative vacuum technology, there is no manual squeezing or lancing of the skin that usually results in redness and inflammation.
This also means that hydrafacials are virtually painless, patients will never deal with the uncomfortable scraping or skin pulling that accompanies other facials. Immediately after the treatment, there is a notable difference in pore size, fine lines, and skin texture so you’re ready to take on whatever your day has in store.
When compared to a traditional facial there are definitely some big differences. While both can be altered to conform to your specific needs, the approach is very different. As we have covered the hydrafacial is far more gentle with its use of vacuum technology. Traditional facials use more invasive extraction techniques which can damage your skin and result in redness and skin eruptions the next day.
You will end up paying a bit more as hydrafacials typically range from $150 to $300 where traditional facials range from $75 to $200 (per treatment). For best results, it is recommended that you get a hydrafacial or traditional facial about once a month. The benefits are similar, but you might notice more and immediate benefits from the hydrafacial.
If you have some cash laying around and really want to treat yourself, getting a hydrafacial is a treatment you should try. It’s fast, pain-free, and will leave your skin looking and feeling healthy and vibrant.
Written by Kiana St Onge
