As many of you know I am a little bit obsessed with skincare. I don’t buy designer clothes or bags, I don’t have a fancy car, but I definitely will spend money on my skin. I sort of look at it as an investment, which sounds a little ridiculous after typing those words but I think you get my point. So let’s talk about the HydraFacial. I actually booked one by accident last summer. I confused it with a microcurrent facial which is TOTALLY different, but a clear indication that I was a bit of a newbie to the world of skincare treatments. Last spring when I went to visit Anthropologie HQ I had a facial at Rescue Spa in Philly (which btw I highly recommend). It was a microcurrent facial and my skin looked amazing afterwards so I thought I would book it again. Instead I booked a HydraFacial so I was a bit confused when the treatment started and I quickly realized it wasn’t the same. After the treatment though, I was shocked at how amazing my skin looked and felt. It was dewy, glowing, hydrated and felt so clean and refreshed. I started getting HydraFacials instead of regular spa facials because I couldn’t get over the difference in my skin.
Since we’re saving for another fixer upper I cut out most of my non-essential spending, so HydraFacials had to go, but last week my skin was a mess and I decided to book an appointment. The HydraFacial (and the Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm) brought my skin right back to normal. You can see the before and after below. The photos have absolutely no filters or editing (all shot on my iPhone so the quality isn’t as great). In the before and after I’m not wearing any make-up, the photo above is one day later with minimal make-up (I kind of went a little heavy handed with the highlighter so that’s why I’m so shiny, haha). The most noticeable differences for me with the HydraFacial are how my skin feels (hydrated, smooth, clean) and how it looks (dewy, plump, less visible pores, etc.). Is it worth the cost? To me, yes, I wouldn’t be writing this long post if it wasn’t. There are other treatments I like to do as well, light peels, microdermabrasion, regular facials (the one I did with SkinCeuticals was really good), but the one thing I love about the HydraFacial is it’s consistently good results every time.
I got a bunch of questions about the treatment on Instagram, so here is everything you need to know about the HydraFacial.
Before and After HydraFacial
Before the HydraFacial my skin was a mess. The HydraFacial brought it right back to normal, giving me a beautiful dewy skin as well as a plumpness with less visible pores. It also left me feeling hydrated, smooth and clean.
My Honest Review of The HydraFacial
Q. What is a HydraFacial?
The HydraFacial is a medical grade treatment that cleanses, exfoliates and then infuses your skin with serums. The treatment is painless and typically lasts about 45+ minutes. It is an actual machine called vortex-fusion technology used by a trained technician (confirm this when booking your appointment because there’s some places that use the term to describe other treatments but don’t have the actual HydraFacial machine). The machine has a vacuum like hand piece that basically simultaneously cleans out your pores with exfoliation extraction and infuses them with serums, often referred to as hydradermabrasion. A non-irritant mix of glycolic acid and salicylic acid is hydrating and deeply penetrates the pores. Exfoliating treatments like the HydraFacial are so good for your skin.
Q. How much does it cost?
The medical spa where I get a HydraFacial is $210 ($175 + tip). I think it depends on where you live (cities are probably more expensive) but the treatment should be around that price. Treatments can be 30-90 minutes depending on how it’s customized, so speak to the location where you’re booking the appointment about your options.
Q. How long do the results last/is there any downtime?
One of the most appealing things about a HydraFacial is there’s no downtime. In contrast to treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, you leave a treatment with beautiful glowing skin (at least in my experience). I have not experienced a purging period (breakouts after the treatment), I may get one little spot but it goes away within 24 hours. It’s a really good treatment to do before an event because it leaves your skin glowing and healthy. The initial results typically last a few days, but my overall skin health is improved for several weeks to a month. I notice after about a month that my skin starts looking dull again.
Q. Are HydraFacials Good For Your Skin?
HydraFacials are great for your skin. Depending on your skin type– almost all skin types can benefit from a HydraFacial. HydraFacials are beneficial for skin tone, texture and appearance. The machine used in a HydraFacial provides deep exfoliation extraction that cleans pores more deeply than a normal facial and allows serums to work better into the skin.
Q. What type of skin it is good for?
The HydraFacial is good for pretty much anyone (***see below). Whether you have acne prone skin, super dry dehydrated skin, are trying to combat signs of aging, etc. One of my favorite things is that you get extractions without pain or redness. If you like microdermabrasion or have wanted to try it, this is a great alternative because it’s gentler and I think more effective. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion may treat different skin concerns so it’s good to consult with a professional. The HydraFacial is specifically used to target clogged pores/pore size, fine lines, dehydrated skin, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin and breakouts.
Q. Can I do HydraFacial if I have rosacea, perioral dermatitis, etc?
You should check with your doctor before doing any type of treatment if you have any specific skin conditions.
Q. Where Can I Get a HydraFacial?
If you’re local, a few salons that do HydraFacials that I’ve been to include: Avalon Medical Spa (Bristol location), Centre for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Facial Aesthetics Center of Rhode Island. You can also check the HydraFacial website for providers near you.
Q. Are There Any Risks With HyrdraFacial Treatments?
As I mentioned above you should always check with your doctor before doing any type of skin treatments if you have a specific skin condition. You skin may react differently to the machine if it is extra sensitive. In rare cases, HydraFacials have caused a rash or skin condition to flare up if rosacea or heavy acne was already present. It is also advised that you do not use depilatories, wax or take over the counter medications with salicylic acid for 48 hours after the treatment. For 72 hours after the treatment it is advised that you avoid sun exposure and do not use tanning beds.
Q. Are HydraFacials Worth It?
In my opinion, HydraFacial treatments are 100% worth it! In combination with other facial treatments, I think HydraFacials are important because it is one of the only ways to exfoliate that deeply, fully cleaning pores, getting rid of dead skin cells and allowing serums to work properly. HydraFacials cleanse, extract and hydrate for glowing, healthy skin.
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