Why The Hydrafacial Is The All-In-One Facial Treatment!

What is the hydrafacial?

The hydrafacial is a suctioning and infusing machine great for cleaning out the pores, exfoliating the skin, and infusing the skin with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, etc to have you looking like your most radiant self! Lets go over the functioning of the hydrafacial and the pros and cons involved.

There are variabilities in the facials you can get from the hydrafacial machine. It can include lymphatic drainage and LED lights (typically at a higher cost). Sometimes masks outside of the machine are involved, and there are booster add ons which are based on patients’ skin types which can also be applied (sometimes at higher cost depending on the facial you’ve paid for). I will speak on only the functions and serums involved with the hydrafacial starting with lymphatic draining.

We have a lymphatic system/lymph nodes running throughout our body which aids in the removal of toxins, waste and fluids out from of our system. Often people who have inflammatory conditions, slowed lymph functions or are post surgery/trauma may find they have more edema (swelling) in certain areas and doing a lymphatic massage can help guide the extra fluid/inflammatory properties out of the area. The hydrafacial has suction cones that lightly suction and glide across the skin to contour and help facilitate any removal of waste along the lymph nodes.

Exfoliating Solutions

After the lymphatic drainage comes products to exfoliate, soften and decongest the skin.

1. We exfoliate with Activ 4 which has Glucosamine HCL and lactic acid to exfoliate the skin. It also has algae extract to sooth the skin.
2. Next is a glycolic peel booster ranging from the regular 7.5%-30%. Depending on the thinness of the skin and how much exfoliation is needed. The practitioner will choose the right percentage for your skin. I let that sit for a minute, then we jump into “extractions”.
3. Beta HD contains willow bark, salicylic acid, tasmania fruit and leaf extract which all together is meant to exfoliate, decongest and calm the skin. During this portion of the treatment the suction is higher and we’re really trying to unclog those pores. I will say if you have black heads or stubborn clogged pores, most likely the hydrafacial isn’t going to decongest most of these clogged pores. You’ll need a manual extraction. But, for example, I can put slight pressure around the pores on my nose and sebum immediately starts coming out. If you have looser pores like that, the hydrafacial can help to decongest alot! Just don’t expect it to be as effective as a manual treatment. You may need both.
4. Once you’re done with the Beta Hd, the skin must be neutralized with water. After neutralizing, sometimes a mask will be implemented or a booster for specific concerns. Hydrafacial has growth factor boosters, vitamin c boosters, peptide boosters, etc so you can typically speak with your practitioner to figure out what’s best for your current concerns. After this comes the final step.
5. Hyaluronic Acid, the Antiox +. This lovely product includes nutrients for the skin such as hyaluronic acid to moisturize, green tea extract which is an antioxidant best for calming skin and improving skin tone. And arnicare flower also great for calming skin.

Post Hydrafacial

At the end of the treatment more serums could be applied, maybe a mask or you could leave as is as the hydrafacial is marketed as a treatment you can do with just the machine. Depending on your sensitivity, it’s possible for your skin to be slightly red but it should subside within the day. Patients usually see a glow for the next two to three weeks. Hydrafacial is recommended to treat every 4 weeks.

My Hydrafacial Rating

Effectiveness of treatment: Varies based on the results you’re looking for

• Decongestion/Extractions: 5/10
• Infusion of hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump the skin 9/10
• Exfoliation 8/10
• Effectiveness of boosters 8/10
• Price: Varies based off of the location and the treatment you are receiving. Ranges from $100-$400

Pros

• Thorough treatment that can help alot of people decongest without the pain of having someone do it manually.
• Can add on different boosters based on skin concern.
• Great way to exfoliate the skin while applying products to ease in exfoliation.

Cons

• Some people with tight pores/ blackheads may not get the extractions they were looking for.
• If you have very sensitive skin, exfoliation tips/suctioning may be too abrasive on skin (although the practitioner CAN change suction settings so let them know). Must avoid retinol before treatment.