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HydraFacial®

An efficient, result-producing treatment for all skin types

By Kristin Carlson, Medical Esthetician

It is probably the most common question in the aesthetic community: Is there a treatment that is quick, painless, and has no downtime? I’ll be honest, this has made me chuckle over the last few years. I’ve worked with a few different modalities in my aesthetic career: lasers, radio frequency, intense pulse light (IPL), different strengths of chemical peels. They are all effective, wonderful options, producing great results. But I have been hearing about this certain treatment for several years and have finally experienced it for myself, and I’m choking on my proverbial chuckles. It works, it's relaxing, quick and painless, and there is no downtime! Drumroll please … The HydraFacial®.


Developed in Southern California in the late ‘90s, the HydraFacial® Company has become the leading aesthetic device manufacturer. Similar in theory to microdermabrasion, the HydraFacial® resurfaces the top layer of skin cells, but uses water to exfoliate those layers of skin, creating a less abrasive treatment, suitable for all skin types. The basic three-step process cleanses, exfoliates and extracts dead skin cells (that’s right, it removes blackheads without squeezing, pinching and poking!), while “bathing” the skin in hydrating, antioxidant and peptide-packed serums. The process is referred to as “hydradermabrasion,” a dermatological procedure which combines simultaneous dermal infusions of medicinal products and crystal-free exfoliation (Wikipedia). The device and procedure, while not new, have been regularly upgraded and streamlined since its creation, making for a surprisingly efficient, result-producing treatment.


What is so special about this treatment?

Other than the ease of treatment and zero downtime, the HydraFacial® is unique in its ability to treat all skin types. Other than a few contraindications, this treatment can target problem areas for all ages. Everything from fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity, skin texture, discolorations from sun damage, enlarged pores, congested and acne-ic skin issues can all be treated with the HydraFacial®. It is great for teens experiencing hormonal breakouts, men with enlarged pores, and mature skin with a loss of elasticity. What I love most about this treatment is all skin concerns can be addressed with slight modifications in the treatment. I’ve now treated clients from preteens to women in their 70s and can produce great results with each!


What is the treatment like?

The signature HydraFacial® is broken down into three steps: 1. Cleanse + Peel: resurfaces the outermost layers of the epidermis which holds on to dead skin cells and debris; 2. Extract + Hydrate: removes those debris (remember what I said about painless removal of blackheads?) with suction while simultaneously nourishing the skin; 3. Fuse + Protect: pumps all the good stuff back into your skin including hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides for the ultimate glow factor!


Enhancements called boosters can be added on to a signature treatment to target specific concerns, keeping with the same ease of treatment, and adding only a few minutes to your total treatment time. Boosters target and enhance those conditions which need, well, an extra “boost”: stubborn sun or age spots, pesky fine lines, and the use of growth factors for collagen production. Other quick add-ons include the HydraFacial® Perk for the eyes and lips; plumping the lips and refreshing the eyes.


There are so many great treatments out there. Choosing what is best for you is a conversation you should have with your aesthetic provider based on your skin concerns. I still have many favorite treatments which I will continue to use on myself and my clients, but if your life is too full to carve out some downtime, the HydraFacial® is a great option.

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