Hydradermabrasion is a form of skin exfoliation similar to microdermabrasion but using a powerful jet of liquid instead of crystals or the “scraping” method of diamond-head microdermabrasion. HydraFacial^® is a specific brand offering hydradermabrasion via their patented technology to cleanse, extract and hydrate the skin. A HydraFacial^® consists of 3 stages all performed via the proprietary HydroPeel® tips of the handheld applicator : Cleanse + Peel, Extract + Hydrate, Fuse + Protect. The HydraFacial^® benefits the skin by delivering a deep cleanse, mild peel exfoliation, extraction, and serum infusion in a 30 or 60-minute treatment. Each stage of a HydraFacial^® may be adjusted to meet the needs or limitations of a particular client, making a HydraFacial^® a quite versatile hydradermabrasion treatment for nearly anyone.¹

A traditional HydraFacial^® may include an exfoliation step utilizing acids, such as salicylic acid, that have not been shown to be safe during pregnancy. Although the exfoliation step of the service may be customized with pregnancy-safe ingredients, the system itself has not been evaluated for pregnant or breast-feeing patients and as such, the HydraFacial^® system is not intended for these populations.²

Hyperpigmentation is essentially a defense response to inflammation within the skin. When an injury such as exfoliation is delivered to the epidermis, it may stimulate melanocytes to increase melanin production and transfer the pigment to surrounding keratinocytes, the most prevalent skin cell. This results in patches or spots of darker-colored skin that appear tan, dark brown or purple. Generally, the suction and chemical exfoliation in a HydraFacial^® are too gentle to induce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but it is important to consult with a trained skincare professional to determine if HydraFacial^® is an appropriate hydradermabrasion exfoliation treatment.³

A HydraFacial^® combines hydradermabrasion with a gentle chemical peel and deep pore cleansing for a complete treatment that, with regular use, may help mitigate several of the causal factors of acne. Monthly or bimonthly HydraFacial^® treatments are the general recommendation with some conditions taking 4 to 6 months to see results. However, many sufferers of acne are prescribed retinoids such as tretinoin or use over-the-counter versions like retinol to manage acne flare-ups. Because retinoid use should be stopped three days before a HydraFacial^®, patients that have had great success with retinoid use may find more benefit in skipping a HydraFacial^® as to not disrupt the activity of the retinoid in the skin. If considering HydraFacial^® for the treatment of acne, it’s best to consult with a skin care professional who can accurately assess the skin and provide realistic expectations of HydraFacial^® benefits.

Hydradermabrasion uses the force of water to exfoliate the skin, which is effective, but gentle on the skin. In addition, the chemical exfoliation portion of a HydraFacial^® is quite mild. Because of these two factors, one HydraFacial^® treatment a month is generally recommended for improving the appearance of the skin.⁴

Comparing a HydraFacial^® to a regular facial is difficult since the benefits of both are influenced by the skill of the practitioner as well as the quality and efficacy of the products and machines they use. Assuming that the skincare professional is experienced and using quality product, a regular facial may achieve the same or similar outcomes as a HydraFacial^®. One advantage of a HydraFacial^® hydradermabrasion is the speed and consistency that the machine offers. In just 30 minutes the fast and efficient HydraFacial^® protocol, which includes exfoliation, extraction and nourishment, can be completed.⁵

HydraFacial^® uses hydradermabrasion along with a proprietary tip designed with a spiral pattern to create a vortex effect to purify pores.⁶ The painless, gentle suction of the handpiece lifts the impurity off and away from the skin and into a waste reservoir. This combo is quite effective in removing superficial blackheads, but for deeper blackheads manual extractions may or may not be needed to safely and completely remove the blackhead.

The longevity of any non-invasive procedure depends on a patient’s response to the treatment as well as their lifestyle and skincare practices. Because a HydraFacial^® does not act upon the deeper layers of the skin, the effects of a HydraFacial^® will generally last 5-7 days⁷. Repeated HydraFacial^® benefits the skin by encouraging healthier function of the skin with less congestion and acne. In this case, the effects of a HydraFacial^® may be longer lasting.

Although the chemical exfoliation used in a HydraFacial^® is quite mild, the combination of hydradermabrasion, exfoliating acids such as salicylic, and suction may accelerate the movement of deeper impurities in the skin, creating a “purge” effect. Generally, a “purging” breakout will occur in areas of the face where a patient normally may experience breakouts, for example, along the jawline. If the purging is in an area that is not prone to breakouts, it may be an inflammation reaction from a treatment or products that are irritating or too aggressive for the skin.

A HydraFacial^® includes two forms of exfoliation (hydradermabrasion and a light chemical peel), manual stimulation of circulation (via suction) and the jet infusion of vitamins and peptides. After this cocktail of treatments there may be a visible difference in the skin.⁸ HydraFacial^® may immediately brighten the skin, improve texture and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles, making it a popular modality before events such as special outings or photoshoots. The immediate effects of smoother feeling skin and improved hydration may last 5 to 7 days.⁹

Yes, absolutely. However, you may not want to. The final step of a HydraFacial^® includes the jet infusion of skin nourishing peptides and antioxidants, and considering it takes the skin at least 30 minutes to absorb topicals, it is advisable to wait at least an hour before showering. Better yet, allow the serums to remain on the skin for the rest of the day. But, if you must shower, avoid applying hot water to the face as heat may increase inflammation in the skin after an exfoliation treatment, such as a HydraFacial^®. As always, it’s best to consult with a trusted skincare professional at the time of the HydraFacial^® treatment for specific recommendations on when to cleanse the skin after HydraFacial^®.