If you could throw your face into an esthetician’s office to get your skin cleaned and conditioned the way you get your car washed—would you? Realistically speaking, it’s impossible to do, but there are many over-the-counter skin care treatments that offer similar results, and one stands out from the rest: HydraFacial.
Here at ELLE.com, we take skin care very seriously. We love recommending must-haves, from sunscreens to moisturizers for oily skin, and learning about new skin care innovations like exosomes. Plus, we love testing skin care treatments that deliver results you can see, feel and love—that’s why HydraFacial deserves your full and undivided attention.
Ready to book? Honestly, the same. But before you take the plunge, our team of experts are here to explain everything you need to know – like this cost, downtime and results you can wait.
What is HydraFacial?
According to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad, “HydraFacial is the only hydra-dermabrasion procedure that uses patented technology to cleanse, extract and hydrate.” And yes, the HydraFacial is a branded experience. Spas must be registered and licensed to market themselves as offering HydraFacials.
The treatment is divided into three main sections, the first being Cleanse + Peel. “HydraFacial reveals a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing regeneration. Activ-4™ Serum removes dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin, and GlySal™, a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids, delivers the benefits of a peel without peeling after peeling“, explains Ostad.
The second step is Extraction + Hydration. The HydraFacial removes debris from pores with painless suction and nourishes with intense moisturizers that erase the skin. “Patented, automated vortex suction painlessly cleans pores with exclusive Beta-HD™ serum, and Antiox+™ serum nourishes and protects with antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid,” Ostad continues.
And finally, the third step is Fuse + Protect. “A HydraFacial saturates the surface of the skin with antioxidants and peptides to maximize your glow. Targeted, proprietary skin solutions are delivered to address specific skin concerns. Patients maintain results at home with Daily Essentials™ containing the same ingredients used in the treatments,” he adds.
What do HydraFacials do?
For those who wear a lot of makeup or simply want a deeper cleanse than usual, HydraFacials are a great way to cleanse the skin. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi Jr., “Facial treatments like HydraFacials are one way remove sebum build-up and debris that covers the top of our skin. It helps relax and unclog pores and combines an exfoliating process to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, the stratum corneum, with hydrating and purifying water.”
Hydra Facials help brighten the skin. “After treatments like [HydraFacial] or any other that helps exfoliate the top layer, skin care will penetrate better and makeup will be easier to apply. The stratum corneum is the protective layer of the skin and one of the main barriers to the penetration of topical substances,” he adds.
Are HydraFacials different from microdermabrasion or chemical peels?
There are a few key differences. For example, microdermabrasion treatments use manual extractions, while the HydraFacial uses a vacuum-like tip to clean deeper than traditional extraction. Additionally, chemical peels use acids and are more effective on lighter skin tones, whereas HydraFacials can be used on all skin tones.
“[The treatment] It is named after the root word hydrate—this ability to hydrate the skin separates HydraFacial™ from all other skin resurfacing procedures,” explains dermatologist Dr. Boston-based Gretchen Frieling. “The cure is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective.”
Do HydraFacials hurt?
Hydraulic facial treatments it shouldn’t be painful. Essentially, the machine’s handle holds spiral treatment tips with vortex technology, which works like a mini vacuum on your skin. The most uncomfortable part of the treatment is definitely the exfoliation in the first section. Camkiran likened the feeling to a “cat licking my face”. That’s a cute way of saying it was sandpaper, but not excruciating.
Despite the official website’s claim that “patients compare the sensation to a light massage”, I’d say it’s a bit more like a dental cleaning for your skin (and ps I love the dentist). Somewhere between not painful and not pleasant lies the HydraFacial. However, this is an active facial, which means in the words of another prominent beauty editor, Deanna Pai: “The HydraFacial is a huge machine with various parts that twist, suck and rotate.” In short, it’s noisy – and if you fall asleep during this treatment, you’re in a different level of zen that I’m definitely jealous of.
Is it safe for all skin types?
They can do HydraFacials most skin types, including very sensitive skins. But those with active breakouts, sunburns, or rosacea should stay away from HydraFacials, which can cause further damage or breakouts. “Also, you should not do this if you have open sores or distended areas. These areas are already prone to inflammation,” adds Dr. Rossi. Also, pregnant women should always consult their doctor first. “Some of the ingredients used during the HydraFacial, such as salicylic acid, have not been tested or proven safe during pregnancy,” adds Frieling.
Can you customize your treatment?
What’s great about a HydraFacial is that it’s a completely customizable facial. “There are different serums in the HydraFacial system. Each office that administers the treatment can choose which solutions they would like to use,” says Michelle, esthetician at Ever/Body Scarsdale. If your skin has been more dehydrated than normal or you’re acne-prone and looking for a little extra boost of active ingredients, your skin care professional will choose specific acids (glycolic, lactic, etc.) to treat your skin.
“My HydraFaacial treatment at Ever/Body started with a short consultation to determine the best solutions for my skin. Michelle, my esthetician, saw that my skin was a bit congested and recommended that I add blue and red light therapy to my treatment,” says Nerisha Penrose, beauty trade editor for ELLE.com.
How many treatments do I need to see results?
“Many patients report seeing visible skin improvement and even, glowing skin tone after just one treatmentFrieling explains. And yes, I co-sign this. My skin has proof. After 60 Minutes and after a change, I emerged a brighter, cooler version of myself that lasted well into the second half of the week.
The good news? Smooth results and hydration can last five to seven days or longer. The bad news? “
“If you have good home maintenance, you don’t really need frequent HydraFacials. This treatment is great for chemical peel after care. You can come in later [you’re done peeling]which helps exfoliate the remaining dead skin on the outer layer,” says Maria, esthetician at Nicole Frontera Beauty.
Can you combine the service with other treatments?
Yes, HydraFacials can be combined with other equally effective treatments, including chemical peels and lasers such as Aerolase. At Nicole Frontera Beauty, Maria says results-driven treatments are the focus, and Aerolase is one of the most popular HydraFacial treatments. “You can do it to a baby,” Maria says of the gentle laser treatment, not literally, of course. “It is recommended to do it every four weeks and sooner if you are treating inflammatory acne with a tendency to control excess sebum on the skin. This laser helps control oil production and kill bacteria. it’s a fast-pulse laser, so it doesn’t damage the other layers of the skin,” he adds.
Are HydraFacials worth the money?
Priced from $199-$300, it’s definitely an investment. It’s wise to book a treatment before a big event or quarterly to reset your skin after a seasonal change. But if you have the bread, get the ball out because your skin will look great. Interested in making a reservation? Find a certified HydraFacial practitioner on the official website.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Ariel Ostad is a cosmetic dermatologist practicing in New York.
Dr. Anthony Rossi Jr. is a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Dr. Gretchen Freeling is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston.
Deanna Pai is a New York-based beauty writer.
Michelle J is a licensed esthetician at Never/Body Scarsdale.
Maria Bove is a licensed esthetician in Nicole Frontera Beauty.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skin care professionals and personally tested the latest and greatest products in makeup, skin care, and hair care.
