In recent years, HydraFacial has replaced microdermabrasion to become the most popular skincare treatment on the market. But what is so different about this skincare treatments? And is it the right choice for your needs? If you are searching for the best non-invasion solution to revitalize your skin, Reflections Medical Spa in Cartersville, GA can help analyze your needs and provide you with the best customized HydraFacial treatment.
What Is a HydraFacial Treatment?
Often described as “next-generation” microdermabrasion or even “hydradermabrasion,” this is a multi-step treatment used to rejuvenate skin that shows signs of damage and aging. It works to treat skin issues such as clogged and enlarged pores, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and dry skin. The treatment is safe, non-invasive, and suitable for all skin types.
How Does It Work？
The treatment typically works as a five-step process that consists of:
Cleansing
Hydration
Exfoliation
Extraction
Nutrient-replenishment
Cleansing
The specialist will first use the wand-like device attached to the machine to thoroughly cleanse the skin surface. This process gets rid of all the dirt, makeup, and pollutants from the skin and preps the skin for the next step.
Hydration
A high potent vitamin-C enzyme mask is applied to the skin to open up pores and dislodge stubborn blackheads and whiteheads. It also works as a skin brightener and pigmentation remover.
Exfoliation
The patented hydro-dermabrasion technique sprays out pressurized water in a spiral formation to exfoliate dead skin cells and debris from pores. At the same time, the wand sucks up all the used solution and the debris with the vortex extraction nozzle. These two steps work perfectly together to ensure the skin stays hydrated and stop the cells from reabsorbing the waste. The suction motion also acts as a lymphatic system and circulation system booster.
For clients with cystic acne problem, manual extraction of pus and blackheads may be required to unclog pores and treat pimples thoroughly.
Extraction
This process may feel the same as the exfoliation step. Instead of using water, an acid solution is incorporated in the pressurized spray. The quick application penetrates deep into skin cells without causing the usual burning and irritation common in chemical peels.
Nutrient Replenishment
The last step is to replenish the skin cells with an array of powerful peptides and antioxidants using the pressurized spiral spray technology. The result is soft, dewy skin that looks plump and youthful.
Special Targeting
To target the client’s individual needs, a customized combination of serums can be applied:
Hyaluronic acid
Antioxidants
Collagen-boosting peptides
Hyaluronic Acid
Provides relief to skin dryness and irritation
Calms down sensitive skin
Boosts hydration retention in skin cells
Replenishes skin cells and tightens the skin surface
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
Reduces redness
Minimizes hyperpigmentation and brown spots
Balances sebum secretion
Boosts wound healing
Antioxidants
Treat acne, psoriasis, and rosacea problems
Ease sensitive skin irritations
Boost skin cell growth and repair
Clear up skin irritations
Brighten and even out skin tone
Minimize under-eye pigmentation
Treat hyperpigmentation and spots
Minimize the appearance of scarring
Collagen-Boosting Peptides
Promote the production of collagen
Plump up skin cells
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Rebuild skin thickness
Boost skin-barrier to provide better hydration retention
Tighten and minimize pores
Smooth out skin texture
Calm acne and skin irritations
Boost skin cell repair and growth
Extra Features
Every client has their own unique set of needs and requests. This treatment allows for many customizable additional features such as ampoules infusion, LED light therapy, microcurrent, britenol boosters, dermabuilder boosters, or ultrasound to further enhance the results.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
There are two general types of microdermabrasion offered in spas and professional dermatology clinics. They all work by manually exfoliating the superficial layer of skin to slough off dead skin cells and clear out impurities from your face. What is different between the two types of treatment is the abrasive material being used: crystal or diamond.
Crystal Microdermabrasion
This is sometimes referred to as “microcrystal dermabrasion.” This treatment sprays out a pressurized stream of ultra-fine crystals through a wand-like apparatus to sandblast the skin surface. Depending on the abrasion level requirement, a specific type of crystals will be used:
Aluminum oxide (most abrasive)
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Sodium chloride (salt)
Diamond Microdermabrasion
This is the new, preferred method of microdermabrasion as it offers much higher precision and better abrasion results. For this option, a diamond-encrusted tip wand is glided over the skin surface to sand off dead skin cells.
Both techniques are beneficial for mild acne problems, clogged and enlarged pores, fine lines, and oily skin.
What Are the Differences Between HydraFacial and Microdermabrasion?
Although both treatment options use abrasion to rejuvenate the skin, there are reasons the hydrafacial is superior to dermabrasion:
Results
Customizability
Downtime
Results
Instead of using crystals and diamonds, the patented Vortex-Fusion tip and hydro-dermabrasion technology allow the use of various solutions to provide exfoliation and serum application simultaneously. Research shows that this technique can enable solutions to penetrate 20% deeper into the skin layers than any other manual application, so the results are much more significant and longer-lasting.
Customizability
As mentioned earlier, HydraFacial is a highly customizable treatment that can incorporate a wide range of other skincare technology to provide excellent results for all skin types. The sandblasting technique can be too irritating to some skin types and issues, such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. It is also unsuitable for dark skin tone clients as it can cause discolorations.
Downtime Duration
No matter what type of crystals or diamond are being used in the treatment, the tiny particles will leave minute open wounds on the skin surface. As a result, it takes time for the skin to heal. HydraFacials do not cause sores and have no recovery time. Although there may be slight redness immediately after treatment, the effect should dissipate within an hour. That is why an increasing number of clients are calling it a lunch-hour procedure.
What Skin Issues Can Benefit From This Treatment?
The patented technology behind this treatment is suitable for all skin types, whether you have dry skin, sensitive skin, psoriasis, eczema, or acne problems. Skincare professionals will customize the treatment to your specific needs. In general, the essential treatment aims to treat:
Loss in collagen
Aging skin
Skin discoloration
Fine lines and wrinkles
Clogged and enlarged pores
Skin damage from improper skincare or makeup use
Stubborn blackheads and whiteheads
Uneven skin texture and skin tone
Skin firmness
Hyperpigmentation
Dull skin tone
Age spots
Oily skin cause by overactive sebum secretion
Acne
Dehydrated skin
Skin damage from sun exposure
Under-eye circles
Differences Between Home Treatments and Professional Treatments
As of now, HydraFacial MD and Edge Systems have no at-home equivalent. No advertised home equipment can match the actual patented machine that can only be purchased through the manufacturer. And although some home devices, such as Clarisonic, are excellent home exfoliators and cleaners, their precision and power simply cannot be compared to the professional-grade machine.
Is Your Skin Suitable for the Treatment?
This treatment is suitable for clients of all ages, from teenagers with overactive sebum secretion and acne problems to clients with mature skin issues. It also works wonders for clients who suffer from hyperpigmentation, age spots, and skin tags. And for daily makeup users, this treatment serves as an intensive detox for the skin. All the residues will be purged from the pores along with the dead skin cells and other irritants.
For individuals with sensitive skin types, your professional technicians will use a more calming solution formula to fit your needs. But if you have a history of hives, your specialist may offer you an allergy test during the consultation to ensure you can receive the best results without causing any irritation and allergic reactions.
In cases when you have a sudden onset of hives, rosacea, measles, or chickenpox, don’t hesitate to call your specialist and reschedule your appointment.
Can the Treatment Be Applied to Other Body Parts?
The facial skin is not the only treatable area. All skin areas are treatable. As a matter of fact, many clients also seek treatment for their chest, neck, shoulder, back, forearm, and hands to treat acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin damage from sun exposure.
What to Expect During HydraFacial Treatment
The process usually takes about 30 minutes. The deciding factors are whether you have any stubborn blackheads or whiteheads that require manual extraction and whether you request additional processes, such as LED light therapy or ultrasonic serum infusion. Additionally, heavy makeup users may need extra cleansing to thoroughly purge everything from the pores.
Although this is a spa treatment, it is highly technical and unlike the usual massage therapy. Having said that, the process should be relaxing and painless.
What Are the After-Treatment Results?
All clients will notice a healthy glow from their skin. After the thorough pore extraction and exfoliation, your skin will appear firmer and smoother. Pores, fine lines, and wrinkles will become much less noticeable. And with increased lymphatic drainage and blood circulation, your face will appear less puffy but youthfully firmer. Even though your skin may appear slightly pink or red (as if you just practiced yoga for an hour), the color should fade away within an hour.
Many clients ask beforehand whether they may apply makeup immediately after the session. The answer is yes. But most clients will skip makeup once they examine the results. With smoother skin texture, brighten skin tone, and minimized pores, many clients say that they look as if they already applied makeup. For the next several weeks, many claim that they wear significantly less makeup and feel much more comfortable showing their natural skin.
For clients with acne problems or oily skin, their complexion should dramatically look different. Once all pores are extracted and minimized and all dead skin is sloughed off, their skin should feel and look smoother. And now that their skin can finally breathe, they can see their skin problems clear up for at least several more weeks. In addition, the serum application helps to balance out sebum secretion. Many clients report a significant improvement in their acne problem.
Is There Any Downtime After HydraFacial Treatment?
This treatment requires absolutely no downtime. For people with a hectic lifestyle, this 30-minute treatment can be accomplished during lunch break. All your co-workers will notice is your rosy, glowing skin. And with your under-eye puffiness and dark circles abolished, they may wonder how you can manage to sneak in a workout and a power nap during lunch.
This treatment has the nickname “red carpet” treatment because many clients love to use this non-invasive method to prep their skin for the picture-perfect moments such as photo shoots, award ceremonies, weddings, and corporate events. With even skin texture, tightened skin, minimized pores, and reduced sebum secretion, your skin will provide the perfect canvas for your makeup to accentuate your best features.
After-Care Tips
Although you may wear makeup immediately after the session, it is best to allow your skin to rest and fully absorb the potent serums.
It is also highly recommended that you avoid performing any activities that result in excessive sweating, such as visiting a sauna, using a jacuzzi, tanning, hard exercise, or taking hot baths.
Do resist touching the treated skin area as much as possible. And because your skin is saturated with potent serums, you should avoid using any skin product for at least a day. Let your skin rest and allow it to work its wonders.
For the next three days after the session, any sun exposure, exfoliation, and massaging activities should be avoided. Skip using any skincare products, especially those with peeling and abrasive properties. If you have to use any skincare products, choose ones that are high in hydration and soothing properties.
Choose the Right Skincare Products
Many clients do not know that their skincare and makeup products may be the culprit of their skin problems. If you wish to have healthy skin, consult with your specialist about your makeup and skincare products, as certain brands are known to cause irritation and clog up pores (these products are known as comedogenic).
If you are looking for skincare products that can prolong the treatment benefits, Reflections Medical Spa encourages you to choose non-comedogenic product lines such as Skinceuticals, Obagi, and Revision Skincare.
How Often Should You Receive a Treatment?
Even though HydraFacial MD and Edge Systems highly recommend that clients receive monthly treatments to prolong the results, the actual recommendation may differ from client to client depending on skin condition. But in general, having one session per season can significantly improve your skin’s absorption power.
If you use expensive skincare products, a 30-minute session can allow you to use less product for greater effect. Even better, you will end up using less makeup as well. A little change does make a world of difference.
