The other day, as I was getting ready for work, I began thinking about all of the popular skincare treatment trends that have come and gone during my years as a skin care specialist. There was the then and current popular microdermabrasion, the diamond peel facial, IPL facial, laser treatments, and other AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) treatments. But the latest treatment trend that is topping them all (because of its wonderful results and affordability), is the Hydrafacial.
So what exactly is the Hydrafacial? What does it do? Why do people love it so much? All great questions that I’d like to talk about in a bit more detail – for those that aren’t very familiar with the Hydrafacial, in this month’s blog.
The HydraFacial MD is a medical-grade facial rejuvenation treatment that cleanses, detoxifies, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates all at once (and it’s appropriate for all skin types — normal, oily, sensitive, aging, etc). It can also help with fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, and hyperpigmentation. A HydraFacial is instantly invigorating, super hydrating, and can be given in as little as 30 minutes for the basic treatment, but don’t worry, you’ll still see results in even just a 30 minutes! Plus, all HydraFacial super serums (the add-on booster products that will be designed for your specific needs) are made with nourishing ingredients that create an instantly gratifying glow.
So much more than just your typical facial, the Hydrafacial is performed with a patented machine containing a handheld device that uses four different HydroPeel tips and various skincare solutions (chemical exfoliants, antioxidants, and hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid) to achieve its results. The spiral design of the tips used in conjunction with the HydraFacial vacuum technology are what create a vortex effect in order to easily dislodge and remove impurities while introducing the solutions that exfoliate, hydrate and infuse your skin with antioxidants at the same time. The makers of Hydrafacial call the process hydradermabrasion because it blasts the skin with quenching hydration instead of using grit and crystalized agents like the ones used for regular dermabrasion. Hydradermabrasion vacuums out pores while simultaneously pushing in potent actives that moisturize, brighten, plump, and protect the skin.
HOW IS THE HYDRAFACIAL PERFORMED?
The HydraFacial treatment starts with cleansing by removing the dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin. A VortexFusion treatment is used with Activ4. This combines exfoliating lactic acid and glucosamine HCI with anti-oxidant-rich algae, which softens and conditions skin. Next, a mix of salicylic and glycolic acids are applied to the skin to break up any dirt and oil that’s clogging pores. Then, the HydraPeel Tip is used to essentially vacuum out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities, while hydrating, plumping, and nourishing serums (the add-on boosters) are simultaneously applied to the skin.
To give the skin a deeper exfoliation, two different tips are available — one more aggressive than the other — delivering one of three different levels of glycolic acid. The combination of physical exfoliation from the tip and chemical exfoliation of the glycolic agents gives a good result quickly, without the wait and tingling that you might experience with a traditional peel.
Next comes the extraction process. This step utilizes a different tip and Beta-HD to soften sebum with salicylic acid and suck away blackheads and sebum in open pores. At the same time, honey extract hydrates and spiraea ulmaria flower extract calms and soothes the skin.
Your cleansed, extracted, exfoliated skin is now ready for an infusion of antioxidants (such as horse chestnut seed and green tea extracts), peptides (copper, magnesium, and zinc) and hyaluronic acid, which actually attracts water to the skin and helps keep it hydrated and plump. The proprietary blend called Antiox also has arnica flower extract to calm and soothe the skin, and red algae extract to brighten the skin.
WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
The HydraFacial treatment can improve your skin in a ton of ways. Its many benefits include a more hydrated, bright, plump, and clear complexion. It can also improve signs of aging since the treatment reduces lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, evens tone, texture, and brown spots, plus reduces enlarged pores.
Following the treatment, you’ll want to let your skin rest and soak up all of the benefits of the facial for the rest of the day. If at all possible, try not to put on makeup or any other skincare agents so that your skin can bask in full benefit of the treatment that was just used. You can wear makeup the next morning and resume your normal routine, but other than a little redness for some, the Hydrafacial really has no downtime and it’s super relaxing.
WHO SHOULD GET THE HYDRAFACIAL?
The Hydrafacial is a treatment for everyone, and I DO mean everyone! From teenagers to millennials, to housewives, women in their 40’s+…everyone. It’s completely customizable which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. By adding the different serums and boosters that will address whatever conditions the client is experiencing, and it can also be used with other modalities like LED light therapy treatments, dermaplaning, and more. While visible skin refinement and an even, radiant skin tone after just one treatment is what makes this facial all the rage, the smooth results and hydration can last 5 to 7 days or even longer. This is why it’s so perfect for special occasions, red carpet events, your wedding day, or anytime you want to look fresh and amazing.
Let’s face it (pun intended), it’s pretty rare to find a facial that works for almost all skin types and has zero-downtime, but the HydraFacial is that facial, and it’s one of the reasons it’s so popular. Studies claim that at least one Hydrafacial is performed every 15 seconds around the world so it’s no wonder that everyone is running to have it done.
HydraFacial delivers instant and long-lasting results that you can see and feel. It’s a treatment that you’ll want to have regularly to see the most benefits. With ongoing treatments, you’ll notice intensely improved hydration, minimized dark spots and a dramatic reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Here at Tru Skin Rituals, the Hydrafacial is one of our pillar treatments and our clients love it. Be sure to pop over to our online booking page to schedule your Hydrafacial today!
Jamie Ortiz of Tru Skin Rituals is a licensed esthetician, healthy skin advocate, age management strategist, and authority on corrective skincare.
