When it comes to in-office facials, there’s nothing better than a hydrofacial right now.
This treatment has become a phenomenon in recent years because it treats a multitude of skin concerns (dryness, aging, and hyperpigmentation) in just a half-hour or 60-minute session, leaving you looking more radiant,
when you leave the doctor’s office. A radiant complexion.
Sounds tempting, right?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about hydrofacials before your appointment. What is a hydrofacial?
In short, a hydrofacial is an in-office treatment that thoroughly cleanses and hydrates the skin. The long version:
“It’s a machine-assisted treatment that opens up pores and treats specific skin concerns with targeted serums,” says board-certified dermatologist Brendan Kemp, MD.
“Hydrafacials cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin in one session, leaving it looking revitalized and youthful.”
Aquafacials typically consist of three parts: cleansing, extractions, and infusions. Anil Shah, plastic surgeon and owner of Aesthetic Skin in Chicago.
The first step is to cleanse and exfoliate the skin with a gentle scrub to loosen dead skin cells and open the pores. The second step is to use a vacuum cleaner-like device to painlessly remove dirt and debris from the skin.
At the end of the treatment, the practitioner should infuse the skin with an antioxidant or peptide-rich serum for additional protection and hydration.
Also worth noting: Spa services are available in most cities in the United States, but all spas must be licensed to operate. When booking a treatment, make sure the person you see is a certified hydrofacial therapist.
The result after treatment should be a brighter, more radiant complexion with a reduction in pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
What are the benefits of a Hydro-Light facial?
“While other issues like anti-aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation may take longer to work, results like brighter, clearer skin are immediately visible,” says Dr. Shah.
To maintain the results, patients are advised to continue getting a hydrofacial every four to six weeks. What are the side effects of an aqua facial?
Aqua facials are generally safe for all skin types, but reactions are not uncommon. “You may experience some tightness, redness, and tenderness after the treatment, but these side effects usually go away within one to two days with proper care at home,” says Dr. Shah
To avoid side effects of the treatment or to ensure you get your money’s worth, Dr. Shah avoids makeup and direct sunlight for at least 48 hours after your facial. “Some people recommend stopping the use of potentially irritating products, such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, two to three days before or after your treatment,” he adds. How much does an aqua facial cost? As with many beauty treatments, the price of an aqua facial depends on a variety of factors, with location being a big one. Facials at Dr. Shah, however, can cost between $150 and $350.