What is a Hydrafacial? A Complete Guide to This Revolutionary Skincare Treatment
“I love having dull, dry skin,” said no one, ever.
When it comes to skincare treatments that deliver instant, radiant results, it’s no wonder that Hydrafacial has become a favourite among beauty enthusiasts and celebrities alike. But what exactly is a Hydrafacial? And why does it come with a higher price tag than traditional manual facials?
In our complete guide, you’ll learn how Hydrafacial boosters get to work on your skin, why it’s a game-changer in the world of skincare, and exactly what to watch out for before your first treatment.
What is a Hydrafacial?
A Hydrafacial is a multi-step, non-invasive facial treatment that uses peels and skin ‘boosters’ to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin in a single 30 to 60 minute session. Unlike traditional facials that use manual techniques, Hydrafacial uses a specialised device and patented Votex Fusion Technology for deeper penetration of active ingredients and longer lasting results.
Hydrafacial is designed to target and relieve a variety of skin concerns, including but not limited to:
Acne
Dryness or flakiness
Wrinkles
Dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
Rosacea
Reduced collagen
But that’s not all! Even if your skin isn’t struggling with any major concerns, Hydrafacial is a fantastic treatment for plumping, hydrating and leaving you with a long-lasting glow.
How does Hydrafacial work?
Every Hydrafacial treatment consists of three simple steps - but offers endless ways to personalise based on your skin goals. During your Hydrafacial session, your practitioner will go through the following process, depending on your treatment of choice:
1. Cleansing & Exfoliation
The first step is the cleansing of the skin and gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresh layer underneath. A mild chemical peel is applied to help loosen dirt and debris from pores without irritation.
2. Extraction
Using Hydrafacial’s vacuum-like device, your practitioner will extract impurities from clogged pores, such as blackheads. You can even see the results in your ‘gunkie’ afterwards!
3. Hydration
After extraction, the skin is infused with hydrating serums, or ‘boosters’, that are uniquely customised and selected for your skin’s needs prior to treatment.
(Please note that these three steps are for all Signature Hydrafacials. For the Deluxe or Platinum Treatments, you’ll also receive relaxing and rejuvenating Blue or Red LED Light Therapy and soothing Lymphatic Drainage to reduce puffiness and provide the appearance of lifting and contouring).
Are Hydrafacial results instant?
Yes and no! You’ll notice many Hydrafacial benefits immediately. Your skin will be instantly smoother, plumper, and glowing. Any blackheads and whiteheads will have been removed, so your face will feel clean and refreshed. But the true long-term benefits of Hydrafacial continue long after your treatment finishes. Your boosters continue working for 2-3 weeks after treatment (see below as to how often you should come for a Hydrafacial), so you’ll truly feel your skin looks its best a while after your facial.
Why is Hydrafacial more expensive than a regular facial?
Unlike a one-off facial treatment where cleansers and moisturisers may be simply applied to the face, Hydrafacial uses advanced technology to push active, plant-based products deeper into the dermis. This means longer-lasting results, and much happier, healthier skin. Here are just a few reasons as to why Hydrafacial is more expensive than a traditional facial:
1. Advanced technology
The primary reason Hydrafacial costs more is the cutting-edge technology involved. The Hydrafacial wand works like a vacuum to open pores for a deep cleanse and easy extraction of impurities. The Vortex fusion Technology & enhanced exfoliation of the skin also allows the active ingredients in our boosters to penetrate deeper, for a more effective treatment. This equipment is highly sophisticated and designed to offer optimal results, unlike traditional facials, which may rely more on manual techniques.
2. Serums and boosters tailored to you
Your Hydrafacial Treatment will be personalised to your needs by using a variety of Hydro Tips, Peels, Skin Boosters and add ons such as Lymphatic drainage or LED therapy. These boosters, which target hydration, pigmentation, or acne, use active, plant-based ingredients and are more specialised than the generic products used in regular facials. Whilst they’re absolutely amazing for your skin, they don’t come cheap!
3. Professional training & expertise
Not everybody can use a Hydrafacial machine. Your skin practitioner performing a Hydrafacial is typically highly trained professionals who are experienced in using the machine and assessing your skin type.
4. No downtime
Many people opt for Hydrafacial because it’s a quick, lunch-break procedure with zero recovery time. Unlike regular facials that may require a few days for effects to show, Hydrafacial provides glowing skin immediately after treatment. You can go back to work or get ready for a night out immediately, which is highly appealing compared to facials that might leave your skin red or irritated.
How often should I get a Hydrafacial?
Because of the chemical peel in Hydrafacial, it’s recommended that you don’t have any more than one Hydrafacial a month to avoid irritating the skin and allow time for your facial to work. The boosters used in your treatment are pushed into the dermis, so they carry on working for 2-3 weeks after your session.
Things to watch out for before your first Hydrafacial:
1. Check your boosters!
Your booster should be selected to match your skin’s condition and needs during your programme. Make sure your practitioner tells you which booster they’re using, and why.
You should get a different Hydrafacial booster with every single treatment. This is because as your skin changes, your boosters should be changing too. As your skin gets used to the Hydrafacial treatment, your practitioner should be recommending different boosters to suit which stage of your skin journey you’re on.
2. Smell the roses
Occasionally it has been noted that practitioners will trick their customers into just using water in the Hydrafacial machine to avoid giving their clients the proper boosters they need (and saving money in the process). One way to know that you’re getting the full treatment is to watch out for the smells. Every step of a Hydrafacial has a distinct smell, sometimes alcoholic, and often strongly plant-based. This is because of the natural live essences in every booster. If you can’t smell anything, you’re probably not being given the right booster!
3. Track your progress
Your skin should be changing for the better, so be sure to track the changes with your practitioner. Here at Aura, we offer our Skin Scope Analysis every two to three Hydrafacials so we can show you exactly how it’s benefiting your skin.
Is there anyone Hydrafacial is unsuitable for?
Hydrafacial treatments aren’t recommended for anybody who is pregnant, or anyone who suffers with kidney (renal) disease.
You should also avoid this treatment if you’ve been on the oral antibiotic Roaccutane for six months to a year for acne treatment.
What type of Hydrafacial boosters are there?
Before any Hydrafacial treatment, you’ll have a consultation with your practitioner about which boosters to try. These boosters are exclusively formulated by Hydrafacial partners to target signs of ageing, dry or oily skin, and improve skin tone and texture for a more personal experience. Here’s a breakdown of some popular Hydrafacial boosters:
Britenol™ Booster
Ideal for uneven skin tone or pigmentation concerns, Britenol is formulated to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and sun spots. It’s packed with ingredients that inhibit melanin production, promoting a more radiant and even complexion.
DermaBuilder™ Booster
This booster is perfect for smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains peptides that stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, smoother skin and enhances skin elasticity.
Regen GF™ Booster
This booster promotes skin regeneration and is beneficial for repairing and healing damaged skin. Regenerative Peptides mimic growth factors to promote healthier-looking skin. Breakthrough M–007™ technology enhances treatments by allowing more effective absorption.
NassifMD® Hydraglucan™ Booster
For individuals with dull or ageing skin, the proprietary cocktail of ingredients will hydrate, rejuvenate and protect the skin. Restores plumpness, radiance and addresses the visible signs of ageing to increase skin luminosity.
JLO Beauty® Booster
For those with dry or oily skin, JLo’s very own booster infuses the skin with a blend of hydrating ingredients, restoring suppleness and leaving the skin feeling plump and nourished. It improves the appearance of skin by tightening, brightening, and hydrating your look for dewy skin.
Time to invest in your skin?
While it may come with a higher price tag, Hydrafacial is a worthy investment for anyone seeking radiant, youthful skin with lasting effects. Whether you're looking to target fine lines, pigmentation, acne, or dry skin, Hydrafacial offers a range of tailored boosters to meet your unique skincare needs.
Fancy trying it for yourself? With this treatment, you’re not only investing in your skin but also in an experience that will leave you glowing from within. Get in touch with our Aura team and book in your Hydrafacial treatment today.
