Procedure, effectiveness, risks, and more
HydraFacial is a noninvasive, cosmetic treatment that uses exfoliation techniques and hydrating serums to rejuvenate a person’s skin. People may also refer to it as hydradermabrasion.
HydraFacial treatments aim to make a person’s skin look clearer and brighter. During the procedure, a professional cleanses the skin and uses a special wand-like tool to exfoliate and remove potential impurities.
Anecdotal evidence may support HydraFacial’s benefits for skin health and appearance. However, more scientific studies are necessary to understand the benefits and risks of HydraFacial treatments in clinical research.
There are three steps to a HydraFacial procedure:
- Cleanse: A professional may use a skin peel to cleanse and exfoliate the top layer of skin.
- Extract: They use the HydraFacial wand to apply suction to a person’s pores and remove dead skin cells or impurities.
- Hydrate: They apply personalized skin care products to hydrate and nourish the skin.
The exact products involved in HydraFacial treatments may vary depending on a person’s treatment goals and the area of the body they are targeting.
The official HydraFacial website suggests that this procedure may be able to target the following common concerns on the face:
However, the website does not list clinical research to support these claims. It also states that results may vary from one business to another.
What scientific research says
Studies into the effects and benefits of HydraFacial treatments are limited.
A small 2022 study looked at the effects of a HydraFacial treatment every two weeks for 12 weeks on 20 adults with mild to moderate acne.
At the end of the study, most participants saw improvements across all recorded skin parameters, and all participants believed their skin looked and felt cleaner.
Investigators who assessed the participants before and after the treatment plan agreed or strongly agreed that all participants had more radiant, clearer skin.
Another 2024 study of eight people saw the following microscopic changes to the skin following HydraFacial treatment:
- thicker epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin
- thicker papillary dermis, the layer below the epidermis
- higher levels of antioxidant polyphenols
- decreased visual appearance of wrinkles, pore size, and atypical pigmentation
However, at a 2-week follow-up, these changes were no longer visible.
More research is necessary to understand the potential effects and benefits of HydraFacial treatment.
Current research suggests that people generally tolerate HydraFacial well, but more research is necessary to understand the complete extent of risks and side effects.
People who do experience side effects such as these may notice the symptoms decline with further treatment as they build a tolerance to the procedure.
Although current research does not list any contraindications with HydraFacial treatments, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before trying it. Particularly if they have an underlying health condition, such as a skin condition, or are pregnant.
Professionals may recommend that people delay treatment if they have conditions such as sunburn or an active skin infection.
Variations in procedure and products
Since various professionals or businesses can carry out HydraFacial treatments, the effects and results may vary from one place to another.
People should also be aware that the skin care products in the process may vary from one place or session to another. It is always a good idea to learn which products will be used in a session and patch test to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Reactions to products can be immediate or delayed. Signs may include:
- redness or discoloration
- dryness or cracked skin
- itching
- stinging
- blisters
Anyone who develops a reaction following a patch test should wash the product off and contact a healthcare professional.
People should speak with the person administering their HydraFacial to understand what they should bring or do to prepare. They may need to attend an initial appointment to patch test products.
Other potential preparation steps may include:
- remove any makeup
- remove any facial jewelry
- tie the hair back for ease of access to the face and neck
- avoid using certain products on the face before the treatment
People can also speak with the person carrying out their facial to learn if there is specific aftercare to help prolong their results.
No research currently compares HydraFacial treatments to other types of skin care procedures.
Some older research lists hydradermabrasion as an effective alternative to microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a similar skin rejuvenation technique that uses a minimally abrasive tool to exfoliate the skin and remove the thicker outer layer.
The best skin treatment for a person may depend on factors such as:
- their reaction to previous treatments
- skin sensitivity
- underlying health or skin conditions
- the skin areas or features they wish to target
People can speak with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, to understand all of their potential treatment options.
HydraFacial treatments may be available in various places and businesses. However, it is a good idea to find a licensed, qualified dermatologist or aesthetician to carry out the procedure.
People can consider asking the following questions when speaking with a professional about HydraFacial treatments:
- What experience do you have administering HydraFacial?
- Is this treatment safe for my skin type or condition?
- What should I do to prepare for my treatment?
- What aftercare is necessary?
- Do you recommend HydraFacial over other skin treatments to address my target areas?
The duration of a HydraFacial may depend on the type a person books and whether they choose any add-on boosters. However, the procedure will usually take around 30 minutes.
Many people tolerate HydraFacial procedures well. However, some people may experience temporary side effects, such as itching and stinging.
A small 2024 study suggests HydraFacial can have positive effects on Fitzpatrick skin types 2 to 5. However, more research involving diverse skin types is necessary to understand HydraFacial’s effectiveness and safety.
People with skin conditions should check with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, before having HydraFacial treatment.
HydraFacial is a cosmetic procedure that aims to make the skin appear clearer and more hydrated. It involves three main steps: cleanse, extract, and hydrate.
More research is necessary to prove the effectiveness of HydraFacial, particularly on diverse skin types and compared to other procedures.
Many people tolerate HydraFacial well, but some people may experience some irritation and inflammation. People can speak with a qualified healthcare professional to learn if HydraFacial might be right for them.
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