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*Updated November 12, 2024*
In this article, we explain why HydraFacial treatments can be harmful.
Do you care about your skin health? If yes, that’s good. If not, you should. Many people follow a skincare routine to keep their skin clean, using treatments like facials, face masks, manicures, and pedicures.
Taking care of your skin is important because pollution, dust, and cosmetic chemicals can cause acne or skin allergies, especially on the face.
Facial treatments can help improve skin health. They provide nutrients, remove dirt, relieve clogged pores and enlarged pores, reduce wrinkles, blackheads, and dead skin, and give a fresh look.
This procedure promises clear, refreshed skin but may cause side effects like dryness and tightness.
Let’s find out if the HydraFacial is worth it and what patients have said about it.
What is HydraFacial Procedure?
HydraFacial is a skin treatment that uses hydra dermabrasion to exfoliate and clean pores. It helps remove dead skin cells and dirt. Its modern techniques and gentle vacuum-based pore cleaning have become popular.
However, reviews are mixed. Some people are satisfied, but many have negative experiences. Individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin may face skin thinning and pigmentation after regular treatments.
How Does A HydraFacial Work?
The treatment has several steps: cleansing, extraction, exfoliation, and hydration. It leaves the skin radiant.
HydraFacial uses two forms of exfoliation: the first involves a physical abrading point, and the second uses fluids sprayed on the skin surface.
Here are the steps of Hydra Facial:
Step 1: Cleansing
This step uses vortex technology for deep cleansing. It cleans and exfoliates the skin to remove dirt and oil.
Step 2: Facial and Chemical Peels to Remove Dead Skin Cells
The wand tip applies peeling products like glycolic acid or salicylic acid in this step. These peels help remove dead skin cells, pore debris, and excess oil.
Step 3: Extraction of Blackheads and Impurities
This step removes blackheads, dead skin cells, and impurities from the pores. It can be painful, especially for those with cystic acne.
Step 4: Antioxidants Hydrating Serum
The final step applies an antioxidant serum. This serum contains nutrients detoxifying the skin, making it smoother and preventing aging. It is especially helpful for dry skin.
Sensitive Skin and HydraFacial Treatments
HydraFacial treatments can be risky for those with sensitive skin. While the treatment is meant to be gentle, people with sensitive skin may still have redness, irritation, or dryness afterward. Choosing an experienced practitioner with sensitive skin is important to reduce these side effects. They can adjust the treatment settings and products to suit your skin type.
HydraFacial is not suitable for all sensitive skin types. If you have conditions like rosacea, eczema, or other skin issues, consult a dermatologist before treatment. A dermatologist can help decide if HydraFacial is right for you or suggest other treatments.
The Importance of Removing Dead Skin Cells
Removing dead skin cells is important for healthy skin. Dead skin cells can clog pores and cause dullness and uneven skin tone. HydraFacial treatments help improve skin texture and tone by removing these cells and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
While HydraFacial is popular for removing dead skin cells, other options are also effective. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and exfoliating scrubs can also remove dead skin cells. HydraFacial is gentle and non-invasive, making it a good choice for many people.
HydraFacials do not require any downtime after treatment. The procedure combines different techniques to enhance skin absorption of serums.
Is HydraFacial Treatment Worth it?
HydraFacial treatments usually cost between $200 and $350. However, they may have negative long-term effects. The benefits of smooth and moisturized skin only last 5-7 days.
According to dermatologists, HydraFacial is not always recommended. Some procedures can be harsh and may cause permanent skin damage. Skin may appear worse immediately after a HydraFacial due to over-exfoliation or irritation. It can also lead to issues like skin pigmentation and age spots. Undergoing frequent HydraFacials can lead to uneven skin pigmentation over time and create an undesired skin condition.
Avoid HydraFacial if you have acne, allergies, or other skin problems. People with heavy acne scarring may find other treatments more effective.
HydraFacial Treatment Before and After
Many people wonder what products they should use before and after a HydraFacial. The truth is, no special products are needed. You can continue using the same skincare products as before. Keep following your skincare routine by cleaning and hydrating your skin regularly. Sunscreen should be applied after a facial to protect the skin from UV damage.
However, there are some products you can use after a HydraFacial to improve the results and keep your skin healthy:
Osmosis Repair Epidermal Serum
If you have inflammation after the treatment, use this serum. It penetrates deeply, reduces redness, and calms irritation. It works well for all skin types, especially if your skin is in poor condition.
PCA Skin Facial Wash
This product helps remove dirt from the skin surface. Its natural extracts clean pores and remove debris and oil.
Negative Side Effects of HydraFacial
As mentioned earlier, HydraFacial treatments have mixed reviews. Due to increased oil production, HydraFacials can cause post-treatment breakouts.
Some people have experienced minor side effects like redness, dryness, appearance of an allergic reaction and fragmental peeling. While HydraFacial can calm and moisturize the skin, making it look healthy, it is not without risks.
The treatment provides short-term results, and anyone can get it regardless of age or gender.
However, people with sensitive skin should be cautious because the extraction step involves removing blackheads, dirt, and impurities with a vacuum, which can cause rashes. Over-exfoliation from a can lead to skin sensitivity and irritation.
If you have specific skin concerns, consult your doctor before trying HydraFacial.
Are Extractions bad for the skin?
Extractions can sometimes make the skin worse. They involve pressing, pulling, and tugging at pores, which can reduce collagen production and decrease skin elasticity. Some people have also reported negative effects from oil cleansing, which can damage the skin.
HydraFacial Contraindications
Avoid HydraFacial if you have any of the following:
- Severe acne
- Skin allergies or damage
- Somatic health problems
- Active herpes
- Pregnancy
Alternatives to HydraFacial Treatments
If HydraFacial treatments are not suitable, there are other options to consider. Chemical peels can remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture but may require some downtime.
Microdermabrasion is another option that uses fine crystals to exfoliate the skin. It is gentle and can be adjusted for different skin types, though it may not be as effective as HydraFacial for improving skin elasticity. Each alternative has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your skin type and needs.
Expert Opinions and Clinical Studies
Clinical studies have shown the benefits of these treatments for skin health. For example, a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that these procedures improved skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness for dry skin. Another study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported reduced fine lines and wrinkles in aging skin. These studies highlight the potential benefits of non-invasive procedures with facials for improving skin health.
Real-Life Experiences with HydraFacial Treatments
Many people have shared positive experiences with HydraFacial treatments. They report better skin texture, fewer fine lines, and more hydration. Some have also seen less acne and clearer skin. However, not everyone has a positive experience. Some people have side effects like redness, irritation, and dryness. To reduce these risks, carefully choose a skilled practitioner and follow the post-treatment care instructions.
HydraFacial vs. Regular Facial
Are you confused between a regular facial and a HydraFacial? HydraFacial is often considered better because it uses modern techniques and provides quick results.
However, a regular facial might be a better choice to avoid rashes or other issues if you have sensitive skin. Breakouts and rash can occur after a HydraFacial as skin impurities are brought to the surface. Most skin reactions after a HydraFacial are temporary and resolve quickly.
How Long Does HydraFacial Last?
The results of a HydraFacial typically last for about 4-6 weeks. After that, the glow fades, and you may need another treatment. Repeating treatments every month can be inconvenient for some people.
Trying HydraFacial at Home to get healthy skin?
HydraFacial is a complicated procedure involving modern techniques and equipment, but you will be surprised to know that it is possible to do HydraFacial at home.
As you know, the skin is exfoliated with a very rough vacuum tip that moves over it. It would be great if it were combined with mild chemical cleansing liquids.
So, here are a few products required to do a Hydra facial at home. The great thing about trying it at home is that it is not mandatory to use a HydraFacial machine.
- Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water
- SebaMed Clear Face Cleansing Foam
- Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
- Forest Essentials Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub
- Neutrogena Deep Clean Scrub
- Dot & Key 10% AHA + 2% BHA Hydro Peel Glow Potion
- Caffeine Exfoliating Coffee Face Scrub
- Plum Green Tea Gentle Revival Face Scrub
- Qualitech Extractor Vacuum Suction Tool
- Minimalist Multi Peptide Night Face Serum
Try Hydra Facial at home, and please don’t forget to let us know the results.
Conclusion
I hope you found our article helpful and that now you can decide whether to undergo HydraFacial treatment.
However, as mentioned earlier, it has mixed reviews. It is also completely dependent on your skin type and tone. If you have sensitive skin conditions, active rashes, etc., then you should avoid it. Otherwise, you will face negative side effects of hydra facials, such as rash, severe skin damage, bad skin conditions, etc.
However, we would never recommend the Hydra facial treatment because it only lasts a few weeks, and the skin glow fades away. So, you should avoid it, but if you want to try this treatment, ensure that you don’t have any skin issues, and then you can try it once.
