Do HydraFacials work?

A HydraFacial is a patented skin treatment available in medical spas and dermatology offices. It’s also sometimes called “hydradermabrasion” because it involves microdermabrasion-like exfoliation paired with hydrating serums.

Known for its three-step process, the HydraFacial works to deep-clean, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin. This professional procedure may help treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, dryness, and wrinkles.

The noninvasive procedure is similar in principle to a regular facial you might get from a spa but is said to provide more dramatic results. This is achieved by a mechanized wand used on your skin to deeply clean and exfoliate while delivering serums customized to your skin type.

HydraFacial benefits

The HydraFacial is said to help improve overall skin texture, tone, and appearance. This is due to the deep exfoliation that cleans your pores, removing debris and allowing for better penetration of face serums tailored to your skin type.

HydraFacial for blackheads

Dead skin cells also contribute to blackheads. This non-inflammatory type of acne may benefit from the same exfoliating and extracting methods used in the HydraFacial, but more clinical studies need to be done to confirm these benefits directly.

HydraFacial for anti-aging concerns

A small 2008 Study of 20 women found that those who received HydraFacial treatments had greater decreases in signs of skin aging compared with those who used serums alone. The effects included decreased pore size, less hyperpigmentation, and decreased fine lines.

HydraFacial aftercare

Each HydraFacial session takes less than an hour, and no downtime is required. Unlike with harsher procedures like chemical peels, you can resume your normal activities right away.

While you shouldn’t experience any redness or peeling after your session, it’s still best to avoid exfoliating treatments for the first couple of days after a HydraFacial.

How often should you get a HydraFacial?

The frequency of HydraFacial sessions depends on your skin type and your provider’s recommendations. Some websites recommend repeating the treatment every 4 weeks, while others encourage repeat sessions every 2 weeks.

An aesthetician or dermatologist can help you determine the right number of sessions based on your skin condition and goals.